WRIGHT-William A. - Fountain County INGenWeb Project

William A. WRIGHT, a progressive citizen and prosperous agriculturist of Fountain County, Ind is now residing upon the farm where in 1852, just two score years ago, he was born. His life has been a busy one, its various interests being closely identified with the growth and enterprise of his immediate neighborhood. To his earnest efforts, hearty aid and active cooperation with other energetic workers for the public welfare, many of the most substantial improvements of his locality are due. Appreciating the efficient service of our subject, his old-time friends and neighbors in 1890 elected him Trustee of Richland Township, a position whose duties he is well qualified to discharge with honor and ability. The father of William A. Wright was born upon mid-ocean, and may therefore be said to have been a man without a native country. His father and mother the paternal grandparents of our subject emigrated from Ireland in the very early part of this century. William Wright was an ambitious man, and resolved to try his fortune in the world beyond the seas. Ireland was his native home and the birthplace of his wife and little daughter Jane. Early associations and pleasant recollections bound them to the place of their nativity, but the hope of bettering their condition cheered them as they beheld the shores of Erin's Isle recede from their watchful view. While journeying across the broad Atlantic in 1803, the little family was increased in numbers by the birth of a fine, lusty boy, whom his happy parents named Thomas. The extra passenger arrived safely with his parents and sister in New York, but the family remained in the Empire State only a brief time. They first settled in Virginia, later removed to Maryland and finally located in Warren County, Ohio. To this family were afterward added two sons, Samuel and William. Thomas Wright, the father of our subject, learned the trade of a weaver from his father, who had served his apprenticeship in old Ireland and well understood the business. Weavers were in demand and employment at excellent renumeration was easily obtainable. In 1828 Thomas Wright and Elizabeth Snider were united in marriage. Two children were born to them, and Ezra still survives and resides in Warren County, Indiana. Mrs. Wright did not live many years and Mr. Wright again married, this lady, the mother of our subject, being Miss Martha Rohrer, a daughter of Jacob Rohrer. In 1840 Thomas Wright came with his family to Indiana and located in Fountain County where he bought a farm of 80acres but he continued to follow his trade until within a few years of his death. Four children of the 2nd marriage brightened the home with their presence, viz: Henry, now deceased; Mary J, who has been twice married and resides in Nebraska; William A, our subject and Melissa, wife of Joseph H. Miller of Sterling. William A. Wright enjoyed the full advantages of the public schools and completed his education in the State Normal Institution, and there prepared himself for the profession of teaching. As an instructor, our subject gave satisfaction and taught for some time, but finally devoted himself to the varied cares and duties of farming life. He owns about 216 acres, all well improved and much of it under a high state of cultivation. Mr. Wright is a well-informed citizen and takes an active interest in both national and local politics. His affiliations are with the Democratic party, of which he is a firm supporter. Fraternally, our subject is connected with the Ancient Free & Accepted Masons and is also a Knight Templar. In both of these associations he has many friends and widely known throughout the county, commands the respect and confidence of the entire business community. Mr. Wright has traveled extensively in the US and visited Europe in 1899, traveling in England, Ireland, Scotland and France. He has attended four expositions, viz: the Centennial Exposition at Philadelphia in 1876, the Cotton Exposition at New Orleans in 1885, the Paris Exposition in 1889 and the Columbian Exposition in 1893.