unknown 'Caterham' Newstead Launceston Tasmania Australia Mary Elizabeth Blundell Leonard, Mary Florence & Irene Morley

James Wright was born in Surrey, England, about 1855. He came to Launceston in the 1880s and established the hardware and importing business of Hinman and Wright in partnership with Arthur Hinman, who is also pictured in the Family Album. In 1903 the firm took over J T Farmilo's timber merchant business and in 1911 became Hinman, Wright and Manser, builders and contractors, of which James was chairman of directors.

James was a foundation member of the East Launceston Bowling Club. He was an elder, treasurer and choirmaster of Chalmers Church and a member of the Lodge of Hope.

James married Mary Elizabeth Blundell before arriving in Launceston. Their only son Leonard was accidentally drowned on the Tamar River on 13 Oct 1909 aged 26. They had two daughters. Mary Florence married Vernon Reading and lived in Sydney. Irene Morley was born on 23 Jan 1895 at 'Caterham' Newstead, and married John Clarence McMurray, a bank manager in South Australia. James died at his residence 'Moina', 29 High Street, Launceston, on 12 Jul 1926, aged 72. His wife Mary died on 23 Jul 1944, aged 86. They were buried next to each other at Carr Villa in Section F238 and F237 respectively.

Prue McCausland Aug 2009 & Marion Sargent Sep 2011