Revised 5/1/2017. Copyright @2017; The following Documentary Timeline has been compiled and created by Paul Rhetts. It may be copied for research purposes; but it may not be reproduced for inclusion in any printed or electronic distribution of any kind without the express written permission of the author. Any requests to use this information should be sent to Paul Rhetts, LPDPress@q.com.
Richard WRIGHT (1730-1784) m. Elizabeth MORGAN (1732-1784)
s/o Philbert Wright (1690-1738) m. Esther Becraft (1695-1738)
d/o John Morgan (1695-11730) m. Sarah Evans (1694-1729)
1730 Richard WRIGHT born Rowan, NC [5th child of 7 children; 3rd son of Philbert and Esther Becraft Wright] [nd - Richard and his cousin John Wright, left the Anglican Church; John Wright was a staunch Baptist and Richard Wright became a Methodist.] [one source says birth was at Surry Co, NC] [one source says he lived on 200 acres on Deep River in Randolph County] [ancestors may have been Welsh]
1732 Elizabeth MORGAN born at Rowan, NC [2nd child/oldest daughter of John and Sarah Evans Morgan]
1748 Richard WRIGHT and Elizabeth MORGAN married at Rowan, NC [DAR Record 855723 says she died 1784 and they were married 1748] [McCubbin Collection Rowan co, North Carolina Wrights FilmNo-19902] [one source says marriage was 8 Jun 1757 at Philadelphia, Delaware, PA]
1752 son Benjamin Wright born at Rowan, NC; served in Rev War; married Barbara Morgan in 1776 at Rowan, NC [possibly named after Richard’s uncle Benjamin Becraft who raised Richard?]
Jan 1754 son Peter Wright born at Halifax, VA; served in Rev War; married Rachel Wood [possibily named after grandfather Peter Becraft?]
19 Jan 1754 Land deed: John Parr (son of Mark)‹ 400 on Russels Creek Beg: at a White Oakmark Ãt [ J ] thence up and down both Sides Richd. Wright 400on the So. Fork of Mayo Rivr. Begin: at a Black Oak markÃt W. a little above Jone’s Cabbin thence up and down both Sides.”The area of Virginia settled by the Parr and Wright families was the South Mayo River area, including Russel’s Creek and Spoon Creek, in present-day Patrick County just north of the North Carolina border. Patrick County was formed in 1791 from Henry County, which was formed in 1777 from Pittsylvania County, which was formed in 1767 from Halifax County, which was formed in 1752 from Lunenburg County. In other words, that area's records from 1752-1767 will be found in Hallifax County records [Entry Record Book 1737 -1770" [Land entries in the present Virginia Counties of Halifax, Pittsylvania, Henry, Franklin, and Patrick, On p. 171 (p. 215)]
2 Feb 1754 Land record: (S W.) John Parr‹ 400 Ac beginning at a Back Beech mark P [ J P ] (on the little Fork of Spoon Creek) standing near Shirleys Road thence up sd little? Fork on both sides.” (S W.)‹ Richard Wright 400 Ac on the So. Fork of Mayo Rr. Beginning at a Poplar mark W. just below a little cane Brake thence up both sides.” [Land entries in the present Virginia Counties of Halifax, Pittsylvania, Henry, Franklin, and Patrick; On p. 164 (p. 207) and then p. 166 (p. 209)]
8 May 1757 Richard Wright married Abigail Wigerly???: [Susan Hoke says that Richard R Wright married Abigail Wigerly on 8 May1757. There was a marriage on 8 June 1757 in the Swedes' Church, Philadelphia between Abigail and Richard (no R). No indication that Richard was even in Philadelphia at any point in his life. In the meantime, pending further information, this marriage should be nothing more than a footnote.] [At the time of Abigail's marriage, Richard Wright, Sr. was already married and the father of 2 sons and another on the way -Benjamin, b. 1752; Peter, b. 1754 and Richard, Jr. to be b. in July 1757]
4 Jul 1757 son Richard Wright born at Rowan, NC; served in Rev War; married Nancy Morgan in 1780 at Rowan, NC
5 Dec 1759 son John Wright born at Rowan, NC; served in Rev War; married Peggy Wolfscale on 5 Jan 1803 at Wayne, KY
25 Mar 1761 son William R Wright born at Rowan, NC; served in Rev War; married Martha Betsy Morgan in 1787 at NC [one source says that William gravestone in Salem, Washington, IN (1833) states his parents were R and N Wright. Since the names Nancy and Ann were often interchangeable (Nancy might have been the nickname); wife Ann, mentioned in Richard's will, was indeed the mother of William, if not of all his children. It is increasingly less likely that Richard was married to Abigail Wigerly. Some researchers state that he was married to Nancy Davis but no real evidence exists.
