Possibly David Wright with Cat, Northampton, MA around 1935

Possibly David Wright with Cat, Northampton, MA around 1935

 

David S. Wright Obituary Springfield Union, Springfield, MA January 19th, 1967

Thanks to John McGough, I have a copy of my grandfather David Wright's obituary.  So here is a transcription.

Springfield Union, Springfield, MA January 19th, 1967

David S. Wright 'Hamp Educator, Dies in Amherst

NORTHAMPTON-David S. Wright, 79, of 67 West St., former head of the science department at Northampton High School and school athletic director, died Wednesday in an Amherst nursing home.

"Builder of Champions"

In his 29 years of coaching he was known as the "builder of champions." He coached all sports until about 1932 and from then until retirement in 1948, coached only basketball and baseball.

Born in Northampton, April 16, 1887, son of David J. and Jane C. (Reed) Wright, he was an alumni of Northampton High School and a 1909 graduate of Amherst College. He did graduate work at Massachusetts Agricultural College, now University of Massachusetts. 

David S. Wright

He served overseas in World War I from 1917 to 1919, of which 13 months was with Co. L. 328th Infantry, as a sergeant.

Mr. Wright taught at Scarles High School, Great Barrington, from 1914 to 1917. From 1926 through 1932 his basketball teams won successive Valley League titles and his 1932 squad won the New England interscholastic crown, a feat never before equaled by a Western Massachusetts school team.

Many of his team members achieved fame in colleges or became coaches at other schools.

In 1956 the Northampton High School athletic field was named in his honor.

He was a member of the Edwards Church in Northampton nd American Legion Post 28. 

He leaves three sons, George E. of Pelham, David J. of Natick and Charles M. of Wilmington, Del.; two daughters, Mrs. Cathline Grandia of Albuquerque, N.M., and Mrs. Carolyn Putnam of Willington, Del., and 17 grandchildren.

The funeral will be Saturday

New photo of David Sanders Wright

 Historic Northampton posted about their upcoming talk on the history of women's basketball in the area and I made a comment about my grandfather being the basketball coach and athletics director at the high school between 1919 and the early 1950s. Another poster, John McGough, went and found this image from the 1919 Northampton High School Yearbook so I thought I would share.  Thank you to John for finding this!

 If your interested in the talk, here is the link to the event:

https://www.historicnorthampton.org/womens-basketball.html

Family Letters: Tenth Letter from Sarah Wheeler Sanders to Lucy Amy Reed-March 17th, 1895

Sarah Wheeler Sanders Reed

Sunday Afternoon

My Dear Lillie

    I was glad to hear from you for it seemed a good while since you wrote last. Do you not think that you can come home this vacation it seems a good while since you were here last thanksgiving. The term closes I think the third of April and there will be two weeks vacation.  This term has been thirteen weeks one week longer then usual. I am very sorry to hear that you have a bad cold and soar throat but think there has been much sickness and in many other places the last few weeks. I had a slight attack of [ILLEGABLE] week before last and had the Dr. down and he said he had not been so busy for ten years.

Little David was in bed a day or two last week but has been alright today. He has had a hard winter. If he takes a little cold it brings on a hard cough and he gets cold so easy.  Jennie is not at all well and I do not think she will be till we have more settled weather. WE have not heard from Evanston for nearly two weeks but I think they have been considerably well this winter. Cousin [ILLEGABLE] was sick [ILLEGABLE] with Bronchitis for two weeks as [ILLEGABLE] but has gone home I think. Mr and Mrs Josiah Pasnen were here to dine yesterday he is wonderfully sound for a man in his eighty ninth year. I have not seen aunt Helen for two or three weeks but she expects to work for [ILLEGABLE] the last week in March. I am inclined to think she will go back to California when she gets her affairs settled.

I went to church this morning and we had a very impressive sermon from Mr. Vandyke from the words it is appointed unto man once to die and after death the judgement. It is just one year today since father Strong died March seventeenth.

Little Ruths birthday comes one week from tomorrow the twenty fifth. I presume she will have a party. Old Ted is a Wright and has a great appetite but does not grow fat as I should think he might. Emma is very attentive to his wants and he gets a good deal of waiting. Her father was taken sick yesterday and she is at home but we hope it will be but for a few days. I hope that you will be careful of yourself these days I think March a very trying month.

