The Wilkinsons were a large–and poor–family, living close to the land in the late 1800s, when the magic word “homestead” in America drew brothers Anthony, John, and Francis from Yorkshire, England, to ranch land around Horse Creek and Sprager Creek near the young town of Cheyenne.
Billy Wilkinson began his ranching career at the original family holdings on Horse Creek/Sprager Creek in Laramie County.
Bill also was a Wyoming state brand inspector and a member/inspector for the American Quarter Horse Association most of his working life.
At one-point Bill noted he had devoted his life to raising cattle, horses and sheep so he could afford to play with the cattle and horses! He was a charter member of the Turtle Association, which eventually evolved into the present-day Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association.