Research Trip to Brown County, Ohio

Spent last weekend with my mom on a trip to the Brown County, Ohio area where her Wright and Wardlow families originated.  My plan was to visit the Brown County Genealogical Society library in Georgetown and if possible, visit a couple of family cemeteries.

The trip to Georgetown is about three hours and we left early in the morning with plenty of time to spare before the museum opened at noon.  Not knowing how long I might need at the museum, I hoped to see if we could locate the Wardlow and Wright cemeteries in Washington Township, Brown County, Ohio and see what shape they were in.

Both of these pioneer cemeteries are already posted on FindAGrave, so I had already seen the tombstones of the family, but I wanted to get a feel for the area.  Looking on topographical maps, I programmed by Google Maps to take us straight to the Wardlow cemetery first, where my 4th-great grandfather, John Wright (1814-1890) was buried.

As we came into Ohio and were nearing our destination, I saw the sign for historic Williamsburg and we made a slight detour to check it out.  I knew that our Wright family had been in Williamsburg from some of the early deeds in Clermont County.

Driving around, we found Harmony Hill, where William Lytle had his home and land office.  He was an early surveyor and settler in the area.  Their museum wasn't opened yet, but we took a few pictures and planned to come back if we had time.

We headed towards the Wardlow cemetery first, which I knew was near Sardinia and with the GPS we were able to get into the general area.  Then it became a game of watching the road for the cemetery.  We found a few roads that had familiar names, including Wardlow Road,  which we turned down and found an abandoned house that looked like it was not somewhere we wanted to be stuck.

We didn't find the cemetery until mom pulled it up on her phone and Google maps was telling us to turn on "Cemetery Road", except the road didn't have a sign.  There was man outside at the house next door, so we stopped and verified that the cemetery was down that gravel road.  He told us we should be ok to go down there, but did tell us that the owner might come down and see what we were doing.

We headed down the gravel road to the cemetery, went through the gate, and began to look for the graves of John & Anna (Wardlow) Wright.  We found them pretty easily, as their marker was one of the tallest in the cemetery, and the only Wright buried there.  I was able to get a couple of good photographs of mom with the markers and took some video.  We were there just before noon, so the shadow effect on the marker wasn't the best.

Mom next to inscription for John Wright

Mom next to inscription for Anna (Wardlow) Wright

Just as we were leaving the cemetery, a lady came up on a Gator and asked us what we were doing.  Fortunately, she could tell we weren't there to cause trouble, and I gave her one of my genealogy calling cards and explained our relationship to the Wardlow clan.  She was not a Wardlow, but her sorority sister, who lived across the road, was a Wardlow descendant and the owner of the property.  Unfortunately, she wasn't home, but her friend was able to tell us a bit about the land and the history of the place.  Seems they had to take down the "Cemetery Road" sign as they were having too many people 'partying' and dumping trash, etc. on the property and the cemetery.  Such a shame because the property was so peaceful.

I was able to take a brief video of the cemetery that will give you a feel for the place.  A nice final resting place for my ancestors.

We spent some time talking and the lady showed us a tour of the Wardlow barn, which had been on the property since 1805.  The barn had been moved from its original spot closer to the road, and obviously had been refurbished, but some of the original hand-hewn beams were present.  We signed our names on the wall of the barn, where other guests had done.

We were invited to come back by later in the day, but explained that we were heading to Georgetown to the museum, and depending on how our day went, we might not be able to visit.  We mentioned that we were also going to see if we could find the George Wright cemetery, which we also knew was on private property, and she was familiar with it and able to give directions.  Apparently, enough of our distant cousins have visited in the past and had asked for the same directions.

We headed down the road and around to try to locate the Wright cemetery, again using GPS.  Fortunately, I had already checked it out on Google maps with a satellite view, so when I saw the property that I was sure it was near, we were able to stop.  Once again, we were fortunate as the owner of the property was home and was willing to talk to us about the family plot.  She was not a Wright descendant, but told us a story about how when they bought the property some 30 years prior, an old woman came knocking on their door and told them they would be cursed if they didn't restore the iron fence around the Wright family plot!  She said there were a lot of snakes back there, and that her husband would be home shortly and that he could take us back.

Her son actually came by after a few minutes, and was gracious to take us back to the woods where the family plot was in his Gator.  As we walked back through the woods and the deer trail, it was obvious that very few people had been back there in some time.  The son told us that one of the markers had disappeared and was across the creek and on another property now.  We were able to find George Wright and his son Samuel's tombstone standing upright.  Samuel's was broken and leaning against a tree.  Mom was clearing some leaves and found Elizabeth's tombstone laying down and partially buried.  We did not find the marker for Rebecca, Samuel's wife.  The iron fencing was partially visible though the brush.

George Wright (1780-1853)

Samuel P. Wright (1816-1859)

Elizabeth (Robins) Wright (1781-1857)

Condition of Elizabeth's stone

How the cemetery looks in the woods

We were so thankful for the kindness of these strangers who now owned the family farms of our ancestors and were willing to allow us to view their final resting places.  After later looking at the maps of the pieces of land, it appears that the George Wright farm and the Wardlow farm butted up against each other in a triangle type pattern - which helps explain why George's son, John, married the neighbor girl - a Wardlow.

It was just getting close to noon, and we'd already had an outstandingly productive day.  Not knowing how long we'd need to be at the museum, I was taking a chance by looking for the cemeteries early and was able to strike pay dirt.  These visits made the trip worthwhile.

We went into Georgetown and visited the Brown County museum and spent some time looking through their vertical family files.  Searching the Wright family file, I found a copy of a letter that I had written to them back in 1990!

It is good to know that they keep materials!  I will have to send some updated research notes to them to add for future researchers.  I was able to make a few copies of some of the files on the Wright, Wardlow and other families I knew of in Brown County.  Being my first time at the museum, my research plan was not as well thought out as I would have liked. Now that I have a lay of the land, I will be able to plan a return trip and do more digging.

On our way back towards Indiana, we stopped back in Williamsburg at Harmony Hill and spoke with their museum folks and the Clermont County Historical Society as well.  I purchased a book on the Virginia Military District land grants that contained some information on Robert Wright, and picked up some materials for future research.

