By Bob Baker
In September 1874, Theodore W. Otis (locally known as T.W.), wife Pamela and daughter Mary arrived in Prescott, Arizona Territory, from California with a wagon load of household goods and merchandise. By December T.W., along with his partner, H.V. Cram opened the Variety Store on the Courthouse Plaza. T.W. and Pamela sold groceries, fruits, confectionery, cigars and tobacco. 

On September 7, 1875, President Ulysses S. Grant appointed T.W. as Prescott’s Postmaster, based on his Civil War service and reputation for honesty. T.W. scrupulously followed postal regulations even when dealing with the 12th Territorial Legislature. For example, he refused to accept their warrant (a promise to pay) for $250 worth of postage stamps, insisting on cash. He served as Postmaster until April 5, 1884, earning on average $2100 annually. T.W. proudly noted that, “I was known all over Arizona as the Psalm singing Postmaster of Prescott.” in his later memoranda.