Contra Costa County Biography

CHARLES B. WIGHTMAN

Transcribed by Sally Kaleta, December, 2006.

This file is part of the California Genealogy & History Archives
http://www.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~cagha/index.htm

 
Thoroughly identified with the growth and industrial prosperity of Byron is 
Charles B. Wightman, who takes an abiding interest in all that concerns the 
town's welfare and progress. He was born in Antioch November 7, 1882. He 
acquired his education in the public schools of Antioch and Oakley. His father, 
Joel D. Wightman, was one of the highly esteemed citizens of Contra Costa 
County. The parents of Joel D. Wightman were among the pioneers who crossed the 
plains during the gold rush, and he was born on a "prairie schooner" en route. 
Joel D. Wightman was active in politics, serving on the board of supervisors, 
being chairman of the board of supervisors, being chairman of the board when the 
new courthouse was erected in Martinez. In the parents' family there were nine 
children. Charles B. Wightman, the subject of this sketch, learned the carpenter 
trade and followed this vocation for a period of twelve years. In 1909 he and 
his brother Percy engaged in the garage business in Byron, having one of the 
most modern establishments of its kind in Contra Costa County. Mr. Wightman was 
united in marriage to Miss Beatrice Wisdom on August 9, 1906. To this union were 
born two children, Sadie and Erma. Politically, he is a member of the Woodmen of 
the World and holds membership in the Native Sons. Percy Wightman was born in 
Antioch May 18, 1890, and received his education in the public schools of that 
place. Laying aside his books, he found employment on the river for a time, and 
later learned the machinist's trade, which he followed until he came to Antioch 
to engage in the garage and automobile business. He was married to Miss Mabel 
Campbell, a native of Byron, on February 16, 1916.
 
Source: "The History of Contra Costa County, California", Elms Publ. Co., 1917, 
pp. 534-535.