Reminiscences of D.J. Wright

 I also found a number of other articles on the death of my Great Grandfather David Joy Wright which I will post over the next few days.

REMINISCENCES OF D.J.WRIGHT

The sudden death of David J. Wright Monday has caused universal regret, not only in this city, but wherever he was known, especially in farming communities for he was known for he was known not only in all parts of Hampshire county, but in many other parts of Western Massachusetts.  Mr. Wright was known to more people in Hampshire county than any other man that ever lived in Northampton.  

Mr. Wright was 57 years old on the 9th of February.  In Northampton - his native place - he spent practically all of his life.  Many expressions of regret have been heard from those who have come to the city since the death of Mr. Wright.  Said one farmer, "Mr. Wright was a good friend of all the farmers, when a good friend of all the farmers, when he was in business.  He helped many a one in credit he gave at times when there was a pinch for money to pay for things needed to carry on their farms; In fact, he helped many to his disadvantage."

Mr. Wright was of very genial temperament, kind-hearted and a natural born trader. He was what many would call a genius in his line.  He was certainly a unique character, odd and original in many ways, but whatever he did, was in a kindly and cheerful manner toward everyone with whom he came in contact. It is undoubtedly true the he sold more farm goods at auctions in the county then any man who ever lived. It may also be said that he officiated at more auctions of household goods than any other man, and who does not remember that sunny and convincing way he had in convincing people that they were getting a great bargain when he "knocked" an article off to them.  It is said by his closest friends that he never used a profane word in all his life.  An expression which he most commonly used was "Conscience's sake alive!" His honesty was never questioned by one, but he was one of those men who carried his accounts in his head which at times, caused him some perplexity. He was an untiring worker, and if he was on the track of trade with some one in the country, either for a ghourse, wagon, farming tools, household goods, or anything, he would often start in the nighttime and perhaps be out all night riding, and wether he got the best end or the poorest end of a bargain, he was the same cheerful and happy man.  It is said that many a time he had let men have money as a loan when they were owing him, and he had but little expectation they would pay the old bill.  Again, it is said, that frequently he would give more than he knew a thing was worth just to help a man out.  Many chapters could be written about him that would show the best side of human nature and be a tribute to the life of the man who was a friend to everybody and had no enemies.  He was a member of the three county agricultural society and was treasurer of the society a long time.

Mr. Wright was a member of the Edwards church and the funeral will be held in the chapel of the church tomorrow afternoon at 2 o'clock and Rev. Willis H. Butler is expect to Officiate. 

Obituary of Mrs. David S. Wright

Here is the Obituary for my Grandmother Florence Edna Smith.  IT was printed Monday, November 29th, 1937.  I suspect some of the plans changed for the service, as her mother died the next day.  His a link to her obituary.

OBITUARY

MRS. DAVID S. WRIGHT

Mrs. Florence Edna Wright, 45, wife of David S. Wright, Northampton high school faculty member and athletic director, died yesterday morning at her home, after an illness of tow days.  A graduate of Mount Holyoke college, Mrs. Wright was prominent in women's club affairs in this city and in the affairs of the Mount Holyoke Alumnae association in Hampshire county.  She was born March 19, 1892, in West Springfield, the daughter of Merrick and Catherine (McCann) Smith.  She was graduated from Mount Holyoke college in 1915 and taught at Great Barrington high school until her marriage. She was a member of the Edwards Congregational church and was a past president of the Mothers' club, serving as a press chairman and chairman of the scholarship committee of that organization.  She leaves her husband; her mother, Mrs. Cathrine McCann Smith; two daughters, Cathrine S. And Carol Wright; three sons, David J., Charles M., and George E., all at home, and one sister, Mrs. H. V. Bradbury, of Dalton.  The funeral will be held in Edwards church at 2:30 p.m. Tuesday.  Burial will be in Bridge street cemetery.  Friends will be received this evening at the Ely home, 2 Pomery terrace.

The obituary of Mrs. Jane C. Wright

 AS you can see, I am going through some of the documents that got passed to me from my Mother.  Here is the obituary for my great grandmother, Jane Caroline Reed.

Obituary

MRS. JANE C. WRIGHT

Mrs. Jane C. (Reed) Wright, 90, mother of Councilman Edward N. Wright and Coach David S. Wright of Northampton high school, died in her home, 67 West street, this noon, after a long illness.  She was born Feb. 12, 1846 and, at the age of 18 came to Northampton, where she made home since that time.  She married David J. Wright, who died in 1908.  She leaves besides her sons, one brother, A.D. Sanders, of Easthampton, and five grandchildren.  The funeral will be held at the home, 67 West street at 2:30 o'clock Wednesday afternoon.  Rev Albert J. Penner, pastor of the Edwards Congregational church, of which Mrs. Wright had been an active member, will officiate.  Burial will be in Bridge street cemetery, this city.

The Obituary of Mrs. Sarah Sanders Reed

Here is a transcription obituary for my 2nd great grandmother.   IT is lengthy and flowery.  I have know idea what the "omhmhdou yefislcra wd fr fr rhhh" near the end is abt,but it was in the original article.

