J.W. DORRIS
Arizona, the Youngest State, pg 611

J.W. Dorris is one of the prominent and successful merchants 
of Phoenix where he has resided since 1888.  He was born in 
Winona, Mississippi, September 8, 1862, a son of Joseph M. 
Dorris. He completed his education in Clinton College at 
Clinton, Mississippi, and in 1886 when twenty four years 
of age, entered upon the profession of teaching at Woodland, 
California.  In 1888 he came to Phoenix and purchased a 
half interest in a very small confectionery business in 
connection with his brother, R.B. Dorris.  Their trade 
constantly increased, but J.W. Dorris sold out in 1891 
and the next day purchased a half interest in the business 
of R.W. Draper and Company.  Six months afterward he became 
sole owner by the purchase of his partner's interest and 
since that time has conducted the enterprise alone.  In 
1892 he removed to his present location at the corner of 
First and Washington Streets, which is a most central one.  
His store at first was only a quarter of its present size, 
but in the intervening years the dimensions have from time 
to time been increased and he now has one of the large 
mercantile establishments of the city.  Since 1898 he has 
been conducting both a wholesale and retail grocery 
business known as the J.W. Dorris Cash Grocery.  His is 
a well appointed establishment in which may be found a 
carefully selected stock of the greatest variety and the 
store is the best equipped of its kind in Arizona.

In August 1888 in Mississippi, Mr. Dorris was united in 
marriage to Miss Sallie Gelena Wilson and they have two 
children, Ruth Temple, now the wife of Sidney H. 
Boddinghouse of White Salmon, Washington; and Rema Mae, 
wife of William H. Lewis of San Francisco.


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