William H. Morris

Submitted by Elizabeth Burns, Aug 2002

Arizona, the Youngest State, 1913

Dairy interests of Cochise County find progressive and worthy representative in William H. Morris, who operates a model sanitary dairy upon eighty acres of land near Douglas. He was born in Georgia, April 28, 1851 and is the son of Gilbert and Susan (Cummins) Morris, both of whom have passed away, the father dying in September 1858 and the mother in December 1863.

When Mr. Morris was still a child the family removed to Tennessee where he remained until about thirteen years of age, aiding in the work of the farm, and acquiring his education in the public schools. In March 1864 he went to Clay County Missouri and remained there until May 1871 when he removed to Texas and engaged in ranching in the employ of others for seven years. From Texas he went to New Mexico in July 1878 and located in the Pecos River country where he was employed as a "cow puncher" for Evans, Hunter and Evans on what is now known as the "Long I" ranch. In April 1879 he removed to Las Vegas, New Mexico and engaged in merchandising along the line of the Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Railroad, then building.

His tent store was moved from time to time along the line from Las Vegas to Hurlow Station. On closing out that business he bought a team and engaged in railroading for about a year. Next he went to Silver City New Mexico and in that vicinity lived until July 1897. During that time he made a trip through southeastern Arizona looking over the county.

In the summer of 1897 he took up his residence in Arizona and engaged in freighting between Naco and Cananea Mexico until 1902 at which time he came to Douglas and turned his attention of dairying, with which he has since been connected. Upon his eighty acres of land situated two and one-half miles northwest of Douglas, he has developed an extensive and profitable business, operating a dairy which is modern, sanitary and completely equipped in every particular. He milks fifty Jersey and Holstein cows and sells the milk in local markets.

On the 11th of August, 1880 in New Mexico Mr. Morris was united in marriage to Miss Flora Loera, a native of that state and seven children have been born to them of whom Gilbert, Susie and Elvira are deceased. James M., and Thomas D. are now engaged in business with their father. Sarah I is the wife of John L. Shultz, by whom she has one child, Agnes, Ola Mae is attending school in Douglas.

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