Jan 1762 son Evans C Wright born at Rowan, NC; served in Rev War; married Rebecca Summers in 1793 at Wayne, KY
2 Mar 1764 son Amos Wright born at Rowan, NC; served in Rev War; married Elizabeth Lowe
8 Apr 1764 Richard Wright filed an indenture [DEED TO RICHARD WRIGHT AND ANN, HIS WIFE, IN ORANGE COUNTY, NC 9 April1764 "Rowan Deed book #5, p449, 4-8-1764, Richard Wright & wife ANN, of Orange County, N.C. - BR 5pg 449]: This indenture made the eight day of April in the year of our Lord1764 between Richard Wright and Ann his wife of Orange County in the province of North Carolina farmer of the one part and Harman Husband of the said county and province farmer of the other part. Witness that the said Richard Wright and Ann his wife for and in consideration of the sum of thirty two pounds ten shillings in hand paid by the said Harmon Husband the receipt whereof that the said Richard Wright and Ann his wife doth hereby confess and acknowledge they the said Richard Wright and Ann his wife. (Hatton Grison) granted bargained sold asigned released and confirmed and by these presents doth give grant bargain sell release and confirm unto the said Harmon Husband his heirs and assigns forever all that tract and parcel of land situated lying in Rowan county on a fork of Haw river it being a part and one half of a tact of land granted from the Earl Granville to William Wiley on the 23rd day of May 1758, for 640 acres and from the said Wiley granted to Arthur Parr, and from the said Pan' granted to the aforesaid Richard Wright. Begining for the said part and one half at a white oak, the original corner running thence North 80 chains to a white oak, thence East 40 chains to a stake thence south 80 chains to the original line thence west 40 chains to the first station containing three hundred and twenty acres, more or less, and also all trees woods waters pastures and meadows of in common of pasture profits and commodities and advantages---and appurtances whatsoever to the said 320 acres of land belonging or anyway apportaining and all the estate right titles interest claims and demand whatsoever of him the said Richard Right and Ann his wife of and next to this said 320acres of land and premises and every part and parcel thereof. To have and to hold the said 320 acres of land and all and singular the premises unto the said Herman Husband his heirs and assigness to the only purpose, Use and behoof of him the said Herman Husband his heirs and assigness for ever and the said Richard Right and Ann his wife for theirselves and their heirs the said 320 acres of land and premise and every part and parcel thereof against them and their heirs and against all and every other person or persons claiming by fraud or under harm to the said Hermon Husband and assignees shall and will warrant forever and defend by these witnesses in writing if they her unto set their hands and affixed their seals this day and year find above wittnesses. Signed sealed and delivered in the presence of us, Earl Granville, William Robinson North Carolina, Rowan County. Richard Wright Ann Right (her mark) This is to certify that the witnessed deed was duly processed in open court and recorded in the Clerk's office according to law. Ordered to be registered. (Levt) John Hancock C. C.” (BR 5pg 449)
