San Francisco County
Biographies
NATHANIEL GRAY
NATHANIEL GRAY, founder of the well-known pioneer
undertaking establishment of N. Gray & Co., was born in Massachusetts and
reared in New England. The gold discovery that attracted throngs of people to
California drew him hither. He left home in September, 1849, and arrived here
in February 1850. Soon afterward he established the business above referred to,
it being first located on the corner of Sacramento and Dupont streets. He
removed from there to a brick building he had erected on the north side of
Sacramento street. The following year he moved the
establishment to its present quarters, and here for the past thirty-eight years
the business has been conducted. Mr. Gray did business in his own name until
1868, when his son became a partner and the firm was styled N. Gray & Co.
After the son’s death in 1876, Mr. Cyrus S. Wright became a member of the firm
and remained so until 1887, when he purchased Mr. Gray’s interest. The latter
lived a retired life until April 30, 1889, when he passed away, mourned by a
large circle of friends. His business career in San Francisco was a most
successful one, and he occupied a prominent position among the most honored
citizens. During his connection with the undertaking business he laid away in
their last resting places no less than thirty thousand persons.
Transcribed
by Elaine Sturdevant.
Source: "The
CYRUS S. WRIGHT
CYRUS S. WRIGHT, who has been
associated with the old established house of N. Gray & Co., undertakers,
for the past quarter of a century, is a native of Vermont. He grew up in his
New England home, and after completing his preparatory studies entered
Dartmouth College, where he graduated in the scientific department with the
class of 1837. He came to California in 1865, landing in San Francisco October
24. The week following his arrival here he entered the employ of Nathaniel
Gray, one of his college classmates, and continued in that position until 1876,
when he became a partner with Mr. Gray. They did business together till 1887,
when Mr. Wright purchased the interest of his partner and succeeded to the
business of N. Gray & Co., the firm name remaining the same.
Politically
Mr. Wright affiliates with the Republican party.
Transcribed
by Elaine Sturdevant.
Source: "The
© 2006 Elaine Sturdevant.