Feb. 19-Feb 21 1919

Daily Hampshire Gazette

MRS. SARAH SANDERS REED

At the age of 95 years, ten months and ten days, Mrs. Sarah Reed departed this life on Wednesday.  To quote an old friend of hers, "She did not have far to go; it was only stepping into the next room." She is survived by a daughter, Mrs. J. D. Wright, a son, A D. Sanders of Evenston, Ill., five grandchildren, and two great grandchildren.

It is almost 56 years that Mrs. Reed has been a resident of Northampton and, for most of this period, on West Street.  Some there still remember her and her sister, Mrs. Sanderson, always in their church pew at the hour of worship, whatever the weather conditions, until invalidism overtook, first one, and then the other.  Wherever these sisters were there came friends from a distance, the neighborhood dropped in, young and old were drawn by the sociability, intelligence, high principle, and welcoming hospitality that overflowed parlor, porch, and even the invalid's chair.

Mrs. Reed outlived her husband and all her father's family, but whatever sorrows swept over her life, her face wore an unaltered look of peace..  She was naturally endowed with a sweet disposition and an unusually equable temperament.  Those who were fretted or neglected loved to sun themselves in her uniform cheerfulness.  And more; there was a certain rarity in her character.  She seemed not to know the vocabulary of complaint, of lamentation, foreboding or fault-finding.  She had a long memory for the absent, the ill, for birthdays, family anniversaries, for the afflicted homes.  Her war experience was up to date.  For three years the Red Cross officers have been receiving scores of articles knit by her hands.  She encouraged her grandson, Sgt. David Wright, to go overseas, and was greatly elated when a letter from a soldier who by marriage became her grandson, announced his release from a  German prison. 

Benevolence was one of the lines of longitude on Mrs. Reed's chart of life.  She gave liberally, appreciation, sympathy, affection, gratitude, and of her means dispensed to the limit, for the needs of the world.  Her supreme desire was for the Church of Christ and his wide kingdom.  Not all the active members of  Edwards church have been so constantly watching, so eagerly inquiring, so earnestly praying, as this shut-in member, for the coming of the new pastor.   Last summer, and on into the cold autumn days, Mrs. Reed enjoyed long automobile rides with her devoted son and, to the end, retained her mental faculties, her love of life, flowers. ??? friends; and the secret of the Lord was with her. 

Ella C. Parson

David Sanders Wright Discharge Letter

 I came across my Grandfather’s Discharge letter from World War I so I thought I would transcribe it here.  The original is in pretty rough shape.

HEADQUARTERS

BASE SECTION NO. 3, S.O.S. AMERICAN E.F.

LONDON, ENGLAND

Special Orders

No. 117

Extract

May 17, 1919

    7. Pursuant to authority contained in letter from Hq., S.O.S., dated April 14, 1919, Sgt. David S. Wright, 1911095, Co L, 328th Inf., and Sgt. Joseph A. McQuillan, 2255918, Hqrs. Det. 91st Division, are hereby transferred as of their present grade to the 1st Replacement Depot, St. Aignan, France, and will be sent to report to the Commanding Officer, American Discharge Camp, Slough for transfer by first available government transportation to the United States for immediate discharge.

    Upon arrival in the United States, these men will report to the Commanding General, Port of Debarkation, for further orders.

    Compliance with this order after arrival in the United States is subject to such delays as may be imposed by the Authorities at the Port of Debarkation, in accordance with orders from the War Department relative to debarkation, disinfection, quarantine and demobilization.

    The Transportation and the Quartermaster Corps the necessary subsistence.

    Section 1, G.O. 188, G.H.Q. and Section 1, G.H.Q. 28, c.s. Will be complied with.

    The travel enjoined is necessary for the public service.

    Section 1, G.O. 188, G.H.Q., 1918, and section 1, G.O. 8, G.H.Q., C.S. will be complied with.

O.R.O.

St. Aigman

Stats.

Slough.

By command of MAJOR GENERAL BIDDLE

OFFICIAL:

OCTAVE De CARRE

Major C.A.C.

Adjutant

J. PIERCE

Lieut. -Colonel C.A.C.

Chief of Staff

Biography of Anna Francis Warren(1781-1830)-W11

 

Anna Francis Warren(1781-1830)-W11

Birth: December 30th, 1781 in Willaimsburg, MA

• Father: Mather Warren(1743-1808)
• Mother: Esther Hart(1743-1815)

Married: James Clark(1780-1848)-W10 in Williamsburg, MA

Children:

• Frances Clark(1815-1841)
• Jonas Warren Clark(1820-1885)
• Harriet Mills Clark(1822-1894)-W5

Death: June 17th, 1830 on Northampton, MA

Anna Francis Warren was born to Mather Warren and Esther Hart on December 30th, 1781 in Williamsburg, MA.  She was the eighth of ten children.  her father died in 1809 in Williamsburg, when Anna was 26 years old.  She is listed as being a member of the Williamsburg Methodist Episcopal Church. and lived on Mountain St.

