The Wright Family History
Stephen Wright, a free black was born circa 1769. His origin and parentage is unknown; although it is a possibility that he was a member of the Wright family of early black settlers who came to American from Nova Scotia during the 1790’s. He was a carpenter who built ships and sea vessels. The English name “Wright or “Right” means carpenter or one who works with wood. Ships built during that era were made for merchants and the militia. He did not appear illiterate because he was able to read and sign his name to documents. Stephen Wright was also a large landowner in Somerset County. One of the earliest records of him is written in a deed dated July 9, 1795 between a man named Levin Pollitt, his wife Elenor Pollitt and Stephen Wright. The Pollitts had sold him twelve acres of land “John Hill” located in the present town of Allen, Maryland. Somerset County Land Records Liber K Folio 440 &441.
Stephen Wright wife was Methia Dutton Wright, daughter of David and Bethyer Bibbons Dutton. She was born January 20, 1774 in Somerset County, Maryland. The children of this union were Boyce Wright, Rachel Wright, Catherine Wright and Eliza Wright. April 19, 1798, David Dutton, a free mulatto, was the father-in-law of Stephen Wright purchased from James and Betty Reed (a white couple) a large plantation for 500t called “Wesson” located near the Nanticoke River in Wetipquin. David Dutton owned the property very briefly, from his purchase until his death October 29, 1798.
In his last will and testament David Dutton devised the land to his daughters, Methia Wright and Mary Anne Dutton whom they called “Polly” and his wife Abigail, to have use of the west end of the land binding upon the river during her widowhood. His other daughters Anna Dutton and Susanna Puckum received money as part of their inheritance. David Dutton also willed that part of the property be sold to Stephen Wright, husband of his daughter Methia. Shortly after the death of David Dutton, a Federal Assessment of 1798 was made for Somerset County, the property of David Dutton’s heirs and the dwelling house occupied by Widow Dutton. The house and out buildings where she lived was assessed for $150, on 249 acres of land valued at $490. There were two other free black families living on the property owned by James Dock Gregory and Colonel John Gale believed to be members of the Wright family. William Belitha Wright married Mary Anne Dutton, sister of Methia Wright. His name appears in the land records of Wetipquin buying and selling land with his wife Mary Anne Wright.
The 1800 Census records of Somerset County, Maryland shows that Stephen Wright, the only free black man was head of the household, with seven other free persons living in Wetipquin. Stephen Wright bought and sold several parcels of land between 1795 and 1810. December 1, 1801 Belitha Wright with his wife, Mary Ann Wright sold to Stephen Wright land devised to Methia Wright and Mary Ann Dutton by the will of David Dutton. December 1, 1804 Stephen Wright sold to Belitha Wright the land he bought from Levin Pollitt. April 7, 1818 Stephen Wright sold to Delaney Wright 101 acres of Weston, Hog Ridge, and Chance. July 25, 1810 Stephen Wright, his wife Methia and Levin D Collier sold 119 1/2 acres to Ephraim Harris 2 part of Weston and Spry. The 1823 assessment of Stephen Wright property by the commissioners of Somerset County was the following: Ledger for the First Election District for the year 1823: Stephen Wright age 52, owned a yoke of steers, 8 cattle, 8 sheep and 10 hogs. His property was “Weston, Hog quarters and Chance” – 135 acres; also Household goods. Belitha Wright was assessed for 12 ¾ acres “John Hill”.
In 1833, Stephen Wright received a patent for “Peace is Best” 111 5/8 acres located on the Nanticoke River CC#D Folio 321 TWL #D131. Stephen Wright passed away in 1844 naming his four adult children and a grandson Samuel James Chase in his will. Twenty-three years later his widow, Methia Wright passed away in 1867 leaving in her will all of her property to another grandson Steven W Cook who was the son of her youngest daughter Eliza Wright. Rachel Wright. Rachel Wright was born circa 1800 in Wetipquin, Maryland. She married Samuel Chase October 7, 1837. He was born circa 1795 in Somerset County, Maryland. In the 1850 census of Somerset County listed in their household were two young children Samuel James Chase age 11 and David Chase age 5. There were also three other persons bearing the name “Chase” who were much older: Freeborn Chase age 22, Eleanor Chase 18, and William Chase age 19. In the 1820 census of the United States of the first, second and third districts of Somerset County, Maryland Samuel Chase, husband of Rachel Wright Chase, was the head of his household, however his marriage to Rachel was not until 1837. Perhaps Eleanor, Freeborn and William Chase were children of Samuel Chase by a previous marriage. They do not appear to be with the family after 1850 and was not in the Will of Stephen Wright. Samuel James Chase was born April 18, 1837 in Wetipquin, Maryland.
