ROBERT WRIGHT, a representative native born citizen of the county, is one of the most prominent and influential agriculturists of Buffalo township, standing well with his neighbors, respected far and wide for his many good qualities of head and heart; one who has prospered in those things that make even the humblest life well worth living. Mr. Wright was born March 8, 1812, in Buffalo township, where he received his education at the subscription-schools of his boyhood days, which was supplemented by considerable home study and close reading. His paternal grandfather, William Wright, a native of Ireland, followed the trade of weaver in County Monaghan, in that country. He was there twice married, and had the following named children: William, Thomas, Robert, John and Samuel. In 1785 he came to America, and after a short sojourn in Chester county, Penn., settled in Buffalo township, this county, where he continued to follow his trade. Here he and his wife died. He was a member of the Associate Church, and in politics was a Whig.
Samuel Wright, father of subject, was born in Ireland in 1782, and when a young lad came with the rest of the family to America. In Buffalo township, this county, he commenced farming on a place which was then entirely wild, but which he and his family by dint of hard labor in course of time reduced to a condition of fertility. About 1804 he was married to Rachel, daughter of Thomas Hill, of Donegal township, but a native of Ireland, and their children were Mary (Mrs. Thomas Carson), William, Thomas, Robert, Samuel and John. all deceased except Robert. After the death of the mother of these children, which occurred February 8, 1817. Mr. Wright. married Mary Howe, who bore him three children: James, Ann (Mrs. Samuel Graham) and Rachel (all deceased). The father died January 24, 1849, in his sixty-eighth year; the mother December 5, 1841.
Robert Wright, whose name opens this sketch, in 1847 married Susanna, daughter of Samuel Neely, and one child, Robert N. (now a prosperous farmer in Donegal township), was born to them. The mother died in 1850, and June 18, 1857, Mr. Wright married Margaret L., daughter of Robert McNeal, of Claysville, this county, by which union there are two children: Mary (wife of Isaac Grimes) and John S., born October 14, 1865, now conducting the home farm (he was married September 30, 1890, to Miss Lou B. Crawford). After his first marriage, Robert Wright continued to live for some thirty years on the home place, the dwelling being an old log cabin, and then erected his present commodious residence, which is well situated, and admirably equipped with all modern improvements. The farm he cleared up and improved with his own hands. He and his worthy wife were originally connected with the Associate Church, but of late years they have been members of the United Presbyterian Church at South Buffalo, he being one of its most influential supporters, and a trustee of same. Mr. Wright has always taken an active part in politics, first as a Whig, then as a member of the Liberty party, and of late years as a Republican; and while taking an active interest in all movements for the good of the country, he has invariably avoided public preferments. By hard, honest work, judicious economy and sound judgment, he has secured a competence, being now one of the most extensive and prosperous farmers in his section. Since the above was written, Mr. Wright died December 27, 1892.
Robert McNeal, father of Mrs. Wright, was born February 3, 1789, and learned the trade of blacksmith. His parents came from Scotland at an early day, settling near Pittsburgh, Penn. Robert McNeal married Polly Long, and to them was born one child: Jane L. On January 4, 1825, he married Isabella Bonar, a native of Donegal township, Washington county, born December 26, 1797, and to them were born the following children: John H., who died May 3, 1859; James B., who enlisted in the war of 1861-65, and died in hospital September 4, 1864, from the effects of a wound received in the battle of Jonesborough; Nelson R., who served through the Civil war, and now resides in Donegal township; Margaret L. (Mrs. Robert Wright); Sarah F., deceased at the age of eight years. Mr. and Mrs. McNeal located in Claysville, Penn., where he followed his trade many years. He died November 28, 1863, his wife having preceded him across the river July 8, 1855.
Text taken from page 748 of:
Beers, J. H. and Co., Commemorative Biographical Record of Washington County, Pennsylvania (Chicago: J. H. Beers & Co., 1893).Transcribed January 1997 by Neil and Marilyn Morton of Oswego, IL as part of the Beers Project.
Published January 1997 on the Washington County, PA USGenWeb pages at http://www.chartiers.com/.[ [Back to Beers Table of Contents] [Back to Beers Project Page]