William C. Wright was born March 9, 1860, at Gainesville, Arkansas, second son of Morris M. Wright, a white man and ex-sheriff of Green County, Arkansas, an active politician in his day, and Miss Howard, daughter of George Howard, of North Carolina, a prominent man in his country. William, after attending Gainesville High School until nineteen years of age, began serving his time to the silversmith and watch making trade in the same town. Remaining there four years, he came to Vinita, Indian Territory, in 1883, and there started in the jewelry business. In 1888, in connection with this, he opened a fancy grocery house, in which he carries an assortment of all varieties of the finest goods. Both branches of business he still carries on. December 6, 1890, Mr. Wright was elected as alderman of the town, which office he held until 1891. He is also a charter member of the brass band of Vinita, organized in 1886. He married Miss Maggie Benge in July 1888, daughter of James Benge, nephew of Houston Benge, a prominent Cherokee. Her mother was Miss Ruth Martin, daughter of the celebrated Joe Martin, part Cherokee. By this marriage Mr. Wright has three children. The subject of this sketch carries a stock of fancy groceries to the amount of about $2,500, and a good stock of jewelry. His business house is situated in the Raymond Building. He is a gentleman of good education and fine business ability, courteous and affable in manner, and very popular. He is one of the great sportsmen of the Indian Territory, and spends a portion of every year on a camp hunt with the Wichitas or other Western tribes. As a trap shot Mr. Wright is said to have no equal in his country, while he is also an adept at angling, and takes great pleasure in the sport. Mrs. Wright is a lady of education and refinement, and greatly beloved by all who know her.