In 1844, Samuel James Chase along with his mother was named in the will of Stephen Wright. Samuel James Chase married Louisa Moore June 21, 1870 in Wetipquin. She was the daughter of Noah Moore and Catherine Wright Moore. Their children were Charles Chase who died at a young age and an adopted daughter Adaline Jones. During his lifetime he own most of his grandfather’s property –“Wesson and Hog Quarter” located on the Nanticoke River in Wetipquin. The people of Wetipquin called him “Uncle Sam Chase”. He traveled from the Eastern Shore to the Western Shore of Maryland on the Steamship sometimes bringing young men from Washington and Baltimore with him to Wetipquin. Uncle Sam and his wife reared several niece and nephews. They were Nancy E Chase, John R Chase, Sarah Hilda Chase and Sandy L D Chase. Uncle Sam Chase built the first lodge hall in Wetipquin. One of the lodges was named in his honor; “Chase’s Blooming Good Samaritan Lodge”. He lived in the house and owned the same property where the Bradbury’s formerly lived in Wetipquin.
David Chase was born circa 1846 in Wetipquin. David Chase married Mary Moore September 8, 1868. She was Louisa Moore Chase’s sister. Mary Moore was born circa 1848 in Wetipquin. Their only daughter was Mary E Chase who was born circa 1871. David Chase served in the Ninth Regiment Infantry of the United States Colored Voluntary Troops of Maryland during the Civil War. He was a corporal in Company H. David Chase enlisted in the military November 25, 1863 and was discharge November 26, 1866. David Chase inherited his mother Rachel Wright Chase property when she passed away. Her property was same property previously owned by Thomas Joseph family. Mary Moore Chase was a widow by 1890.
Catherine Wright. Catherine Wright was born circa 1811 in Wetipquin to Stephen and Methia Dutton Wright. Her first marriage was to George Stanley Wright January 23, 1828 in Somerset County Maryland. Their only child was Martha Jane Wright. Martha Jane was born March 12, 1831 in Somerset County. Martha Jane Wright Married Stephen S Cook October 11, 1847. Stephen Cook was born June 30, 1820 in Barren Creek in Somerset County, Maryland. His mother name was Nancy Cook of Barren Creek. The Children of this marriage were George Cook, Eliza Cook, Joseph Cook, Nancy Cook, Stephen Cook, Dennis Cook and Mary Louisa Cook. Martha Jane Wright Cook passed away February 1, 1915 and was buried in Odd Fellows Cemetery. Her husband Stephen S Cook passed away March 25, 1899 and was buried in Friendship Church Cemetery in Wetipquin.
Catherine Wright second marriage was to Noah Moore July 1840 in Wetipquin. Noah Moore was born in Barren Creek. His mother name was Betsy Moore. The children of this marriage were Louisa Moore, Emily Moore, George Moore, Mary Moore, James H Moore and Wesley Moore. Catherine Wright passed before 1860. Her husband, Noah Moore was remarried to Margaret Mills. Martha Jane Wright Cook the oldest daughter of Catherine Wright inherited her mother’s property. Eliza Wright. Eliza Wright was the youngest Daughter of Stephen and Methia Wright. She also inherited property from her father Stephen Wright. She married James Bayard Cook August 21, 1843. Her husband Bayard Cook was born circa 1816 in Barren Creek Somerset County. One child, Steven W Cook, was born of this union September 1844 in Wetipquin. Eliza Wright passed away shortly after the birth of her son. Her husband Bayard Cook remarried to Gattie Robertson. Young Steven Wright was reared by his grandmother Methia Wright and inherited all of her estate. His grandmother Methia’s will was dated May 11, 1867 Liber SCL No. 5Folio 335. Steven W Cook married Hester Caroline Peters November 4, 1868. She was born circa April 1851 in Somerset County. Steven Wright and his wife Caroline Wright sold the property to the Furbush family and moved their family to Dorchester County, Maryland. In 1900 they were living in the Drawbridge District in Dorchester County. She had twelve children and ten of them were living. Most of the “Cooks” in that county probably are the descendants of the Wright Family in Wetipquin or originated from Barren Creek, Maryland.
