BIANCONI, William Tell

The Prescott Courier, Prescott Arizona Monday, March 18, 1974 William T. Bianconi, a pioneer Yavapai County resident, died Saturday morning, March 16 at his family home. Mr. Bianconi was appointed to the Yavapai County Fair Commission in 1913 when his father, John, who held that position decided to return to his native Switzerland. Young Bill searching in this capacity for 27 years and during his tenure, Yavapai County never placed below second in prize money. Mr. Bianconi raised an extensive fruit orchard on the Bianconi Ranch which was a statewide attraction. During the summer months, people came from all over to buy the fruit which always won top prizes at the county and state fairs. In 1939, the orchard became diseased, however, The US Government had the trees destroyed. After selling the ranch in 1941, Mr. Bianconi and his family moved into Prescott. He went back to work for the State of Arizona and ended a 22 year career with the Arizona Highway Department in 1965. Mr. Bianconi was born September 16, 1900 on his grandfather's small farm on Willow Creek (near the old Sam Rosser place adjoining the Green Frog.) His father, John, had come to the U.S. from Switzerland, moving to Prescott at the age of 18. He settled in Skull Valley for a short time, then purchased a spread in Williamson Valley, which is now the Mateli Ranch. In October, 1908, the elder Bianconi bought the Clough property in Granite Dells, known since that time as the Bianconi Ranch. From 1919 to 1921, Bill raced Model 'T' Fords at the fairgrounds here. He won the Australian Purse and 25 mile race. Also, during the early 20's, Bill, his brothers, his father and several other youths, built the first road through the rocks at Granite Dells to the Bianconi Ranch, which is now the route of Highway 89. In June, 1925, Bill married Carrie Welch, a teacher who lived with her family in Chino Valley. After the wedding, the couple went to live on the Bianconi Ranch which Bill took over after his father returned to Switzerland. Survivors, besides his widow, Carrie, include; a daughter, Betty Billingsley, a son Bill, Jr., all of Prescott; a sister Katherine Long of Lakeside, Calif., and a brother, Jim of Yuma; five grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. Services will be held at Ruffner Funeral Home at 11 a.m., Wednesday, March 20. The Rev. Merle Heatwold will officiate. Interment will follow at the Mountain View Cemetery. Friends may call at Ruffner's from 4 to 8 p.m.