Let us hear from you as often as you can. Auntie sends love.

Love to John.

Yours affectionately

Sarah W, Reed

Come home if you can.

• There is a clue in here as to the date of the letter.  She mentions that Father Strong died one year ago on March 17th.  Her daughter in Law Rebecca Strong's father was Ebenezer Strong and he died on March 17th, 1894.  Therefore this letter was written on March 17th, 1895.  

Here is the original letter.

David Sanders Wright at 67 West Street

David Sanders Wright at 67 West Street

 

Family Letters: Fifth letter from Sarah Wheeler Sanders to her daughter Lucy Amy Reed

There are a few words that I have guessed at in this one so if anyone has a better guess let me know.

 Sunday Afternoon

My dear Lillie,

    Tonight I received by the last mail a package from you containing a very nice white apron for was birthday present from you for which I wish to thank you.  The boys are much pleased with their brownie neckties and if they knew I was writing would have done the same thing thanks. Auntie went to Hyde Park yesterday morning for a weeks visit with Aunt Charlotte and I am staying at Jennie's one Sunday expect Elinor tomorrow morning. Jennie is very poorly but is I think feeling some better then a week ago. The boys expect to go to school tomorrow and that will be some relief.  David did not go at all in the winter term but he but he went to church today for the first time in months.  

Uncle Albert Sanderson is very poorly and if the weather had been suitable David would have driven me  up there this afternoon. Received a nice shell comb from Albert for my birthday and Auntie and Jennie gave me a handsome lounge cover for the lounge upstairs and from the boys I had two plants a cornation pink and a heliatroper. We have been cleaning home and the girls went home and have the heaviest part of it done.

Aunt Helen went to Whately Thursday morning but will she think be back again about the first of May.  She expects to go to Calapair before snow flies.  Ned has just come in and sends love and many thanks.  Old Ted is well and has a good apatite.

 Had a letter from cousin Elinor last week.  She left home Christmas day and got home the last of March. Did not hear from Evanston last week but at last accounts are all well.  I hope that your cough is better before this time. I wish you could come here. Write often.

affectionately yours,

Sarah W. Reed

Here is the scanned copy if you want to try and pick out the other words. 

I am not sure who the following people are:

• Aunt Charlotte
• Elinor
• Uncle Albert Sanderson
• Aunt Helen
• Old Ted-I expect Old Ted is an animal
• cousin Elinor

Family

• Joseph Sanders(1764-1829) married Elizabeth Hall(1765-1836)
• David Sanders(1791-1863) married Amy Wheeler(1793-1874)
• Lucy Sanders Sanderson(1821-1910)
• Sarah Wheeler Sanders(1823-1919) married Benjamin Franklin Reed(1819-UNKNOWN)
• Jane Caroline Reed(1846-1936) married David Joy Wright(1851-1908)
• Edward Nimes Wright(1884-1947) know as Ned
• David Sanders Wright(1887-1967) married Florence Edna Smith(1892-1937)
• Caroline Wright(1930-2016) married Robert Ervin Putnam(1927-2011)
• Me
• Lucy Amy Reed(1848-1918) married John Dresser Lawrence(1847-1907)
• Albert David Sanders(1852-1947) married Rebecca Clark Strong(1854-1935) referenced as R
• Albert David Sanders(1979-1949) married Edith May Richardson(1877-1963)
• Amy Sanders(1887-1937) married Murray Arnold Hines(1876-1969)
• Ruth Sanders(1891-1964) married George F Thomson(1892-1959)

Photo of Catherine Wright, age 16 months and David Wright, 1922

 

Catherine Wright, age 16 months and David Wright, 1922

Photo of David Wright on a Horse

David Wright on a Horse

Family Letters: First letter from Sarah Wheeler Sanders to her daughter Lucy Amy Reed

Sarah Wheeler Sanders

I have a bunch of family letters that need to be transcribed which I have been putting off.  Many of them were sent from my 2nd Great Grandmother Sarah Wheeler Sanders to my Great Grandaunt Lucy Amy Reed.  Not all of these letters have dates so I may not get them in order.  Also, Sarah's hand writing can be a bit challenging.  I am doing my best with the transcriptions but there are a number of words I can't identify. I'll give a link to a scanned pdf with each post so you can give me suggestions.

 Sunday Afternoon

My dear Lillie,

    I have been looking for a letter from you for several days but [ILLEGIBLE] that you are busy and have not been fit to write.