Boyce Wright. Boyce Wright was born circa 1815 in Wetipquin. He was the only son of Stephen and Methia Wright. He inherited his father’s personal property and land. His wife was Leah Miles Wright. She was born circa 1804 in Somerset County, Maryland. The children of this union were Arnold Wright, Charlotte Wright, Rosetta Wright, Perry Wright, Sally Wright, Susan Carolyn Wright, Mary Anne Wright and Michael B Wright. When he passed away the property was divided among his children. Arnold Wright was born circa 1827 in Somerset County. The only record of him in Wetipquin is the 1850 census living in Boyce Wright’s home and 1860 census in the household of his sisters. Charlotte Wright was born circa 1831 in Somerset County. Her children listed in 1860 census were Hester Wright & Elizabeth Wright. It is believed that one of her daughters was Josephine Wright who moved to Quantico by 1870. Since it was not uncommon for children to be apprentice working in service and parents sometimes called their children by a middle name. Josephine Wright was 10 years of age living in Quantico in 1870. Josephine Wright was the ancestor of the “Beach, Elsey, &West families” in Quantico.
Hester Wright was born circa 1854 in Wetipquin, Somerset County, Maryland. She married Edward Jones May 3, 1874 in Somerset County; they lived in the Quantico District. June 23, 1887 Edward Jones purchased property from John Birckhead in Hebron. Their daughter was Sarah Jones. She was born circa 1875 in Quantico. In the 1880 census Sarah Jones was living in the household of her aunt Josephine Wright Beach and her husband Noah Beach. The Wicomico County Marriage records stated that Sarah Jones was married to John S Robertson July 15, 1891. The minister was Charles W Pullet of Quantico. Josephine’s young son was William T. Beach born circa 1880. Josephine Wright was born March 1859 in Wetipquin, Somerset County, Maryland. After the death of Noah Beach, Josephine Wright married John Elsey
Rosetta Wright, second daughter of Boyce & Leah Miles Wright, was born circa 1833 in Wetipquin. Her Husband was Daniel Whitney of Allen, Maryland. The children of this marriage are Allison Wright, Carrie Whitney, Sarah Whitney, Mary Frances Whitney, Julia Whitney and Willie Whitney. Mary Frances Whitney is the mother of Lewis Conway of Wetipquin. Her husband was Isaac Conway. All of Lewis Conway’s children were descendants of Rosetta Wright. Perry Wright was born circa 1836 in Wetipquin. There is a record of Perry Wright who died during the Civil War; it has not been proven that he is the same person of this family. More research will be done on this person.
Mary Ann Wright, third daughter of Boyce & Leah Miles Wright, was born circa 1838 in Wetipquin. Her husband was Arnold Freeborn Lankford. He was born December 1830 in Somerset County, Maryland. His parents are unknown, however living in his household when the 1860 census was taken was a lady named Iffy Lankford who may have been a relative of Arnold Lankford. He was a soldier in US Volunteer Troop in the Civil War receiving a pension when he lost some fingers as result of an accident. The Children of this family were Hester A Lankford, Georgia Lankford, Levin Thomas Lankford, Ida Mae Lankford, Sarah Etta Lankford, Mary Virginia Lankford, George Perry Lankford, Leah Ella Lankford and Samuel Brewton Lankford. Mary Ann Wright property was the same land owned by her grandchildren Asbury Lankford and Emma Wright Lankford - 5 1/2 acres. Mary Ann Wright Lankford passed away May 18, 1891 in Wetipquin. Her husband Arnold Lankford remarried to Margaret Jones - Nichols of Nanticoke, Maryland.
Sally Wright, fourth daughter of Boyce & Leah Miles Wright, was March 1845 in Wetipquin. She had eight children to reach adulthood. They were Elizabeth A Wright, Cadmus Wright, Emily Wright, William Wright, James Talbot Wright, Noah Wright, Lucy Wright and Laura Wright. Elizabeth Wright was born February 1861 in Wetipquin. Her husband was Samuel C Dashiells of Jesterville, Maryland. He was born August 1961. The children of this marriage were Cecia V Dashiells, Olivia Dashiells, John W Dashiells, Otis C Dashiells and Kuthen Dashiells. Emily Wright was born February 1863 in Wetipquin. She married Jeremiah Morris March 5, 1887 in Wetipquin. Jeremiah Morris was born April 1856 in Somerset County, Maryland. His parents were Arnold Morris and Louisa A Dashiell Morris of Wetipquin. Their son was Eugene Morris. Cadmus B Wright was born April 1869 in Wetipquin. Cadmus married Sarah E Jones June 27, 1888 in Jesterville, Maryland. She was born circa 1870. Cadmus and Sarah had one son, Samson Wright who was born July 1894. Samson Wright lived with his father after his mother passed away by 1900. He left home at an early age and never returned to Wetipquin. Cadmus B Wright passed away April 1950 and was buried in Odd Fellows cemetery in Wetipquin.
