Tav's Genealogy and History Stuff

While researching pioneer businessman George Wright, there is a statement in his obituary that stood out. It said that he built the first brick building in Ford County.  He started out in the retail business in Paxton selling dry goods and his business was located on the northwest corner of Market and Pells streets. He later went into private banking.  The article states that the building was constructed in 1863 but research shows that it more likely built in 1864. The building was located on Lot 7 of Block 14 in the original town of Prospect City (Paxton). Wright did not buy that lot until February 1864 so it is unlikely that he put up is brick building before then. In 1869 he sold his retail business to Randolph Cruzen.  Later Cruzen would take over the business of his father-in-law, Remembrance Clark, directly across the street to the east. In 1871 he installed a vault to secure funds and papers.  In subsequent Sanborn maps the vault is shown inside the building. ...