1765 Richard Wright and Elizabeth Morgan lived near Norfolk, NC and then moved to Surry Co, NC just before the war.
1768 dau Martha Wright born at Rowan, NC; married James Brookshire at TN
29 Mar 1768 son Philburt WRIGHT born at Rowan, NC; married Mary Molly Sears on 15 Aug 1793 at Rowan, NC [possibly named after Richard’s brother Philburt or father]
1770 dau Betsey Wright born at Rowan, NC
1774 dau Sarah Sally Wright born at Rowan, NC; married Josiah Johnson
1 Oct 1778 Richard WRIGHT listed as in military service in NC as a Private in NC Militia[DAR A130972]
15 Mar 1781 Richard Wright fought at the Battle of Guilford Courthouse
Aug 1783 Richard Wright took oath of allegiance to make land grant claim in Rowan, NC
3 Sep 1784 Richard WRIGHT died at Rowan, NC; [one source says death was at Randolph or Rowan Co. NC] buried at Lexington, Davidson, NC (one source says buried near Uwharrie River, Randolph Co. NC or by waters of the Uwarrie near Davidson/Randolph County line; another says Old cemetery 2 miles from Silver Valley crossroads (on Highway64), and about 10 miles east of Lexington, North Carolina] [Will: 03 SEP 1784 Rowan Co, NC - Rowan Co. NC Will Book C: 207 records his will made while "weak in body". He gave his wife 200 acres on Deep River where he formerly lived, his son Benjamin 200 acres on Deep River in Randolph County, where he used to live, his son Peter 260 acres in the same locality, his son William 260 acres in Randolph County, his son Amos 100 acres where he lived, and sons Richard, John and Philburd. Wit: William Wright, Evans Wright, Richard Wright and James Morgan.] [This border in 1753, corresponded roughly to the border of Rowan County and Orange County. In 1771, Guilford County was created from Rowan and Orange Counties. In 1779, the southern part of Guilford County became Randolph County. In 1822, the eastern part of Rowan County became Davidson County. The Uwharrie River begins in northwestern Randolph County and runs south approximately parallel with Randolph County's boundary line with Davidson County.
8 Feb 1785 Richard WRIGHT will probated at Rowan, NC [Dept of Archive and History, Raleigh, NC Rowan Co. Wills 1743-1868, pg 58] [Rowan County, County Court Minutes, 1773-1786 Tuesday, Feb 8, 1785, Richard Wright's will p. 455: Richard Wright's last will and testament proved in open court by the oath of Evans Wright and James Morgan. (Ju?) No executor being therein appointed, it is ordered that Letters of (Domain?) with a copy of the will be issued to Ann Wright the widow of the deceased and to William Wright who qualified and gave Security James Morgan in the sum of 200 pounds.] [appears to be a separate documents that states Richard’s Issue: Benjamin born 1752, Peter born 1754, Richard born 1757, John born 1759, William born 1761, Evins or Evans born 1762, Amos Sr. born 1764 and Philburt born 1768.]
1798 Elizabeth MORGAN died at Rowan, NC [DAR Record 855723 says she died 1784 and they were married 1748]
DAR A130972/SAR 49423 SERVICE: NORTH CAROLINA
Service Source: Enochs, Rowan Co NC Vacant Land Entries 1778-1789,p189; NC Rev War Pay Voucher #166, Roll #S.115.136 Service Desc: Rowan Co NC Militia; fought at Battle of Guilford Courthouse; Took Oath of Allegiance to make land entry, Rowan Co, NC, aug 1783; Furnished supplies; SAR App lists Jane as spouse
Richard Wright served as a Private in the Rowan County NC Militia and served at the Battle of Guilford Courthouse -- The Battle of Guilford Court House was a battle fought on March 15,1781 in Greensboro, the county seat of Guilford County, North Carolina, during the American Revolutionary War. A 2,100-man British force under the command of Lieutenant General Charles Cornwallis defeated Major General Nathanael Greene's 4,500 Americans. The British army, however, sustained such heavy casualties that the result was a strategic victory for the Americans. Despite the relatively small numbers of troops involved, the battle is considered pivotal to the American victory in the Revolution. Before the battle, the British appeared to have had great success in conquering much of Georgia and South Carolina with the aid of strong Loyalist factions, and thought that North Carolina might be within their grasp. In fact, the British were in the process of heavy recruitment in North Carolina when this Battle (for all intents and purposes) put an end to their recruiting drive. In the wake of the battle, Greene moved into South Carolina, while Cornwallis chose to march into Virginia and attempt to link up with roughly 3,500 men under British Major General Phillips and American turncoat Benedict Arnold. These decisions allowed Greene to unravel British control of the South, while leading Cornwallis to Yorktown and eventual surrender to Major General George Washington and Lieutenant General Comte de Rochambeau. Rank: PRIVATE/PATRIOTIC SERVICE
