Barry Goldwater was born on January 1, 1909, in Phoenix, Arizona. His grandfather and father had founded and run a very successful mercantile enterprise then called Goldwater's, Inc. After starting in southern California, the stores moved to Prescott in the New Mexico Territory, and later expanded to Phoenix. His mother and father met at the Goldwater's store in Phoenix.
Barry was an indifferent student, excelling only in "high spirits, practical jokes, and athletics." Little interested in schoolwork, he was very interested in Arizona history and geography. He became fascinated by the vast expanses of Arizona, the wildlife, the rugged expanses, and the Indian culture and lore.
Goldwater attended the Staunton Military Academy in Virginia, and said it was "the best thing that ever happened to me." His life took on new direction and discipline, and he became interested in the military. In fact, he considered a military career. When his father became ill, however, Barry decided to return home and enter the University of Arizona. His father's death in 1929 ended his formal education and he dropped out of school to work in the family business.
Only twenty years old at the time, Barry started at the bottom of the business as a junior clerk and worked his way up. By 1946, he was the general manager of Goldwater's. The next year, he became president of Goldwater's. Under his direction, Goldwater's was the top department store in Phoenix. His employees considered him an outstanding employer. He paid higher wages than the other stores, began the first five day work week for employees, and created hospitalization, insurance, and profit sharing plans for all employees.
While becoming on of the state's top businessmen, Barry also became involved in two of his life interests, flying and politics. He earned his pilot's license while keeping it a secret from his mother. She found out by reading a newspaper article about it. He also became involved in politics when he met his future wife, Margaret "Peggy" Johnson. The Johnson family was leasing a house owned by Carl Hayden, long time U.S. Senator from Arizona. Goldwater and Hayden formed a friendship, and Barry became more and more interested in state politics. Barry and Peggy were married in 1934.
