A professor of history at the University of Texas-San Antonio is searching for information about Gordon Nance, also known a Wild Bill Elliot
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A professor of history at the University of Texas-San Antonio is searching for information about Gordon Nance, born in Pattonsburg, who later became known as a Hollywood actor in Western movies as Wild Bill Elliott. If you have any details to share, you should write to Felix D. Almaraz, Jr., Ph.D., 323 Inspiration Drive, San Antonio, TX 78228.
Sources for the early phases of Bill Elliott’s life are scarce. His parents were Ray and Maude Nance, and he had a brother, Dale, and sister, Carmen. It is known that he was born in Pattonsburg on Oct. 16, 1903, and that his teen years included participation in contests at the American Royal Horse and Livestock Show in Kansas City. Dr. Almaraz is researching a lead that Elliott may have attended college, perhaps in Kansas City. He also inquires about any plans about a memorial.
Elliott’s success as a professional actor are better known. He starred in many B-Western movies produced by Republic and Columbia in the 1940s. He portrayed the hero Red Ryder in several films besides being known as Wild Bill Elliott.
The Daviess County Historical Society is also interested in compiling information about Elliott. If you have any details to share, please call on David Stark, Gallatin, or submit information to Gallatin Publishing Company, 203 N. Main, Gallatin, MO 64640.