Herzstein Family

The Herzstein family were business and civic leaders during Clayton, New Mexico's early days. Morris Herzstein came to the United States from Germany in 1887 arriving in Clayton in 1893. He opened a mercantile business, M. Herzstein & Company. In 1901 Simon Herzstein, nephew to Morris, arrived to help with the business. In 1902 Simon married Maud Edwards. The union produced three children, Sigmund Edward born 1905, Isobel in 1909 and Simon, Jr. in 1913. Isobel married D. K. Lord. The Lords operated the branch store in Nara Visa, New Mexico. Simon, Jr. operated another store, located in Dalhart, Texas.

Simon, Sr. and Morris became business partners in 1911. The company name on the letterhead was M. Herzstein & Co., Clothing & Dry Goods, M. Herzstein - Simon Herzstein. In 1914 Morris sold his share to Simon. After the store burned in 1915 Simon opened Herzstein's Ready to Wear on Main Street in Clayton. His store carried clothes, groceries and farm implements. It was advertised as having the "largest stock of Stetsons west of the Mississippi." Simon's brothers, Sol and Leonard came to assist him with the business. In 1932, Simon rebuilt his store, which was designed by John Gaw Meem and paid for using the barter system.

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