While at Harmony Hill, I mentioned that our John Wright was an early settler in Williamsburg with William Lytle, and the lady mentioned that the local cemetery had a marker to all of the Revolutionary War veterans.  Not knowing for sure that John was a veteran, nor knowing where he was buried, we took a chance and went to the cemetery on our way out of town.  We searched the old section but didn't find any markers that had the Wright name.  We did find the marker placed by the local SAR, that did not list any family names of ours as veterans buried there.

Not only did I have a good time researching mom's family history with her, but visited some beautiful areas of southwest Ohio.  I'm already planning to make a return trip to do more research.

George Wright FAN Club, 1850 census, Brown County, Ohio

George Wright appears in the 1850 census of Washington Township, Brown County, Ohio in dwelling 1556, family 1561.  The census lists George as a 69 year-old farmer, born in Pennsylvania, along with his wife, Elizabeth, age 68, also born in Pennsylvania.

In focusing on his FAN (Friends, Associates & Neighbors) club, I’ve looked into the neighboring ten households before and ten households afterwards to ensure that I’m covering all of his close neighbors.  What I’ve discovered is that, as expected, many of these families are inter-connected through marriage and have been part of the same network for several years.

In this analysis, I started with George’s household and then moved to through the ten households prior before picking up and working on the ten households after his enumeration.

Living in the same household as George and his wife, Elizabeth, are four other Wrights, including Samuel P., age 33, farmer, born in Ohio.  This is George’s known son. [His middle name was Pangburn, a potential clue to another family relationship.]  Samuel’s wife, Rebecca R., age 24, born in Ohio and their two children: Elizabeth S., aged 4, born in Ohio and George H., age 2, born in Ohio complete the household.

Next door is the family in dwelling 1555, family 1560 headed by John Wright, age 35, farmer, born in Ohio.  This is also George’s known son.  John’s wife, Anne, age 34, born in Ohio and their five children : Elizabeth J., age 14, born in Ohio; Joseph, age 12, born in Ohio; Nancy, age 9, born in Ohio; Mary, age 7, born in Ohio and Maxamelia, age 4, born in Ohio complete the household.  [These names all match the 1883 sketch of John Wright’s family in the History of Brown County, Ohio.  I descend from John’s son, Joseph.]

The family in dwelling 1554, family 1559 is headed by John Robbins, age 52, farmer, born in Pennsylvania.  Living in the household are Mary, age 23, born in Ohio; William, age 20, born in Ohio; Elizabeth, age 19, born in Ohio; Sarah, age 17, born in Ohio; George, age 14, born in Ohio; Cecilia, age 12, born in Ohio; Amos, age 6, born in Ohio; and Lydia, age 4, born in Ohio. [Could this be a brother to George's wife, Elizabeth Robins/Robbins?]

The family in dwelling 1553, family 1558 is headed by William P. Hindman, age 24, born in Ohio.  Living in the household are Amanda, age 25, born in Ohio and Caroline A., age 2, born in Ohio.

The family in dwelling 1552, family 1557 is headed by Allen Hendrixson, age 33, farmer, born in Kentucky.  Living in the household are Sarah, age 30, born in Ohio; Elizabeth, age 9, born in Ohio; George, age 8, born in Ohio; William M., age 5, born in Ohio; Nancy, age 2, born in Ohio and Susana, age 6 months, born in Ohio. [Allen Hendrixson married Sarah Ann Wright on October 24, 1839 in Brown County, Ohio.  Sarah was the daughter of George and Elizabeth (Robins) Wright]

The family in dwelling 1551, family 1556 is headed by William Hindman, age 62, farmer, born in Kentucky.  Living in the household are Nancy, age 58, born in Pennsylvania;  William, age 7, born in Indiana; as well as Martha J. Huggins, age 32, born in Ohio; Vilena Huggins, age 8, born in Ohio; and Eveline Davis, age 15, born in Ohio.   

The family in dwelling 1550, family 1555 is headed by Mary Robins, age 50, born in Ohio.  Living in the household are John, carpenter, age 26, born in Ohio; Josiah, carpenter, age 25, born in Ohio; Samuel, carpenter, age 19, born in Ohio; Lucinda, age 17, born in Ohio and William M., farmer, age 15, born in Ohio.

The family in dwelling 1549, family 1554 is headed by Jonathan W. Riley, age 26, miller, born in Ohio.  Living in the household are Olive, age 29, born in Ohio; John O., age 4, born in Illinois and Rosella, age 2, born in Ohio.

The family in dwelling 1548, family 1553 is headed by John W. Riley, age 60, miller, born in North Carolina.  Living in the household are Sarah, age 58, born in Kentucky; Elizabeth, age 24, born in Ohio and Thirza, age 17, born in Ohio.

The family in dwelling 1547, family 1552 is headed by Thomas Purdy, age 28, farmer, born in Pennsylvania.  Living in the household are Lucinda, age 24, born in Ohio, and William T., age 2, born in Ohio.

The family in dwelling 1546, family 1551 is headed by William Wilson, age 50, farmer, born in Virginia.  Living in the household are Sarah, age 49, born in Pennsylvania; Elizabeth, age 22, born in Ohio; Sarah A., age 16, born in Ohio; Martin, age 14, born in Ohio; Josiah, age 9, born in Ohio and Letty J., age 7, born in Ohio.

This ends the enumeration of the ten households prior to George Wright in Washington Township, Brown County, Ohio in the 1850 census.  Next I will focus on the ten households afterwards.

The family in dwelling 1557, family 1562 is headed by John T. Reeves, age 38, farmer, born in Ohio.  Living in the household are Eliza, age 39, born in Ohio; Frances, age 19, born in Ohio; William R., age 16, born in Ohio; Rebecca, age 14, born in Ohio; John R., age 7, born in Ohio; Daniel Smith, age 19, laborer, born in Ohio and Sybil Jacobs, age 81, born in Virginia. [John T. Reeves married Elizabeth Jacobs, daughter of William & Sybil (Little) Jacobs - another branch of my family.]