     

On September 25th, 1808, Anna married James Clark in Williamsburg, MA.  He was the son of Ezra Clark and Sarah Howe and is listed as being from Northampton.  Their first child, Frances Clark was born in 1815.  They had a second child, Jonas Warren Clark in December 1820 in Northampton.  He eventually moved to Portland, ME.  Their last child, Harriet Mills Clark was born on December 17th, 1822 in Northampton.  

Anna died on June 17th, 1830 at age 48.   She is buried in Bridge Street Cemetery.  

Sources:

• Colonial Families of the USA, 1607-1775: Name Anna Warren, Birth Date 31 Dec 1781, Spouse James Clark, Page number 574
• Massachusetts, Death Records, 1841-1915: Name Frances Warren, Gender Female, Spouse James Clark, Child Harriet M Clark Wright
• Massachusetts, Town and Vital Records, 1620-1988: Name Anna Warren, Event Type Birth, Birth Date 30 Dec1781, Birth Place Williamsburg, Massachusetts, Father Name Mather Warren, Mother Name Easter Warren
• Massachusetts, Town and Vital Records, 1620-1988: Name Anna Warren, Event Type Marriage, Marriage Date 25 Sep 1808, Marriage Place Williamsburg, Massachusetts, Spouse Name James Clark
• New England, Select United Methodist Church Records, 1787-1922: Name Ann Warren, Record Place Williamsburg, Hampshire, Massachusetts, USA, Event Type Other, Church or Organization Williamsburg Methodist Episcopal Church
• North America, Family Histories, 1500-2000: Book Title: Lineage Book of the Charter Members of the DAR Vol 006, Name Anna Warren, Gender Female, Spouse James Clarke, Child Jonas Warren Clarke
• U.S., Find A Grave Index, 1600s-Current: Name: Anna Clark, Birth Date: 1782, Death Date: 17 Jun 1830 Cemetery: Bridge Street Cemetery, Burial or Cremation Place: Northampton, Hampshire County, Massachusetts, United States of America, Has Bio?: N, Spouse: James Clark,  URL: https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/129136104/anna-clark

Biography of James Clark(1780-1848)-W10

 

I a bit hesitant on the next two biographies as there is not as much supporting documentation as I would like.  These links do have some DNA matches, which does help support them.  So here goes.

James Clark(1780-1848)-W10

Birth: September 30th, 1780 in Willaimsburg, MA

• Father: Ezra Clark(1744-1805)
• Mother: Sarah Howe(1749-1827)

Married: Anna Francis Warren(1781-1830)-W11 in Williamsburg, MA

Children:

• Frances Clark(1815-1841)
• Jonas Warren Clark(1820-1885)
• Harriet Mills Clark(1822-1894)-W5

Death: April 18th, 1848 on Northampton, MA

James Clark was born on September 30th, 1780 to Ezra Clark and Sarah Howe in Williamsburg, MA.  I have seen one entry saying he was born in Belchertown, MA, but can not validate this.  He was the second of seven children.  His father died in 1805 in WIlliamsburg, when James was 24 years old.  At some point before 1808, James moved to Northampton.

On September 25th, 1808, James married Anna Francis Warren in Williamsburg, MA.  She was the daughter of Mather Warren and Esther Hart.  Their first child, Frances Clark was born in 1815.  They had a second child, Jonas Warren Clark in December 1820 in Northampton.  He eventually moved to Portland, ME.  Their last child, Harriet Mills Clark was born on December 17th, 1822 in Northampton.  

Anna died on June 17th, 1830 and James passed away on April 18th, 1848.  He was listed as being a 68 year old farmer who died of fits.  He is buried in Bridge Street Cemetery.  

Sources:

• Colonial Families of the USA, 1607-1775: Name James Clark, Spouse Anna Warren, Page number 574
• Massachusetts, Death Records, 1841-1915: Name James Clark, Gender Male, Birth Place Williamsburg, Spouse Frances Warren, Child Harriet M Clark Wright
• Massachusetts, Town and Vital Records, 1620-1988: Name James Clark, Event Type Death, Death Date 6 Apr 1848, Death Place Northampton, Massachusetts
• Massachusetts, Town and Vital Records, 1620-1988: Name James Clark, Event Type Death, Death Date 1847-1848, Death Place Northampton, Massachusetts
• Massachusetts, Town and Vital Records, 1620-1988: Name James Clark, Event Type Marriage, Marriage Date 25 Sep 1808, Marriage Place Williamsburg, Massachusetts, Spouse Name Anna Warren
• North America, Family Histories, 1500-2000: Book Title: Lineage Book of the Charter Members of the DAR Vol 006, Name James Clarke, Gender Male, Father Ezra Clarke, Mother Sarah How, Spouse Anna Warren, Child Jonas Warren Clarke
• U.S., Find A Grave Index, 1600s-Current: Name: James Clark, Birth Date: 1781, Death Date: 18 Apr 1848, Cemetery: Bridge Street Cemetery Burial or Cremation Place: Northampton, Hampshire County, Massachusetts, United States of America, Has Bio?: N, Spouse: Anna Clark URL: https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/129136210/james-clark