Meanwhile, Elizabeth Dollarhide headed for Denison, Texas, with her four youngest children. The 1880 Census listed her as divorced, but later sources all described her as "widow of Thomas Dollarhide." The children were Gillis A. (1855–1890), Horace George (1856–1950), Thomas Willard Sr. (1857–1941), and Luella (1868–1926). An older son, John R. (1854–1950), and his wife Mattie, lived in Norman, Oklahoma. Horace George left Denison. Gillis, unmarried, died in Denison in 1890, leaving Thomas W. and Luella with Elizabeth, now called "Mother Dollarhide." She lived for decades at 615 West Woodard Street.

In 1880, Thomas was working as a fireman on the railroad. Thereafter, he focused on establishing himself in business. Thomas married Cora Lucinda Griffin (1863–1949) in 1882. Born in Iowa, she was in Denison by 1880. 

In 1887, T. W. Dollarhide & Co. was selling "groceries, produce, hay, feed and grain" at 323 West Main. Associated with Tom in the business was Jesse D. Yocom, soon to become Denison's mayor.

Dollarhide & Harbison, located at 305 West Main, was selling "hardware, stoves, cutlery, tinware, guns, ammunition, sportsmen's supplies, agents for Hazzard Powder Co." The new partner was Edward C. Harbison. By 1893, Thomas was a clerk at F. E. Shaffer & Co., hardware. Elizabeth Dollarhide had gone into business with Frank E. Shaffer at 321 West Main Street.

Overton Harris married Elizabeth Victor Dollarhide's youngest child, Luella, around 1891. The next year a daughter, Sabra Harris, was born and named after Overton's mother. Elizabeth lived with Luella, Overton, and Sabra. Elizabeth Dollarhide passed away  in 1919.

By 1896, Overton Harris had withdrawn from Hayes & Harris. That year the firm of Dollarhide, Maynard & Harris was selling hardware and guns. This was a partnership among Elizabeth Dollarhide, M. F. Maynard, and Overton Harris. Thomas W. Dollarhide was a salesman in the store.