The family in dwelling 1558, family 1563 is headed by James Calvin, age 39, farmer, born in Ohio.  Living in the household are Matilda, age 30, born Ohio; David, age 12, born in Ohio; Mary J., age 8, born in Ohio; Christena, age 6, born in Ohio; Martha J., age 4, born in Ohio and John T., age 2, born in Ohio.

The family in dwelling 1559, family 1564 is headed by Jane Calvin, age 66, born in Virginia.  Living in the household are Albert, age 32, farmer, born in Ohio; Robert, age 30, farmer, born in Ohio; Luther, age 28, farmer, born in Ohio and Jane, age 26, born in Ohio. [Believe this is the Jane Wardlow who married Joseph Calvin January 12, 1805 in Clermont County, Ohio.  Jane was the daughter of Robert & Janet (Downey) Wardlow.]

The family in dwelling 1560, family 1565 is headed by Morris Vance, age 33, farmer, born in Ohio.  Living in the household are Nancy, age 33, born in Ohio; Margaret, age 10, born in Ohio; Jane, age 9, born in Ohio; James H.P., age 5, born in Ohio; John, age 3, born in Ohio; Joseph, age 1, born in Ohio and Abraham S., aged 1 month born in Ohio.  [Morris Vance married Nancy Calvin, daughter of Joseph & Jane (Wardlow) Calvin.]

The family in dwelling 1561, family 1566 is headed by Margaret Wardlow, age 44, born in North Carolina.  Living in the household are Elizabeth J., age 17, born in Ohio; Catherine S., age 14, born in Ohio; Jacob W., age 12, born in Ohio; Margaret, age 9, born in Ohio;  James, age 7, born in Ohio and Thomas G., age 3, born in Ohio. [Believe this is Margaret (Hoss) Wardlow, who married Philander Wardlow on December 26, 1822 in Brown County, Ohio.  He died August 25, 1847 and was the son of William and Isabel (Nesbit) Wardlow.]

The family in dwelling 1562, family 1567 is headed by Matilda Wardlow, age 30, born in Ohio.  Living in the household is Isabella, age 70, born in Virginia and David, age 17, born in Ohio.  [Believe this is Matilda, daughter of William and Isabel (Nesbit) Wardlow.]

The family in dwelling 1563, family 1568 is headed by Ellis M. Dye, age 41, farmer, born in Ohio.  Living in the household are Margaret, age 38, born in Ohio; Sarah J., age 16, born in Ohio; James H., age 14, born in Ohio; Matilda A., age 12, born in Ohio; David G., age 9, born in Ohio; Noah E., age 7, born in Ohio; Mary A., age 5, born in Ohio; Mary A., age 5, born in Ohio; John R., age 3, born in Ohio and Henry P., age 1, born in Ohio.

The family in dwelling 1564, family 1569 is headed by Patrick Vance, age 43, farmer, born in Ohio.  Living in the household is Rebecca, age 43, born in Ohio; Ruth, age 20, born in Ohio; John, age 18, born in Ohio; Elizabeth, age 16, born in Ohio; David, age 12, born in Ohio; Daniel, age 10, born in Ohio; McKea, age 8, born in Ohio; William W., age 5, born in Ohio and Jesse H., age 2, born in Ohio.

The family in dwelling 1565, family 1570 is headed by William Vance, age 46, farmer, born in Kentucky.  Living in the household is Margaret J., age 25, born in Ohio; Joseph C., age 23, farmer, born in Ohio; Lydia A.M., age 19, born in Ohio; Mary M., age 17, born in Ohio; Sysena, age 15, born in Ohio; Sophrona, age 12, born in Ohio; William H.H., age 10, born in Ohio; Thomas C.H., age 6, born in Ohio; Lafayette S., age 4, born in Ohio; and Hanson L.P., age 1, born in Ohio.

The family in dwelling 1566, dwelling 1571 is headed by Hysom Moler, age 34, farmer, born in Kentucky.  Living in the household is Nancy A., age 27, born in Ohio; Thomas S., age 8, born in Ohio; James L., age 6, born in Ohio; Matilda A., aged 3, born in Ohio; Henry H., age 1, born in Ohio and Margaret, age 16, born in Ohio.

I will be adding these names and family members to my spreadsheet of George's FAN club and begin searching for additional clues that might tie them to George, either through marriage or land records.  

If you have any connection or are related to any of these families, I would love to hear from you.

Wright Family Bible Record, Brown County, Ohio

Received these copies of seven pages from the Brown County Genealogical Society, Georgetown, Ohio of a family Bible that contained information about my Wright family, particularly George Wright (1780-1853).  According to the note attached to the copies, the Bible is owned by Charles Henderson of Locust Ridge, Ohio.  I do not know how Mr. Henderson fits into my Wright family.

This first page has the typewritten note on the side "Bible owned by Charles Henderson of Locust Ridge, Ohio".

PARENT'S RECORD

FATHER

George Wright born July 31, 1780

MOTHER

Elisabeth Wright born June 16, 1781

There is another name written under Elisabeth, "U.C. Malott departed this Life the 13th day of Feb. 1902"

George Wright (1780-1853) is my maternal 5th-great grandfather.  His wife was Elizabeth Robins (1781-1857).  Their dates of birth in my database match this Bible record, though my sources were family group sheets that may have been derived from this particular Bible record. I do not know who the U.C. Malott is, though it is obviously from a different handwriting.  I did find a FindAGrave record for a Uriah C. Malott (1821-1902). 

 BIRTHS

 William R. Hall born Dec. 24, 1817

Susannah Wright born May 21, 1819

John Wright born Nov. 7, 1814

Samuel P. Wright born Sept. 22, 1816

Sarah Wright born Nov. 22, 1821

Asenath Wright born June 25, 1825

William R. Hall is William Riley Hall, the husband of Susannah Wright, daughter of George & Elizabeth (Robins) Wright.  The other Wright's listed : John, Samuel P., Sarah and Asenath are all children of George & Elizabeth.  One known child is not listed, that being Rebecca A., born circa 1826.  These birth dates match my database, except for John's birth, which I had as November 4, 1814.  Again, my dates come from family group sheets that may have been compiled from these Bible records, sort of a circular reference.