Will of Richard Wright Sr
In the name of God Amen. I Richard Wright Senr. of the County of Roan& State of North Carolina being through the abundant goodness and mercy of God tho weak in body Yet of a sound and perfect understanding& Memory do constitute this my last Will and Testament, and desire it to be Received by all as such. As for my burial I desire it to be decent without pomp or State at the discretion of my dear Wife and as to my worldly Estate I will and positively order that all my debts be paid. I give and bequeath to my son Benjamin [Wright] Two hundred Acres of land lying on the Waters of Deep River in Randolph County, Including the plantation whereon he used to live & I give to my son Peter Twenty Shillings & I give to my Sons Richard & William an Entry of land containing 226 Acres lying in Randolph County on the Waters of Uary to be divided equally at their own discretion. I give to my son Amus One hundred Acres of land including the house wherein he now lives & the price of a new Saddle and Bridle & I likewise give to my son William a feather Bed and furniture & and I give to my son Evins a milch cow a feather bed and furniture and the price of a good saddle and Bridle. I give to my son John a cow and Calf or the Value thereof in Gold or Silver & I give to my son Philburd a Horse Bridle and Saddle and a Cow and feather Bed and furniture at the age of Twenty One, or at his Mothers discretion and this plantation where I now live at his Mothers decease or Marriage and I give to my dear and loving Wife Two hundred Acres of land lying on deep River where I formerly used to live in Randolph County to sell at her discretion and likewise all my moveable property that I possess and if she marries, two thirds of the Estate is to be divided equal amongst the Children and if she dies without marrying, the principle Estate is to be divided equal amongst the all my children. In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal this third day of September; Anno Dom: 1784 Witness present Bis Richard X WRIGHT (Seal) His Wm X Wright Mark His Evins X WRIGHT Mark Richard Wright, Jr. James MORGAN Junr. The will was probated Feb 8, 1785 by Evans Wright and James Morgan Junr. His widow, Ann, and William Wright qualified giving bond of 200 pounds with James Morgan as security.
"CENTENNIAL HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY, INDIANA ITS PEOPLE, INDUSTRIES AND INSTITUTIONS" By Warder W. Stevens. With Biographical Sketches of Representative Citizens and Genealogical Records of Many of the Old Families. Illustrated 1916 B. F. Bowen & Company, Inc. Indianapolis, Indiana:
GRANT F. WRIGHT, of Washington township, Washington County, Indiana, is of pioneer stock and is one of the excellent farmer of this section. He was born on July 3, 1868, on the farm where he now resides with his father, PHILBIRD MARION WRIGHT. Philbird Marion Wright was born in September 17, 1832, and is the youngest of three children born to ELI and ELIZABETH (BOWER) WRIGHT. Eli Wright was born on September5, 1795, and was the son of PHILBIRD and MOLLY (SEARS) WRIGHT. Philbird Wright was born on March 29, 1768, and was the son of RICHARD WRIGHT, who came to America from England in the early days. He had five sons: WILLIAM, PHILBIRD, AMOS, RICHARD, JR., and HUGH. Amos had five sons also, who were all ministers and noted for their ability. Their names were JOHN, PETER, JOSHUA, LEVI and AMOS, JR. John Wright was one for the forters at Ft. Hill, and one of his children, ELVIRA, was born in the fort in 1813, and lived her entire life within sight of the fort. She had three brothers and one sister; DAVID, RANSOM, JACOB and NANCY. Jacob Wright preached the dedication sermon at Ft. Hill on October 1, 1860. Philbird Wright, son of Richard Wright, who was the first of his family to settle in America, married MOLLY SEARS and they located on the farm once