William Wright was born March 1873 in Wetipquin. His wife was Elizabeth Wright. She was born in Washington DC. William and Elizabeth Wright made their home in Washington DC. There were not any children of this marriage. Laura Wright was April 1875 in Wetipquin. She married Dennis Cook in 1890; a local preacher of Wetipquin. He was born February 1870 in Sharptown, Maryland. Laura and her husband worked diligently in the Church. She sang in the choirs and he preached. There were many tales of him and his fearless daring adventures in the community. The 1910 census show that she was the mother of six children, three of them reaching adulthood. They were Mary L Cook, Ollie Cook and James Isaac Cook. Laura Wright Cook passed October 1957: Dennis Cook passed circa 1947. They were buried in Odd Fellows cemetery in Wetipquin.
James Talbot Wright was born April 1878 in Wetipquin. Talbot Wright married Cora Lee Robinson July 20, 1898. His wife was born April 1879 in Wetipquin. Her parents were Levi Robinson and Margaret Ann Jones Robinson. Their only son, Harley Wright was born February 1900. Talbot and Cora reared several foster children James Taylor and Elizabeth Wright. Talbot passed away April 1953 and was buried in Odd Fellows cemetery in Wetipquin. Cora Lee Robinson Wright passed away July 1963 in Wetipquin and was buried in the Odd Fellows cemetery.
Noah Wright was born March 1883 in Wetipquin. He married Lillian Ann Robinson August 8, 1905 in Wetipquin. Lillian Ann Robinson Wright was born August 1885. Her parents were Edward Robinson and Mary Lucinda Hull Robinson of Wetipquin. Children of this marriage were Lucinda Wright and Emily Mae Wright. After Noah passed away his wife Lillian Ann remarried to Saul Smiley of Sharptown, Maryland. Lucy Wright was born August 1885 in Wetipquin. Her father was William Jones of Wetipquin. She married Thomas Henry Joseph January 16, 1902 in Wetipquin. Thomas Joseph was born April 1882. His parents were Alexander Joseph and Eleanor Hull Joseph. The children of this couple are the following: Robert Joseph, Lola Joseph, Maurice Joseph, Floyd Joseph, Ennis Joseph, Alexander Joseph and Eleanor Joseph. Thomas and Lucy Joseph lived on property previously owned by one of her ancestor. Thomas Henry Joseph passed way November 1955 in Wetipquin. Lucy Wright Joseph passed away November 1966 in Philadelphia, PA. Both of them were buried in Odd Fellows cemetery in Wetipquin.
Susan Caroline Wright, the youngest daughter of Boyce and Leah Miles Wright, was born circa 1843 in Wetipquin. She married Washington Jones September 9, 1873. The children of this union were Edward Clark, James H Jones, Denwood Jones and RH Hayes Jones. Michael B Wright, the youngest son of Boyce and Leah Miles Wright, was born May 18, 1847 in Wetipquin. His wife was Eleanor Peters Wright. She was born circa 1847. Her Mother was Jane Peters. The Wicomico land records show that Michael and Eleanor Wright purchased and sold several parcels of land in Wetipquin. Michael Wright was a member of the Good Samaritan and the Odd Fellows Lodge in Wetipquin. His name appears on the deed of both Lodges. His name also was on the deed written for the Odd Fellows cemetery that was called “Stephen Field”. Stephen Field could have been named after his grandfather Stephen Wright. Michael B Wright passed away June 11, 1916 in Wetipquin. The children of this family were Leah Jane Wright, Perry Thomas Wright, M Victoria Wright, Anthony Wright, Stephen Wright, Upshur Wright, Harrison Samuel Wright, Emerson Wright, James Albert Wright and Sarah Margaret Wright.
Perry Thomas Wright was born August 27, 1874 in Wetipquin. He married Sarah Jane Robinson June 13, 1899. She was born August 1881 in Wetipquin. Her parents were Edward and Mary Lucinda Hull Robinson of Wetipquin. Perry Wright was a very industrious person operating his father-in-law’s grocery store where he also had a barber stop. He was a fisherman, mortician, and a farmer. He was one of the first black men of Wetipquin that owned a truck. He transported produce and supplies to many towns and communities. Perry and Sarah Jane Wright were active in the community. Sarah was one of the first presidents of the local PTA and Perry was a trustee of the church. They were the parents of a very large family. The children of this union were Levi Edward Robinson, Charles Willis Wright, Thomas Edward Wright, Theodore Cornelius Wright, Sidney V Wright, Ira Samuel Wright, Alma Naomi Wright, Bernard Calvin Wright, Oliver Wright, Samuel Benjamin Wright, Dorine Myrtle Wright, Perry Thomas Wright, Alverta Wright, Leroy Wright, Sylvia Whilemenia Wright and Matthew Wright.
