California Biographies

Transcribed by Peggy Hooper

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

Source:
History of the state of California and biographical record of the San Joaquin 
Valley, California. An historical story of the state's marvelous growth from 
its earliest settlement to the present time.
Prof. James Miller Guinn , A. M.
The Chapman Publishing Co., Chicago 1905
Notes: Missing Page: 865-866,983-984,1175-1176


WILLIAM WHITFIELD WRIGHT. It is with much pleasure that we present to our readers a 
brief sketch of the life of W. W. Wright. One of the oldest employes in the service of 
the Southern Pacific Railroad, and one of the pioneers of California, his life is an interesting 
recital of the advance of modern transportation. It is impossible for us to go into details, owing 
to lack of space. If we could, the incidents associated with his life would read like a romance. 

A native of Wisconsin, Mr. Wright was born near the city of Milwaukee, January 26, 1856. 
His father, W. W., was horn in Connecticut, but in early pioneer days removed to Wisconsin 
where he engaged in the tilling of the soil. Later he removed to Illinois, settling in Grant county. 
There he lived until the news of the discovery of gold in California. The same year he outfitted, 
and with ox teams made the trip across the plains. The following year he went east for a visit, 
and on his return to this state he engaged in mining for three years. At the expiration of this 
period he again went east, where he lived until 1864, when he again crossed the plains, this 
time accompanied by his family. The journey was made with horses and in the remarkably 
quick time of ninety-four days. They came via the Platte river and Salt Lake. At the latter place 
they were addressed by Brigham Young. On arriving here the family settled in San Joaquin 
county, near Stockton, where Mr. Wright engaged in the raising of grain. In 1872 he disposed 
of his interests there and came to Tulare county, homesteading one hundred and sixty acres 
near Buzzard's Roost, ten miles west of Tulare. There he carried on a successful farming business 
until 1875, when he located in Tulare where he purchased a lot and erected a fine residence in 
which he lived until his death at the age of sixty-four years. After moving into Tulare he engaged 
in well-boring for several years. He married Cynthia Oliver, a native of Illinois. After the death of 
Mr. Wright she married George H. Castle of Stockton, where she resided until his death and then 
returned to Tulare, in which place she died at the age of seventy-four years. By her first marriage 
she became the mother of two children : Lizzie, who is the deceased wife of Delos Wilson ; and 
W. W. William W. Wright remembers well the journey across the plains. His education was secured 
in the district schools of California. In 1873 he came to Tulare and entered the employ of the 
Southern Pacific Railroad as a hostler in the roundhouse. Two years later he was promoted to the 
position of fireman, and in 1880 was transferred to the right-hand side of the cab. From that time 
to the present he has never lost a day, except through an accident and when he desired a vacation. 
His first run as an engineer was between Los Angeles and Lathrop, pulling freight. In 1892 he was 
promoted to the passenger service with headquarters at Fresno. Five years later he was sent to 
Visalia. Later when the road was completed to Portersville, he located here and has since made this 
place his home. The only accident he has had occurred while running on the "Sunset Limited" 
between Fresno and Bakersfield. Two side bars on the engine broke and one rod tore through the 
cab, tearing the seat out and otherwise demolishing the woodwork. It is a wonder he was not killed, 
but while he was laid up for nine months he was, at the expiration of that time, able to resume his place. 

On one of his trips, between Fresno and Tulare, the train was held up by Britt and Dan McCall. 
As there were two deputy sheriffs aboard a fierce fight ensued and one of the robbers was killed. 
There are many other incidents in connection with his railroad experience, but space will not permit 
of their being mentioned. 

In San Francisco Mr. Wright was united in marriage with Kate Gilmer, a native daughter 
of California. Her father, Rufus, is now living in Visalia, and a sketch of him will be found 
on another page of this work. Mrs. Wright was engaged in teaching for thirteen years. 

Fraternally Mr. Wright is a Mason, belonging to the Royal Arch Masons and the Commandery. 
He is also a member of the Mystic Shrine, being associated with Islam Temple of San Francisco. 
In connection with his life's work he is a member of the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers 
of Bakersfield, of which he is past chief engineer. 

In politics he supports the principles of the Republican party, but has never had the time to 
take any part in public affairs. His life has been a success. At all times he has been found true 
to every trust reposed in him, as is evidenced by his many years of service with the Southern 
Pacific. Both he and his wife arc honored by all who know them.