Wilcox Arizona - Norton Morgan Comm. Co.

October 2024

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OB: NORTON MORGAN COMMERCIAL COMPANY - 5c - WILLCOX, ARIZ.; Rx: GOOD FOR 5c IN MERCHANDISE

The Willcox Commercial Company originated through the efforts of John H. Norton, and M. W. Stewart, two of the earliest businessmen in the community. Norton was a post trader at Fort Grant in 1876 and recognized the larger regional opportunities of the mercantile business. He joined forces with Stewart, and in 1880 they set up the John H. Norton and Company in Will cox. The first portion of the present building was erected at this time along with a large warehouse.
In addition to providing the local ranchers and cowboys with needed supplies, the store served the military posts at Fort Bowie, Fort Grant, and Fort Thomas throughout their existence. Norton and Stewart also ran a six horse stage coach line to all three installations.
The John H. Norton and Company store continued to serve the area while Will cox enjoyed a steady growth over the next 25 years. Around the turn of the century, Stewart sold his interest to Henry A. Morgan, who had been the bookkeeper for the store at Fort Grant. The Norton-Morgan Commercial Company expanded its Willcox facilities by building an addition to the north on the corner of Railroad Avenue and Stewart Street. Both wholesale and retail business was carried, and c. 1920 a new addition was built on the south. To serve the region better, other general stores were constructed throughout southeastern Arizona. [NRHP Nomination Form - Railroad Historic District, Willcox, AZ]

For More Interesting Info on Norton Morgan & Wilcox use this: [ link ]
For INFO on BILLY THE KID and his first killing at Norton Morgan see this: [ link ]