 MARRIAGES

William R. Hall and Elisabeth Susannah Wright was united in Wedlock Oct. 29th 1840

Sidney Ogden and Susannah Hall was united in wedlock Oct 2, 1857 

This is the marriage record of William Riley Hall and Susannah Wright (daughter of George and Elizabeth (Robins) Wright.  They were married in Brown County, Ohio.  William died May 22, 1855, and Susannah remarried to Sidney Ogden on October 2, 1857 in Brown County, Ohio.  This makes me believe that the Bible was passed down through Susannah's heirs.

 This fourth page from the Genealogical Society is actually the same as the first page, notating the births of George and Elizabeth Wright.  However, at the top of the page, someone has written "This is George Wright b. 1780 s/o John & Sarah Fleming.  George is a brother to Joseph b. 1798".   I have George as being the son of John and Sarah (Fleming) Wright as well, with a brother Joseph, b. 1798.  However, I've yet to find a record anywhere that gives Sarah's maiden name.  I believe that this record from the society may be where the Fleming name has come into the record.

The fifth page from the society is actually the same as the second page above, containing the birth records.  On this page, someone has written the names of the family members below, apparently an attempt to make them easier to read.

William P. Hall

Susannah Wright

John Wright

Samuel P. Wright

Sarah Wright

Asenath Wright

 

 

 

The sixth page from the society was the marriages, which was a duplicate of the third page above, showing the two marriages of Susannah Wright, the first to William R. Hall, the second to Sidney Ogden.

 The seventh page from the society contains the listings of the deaths in the family.

DEATHS

George Wright deceased August 15, 1853

Elizabeth Wright deceased Nov.  23, 1857

Sarah Hendrixson deceased Feb 9, 1858

This is the death mention for my 5th-great grandparents, George and Elizabeth (Robins) Wright.  The dates match what I have in my database, though the date for Elizabeth I had November 22nd.  The Sarah Hendrixson is their daughter, Sarah Wright (b. 1820) who married Allen Hendrixson in 1839 in Brown County, Ohio.

It would appear that what the Brown County Genealogical Society has provided are copies from a multi-generational family Bible.  Likely one of George and Elizabeth (Robins) Wright's children possessed this Bible and then it passed on to other members of the family.  The birth and death dates are recorded for George and Elizabeth, as well as the births of five of their six children, the death of one and the marriage record of another.  My guess is that it was used by Susannah (Wright) Hall Odgen, since both of her marriages are recorded.

How the Malott name is connected to the family and how the Charles Henderson who now possesses the Bible is related will be a mystery for another day.

 

 

 

On This Day : August 8

1652 - Joseph SCHÜRCH born.  Joseph was the son of Peter SCHÜRCH and Anna REINHARD.


1706 - Nicholas FESSENDEN married Sarah Parker COOLEDGE.  Nicholas was the son of Nicholas FESSENDEN and Margaret CHENEY.


1707 - Thomas BROUGHTON born.  Thomas was the son of John BROUGHTON and Hannah BASCOM.


1711 - Esther WILLSON born.  Esther was the son of Samuel WILLSON and Hester OVERTON.


1722 - Rebecca ALLEN born.  Rebecca was the daughter of John ALLEN and Amy COX.


1725 - Ann LEWIS born.  Ann was the daughter of John LEWIS and Anna CLARKE.


1769 - Rebecca HILLYARD born in Burlington County, New Jersey.  Rebecca was the daughter of Isaac HILLIER and Sarah HAINES.


1787 - David OSBORNE married Lydia DAVIS in Guilford County, North Carolina.  David was the son of Matthew OSBORNE and Mary REYNOLDS.


1791 - John WRIGHT born.  John was the son of John WRIGHT and Sarah FLEMING.


1810 - Mary ROBINS married Samuel PANGBURN in Allegheny County, Pennsylvania.  Mary was the daughter of Obadiah ROBINS and Susannah HODGKINS.


1824 - Cornelius S. DAVIS born. Cornelius was the son of Nathan J. DAVIS and Keziah DAVIS.


1832 - Cornelius ANTONIDES died.  Cornelius was the son of Pieter ANTONIDES and Catherine VANDERVEER.


1836 - Robert Conway RINEHART died in Henry County, Indiana.  Robert was the son of Jacob RINEHART and Mary ADNEY.


1839 - Sarah Springer CHEW married Lemuel Daugherty BECKETT in Gloucester County, New Jersey.  Sarah was the daughter of Elisha Dunham CHEW and Elizabeth HERITAGE.


1853 - Nathan HUNT died.  Nathan was the son of William HUNT and Sarah MILLS.


1856 - James Smith MAXSON born in Wisconsin.  James was the son of Jonathan MAXSON and Christiana DAVIS.


1860 - Charles Alexander West CHEW born in Darke County, Ohio.  Charles was the son of Ezekiel Cooper CHEW and Caroline Bishop WOOLSTON.


1881 - Franklin Ault LEE born in Bledsoe County, Tennessee.  Franklin was the son of William M. LEE and Elizabeth BROWN.


1902 - Erma M. RANTS born.  Erma was the daughter of Homer RANTS and Caroline KADERLY.


1905 - Erma Rhea BERGMAN born in Jay County, Indiana.  Erma was the daughter of George Calvin BERGMAN and Nora May STOLZ.


1905 - Anderson LEE died in Bledsoe County, Tennessee.  Anderson was the son of Burrell Russell LEE and Louhaney SWAFFORD.


1921 - Opul Louise CUMMINGS died in Clay Township, Dunklin County, Missouri.  Opul was the daughter of John James CUMMINGS and Zella May MEREDITH.

On This Day : June 16

1655 - Susannah STANLEY died in Massachusetts.  Susannah was my 11x-great grandmother.


1699 - Martha BROWN born.  Martha was the daughter of Rev. Ichabod BROWN and Martha WOODBURY.  Martha was my 8x-great grandmother.


1702 - Richard HERITAGE died in Gloucester County, New Jersey.  Richard was my 10x-great grandfather.


