My Genealogy Hound

JOSEPH GERMAIN WRIGHT has long been known as one of the prominent and public-spirited men of Waterloo. He belongs to a goodly list, and casts no discredit upon his associates. A native of this village, he was born July 23, 1842, his parents being Joseph and Celia (Conant) Wright. His father, who was formerly one of the prominent men of the place, was born in Herkimer County. He came to Waterloo in the pride and vigor of early manhood, and engaged in manufacturing yea.st for distilling purposes, and in all his enterprises was highly successful, not only accumulating property rapidly, but manifesting on all occasions a public spirit and a readiness to assist in all undertakings for the good of the community that at once won for him the warm friendship of all others who were like-minded. It is the general testimony that he was most benevolent in his character, had a kind heart, and was never so happy as when his home was full and overflowing with friends and relatives. Those who were so fortunate as to share his hospitality knew that he was anxious to spare no pains and avoid no trouble that would contribute to their comfort and pleasure. His home was an elegant and commodious brick structure, standing in spacious grounds, finely fitted up, where for years he led a useful and inspiring life. He died on the 7th of June, 1871, missed and mourned by all. To the Presbyterian Church, which was his preference, he was a liberal contributor. As we may well imagine, the wife of such a man was in herself an estimable character, and she graced the home his business abilities provided. They were married about 1830, and she died in 1889.

Joseph G. Wright, the subject of this article, was reared in his native village, and began his school life in the American university — the public school. He was an attendant for some time upon the private school kept by Dr. Prentiss in Geneva, and finished his studies at Waterloo Academy. Leaving school, he began his business career by assisting his father in his many business interests, and here he continued as long as his father lived. The latter was the inventor of a process in the manufacture of yeast for the use of distilleries, a process which added greatly to the yield, which was almost indispensable to large operations, and the secret of which he kept zealously to himself. After the death of his father, Mr. Wright continued the business for himself until 1891, when he closed it out. From 1871 to 1891 he was closely, associated in large interests in the direction of developing the use of this process with parties in Peoria, Chicago and other cities.

At present Mr. Wright is largely interested in the oil business in Venango County, Pa., principally in the sinking of oil-wells, whose product is a superior quality of oil. He has other enterprises, which still employ all his surplus energies and keep him busy to the last. He is a Director of the First National Bank of Waterloo, and is known as a thoroughly competent business man. Politically he is a strong Democrat, and his voice has not been silent in determining local development.

In 1862 Mr. Wright and Miss Mary E. Wood, daughter of James Wood, of Waterloo, were married. They have two children, both girls, Nellie W. and Mary M., and their home is a fine, substantial brick structure on the principal residence street of the village.