Submitted by Elizabeth Burns, Aug 2002 L.V. McCourt L.V. McCourt is one of the well known citizens of Wilcox where he has long been successfully engaged in the real estate business. His birth occurred in Ireland in 1867 and he is one of the seven children born of the marriage of John and Margaret McCourt, both of whom passed their entire lives in the Emerald Isle. All of the family are now deceased with the exception of three sons, two of whom, William and Patrick reside in Ireland; and a daughter Catherine, widow of John J. Burke of Dublin who makes her home in Chicago Illinois. The early years in the life of L.V. McCourt were passed in his native land. He was reared in the parental home and completed his education in St. Augustine College. Believing that America afforded better opportunities for advancement he emigrated to the United States in 1884. He came directly to Arizona and for three years thereafter was a resident of Fort Thomas where he clerked in an old trading post. From there he went to Solomonville where for some years he conducted a general mercantile store in the operation of which he was associated with a Mr. Fitzgerald. Disposing of his interest in this enterprise he next went on the road as a traveling salesman with Charles H. Fargo and Company of Chicago remaining in their employ for three years. Resigning his position at the end of that time he next became chief clerk for the Arizona Copper Company stores at Clifton. Three years later he severed his connection with that organization and went to work for John H. Norton and Company of Wilcox. He continued in their employment for some years, following which he engaged in the general mercantile business for himself, meeting with a fair measure of success. Subsequently feeling that the real estate business afforded a quicker and larger return he disposed of his interest in the store and established the office he has since maintained with increasing success. He handles both city and ranch property as well as mining claims and stocks and land scrip and is the local representative for several reputable fire and life insurance companies. He has acquired realty interests in both Cochise and Graham Counties, holding the title to some very desirable business and residence property in Wilcox, including the comfortable modern dwelling occupied by himself and family. He also has ranch land. Mr. McCourt was married in 1890 to Miss Mary Leahy, a native of Kingston Canada and a daughter of Michael and Mary Leahy who passed their entire lives in Canada. She was the second in order of birth in a family of nine children, six of whom are still living. Mr. and Mrs. McCourt have four children but all are now deceased with the exception of one daughter, Mary M., who was born in 1892. She is a graduate of the Loretta Academy, Las Cruces New Mexico and is now engaged in teaching music. USGENWEB NOTICE: These electronic pages may NOT be reproduced in any format for profit or presentation by any other organization or persons. Persons or organizations desiring to use this material must obtain written consent of the archivist or submitter. |