    We heard [ILLEGIBLE] though [ILLEGIBLE] this last week.  We have been having beautiful weather the last week although rather dry and dusty but this morning it has rained and everything is looking finely. Cherry trees [ILLEGIBLE] and daffodils are in full bloom. The flowering almond that was [ILLEGIBLE] when you lived here has blossomed [ILLEGIBLE] full.

    I went to church this morning although was rather wet but it was communion day and I have not been to communion for some time and was anxious to go.  I'm united with the church on confession and [ILLEGIBLE] by letter.

    You was much on my mind this morning and I was wishing I might have the privilege of sitting with you at the table of our Lord. Will you not come?

    These May days bring our dear Charles last days to mind with [ILLEGIBLE]. We shall go to him but he will [ILLEGIBLE] no more to us. Dear boy.

    We had a letter from Evanston last week and they are all well and happy. R. seems to be just as busy as you with duties at home and [ILLEGIBLE]. She is a great woman I think [ILLEGIBLE].

    All well at the Wrights and all went to church this morning.  The boys sheep are at home [ILLEGIBLE] and Ned has twin lambs and David has one.

    They have measles and [ILLEGIBLE] in the school and [ILLEGIBLE] likely they may get them but I have had measles and I am glad.

    [ILLEGIBLE] had a letter from Mrs. Foobes to yesterday and I think they must be quite near you. As near as I can make out they are at Lockhaven N.H. 

    [ILLEGIBLE] the [ILLEGIBLE] is not very [ILLEGIBLE]. It is near a lake and I guess a summer rent.  I think you will receive a call sometime from [ILLEGIBLE] and her husband.  Old Ted is all right has a good apatite but is not as fat as in the winter. I [ILLEGIBLE] it is of no use to say I [ILLEGIBLE] have but hopes you will be able to sometime. 

Lovingly S.W. Reed

Here is the scanned image of the letter if you want to try and fill in the blanks.  Some items of note from what I can see:

• It appears to have been written in May.
• Ned is my Granduncle Edward Wright
• David is my Grandfather David Wright
• Given the Wright reference, Sarah was likely writing from Northampton, MA

Here is how everyone mentioned is related to me:

Family

• Sarah Wheeler Sanders(1823-1919) married Benjamin Franklin Reed(1819-UNKNOWN)
• Jane Caroline Reed(1846-1936) married David Joy Wright(1851-1908)
• Edward Nimes Wright(1884-1947) know as Ned
• David Sanders Wright(1887-1967) married Florence Edna Smith(1892-1937)
• Caroline Wright(1930-2016) married Robert Ervin Putnam(1927-2011)
• Me
• Lucy Amy Reed(1848-1918) married John Dresser Lawrence(1847-1907)
• Albert David Sanders(1852-1947) married Rebecca Clark Strong(1854-1935) referenced as R

Unknown

• Charles
• Mrs. Foobes
• Old Ted, who I believe to be an animal

                                                                                          

Photo of Catherine, David, David Joy and Florence Wright at the 306 Maple St house in Great Barrington, MA

Catherine McCann Smith,  Catherine Wright, David Sanders Wright, David Joy Wright, Florence Smith Wright and Merrick Smith at the 306 Maple St house in Great Barrington, MA, abt 1923

 

Photo Friday: Can anyone identify this make of car?

 

This car either belonged to my Grandfather David Sanders Wright or my Great Grandfather Merrick Luther Smith.  I believe it was taken at the 306 Maple St house in Great Barrington, MA. If you look closely inside the car you can make out David Sanders Wright, Florence Edna Smith and 2 children. The person beside the car may be Merrick Luther Smith, but I am not sure. I came up with the year based on the license plate of the car.

Car at 306 Maple St, abt 1923

Photo of David Sanders Wright and Charles Merrick Wright, abt 1925

David Sanders Wright and Charles Merrick Wright, abt 1925

 

Catherine and her daddy, 1921

Catherine and her daddy, 1921

 

Catherine Wright surrounded by Family, May 1922

 I could use help identifying the three on the right.