owned by HARRY DENNY but now in the possession of HENRY ROBERTS. Molly (Sears) Wright was born on February13, 1776. They were the parents of eleven children: NANCY, born on February 13, 1794; ELI, September 5, 1795; EVANS, July 18, 1797; SARAH, September 14, 1799; BARBARA, November, 1801; ELIZABETH, November, 1803; KATHERINE, January 5, 1805; DELILAH, born on February10, 1809; JOHN, ABSALOM, CELIA (RATTS) and POLLY. The mother of these children died on September 10, 1830 and her husband married ELIZABETH BECK on November 15, 1832. Philbird Wright immigrated to Indiana from North Carolina about 1809. Eli Wright and his wife, Elizabeth (Bower) Wright were the parents of three children: ADAM H., who died in 1901; CAROLINE, wife of JAMES BREWER, who died in 1898, and PHILBIRD MARION. Eli Wright built and operated one of the first grist-mills in the township. He died of cholera on June 14, 1833, and his wife, in 1847. Philbird Marion Wright received his education in a log school house, located about two miles south of Salem, Indiana, and later became a school teacher. The school which he attended had a large fireplace and the seats were split logs. His first teacher was PROF. JAMES G. MAY. Philbird Marion married ELIZABETH WISEMAN in 1863 and they became the parents of two children, CORA, who died in 1903 and GRANT, who now resides with his father. The mother died in 1905. Philbird Marion Wright has lived on his present farm for more than sixty years. His wife was born on August 21, 1831, in Washington county, Indiana, and was the daughter of JACOB and POLLY (RATTS) WISEMAN. Her marriage was solemnized on May28, 1863. Jacob Wiseman was a native of North Carolina and it was there that he was married to MARY MAGDALENE RATTS. He was a music teacher. They became the parents of these children; JAMES, HENRY, NEWTON, MARY, ELIZABETH, SARAH, AMANDA, MARGARET, MALINDA and several more who died in infancy. Grant Wright was reared on the farm where he now lives with his father, Philbird M. Wright, and was educated in the township schools. Also in the graded school at Salem, Indiana, and in May's academy. He is an active Democrat and a member of the Church of Christ at Ft. Hill Chapel. The farm which he cultivates consists of two hundred and sixty-seven acres, fifty acres of which are in timber. This farm is known as "Riverside Farm" and is situated in an excellent location. Cora, the sister of Grant Wright, who was born on September 22, 1872,and who died on July 2, 1903. During her lifetime she was recognized as a writer of attainment and contributed to many newspapers and magazines. She was a cultured writer and her death interrupted what promised to be a career in field of literature.
DNA Evidence of Richard Wright, Senior. DNA Y-DNA results for our first proven male line descendant of Thomas Wright of Wethersfield, CT, the already proven immigrant ancestor of Daniel Wright (1674-1764) husband to Eleanor Benton of Wethersfield, CT. This Daniel Wright has oft-times been proposed as the father of Richard Wright Sr. of Rowan County, NC. These fresh Y-DNA results show without a shred of doubt that Richard Wright, Sr. of Rowan County, NC is not the son of Daniel Wright and Eleanor Benton. These DNA data can be viewed at the Wright-DNA.org web site. The male descendant of Wethersfield tested out as belonging to an entirely different haploid group (related closely to Deacon Samuel Wright of Springfield/Northampton, MA) from the R1b1haploid group results for the three Richard Wright Sr. descendants for whom we have Y-DNA data. This means it is likely that Richard Wright, Sr.'s English ancestors didn't even come from the same region of England as the Wrights of Wethersfield (West county Essex) and were not even of the same European stock. Richard Wright Sr.'s parents could have been Welsh, Scottish or Londoners, but almost certainly were not from East Anglia, England, though we still need Y-DNA results from proven male descendants of Peter, Anthony or Nicholas Wright of Long Island (descendants of the Kilverstone Wrights of Co. Norfolk) before we can say categorically that Richard Wright was not likely from East Anglia, England. Where he was from we still do not know. However, these DNA data, lay to rest for all time any notion that Richard Wright Sr. of Rowan Co., NC was born in Connecticut to Daniel and Eleanor (nee Benton) Wright.