1730 - John FESSENDEN born in Cambridge, Middlesex County, Massachusetts.  John was the son of William FESSENDEN and Martha BROWN.


1743 - Amos ROGERS born.  Amos was the son of Nathan ROGERS and Martha DAVIS.


1771 - Anna Marie Ilsbein KAHRE died.  Anna was the daughter of Johann Jurgen KAHRE and Anna Catherine Elisabeth OBERMEIER.


1781 - Elizabeth ROBINS born in Pennsylvania.  Elizabeth was the daughter of Obadiah ROBINS and Susannah HODGKINS.  Elizabeth was my 5x-great grandmother.


1785 - Mary STILLMAN died.  Mary was the daughter of John DAVIS and Elizabeth MAXSON.


1790 - Jacob BAILEY born in West Greenwich, Rhode Island.  Jacob was the son of Silas BAILEY and Amy STILLMAN.


1832 - Hanna HODGKINS born in Brown County, Ohio.  Hanna was the daughter of Samuel James HODGKINS and Lydia ________.


1849 - Hannah LEMASTERS died in Shelby County, Ohio.  Hannah was my 4x-great grandmother.


1850 - Elizabeth Ann CARTER married Ahimaaz KENDALL in Indiana.  Elizabeth was the daughter of John CARTER and Sarah BEALS.


1857 - Nathan MAXSON died in Hocking County, Ohio.  Nathan was the son of Jonathan MAXSON and Mary MAGDILINE.


1859 - Hannah Maria WOOLSTON died.  Hannah was the daughter of Abel B. WOOLSTON and Rachel WOOLSTON.


1862 - George BROWN died in Goderich, Huron County, Ontario, Canada.  George was the son of George BROWN and Isabelle NEALE.


1876 - Elihu BEALS died.  Elihu was the son of Solomon BEALS and Catherine HARROLD.


1879 - Parmelia DAVIS died in Pardee, Kansas.  Parmelia was the daughter of Zebulon MAXSON and Mary DAVIS.


1903 - Naomi Agnes RICHARDS married Thomas John JONES.  Naomi was the daughter of John Thomas RICHARDS and Mary Jane CROCKETT.


1909 - William P. WEHRLY died in Salamonia, Jay County, Indiana.  William was the son of Johannes WEHRLY and Barbara PETRY.  William was my 2x-great grandfather.


1910 - Jesse WRIGHT married Hazel M. O'BRYANT in Madison County, Indiana.  Jesse was the son of Joseph W. WRIGHT and Rebecca Ann HEATON.


1970 - Gordon Louis METZNER died in Cleveland, Cuyahoga County, Ohio.  Gordon was the son of Albert Louis METZNER and Linnea Henrietta CHRISTENSEN.


2001 - Clara Elnora KUNCE died in Marshall, Clark County, Illinois.  Clara was the daughter of Eli Weldon HALEY and Cora Belle METZNER.

On This Day : February 11

1541 - John CLARKE born in Westhorpe, Suffolk, England.  John was the son of John CLARKE and Margaret ________.  John was my 11x great-grandfather.


1637 - Elizabeth CLAYTON born in Boxgrove Parish, Susex, England.  Elizabeth was the daughter of William CLAYTON and Joan SMITH.


1677 - Elizabeth ROBEY died.  Elizabeth was the daughter of Thomas PHILBRICK and Elizabeth ________.


1720 - Remember BABCOCK born.  Remember was the daughter of Robert BABCOCK and Lydia CRANDALL.


1745 - James WRIGHT died in Scotland.  James was the son of Alexander WRIGHT and Mary FERGUS.


1742 - Sarah CHAMNESS born in Frederick County, Maryland.  Sarah was the daughter of Anthony CHAMNESS and Sarah COLE.


1758 - Sarah MAXSON born in Hopkington, Rhode Island.  Sarah was the daughter of John MAXSON and Sarah BURDICK.


1779 - Charity MILLS married Samuel HOGGATT.  Charity was the daughter of Henry MILLS and Hannah THORNBURG.


1758 - Milety BURDICK born.  Milety was the daughter of Nathan BURDICK and Goodeth MAXSON.


1758 - Esther STILLMAN married George STILLMAN.  Esther was the daughter of Joseph STILLMAN and Mary MAXSON.


1790 - Prudence MAXSON married Benjamin STILLMAN.  Prudence was the daughter of Torey MAXSON and Martha LANPHERE.


1790 - Mary ROBINS born.  Mary was the daughter of Obadiah ROBINS and Susannah HODGKINS.


1838 - Mehala NAUSLER married Bill ALLISON in Hendricks County, Indiana.  Mehala was the daughter of Bostin NOSLER and Sarah KIRK.


1839 - Margaret JACOBS born in Congress Township, Wayne County, Ohio.  Margaret was the daughter of David JACOBS and Barbara BYERS.


1840 - Jemima UNTHANK died in Guilford County, North Carolina.  Jemima was the daughter of Thomas HUNT and Ann BEALS.


1849 - Nancy J. PENISTEN born.  Nancy was the daughter of George PENISTEN and Amanda Melvina CAWGILL.


1852 - Mahlon WILLSON died in Sussex County, New Jersey.  Mahlon was the son of Samuel WILLSON and Deborah COLLINS.  Mahlon was my 6x great-grandfather.


1857 - Jethro Randolph DAVIS born.  Jethro was the son of Cornelius S. DAVIS and Elizabeth Johnson SUTTON.


1858 - William Dorson JACOBS born in Perry Township, Ashland County, Ohio.  William was the son of William JACOBS and Catherine EICHELBERGER.


1869 - Mary BYERS married William HAGEN in Wayne County, Ohio.  Mary was the daughter of Abraham BYERS and Mary STICKEL.


1869 - James A. SLOAN married Laura Elizabeth SANDERSON.  James was the son of Henderson SLOAN and Rebecca A. SWAFFORD.


1885 - Minnie Belle LANGWELL married John M. DAVIS in Owen County, Indiana.  Minnie was the daughter of Joseph LANGWELL and Fanny REYNOLDS.


