Texan J.W. Weatherford, (1859-1934), came to Flagstaff in 1887. He helped build the sightseeing road to Doyle Saddle and around the Inner Basin on the San Francisco Peaks. At age 19 he was the supply agent for mining camps of Arizona. Weatherford served as Deputy Sheriff, established a mercantile business, and built the Weatherford Hotel, the opera house, and a toll road to the Peaks. He was elected justice of the peace in 1887. In 1884 he married Margeret McGratton; they had one son, Hugh.
From the guide to the Will Weatherford Collection, 1900-1946, (Cline Library. Special Collections and Archives Department)