Finding Aid
About the Collection
William Edgar Gill was born on April 18, 1908, as a twin at the Gill family home in Marion, Kentucky. He was one of four sons born to Oscar Emet Gill and Cora Lee Clark Gill. Oscar Gill moved to Wiley, Indian Territory, in 1898, bringing Cora to the territory after their marriage in Kentucky in 1905.
A graduate of Milburn High School, Ed attended Murray State College before earning his first degree from East Central University and a Master of Arts from Oklahoma State University in 1941. He married Sylvia Bennett (1907-1983) in 1940 in Sulphur, Oklahoma.
Throughout his career, Ed Gill was dedicated to education, public service, and historical research. He served as an educator and school administrator in Johnston County and was elected as a state representative, serving two terms in the Oklahoma House of Representatives from 1937 to 1940. A World War II veteran, he later worked for the Veterans Administration Regional Office in Muskogee for 30 years, retiring as Chief Administrator in 1973.
Gill was passionate about history, focusing on Oklahoma's past, civil rights, freedom, and slavery. His extensive research and writings reflect his commitment to documenting these important subjects.
In addition to his professional achievements, Ed and Sylvia maintained homes in Tishomingo and Muskogee. After retirement, he pursued cattle ranching, public speaking, and historical writing. He remained actively engaged in legislative matters and was regarded by state government leaders and colleagues as an authority in political science and history. Ed Gill passed away in 1980 in Tishomingo.
Scope and Content
The Collection includes:
Books authored by Gill, The Early Years of Milburn, Through the Years, Oklahoma in the 1920's, Johnston County Then, Johnston County in the 30's, Histories of Oklahoma, the Civil War, and U.S. Presidents, Correspondence 1928-1939 , Research notes, correspondence and drafts of books authored, Manuscripts, Correspondence, relating to books & Speeches, News Clippings, Special political issues of newspapers dated 1930-1934, Memorabilia, Photographs.
Provenance
The materials were given to the UCO Archives & Special Collections in 1987 by Gill’s nieces Dr. Mary Jane Riley, Phyllis Ann Buckner, and Mary Bennett.