1888 - Cleta SWAFFORD born.  Cleta was the daughter of James J. SWAFFORD and Elizabeth Ann Gant HANKINS.


1900 - Ethel Mabel BEALS died in Hamilton County, Indiana.  Ethel was the daughter of Nathan Thomas BEALS and Elizabeth Caroline POE.

Brothers, Neighbors and Friends

John Wright household, 1850  U.S. census, population schedule, Washington Township, Brown County, Ohio, USA, dwelling 1555, family 1560; National Archives micropublication M432, roll 662.

The John Wright household was enumerated in Washington Township, Brown County, Ohio in the 1850 census on September 18th.  They were dwelling 1555 and family 1560, nestled in between the families of John Robbins and George Wright.  George Wright was John's father, John Robbins has not yet been identified, but may be John Wright's uncle.  John Wright was my maternal 4x great-grandfather.


In 1850, John Wright was a 35 year old farmer, born in Ohio.  The census lists no real estate, so he may have been renting from his father.  John's wife, Anne, was 34 years old, could not read or write, and was also born in Ohio.  The couple's children were listed as Elizabeth, aged 14 born in Ohio; Joseph, aged 12 born in Ohio; Nancy, aged 9 born in Ohio; Mary, aged 7 born   in Ohio; and Maxamila, aged 4 born in Ohio.  Elizabeth, Joseph and Nancy had all attended school within the year.


Right next door was John's father, George Wright.  In 1850, George Wright was a 69 year old farmer, born in Pennsylvania.  The value of his real estate was listed at $ 2500.  George's wife, Elizabeth, was 68 years old, and was also born in Pennsylvania.  Also in the household was the Samuel P. Wright family - son of George and brother to John, above.  Samuel was a 33 year old farmer, born in Ohio, with real estate valued at $ 20.  Samuel's wife, Rebecca R., was 24 years old and born in Ohio.  The couple's children were listed as Elizabeth S, aged 4 born in Ohio; George H, aged 2 born in Ohio; and John R., aged 8 months born in Ohio.


The makeup of these families was known to me for several years, as I've had them in my database, yet until today I hadn't entered source data from the census and looked at the family dynamics.  By 1853 and 1857, respectively, both George and Anne [or Anna] Wright would have passed away.


Next door to George Wright was the household of John T. Reeves.  In 1850, John T. Reeves was a 38 year old farmer, born in Ohio.  The value of his real estate was listed at $ 800, and he could not read or write.  John's wife, Elizabeth, was 39 years old and was likewise born in Ohio and could not read or write.  The couple's children were listed as Frances, aged 17 born in Ohio; William R., aged 16 born in Ohio; Rebecca, aged 14 born in Ohio; and John R., aged 4 born in Ohio.  A boarder, Daniel Smith, aged 19 born in Ohio and a laborer was also listed in the household.  Finally, Sybil Jacobs, aged 81 born in Virginia was also listed.  Sybil (Littell) Jacobs was my 6x maternal great-grandmother.


The next two families are the Calvin families, which I believe to be related to the Wardlow/Wardlaw families - another line from which I am descended.


It is interesting to see how these families and neighbors were close together.  Though the Wright's and Jacobs lines were not related, a few years later when Joseph Wright [listed in the John Wright household above] married Rebecca Heaton [Sybil Jacobs' great-granddaughter], the two families were connected.  Joseph and Rebecca were my 3x great-grandparents.

Surname Saturday : WRIGHT

The WRIGHT surname is in my maternal line.  The origins of the surname are Scottish.


Stories and history:


Ahnentafel # 12: Virgil Lee Wright (1894-1972).  Virgil was born July 6, 1894 in Orestes, Madison County, Indiana.  He married June 19, 1915 in Alexandria, Madison County, Indiana to Edna Muriel "Peach" Pierce (1897-1968).  Edna was born February 7, 1897 in Madison County, Indiana.  They raised three children in Monroe Township, Madison County, Indiana where Virgil was a farmer.  Edna died March 3, 1968 in Anderson, Madison County, Indiana.  Virgil died March 25, 1972 in Alexandria, Madison County, Indiana.  Both are buried in the Park View Cemetery, Alexandria, Madison County, Indiana.


Ahnentafel # 24: John William Wright (1860-1945).  John was born February 21, 1860 in Brown County, Ohio.  He married May 13, 1888 in Madison County, Indiana to Ellen King (1868-1913).  Ellen was born August 24, 1868 in Frankton, Madison County, Indiana.  They lived in Monroe Township, Madison County, Indiana and were the parents of two surviving children.  Ellen died December 24, 1913 in Monroe Township, Madison County, Indiana.  John married secondly in Madison County, Indiana to Margaret Lewis (1872-    ).  Margaret was born August 19, 1872 in Pittsburgh, Allegheny County, Pennsylvania.  Nothing further is known about her at this time.  John died June 5, 1945 in Monroe Township, Madison County, Indiana.  John and Ellen are buried in the Odd Fellows Cemetery, Alexandria, Madison County, Indiana.


Ahnentafel # 48: Joseph Wright (1838-1919).  Joseph was born April 1838 in Brown County, Ohio.  He married in Schuyler County, Missouri on November 1, 1857 to Rebecca Ann Heaton (1841-1890).  Rebecca was born in 1841 in Brown County, Ohio.  They lived briefly in Schuyler County, Missouri before returning to Brown County, Ohio and came to Madison County, Indiana after the Civil War.  They had 9 children.  Rebecca died March 25, 1890 in Monroe Township, Madison County, Indiana.  Joseph married secondly on April 11, 1891 in Madison County, Indiana to Dorothy Palmer (1837-1926).  Dorothy was born June 1837 in Pennsylvania and died March 4, 1926 in Monroe Township, Madison County, Indiana.  Joseph died September 16, 1919 in Monroe Township, Madison County, Indiana.  All are buried in the Odd Fellows Cemetery, Alexandria, Madison County, Indiana.