Parents of Richard Wright, Sr by Mike Wright (hardmba@aol.com0
1. "J.P. Dick," by V. Stewart-Novak, says Richard Wright, Sr. is thesecond son of Daniel Wright (b. 1674) of Glastonbury, CT. and EleanorBenton (b. 1674), who after marrying moved to Virginia, then to NorthCarolina, and settled in Rowan Co, NC. Richard was one of ninebrothers. Curtis Wright says Daniel Wright had one daughter, Ruth, andhe stayed in Connecticut. This seems unlkiely since Richard's parentswould have been 56 years old at his birth.
2. "Inscriptions from Old Wethersfield," published in 1899 (LDS film0908332), pg 319. The inscription for Daniel Wright reads, "Here lies interr'd the Body of Mr. Daniel Wright who died June the 8th 1764, age 90 years," and the inscription for his wife reads, "Here lies the Body of Mrs. Ellen Wright, wife of Mr. Daniel Wright, who died Sept'r27th 1749, in ye 79th year of her age."
3. Grant Wright of Salem, Indiana says, "Tradition has it that Richard Wright, Sr. was born in England, emigrated to Wales, came back to England, an he, with four brothers immigrated to America probably about 1746. They came to the eastern shores of Maryland. Here they separated, two went to New England, one to New York, and Richard and one brother came to Virginia, and then to Randolph Co, NC where he spent the rest of his life."
4. "Major Francis Wright and Ann Washington, with Allied Families," by Ann Reed Ritchie, c. 1973, and "Memorial Record of Rowan County," states that Richard Wright is descended from Cpt. William Wright of Westmoreland Co, Virginia and two generations back from Major Francis Wright and Ann Washington."
5. The "Wright Family History, Vol 1, Genealogy of Benjamine Wright, Sr.--So who was the son of Richard Wright, Sr.," by Knouf, 1949,"states: " Oliver P. Wright's son, Ora Lee Wright, told me that his father had done some research on the Wright Family and was probably responsible for the account of Larkin Wright in this history, which was published while Oliver P. Wright was still living. It is interesting to note that it gives the father of Larkin as, Benjamin J. Wright, born in Rowan Co, NC in‹ 1752, he being the son of Richard Wright who came to America during colonial epoch in history of this country."
6. "The Composite History of Jackson Co, Indiana 1816-1991, Dodrasquicentennial Edition," by Preston and Wylda Wright. The records for the history of the Preston and Wylda Wright family may be traced to Saxon the Vikings, settling in Normandy (Bayeaux, France) approximately 400 A.D. Later founders of Kingdoms in Essex, Sussex and Wessex in England. Two Wrights (originally spelled Wryde or Wryta) were knighted. William, who was the captain of the body guard of William the Conqueror, and Richard. The United States Census of 1790 showed the name as Right, Write, Reyt and Wright. a) Sir William Wright, born in the early 1700s, was the first Wright in America. He settled in Rowan Co, NC; b) Richard Wright, (b. 1730-d. 1785). His children were: Benjamin, Peter, Richard, Jr, John, William, Evans, Amos and Philbert.
7. "PioneUSAerly.
The gravestone for Richard's son, William, states his parents were Rand N Wright. Since the names Nancy and Ann were often interchangeable(I believe Nancy would have been the nickname) I tend to believe that wife Ann, mentioned in Richard's will, was indeed the mother of William, if not of all his children. Some researchers state that he was married to Nancy Davis but, so far as I know, no real evidence exists.
Genetic genealogy has dispelled at least two Wright myths and have brought us much closer to the truth of Richard Wright's ancestry. DNA has disproved that he was a son of Daniel and Eleanor (Benton)Wright--a tidy and long-accepted connection that is simply not.
