My Genealogy Hound

Prof. John E. Wright, one of the leading educators of Gibson County, Tenn., is a son of Levi and Mary M. (Shaw) Wright, both born in North Carolina, in 1800. They were married in their native State, and in 1826 came to Tennessee, locating in Gibson County. To them were born two sons and five daughters, the younger son being killed at Atlanta. The mother died about 1845, and Mr. Wright then married Mary A. M. Clement, by whom he had two children. The father and both his wives were Methodists. He was a man of good literary attainments, and was a school-teacher of North Carolina a number of years, being the founder of Wake Forest College. He was county superintendent of schools of Gibson County for about six years and was also magistrate many years. He was a stanch Democrat and was the owner of about 400 acres of land. He was of English descent and died in 1861. John E. Wright’s birth occurred in Gibson County, January 29, 1838. After attending the common schools his father placed him in Bluff Spring College, from which institution he graduated in 1858. He began teaching but gave it up in 1861 to join the army. He enlisted in the Confederate service, and in 1863 was promoted to the rank of first lieutenant. He was a faithful soldier for four years and was twice severely wounded; once at Shiloh and once at Missionary Ridge. He was taken prisoner at the latter battle and was taken to Camp Chase, Ohio, where he was confined four months, and then to Fort Delaware, where he was kept a year. After his return home he resumed teaching, and in 1867 married Eveline C. Richardson, who was born February 14, 1846. To them were born four children. The Professor, his wife and two oldest children are Methodists. He has been a teacher for twenty years, and has taught ten months annually with the exception of one year. He is a Democrat and owns 230 acres of land.