From the 1885 History of Steuben County, Indiana

pages 764-765

Henry Wright is a native of Salem Township, born May 29, 1850, a son of Elbridge and grandson of Jeptha Wright. Jeptha Wright was born in New Hampshire in June, 1788, and was married in his native State to Betsey Emerson. Soon after their marriage they moved to New York State, where their family of ten children was born. In early life he worked at the blacksmith's trade, but later bought a farm in Orleans County, N. Y. In 1837 he moved to Ypsilanti, Mich., where he bought an improved farm of eighty acres. The following fall he came to Steuben County for the purpose of getting land for his sons, several of whom had grown to manhood. He bought 133 acres on section 19, Salem Township. Being pleased with the country he decided to settle here, and accordingly returned to Michigan, and the following January moved his family to the pioneer home. The land he had bought was all unimproved. He built a log cabin and began at once to clear the land and prepare it for cultivation. His wife died May 19, 1848, and he subsequently married again. His second wife died March 6, 1872. He died in June, 1874, lacking only three days of being eight[y]-six years old. But three of his children are living -- Edward, of Fairfield Township, DeKalb County; Nathaniel E., living on the homestead, and Albert, of Oregon. The deceased who came with their parents to Steuben County were -- Mary Jane, who died July 15, 1841, was the wife of Edmond Taylor; Heman, died in 1847, leaving a family; Richard, died March 24, 1857, also left a family; Anson, died Oct. 10, 1858; Elbridge, died May 28, 1879. The latter was born in New York, Dec. 28, 1822. He married Martha Ann Cochran, a native of Ohio, born March 3, 1824. His farm, a part of which is owned by his son Henry, he bought soon after his marriage, and lived here till his death. His wife is still living on the homestead. Their family consisted of eight children, six of whom are living. Henry Wright married Mary E. Frederick, daughter of David Frederick, and has two children -- David E. and Charles E. After his marriage he bought eighty acres of land on section 21, which he improved. In April, 1881, he bought 160 acres of the homestead, on which he now lives.

Submitted by Kim Davoli

E-mail: davoli82@juno.com