My Genealogy Hound

HENRY C. WRIGHT. This gentleman, who has always followed the occupation of a farmer, is now living on the old home farm, where he was born September 1, 1845. It is located in the town of Fayette, one and one-half miles south of Canoga, on the Lake Road.

The parents of our subject were Reuben S. and Emeline (Hope) Wright, the former of whom was born in New York City, and the latter near Barnstable, Mass. Grandfather Wright, who also bore the Christian name of Reuben, was City Weigh-master in the metropolis, where he lived until his son was of age. They then moved further west in the state, and located in Cayuga County, where the grandfather made a purchase of land, on which he lived for about six years. He had a great longing to be near the water, and consequently sold this place and purchased the eighty-seven acres now owned by our subject. Here the grandfather passed the remaining years of his life.

The parents were married in Cayuga County, whither Miss Hope had removed with her father and mother. Reuben S. then bought out the interest of his brothers and sisters in the home place, and in 1859 he built an addition to his present dwelling, where Henry C., of this sketch, was born. The wife and mother died in 1854, at the age of thirty-eight years. She had a family of five children, of whom her eldest son, Charles, served through the entire period of the late war. He enlisted as a private in the navy, and was present at the capture of Ft. Henry. From time to time he rose in rank until he was placed in command of the United States ram “Avenger,” and participated in the siege of Vicksburg, when they ran the batteries. He was a well educated man, being engaged in teaching in Kentucky on the outbreak of the war. Fired with the spirit of patriotism, he enlisted from that state, and after the establishment of peace he returned to the Blue Grass State, where he was married, after which he went to Mississippi and engaged in the lumber business. He died there about 1877, leaving two children, who now make their home in Michigan. James F. Wright, the second son, enlisted in the Civil War from Lockport, N. Y., at the first call of President Lincoln for volunteers. He served until February 27, 1863, the date of his death at Stafford Court House, Va. Carrie S. married Samuel Hoster, and is living in Indianapolis, Ind. Our subject was the fourth in order of birth, and John C. died in infancy.

The father of our subject came of Revolutionary Quaker stock, and throughout life he adhered firmly to the Quaker faith. In early life he was a Whig, and later joined the ranks of the Republicans. He was twice married, his second union, which occurred July 17, 1855, being with Miss Abigail Ogden, who was born in the town of Genoa, Cayuga County. One daughter was born of this union, Frances F., who became the wife of Charles V. Crane, October 11, 1893. They reside in Romulus, this county. The father died August 2, 1875, and is buried in Ft. Hill Cemetery at Auburn, Cayuga County.

The subject of this sketch is a well educated gentleman, and completed his studies in the Seminary at Fulton, Oswego County, this state. Like his father, he is a Republican, and cast his first Presidential vote in 1868, when Grant was elected.