The state herald., 1894-01-26
Death OF 4 PIONEER.


Away Mt tho Ago Of Eighty.
Ex-Governor William Gilpin died
at his home in Denver on the morning
of the goth. He died while asleep,
probably Of heart disease. He had
been in his usual health, and his sud.
den demise was not looked for SO soon.
Although he was eighty years old
he did not show it, and up to two
years ago, when he was run over by n
horse and buggy, was extremely cner-
getic. Since that time, although not
so active, he has been able to get about
and attend to his business affairs.
Governor Gilpin's life has been un-
usually full of stir and excitement, In
1886 he graduated from West Point
and got his first taste of war in the
Seminole war in Florida.
After editing paper and studying
law for several years he accompanied
John G. Fremont across the plains to
Oregon. On his way back in 1874 he
crossed Utah and passed through
Southern Colorado.
He went to Washington and in let
tiers, lectures and official reports, he
kept before the public his ideas of the
Resources of the Far West, making a
wide reputation for himself and at
tracing attention to the resources Of
the West. He urged transcontincntal
mail route and the necessity in the
future growth Of this great section.
At that time it had great influence in
shaping sentiment on the Mexican war
and the acquisition of California.
When tie Mexican war did break
out the military instinct was again to
the front and Gilpin served as major
unucr ouiunrr Dvnipuan III nuv ,u-
nous expedition into Mexico, and was
in many battles, being present at the
taking Of the city Of chihuahua.
In lsi7 at the request Of President
Polk he raised regiment of $50 mon
to subduc the Indians who had begun
war in Colorado. In this expedition
he was entirely successful.
From 1919 till 1861 Colonel Gilpin
oscillated between st. Louis, Phila.
delphia, Washington and Indcpen-
dence, practicing his profession part
Of the time, but always by lectures,
newspaper articles and personal letters,
urging upon the people of the country
the value of the great empire lying at
their door.
When, in 1861, the act creating tho
territory Of Colorado was passed, Col.
onel Gilpin was selected as the one
above all others, who, owing to his
experience and military training, was
competent to save this section of the
West to the Union.
The position Of war governor in
Colorado was not m easy one, but
Colonel Gilpin showed himself equal
to the trust imposed in him.
Governor Gilpin came to Colorado
and Immediately organized the First
regiment, 1t was reported that the
Confcdcrates were preparing to make
a raid from Texas, and this regiment
marched six,y.four miles in twenty
four hours, one Of the creates, feats
on resord, and saved Colorado and
New Mexico. He defeated Siblcy's
army In New Mexico. The action Of
Governor Gilpin proved to be OF the
u,mos, importance TO the Union, for
had tie confcderacy secured an on.
trance into the West no one could
have predicted the outcome Of the cam.
paign.
After the war Governor Gilpin made
good deal Of money by extensive
land deals in Colorado and New Mcxi.
CO.
In 1874 Governor Gilpin married
Mrs. Julia Pratt Dickcrson, widow Of
Captain Dickcrson Of 81. Louis. From
that union there have been three
children, William and Mary, twins,
born May IL, 1875, aud Louis, July
10, 1877. William was accidentally
killed by fall In Platte canon last
summer,
In late years Governor Gilpin has
devoted much time and thought to the
elaboration Of scheme for railway
system connecting North America
with Asin BY way Of the Alcutian
Islands,
tununtt.u, na.t.t.,, st,.,......,... ,,,..,