Most of these children became professionals. Some of them became teachers, preachers, musicians, singers, morticians and farmers. The famous Wright Brothers Quartet was created out this family. The quartet sang on the radio and traveled all over the Delmarva Peninsula to sing. Perry Thomas Wright passed June 4, 1953 and Sarah Jane Robinson Wright passed away July 1952. They were buried in Odd Fellows cemetery in Wetipquin.
Leah Jane Wright was born circa 1875 in Wetipquin. She married Ernest Morris, son of Arnold and Louisa Dashiell Morris, November 9, 1938 in Wetipquin. Ernest Morris was born march 1871 in Wetipquin. They lived on property called “Gumbo” that he inherited from his mother in Gum Swamp in Wetipquin. Ernest was a farmer. He had plenty vegetables and fruit trees on his property. The children of this union were Frances Morris, Irene Morris, Vance Morris, Hayman Morris, Viola Morris, Louise Morris, Levin Morris and Joseph Morris. Leah Jane Wright Morris passed December 195l. Ernest Morris Passed December 5, 1938.
M Victoria Wright was born circa 1877 in Wetipquin. There was only one record of her written in the 1880 census. Anthony Wright was born September 1878 in Wetipquin. He married Elizabeth Cook July 28, 1904. Elizabeth Cook Wright was born February 1886 in Camden, New Jersey. Her parents were Joseph and Mary Reddell Cook of Wetipquin. The children of this marriage were William Wright, Glenmore Howard (Polk) Wright, Delsie Wright, Ella Mae Wright and Mary Wright. Anthony Wright passed away July 6, 1930 and his wife Elizabeth Cook Wright remarried to Lonny Kennedy. Stephen Wright was born August 1884 in Wetipquin. This was recorded in 1900 census. There was no further information concerning him. Upshur Wright was born October 1886 in Wetipquin. He married Georgia Emma Lankford October 27, 1909. Georgia Emma Lankford Wright was born circa 1887. Her parents were Levin Thomas Lankford and Mary Eliza Seldon Lankford. The children of this family were Rosa Wright, twins- Florence Matilda Wright and Fredrick Wright who lived a very short life. His wife Emma Lankford Wright died June 1967 in Wetipquin.
Harrison Samuel Wright was born February 1889 in Wetipquin. He married Lydia Cook August 12, 1913. She was born august 1891 in Camden, New Jersey. Her parents were Joseph Cook and Mary Reddell Cook of Wetipquin. The children of this family were Beatrice Wright, Harrison Samuel Wright, Cora Etta Wright and George Wright. Harrison and Lydia Wright were very active in the church and community. He was a trustee of the Church and Lodge Hall. Both of them held several offices in the Lodges of Wetipquin. He was also a member of the Masonic Lodge in Nanticoke. His wife Lydia was a seamstress and loved fish for a hobby. The children in the community often went to their house to get fruit from the pear tree in backyard. Harrison Samuel Wright passed away May 1964 in Salisbury, Maryland. Lydia Cook Wright passed March 14, 1985 in Salisbury, Maryland. They were buried in Odd Fellows cemetery in Wetipquin.
Emerson N Wright was circa 1891 in Wetipquin. His wife was Daisy Wright of Kent County, Delaware. The children of this marriage were Charles E Wright and Steven Wright. Emerson N Wright passed away March 1972 in Dover, Delaware and was buried Odd Fellows cemetery in Wetipquin. James Albert Wright was born January 1895 in Wetipquin. His wife was Myrtle Wright. The children of this union were James Wright and Martha Wright. Sarah Margaret Wright was born circa 1896 in Wetipquin. She married Clarence J Brown of Somerset County October 22, 1915 in Wetipquin. He was born circa 1895 in Oriole, Maryland. His parents were Samuel and Mary Brown of Somerset County. The children of this Union: Rachel Brown, Lucy Brown, Virginia Brown and Clarence J Brown. Sarah Margaret and Clarence Brown were members of the Apostolic Church of Jesus Christ in Chance, Maryland. Sarah Margaret Wright Brown passed away June 1978 in Salisbury, Maryland and was buried in Odds Fellow cemetery in Wetipquin. Clarence J Brown passed November 1985 in Salisbury, Maryland and was buried in Apostolic Church of Jesus Christ cemetery in Westover, Maryland.