I came across this story while doing research. Just an interesting factoid I want to share.
From Answers.com:
"In 1886, a telegraph operator was able to obtain a shipment of watches that was refused by the local jeweler. Using the telegraph, he sold all the watches to fellow operators and railroad employees. Within a few months, he made enough money to quit his job and start his own store. The young man's name was Richard Sears, and his company later became Sears, Roebuck."
Telephone's original #
