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CHARLES H. WRIGHT. - For a number of years Charles H. Wright, of Eureka, had the distinction of being "the
F street jeweler," having been the first man in his line of trade to become established in business on that
street, where practically all the jewelry concerns of the town are now to be found. The beautiful sfore into which
the business was recently moved is but a few doors from his old location. Mr. Wright's success in building up a
large trade entitles him to recognition as a merchant of substantial qualities, but he is also a skilled workman
and a scientific optician, his attainments in both lines having contributed materially to his popularity and proved
valuable factors in attracting patronage. Besides looking after his own affairs he has done public spirited work
in the cause of Eureka's development along modern lines, his name appearing in the membership of most of the organizations
which have come into existence for that purpose.
Mr. Wright was born September 6, 1864, at Almond, Mich., and grew up in his native state, in his early boyhood
enjoying common school advantages, but he has had to make his own way in the world since he was eleven years old.
When a boy of fifteen he commenced to learn the jeweler's trade at Saginaw, Mich., where he served an apprenticeship
of three years with Brown & Ward, after which he went into business on his own account at St. Clair, Mich.
Being obliged to do work of a varied nature, he became an expert engraver and watch repairer. After some time at
that location he began to look about for one that promised more in the way of development. He had a fine offer
to go to Sitka, Alaska, but he finally decided to settle at Martinez, Contra Costa county, Cal., where he did a
successful business for a period of four years. In 1890 he came thence to Eureka, Humboldt county, and at once
opened a jewelry business on F street for several years the only place of the kind on that street. For about fifteen
years he had a store at No. 209, in December, 1913, removing thence to his present site, No. 217. He has a commodious
store, specially appointed for the requirements of the trade and skillfully arranged both for the display of goods
and the care of the large and complete stock, which is valued at $40,000. It includes a fine assortment of jewelry,
watches, diamonds and silverware, Mr. Wright's superior taste in the selection of goods drawing patronage from
the most fastidious element in Eureka and the surrounding territory. Twenty six years ago he took up the study
of optics, and he has become an expert optician, his thoroughness in examination of the eyes and skillful adjustment
of glasses winning a reputation for reliability which has never been shaken by any negligence on his part.
Mr. Wright is very optimistic in his faith in the future of Eureka, and he has imparted something of his enthusiasm
to many of his fellow townsmen, who cannot doubt his sincerity in the light of the efforts he has made to realize
some of the possibilities of the town. A mere mention of his associations will serve to show how broad are his
sympathies and how ready he has been to support all worthy movements: He is a member of the Eureka Development
Association, was one of the original members of the Humboldt Club, was a charter member of the Humboldt Wheelmen,
and belongs to the Chamber of Commerce, the Humboldt Promotion Club and the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks,
being a charter member of Eureka Lodge No. 652 of the last named. He is also a member and vestryman of the Episcopal
Church, and politically is identified with the Republican party. His pleasant personality accounts for his popularity
and the spirit of friendliness which he attracts wherever he goes, while his many substantial qualities hold the
esteem of even the most conservative.
In 1889, while residing at Martinez, Cal., Mr. Wright was married to Miss Cora B. Hough, a native daughter, whose
parents came across the plains in the year 1852. They have a fine residence at No. 1230 H street, which Mr. Wright
built in 1906. Their only child, Carl J., graduated from the Eureka high school as a member of the class of 1914,
and is now studying the jewelry business in all its details under his father.
From:
History of Humboldt County, California
With a Biographical Sketches
History by Leigh H. Irving
Historic Record Company
Los Angeles, California 1915
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