NOTE: Richard Wright, Sr.'s parents are not known. His IS NOT in the line of William Wright, the third cousin of George Washington. Y chromosome testing of three of Richard's sons, including William, have been tested and appear not to match the Wright/Washington line. The story told by Grant Frankline Wright (b. 1808, Ind) is that Richard was the son of Philbert Wright of Maryland. Grant Wright's father, Philbird Wright (b. 1831, Ind) had known Richard Wright's son, William, as a child. Following is from a county biography of Grant Wright, from http://www.geocities.com/macase1961/Briogra2.html#grantf
Descendants of Richard Wright, Sr. Of Rowan County, North Carolina Four Generations
By Herbert Arkin, Jr. June 18, 2008 WEB PAGE: http://freepages.genealogy.rootsweb.com/~herbarkin/
Preface
This document includes four generations of the Descendancy of Richard Wright, Sr., 1250 people. I have limited generations to four, since at five the book expands over 3 fold. All generations, of which I have knowledge of, are included on my website. I have been lucky enough to be able to provide free access to this data due to the kindness ofrootsweb.com.
I have been working on our family tree for over 9 years and have visited England, Connecticut, North Carolina, Kentucky, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Illinois and Washington DC in a quest to provide the most up to date information on Richard Wright, Sr. and his descendants.
The quest started out using, as a basis, “J.P. Dick” by Vera Stewart-Novak. This book showed that my wife, Carol Johnson Arkin was the fifth great granddaughter of Richard Wright, Sr. The book indicated her relationship with Sir John Wright of Kelvedon Manor, Essex County, England. After extensive research in England and New England, I came to the conclusion that this was not so. Further information is provided in the web pages and herein.
Since then, due to the kindness of genealogists around the country and my many visits to the states where Richard Wright’s descendants resided, I have amassed over 94,000 names of relatives including44,000 of Richard Wright, Sr.’s direct descendants. I have been very careful to protect the privacy of individual’s information by using the family tree maker privacy function.
Probably the best information has come from the following sources: J.P. Dick by Vera Stewart-Novak 1966; Genealogy of the Wright Family by Lillie Elizabeth Wright Lane White 1943, Descendants of Richard Wright, Sr.; Some corrections for the Book Entitled "Genealogy of the Wright Family by Lillie Elizabeth Wright Lane White 1943" by Osee Johnson Knouf 1951; Genealogy of Richard Wright, Jr. who was the son of Richard Wright, Sr. whose will was probated in Rowan County, NC on February 8, 1785 by Osee Johnson Knouf 1949; Genealogy of Jesse Wright by Freda Misenhimer 1955; Genealogy of Evans Wright and Philburt Wright, brothers by Osee Knouf and Mary Lawton Wright; Richard Wright of North Carolina (1730-1785) and his descendants by Stoops, Knouf, Terhune, Hill and Atkinson 1940; Genealogy of Benjamin Wright, Sr. by Osee Knouf 1949.
Burial, residence, notes, a more complete bibliography and sources are given on the web pages and are continuously being updated and added.
In summary, I’ve had a lot of fun doing this and will probably continue for many years. I certainly appreciate all those who provide updates and corrections.
This document is not copyrighted and the information may be used in any way.
Herbert Arkin
3905 Lake Mira Dr.
Orlando, FL 32817
407-657-8678
harkin@cfl.rr.com
This web site encompasses 94,803 out of a total database of 117,932relatives. Direct descendants of Richard Wright, Sr. include 44,312. All people in the database are related. Links are provided to allp eople in the database free of charge with all information in my database on them.
Major Surnames include Allen, Bush, Cauble, Colglazier, Cooley, Gilstrap, Goss, Hazel, Hill, Hinds, Johnson, Marshall, Martin, Monical, Morgan, Moss, Mullenix, Naugle, Parrish, Purlee, Ratts, Voyles, Wingler, Wright and Zink.
Most of these families emigrated to Edgar County, Illinois; Greene, Putnam & Washington Counties, Indiana; Appanoose and Greene Counties, Iowa; Kansas and Macon and Putnam Counties, Missouri.
Parents of RICHARD WRIGHT, SR.
