James Smith Wright was born at Unadilla, New York, March 31, 1835, and died at National City, California, May 27, 1913, at the age of 78 years, 1 month and 27 days. He was married to Eliza Mavilla McIntyre, of Unadilla, New York, on December 3, 1854, and their golden wedding was celebrated in 1904. Mrs. Wright died in this city about three years ago. Three children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Wright, all of whom survive. They are Etta A., wife of William J. Forbes, formerly of Lynden, but now living at San Diego, California; Fred S. Wright, of Tacoma, and Anna, wife of R. R. Helder, of Lynden. Besides the three children the deceased leaves seven grand children.
Mr. Wright was one of Whatcom County's pioneers, having come here twenty-six years ago. The first hotel in Lynden was built and operated by him. He was a member of the G. A. R., having enlisted as a volunteer from Pennsylvania, serving in the naval branch of the union army. Forty-six years ago, he took the degrees as a mason, having been raised to the degree of Master Mason at Watertown, Minnesota, in the Year 1867. Mr. Wright's last request was that funeral services be held from his former Lynden home, and that Rev. Rinehart, of Custer, deliver a short sermon, followed by the Masonic ritualistic work. The funeral was held in accordance with his wishes, on Monday afternoon. A quartet composed of Misses Noteboom and Tromp, and Messrs. LeCompte and Jones, with Mrs. Ruth Staight as accompanist, rendered appropriate music. The remains were laid to rest in the Lynden cemetery.