Ahnentafel # 96: John Wright (1814-1890).  John was born November 4, 1814 in Pleasant Township, Brown County, Ohio.  He married September 9, 1834 in Brown County, Ohio to Anna Wardlow (1816-1893).  Anna was born April 23, 1816 in Brown County, Ohio.  They raised 6 children in Washington Township, Brown County, Ohio where John was a farmer.  John served as County Commissioner and County Treasurer for Brown County.  Anna died October 4, 1893 in Brown County, Ohio.  John died June 10, 1890 in Brown County, Ohio.  Both are buried in Wardlow Cemetery # 2, Washington Township, Brown County, Ohio.


Ahnentafel # 192: George Wright (1780-1853).  George was born July 31, 1780 in Pennsylvania.  He married January 27, 1812 in Adams County, Ohio to Elizabeth Robins (1781-1857).  Elizabeth was born June 16, 1781 in Pennsylvania.  They raised 6 children in Brown County, Ohio.  George was a veteran of the War of 1812.  Elizabeth died November 22, 1857 in Brown County, Ohio.  George died August 5, 1853 in Brown County, Ohio.


Ahnentafel # 384: John Wright (1755-1810).  John was baptized April 13, 1755 in Cambridge, Middlesex County, Massachusetts.  He married before 1780 to Sarah Fleming.  I do not have dates of birth or death for Sarah.  They came from Pennsylvania to Kentucky and then Ohio at the time of statehood.  They had 9 children.  John died October 15, 1810 in Clemont County, Ohio.


Ahnentafel # 768: Deacon John Wright (1727-1772).  John was born February 10, 1727 in Freuchie, Falkland Parish, Fife, Scotland.  He married February 15, 1753 in Cambridge, Middlesex County, Massachusetts to Hannah Fessenden (1732-1800).  Hannah was born August 15, 1732 in Cambridge, Middlesex County, Massachusetts.  They raised 5 children in Cambridge.  John was a surgeon's mate in the French & Indian War.  Hannah died December 9, 1800 in Cambridge, Middlesex County, Massachusetts.  John died June 1772 off the coast of Anamaboo, New Guinea while serving as a medical missionary.


Ahnentafel # 1536: Robert Wright (1688-1749).  Robert was born April 23, 1688 in Logie, Perth, Scotland.  He married June 24, 1718 in Logie, Perth, Scotland to Elizabeth Henderson (1698-1790).  Elizabeth was born December 18, 1698 in Logie, Perth Scotland.  They raised 12 children.  Elizabeth died April 22, 1790 in Edinburgh, Midlothian, Scotland.  Robert died December 13, 1749 in Foodie, Fife, Scotland.  Robert is buried in the cemetery of the Parish Church of Darsie, Scotland.  Elizabeth is buried in the Chapel of Ease Burying Ground, Edinburgh, Midlothian, Scotland.


Ahnentafel # 3072: Alexander Wright (    -1708).  Alexander married in 1672 to Mary Fergus (    -1732).  They had 5 children and held land in Parish of Falkland, Scotland.  Mary died November 1732.  Alexander died January 1708.


Ahnentafel # 6144: James Wright (c1615-1674).  James was born circa 1615.  He married October 22, 1639 to Elizabeth Linton (    -1672).  Elizabeth was from Pendreich, Scotland.  They raised 7 children.  James purchased the estate of Drumdrouls and Haughhed in the Parish of Dunblane and Shire of Perth.  Elizabeth died February 1672 in Scotland.  James died in 1674.


Ahnentafel # 12288: Patrick Wright. Nothing further is known at this time.


Ahnentafel # 244576:  James Wright.  James married at Denny, Scotland to Marion Young.  Nothing further is known at this time.


Related blog posts:

• John Wright Cemetery Plot: I.O.O.F. Cemetery

• What Happened to Grandma's Babies?

• Great Grandma Made the Funnies (sort of)

• The Second Mrs. Wright

• Ellen (King) Wright (1868-1913)

• Sentimental Sunday: Memories of Virgil Lee Wright (1894-1972)

• John William Wright (1860-1945)

• Marriage: Joseph Wright to Dorothy Palmer

• Tombstone Tuesday: Joseph W. and Rebecca Ann (Heaton) Wright

• Tombstone Tuesday: John William and Ellen (King) Wright

• Virgil Lee Wright : World War II Draft Registration

• Happy Anniversary: Joseph W. and Rebecca Ann (Heaton) Wright

• Edna Muriel (Pierce) Wright (1897-1968)

• Virgil Lee Wright (1894-1972)

• No will?  No problem...if you can find a deed

• Tombstone Tuesday : Virgil Lee and Edna Muriel (Pierce) Wright

• Virgil Lee and Edna Muriel (Pierce) Wright : Death certificates

• Obituary : John William Wright (1860-1945)

• Will of George Wright (1853): Brown County, Ohio

• George Wright, cabinetmaker?

• Obituary: Dorothy (Palmer) Wright (1837-1926)

• Obituary: Virgil Lee Wright (1894-1972)

• Obituary : Joseph Wright (1838-1919)

Surname Saturday – create a post in which you discuss a surname and mention its origins, its geographical location(s) and how it fits into your genealogy research. Surname Saturday is an ongoing series at GeneaBloggers.

Family Milestones: September 22nd

My maternal 4th-great granduncle, Samuel Pangburn WRIGHT, was born on this date in 1816 in Adams County, Ohio.  Samuel was the son of George and Elizabeth (ROBINS) WRIGHT, and the younger brother of my John WRIGHT.  Samuel married April 17, 1845 to Rebecca Ruth HALL.  Rebecca's parentage is unknown.  Rebecca was born circa 1825 in Ohio.  They raised 6 children in Brown County, Ohio.  Samuel died February 1860 in Brown County, Ohio. Rebecca was still living at the time of the 1860 census in Washington Township, Brown County, Ohio.

Family Milestones: September 9th

My maternal 3rd-great granduncle, Cornelius KING, married on this date in 1841 in Marion County, Indiana to Mary Ann BARNETT.  Cornelius was the son of William and Sarah (SULLIVAN) KING, and the older brother of my Daniel KING.  Cornelius was born circa 1815 in Indiana.  Mary Ann was born in 1821 in Ohio.  They raised 7 children in Indianapolis, where Cornelius was a lumber dealer.  Mary Ann died between 1860 and 1865.  Cornelius died April 6, 1887 in Marion County, Indiana.  Both are buried in Crown Hill Cemetery, Indianapolis, Marion County, Indiana.  One source states that Mary Ann was originally buried at the Green Lawn cemetery in Indianapolis.


