William “Caddo Bill” Williams

William Garrard Williams—better known as “Caddo Bill”—was one of the most influential early settlers and cattlemen in the Silver City area.

Born in Kentucky on November 17, 1839, Bill moved with his family to Texas in 1859. When he struck out on his own, he reportedly had just two dollars to his name. Within twenty years, he had built an impressive cattle operation, managing more than 3,000 head across approximately 16,000 acres.

In his early years, Bill occasionally worked for trader John Shirley in Texas and later in Oklahoma Territory. He married Annie Eastman, daughter of Charley Eastman and a close associate of Montford Johnson. The couple initially lived near Pauls Valley before relocating to Silver City around 1872. Together, they raised eleven children, including their daughter Maggie, who later married Charles B. Campbell—linking the Williams family to the prominent Campbell, Johnson, and Bond families of the region.

W.G. (Caddo Bill) Williams and family. His wife is Annie Eastman. The names of 10 of 11 children are: Maggie, Mandy, Charlie, Annie, Bob, Sadie, Mayme, Jesse, Lucy, Emmie. W.G. Williams established the Half-Moon Ranch in 1873 Canadian River).  Photo from the Oklahoma Historical Society taken 11-30-1987

During the summer of 1878, “Caddo Bill” visited Montford Johnson seeking guidance. That same year, he built a store and trading post along the Chisholm Trail near Bond Crossing on the South Canadian River. The location served travelers and cattle drivers moving through the territory. He later sold the store to Joe D. Windsor, who moved it to Minco in 1890.

Beyond his success as a cattleman, Williams became widely known as one of the most respected horse breeders in Oklahoma Territory. He also served as president of the First National Bank of Minco, further cementing his role as a community leader.

Later in life, Williams operated the Half Moon Ranch near present-day Verden. Around 1900, the ranch was purchased by his son-in-law Charles B. Campbell and E.B. Johnson, son of Montford Johnson—further tying together several of the region’s earliest ranching families. These families also operated other ranches in the Silver City area, including the well-known 7BC Ranch.