I am trying to find documentation on the parents of Richard Wright, Sr. (b 1730). Any additional information would be appreciated.
1. "JP Dick" by V. Stewart-Novak says that he was the second son of Daniel Wright (b 1674) of Glastonbury, CT and Eleanor Benton (b 1674) who, shortly after marriage, moved to Virginia, then to North Carolina and then settled in Rowan Co., North Carolina. Richard was one of 9 brothers. On the other hand, Curtis Wright states that Daniel Wright had only one daughter, Ruth and stayed in Connecticut. This also seems unlikely since Richard's parents would have been 56 years old at his birth.
"Inscriptions From Old Wethersfield" published in 1899 ( LDS film0908332), page 319 "Here lies interr'd the Body of Mr. Daniel Wright who died June the 8th 1764 age 90 years." "Here Lyes the Body of Mrs. Ellen Wright, Wife of Mr. Daniel Wright, who Died Sept'r 27th 1749, in ye 79th year of Her age."
2. Grant Wright of Salem, Indiana states that "Tradition has it that Richard Wright, Sr. was born in England, emigrated to Wales, came back to England, an he, with four brothers immigrated to America probably sometime about 1746. They came to the Eastern shores of Maryland. Here they separated. Two went into New England, one to NY and Richard and one brother came into VA and then to Randolph Co., NC where he spent the remainder of his life".
3. "Major Francis Wright and Ann Washington, with Allied Families" by Ann Reed Ritchie 1973 and "Memorial Record of Rowan County" states that Richard Wright is descended from Captain William Wright of Westmoreland Co., Virginia and two generations back from Major Francis Wright and Ann Washington.
4. The “Wright Family History Volume I, Genealogy of Benjamin Wright, Sr. who was the son of Richard Wright, Sr.” by Knouf 1949 states: “Oliver P. Wright’s son, Ora Lee Wright, told me that his father had done some research on the Wright family and was probably responsible for the account of Larkin Wright in this history, which was published while Oliver P was still living. It is interesting to note that it gives the father of Larkin as, Benjamin j. Wright, born in Rowan Co., North Carolina in 1752, the son of Richard Wright who came to America during the colonial epoch in the history of this country.”
5. "The Composite History Of Jackson County, Indiana 1816-1991Dodrasquicentennial Edition" (Preston and Wylda Wright) The records for the history of the Preston and Wylda Wright family may be traced to Saxon the Vikings, settling in Normandy (Bayeaux, France) approx400 AD. Later founders of Kingdoms in Essex, Sussex and Wessex (England). Two Wright's (originally Wryde or Wryta) were knighted. William (Capt. of the body guard of Wm. the Conqueror) and Richard. The U.S. Census of 1790 showed the name as Right, Write, Reyt and Wright. I. Sir William Wright (born early 1700's); First Wright in America; settled in Rowan Co. North Carolina. II. Richard(1730-1785). Children: Benjamin, Peter, Richard Jr., John, William, Evans, Amos and Philbert.
6. "Pioneer Preachers of Indiana" by Madison Evans 1862 says the Wrights came from England.
7. "History of Greene County, Iowa" 1887 says that Richard Wright's (Sr.) grandson was of scotch-Irish descent.
8. "Baltimore Co. Families", 1659-1759, by Robert W. Barnes: WRIGHT, PHILBURD, had two sons, both of whom went to North Carolina where they served in the Rev. War; PHILBURD, Jr. moved to Orange Co., NC; RICHARD, d. c. 1786 in Rowan Co., NC. Ref: Waters, Margaret R. Revolutionary Soldiers Buried in Indiana. 2 vols. in 1 (1949, 1954) Repr. Baltimore: 1970.
Another entry in the same reference, which is interesting: WRIGHT, Richard, d. by 2 April 1664, leaving a widow Ann who m. as her 2nd husband, sometime before 16 July 1664 David Fox. Ref: Archives of Maryland, vol 1- Baltimore: 1883.
RECORDS/DOCUMENTS Richard Elizabth
Birth
Marriage
Death
Gravestone