My maternal 4th-great grandparents, John WRIGHT and Anna WARDLOW, were married on this date in 1834 in Brown County, Ohio.  John was the son of George and Elizabeth (ROBINS) WRIGHT.  Anna was the daughter of Samuel and Elizabeth (NESBIT) WARDLAW.  John was born November 4, 1814 in Pleasant Township, Brown County, Ohio.  Anna was born April 23, 1816 in Brown County, Ohio.  They raised 6 children in Washington Township, Brown County, Ohio.  John was was a farmer and County Commissioner and County Treasurer.  John died June 10, 1890 in Brown County, Ohio.  Anna died October 4, 1893 in Brown County, Ohio.  Both are buried in the Wardlow Cemetery # 2, Washington Township, Brown County, Ohio.


My maternal 4th-great grandaunt, Sara Tira CROCKETT, was married on this date in 1839 in Owen County, Indiana to Peter F. LIVINGSTON.  Sara was the daughter of David and Mary Ann (NOSLER) CROCKETT, and the older sister of my Mary Ann CROCKETT.  Sara was born March 6, 1821 in Tennessee.  Peter's parentage and dates of birth and death are unknown.  Sara died March 11, 1882 in Owen County, Indiana.  Nothing further is known at this time.


My paternal great-grandaunt, Beulah Sarah LeMASTERS, was born on this date in 1866 in Jay County, Indiana.  Beulah was the daughter of Luman Walker and Mary Keziah (CHEW) LeMASTERS, and the older sister of my Luman Cooper LeMASTERS.  Beulah married on November 27, 1888 in Jay County, Indiana to Lynn Lumas ROCKWELL.  Lynn was born September 15, 1865 in Pennsylvania.  They had 4 children.  Lynn died December 25, 1949 in Jay County, Indiana.  Beulah died July 16, 1940 in Ft. Recovery, Mercer County, Ohio.  Both are buried in the Salamonia Cemetery, Jay County, Indiana.


My maternal 2nd-great grandaunt, Jessie PENISTEN, was born on this date in 1870 in Madison County, Indiana.  Jessie was the daughter of John and Sarah (ALDERMAN) PENISTEN, and the younger sister of my Clara PENISTEN.  Jessie married September 24, 1920 in Madison County, Indiana to Lawrence SPENCE, son of Thomas and Suzan (BERRY) SPENCE.  Lawrence was born January 18, 1863 in Madison County, Indiana.  They lived in Alexandria, Madison County, Indiana.  Lawrence died March 29, 1961 in Indianapolis, Marion County, Indiana.  Jessie died February 27, 1948 in Alexandria, Madison County, Indiana.


My maternal 3rd-great granduncle, John Franklin BEALS, was born on this date in Westfield, Hamilton County, Indiana.  John was the son of John T. and Mary (DAVIS) BEALS, and the younger brother of my Nathan Thomas BEALS.  John married Dora FODERA, daughter of Alfred H. and Emily (________) FODERA. before 1890.  Dora was born July 1871 in Indiana.  They had at least one child.  Nothing further is known at this time.

Family Milestones: June 25th

My maternal 4th-great grandaunt, Asenath WRIGHT, was born on this date in 1825 in Brown County, Ohio.  Asenath was the daughter of George and Elizabeth (ROBINS) WRIGHT, and the younger sister of my John WRIGHT.  Asenath died July 28, 1830 in Brown County, Ohio.

My paternal 6th-great grandaunt, Sarah HAINES, was born on this date in 1737 in Burlington County, New Jersey.  Sarah was the daughter of Jeremiah and Hannah (BONNELL) HAINES, and the older sister of my Robert HAINES.  Sarah married in 1761 in Burlington County, New Jersey to Isaac HILLIER, son of Edward and Sarah (HAINES) HILLIER.  Isaac was born November 10, 1734.  They had 5 children.  Isaac died April 23, 1805.  Sarah died December 5, 1800 in Burlington County, New Jersey.

 

Family Milestones: May 21st

My maternal 3rd-great granduncle, John Vorhees LAMBERTSON, married on this date in 1854 in Butler County, Ohio to Hannah HUDSON.  John was the son of John and Sarah A. (WILLSON) LAMBERTSON, and the older brother of my Carey W. LAMBERTSON.  Hannah's parentage is unknown.  John was born August 17, 1833 in Belvidere, Warren County, New Jersey.  Hannah was born circa 1832 in Indiana.  John was a wagonmaker and Civil War veteran of the 88th Regiment, Ohio Volunteer Infantry.  They had 1 daughter.  Hannah died between the 1870 census and 1882, when John remarried.  John died August 30, 1914 in Farmersville, Montgomery County, Ohio.  He is buried in the Farmersville City Cemetery, Montgomery County, Ohio.


My maternal 4th-great grandaunt, Susannah WRIGHT, was born on this date in 1819 in Brown County, Ohio.  Susannah was the daughter of George and Elizabeth (ROBINS) WRIGHT, and the younger sister of my John WRIGHT.  Susannah married October 29, 1840 in Brown County, Ohio to William P. HALL.  She married secondly October 2, 1857 to Sidney OGDEN.  Nothing further is known at this time.


My paternal 5th-great granduncle, William R. HAINES, was born on this date in 1774 in Burlington County, New Jersey.  William was the son of Robert and Rachel (VENICOMB) HAINES, and the younger brother of my Hannah HAINES.  William married October 24, 1822 in Moorestown, Burlington County, New Jersey to Mary B. MULLEN, daughter of Samuel and Sarah (ATKINSON) MULLEN.  Mary was born January 4, 1794 in Burlington County, New Jersey.  Mary died February 2, 1862 in Mt. Holly, Burlington County, New Jersey.  William died June 10, 1825 in Burlington County, New Jersey.