Wright, Richard H

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Richard H. Wright, born July 13, 1851, died March 4, 1929. 

Per "Durham and Her People," 1951:

Was once associated with the Dukes but sold out in 1885. Travelled all over the world in interest of automatic cigarette machine, of which he was a large owner. Equipped first cigarette factory in China. Returned to Durham and became utility magnate: telephone, electric power, and street car. Established Wright's Refuge and donated to Louisburg College. Founded Wright's Automatic Machinery Company, and pioneered in automatic packing machines.

Related as a builder

Related as an architect

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Wright Factory repurposed as Durham's first Graded School, 1880s. (Courtesy Duke RBMC - Wyatt Dixon Collection)
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The Wright Refuge

Wright Refuge, looking northwest, 1920s. (Courtesy Duke Rare Book and Manuscript Collection / Chamber of Commerce Collection)
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Submitted by RH Michael (not verified) on Sat, 11/26/2011 - 5:34pm

We have photos from land behind our neighborhood of several buildings... One that says RH Wright 1895. Trying to research to see what the buildings were once used for and if there was a homestead located close by.

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