Not much actually.

Except, William Gillette was a close friend of Helen Yale (Smith) Ellsworth, daughter of Julie Smith. And Helen, as much as Julie, helped to create Esperanza.*

William and Helen went to school together in Hartford and she very nearly went into theater along with him. His first job outside of school was in New Orleans, what if any connection there was to Morris’ company branch I don’t know. Likely no direct connection, but certainly a useful network to have.

A fun article on him and Sherlock Holmes:

http://www.bbc.com/news/magazine-30932322

*It is a family thing, which member is most important? All or none?