Jane Reed Wright, David Wright, Florence Smith Wright, Catherine Wright, and three unknown, May 1921

Catherine and David Sanders Wright, 1921

 

Catherine Sanders Wright, David Sanders Wright, 4 months, March, 1921

Data from the 1950 Census-David Sanders Wright and Florence Caroline Wright

1950 Census Data

So, the 1950 Census data was released today.  Of course I had to go searching.  I found my Mother and Grandfather on Page 12 of the Northampton, Massachusetts 8-50 report. Here is what I found.

They were both living at 67 West St.  David is listed as David S. Wright, a 62 year old Widower.  He was morn in Massachusetts who was born in Massachusetts.  He is listed as a Teacher of Physics at the Public High School who worked 35 hours the previous week.  

My mother is listed as Florence C. Wright. She is the 19 year old daughter of  David who has never been married.  She work 10 hours the previous week as a Sales person at a Retail Department Store. I never new this about her, so that's a new fact.

Photo Friday: Photos of my Grandfather David Sanders right and his brother Edward

 

David Sanders Wright, 1980

David and Edward Wright, 1895

Edward Wright, 1980

Here is David Sanders Wright Biography.

Happy New Year!

 Here is a quick overview of some behind the scenes work I've been doing.

Dad's Coppermine River Trip

First, I have moved the transcription of my Father's 1975 Coppermine River Trip over to the website.  I first posted this in 2016, so some people may not have seen it.  I hope someday to add photos, but am not there yet.  

Countries of Origin

The second thing I have been doing is reworking some charts to show where we immigrated from.  I've gone back to my 7th Great Grandparents generation so far, but will need to take it two more generations back to show all the immigrants.   I've posted everything on the website, but here are the charts and comparative DNA information where I have it.  The "End of Line" Category means I cannot trace the line back to the point of immigration.  

My Immigration Profile:

My DNA Profile:

My Father's (Robert Ervin Putnam) Immigration Profile:

My Mother's (Caroline Wright) Immigration Profile:

Her DNA Profile:

My Putnam Grandfather's (Ervin Earl Putnam) Immigration Profile:

My Connelly Grandmother's (Mary Gertrude Connelly) Immigration Profile:

My Wright Grandfather's (David Sanders Wright) Immigration Profile:

My Smith Grandmother's (Florence Edna Smith) Immigration Profile:

The older data used has not been validated and I will be expanding to the earlier generations as time allows, so these charts may change.  

Found another piece in the saga of David Sanders Wright's retirement income.

 DAVE WRIGHT MIGHT GARNER $8000-$9000

Could Collect From Teacher's Fund if Retirement as Veteran Were Approved

Northampton, July 13,-David S. Wright, teacher-coach at Northampton High School for the past 37 years who retired because of disability at the conclusion of the school term last month, will be eligible to collect approximately $8000-$9000 which he has paid into the teachers' retirement fund in case Mayor Cahillane would approve his retirement under the veterans' retirement act.

Although he would collect a smaller pension through the veterans' act, Wright would be able to receive a cash rebate for the money he turned into the teachers' fund during his 37 years of service to the city. The veterans' retirement would enable Wright to receive approximately $3600 annually as against an approximate $4000 through the teachers' fund.

Mayor Cahillane turned down the request recently and was quoted as having said the City Finance Committee refused to allow Wright to retire under the veterans' act. However, a member said the committee merely discussed the matter but did not take a vote, one way or the other.

The city, it was said, would have to stand the expense should the request for the veterans' pension be approved.  Under the terms, Wright could retire after 30 years service or after 10 years, providing he has a disability. The veteran teacher, who brought much credit to Northampton through his many championships basketball teams of years ago, lost much of the last year when he was confined to his home because of illness.

Only a few weeks ago the city approved the retirement request of Fire Chief Edward Wright who retired under the veterans' act. It is understood all other fire and policemen can also retire under the same act, as well as other city employees.

Another teacher, Charles Kilpatrick, was refused a similar request last year when he left the faculty at Smith's School after many years of service.

If you want to read all the info I have on my grandfather, check out his biography.

David Sanders Wright's Application for Health Insurance Coverage Under Retirement

 I found this amongst the papers I have.  I think it would be tough to scan the original document so I am going to pull the relevant info off the form.

• Retirement number: 742700
• Retirement Date: September 1st, 1956
• Employer: City of Northampton
• Retirement payment from: Northampton Retirement Board
• Name: Wright, David S.
• Date of Birth: 4/16/87
• Home Address: 67 West St. Northampton, Mass.
• Health Insurance Number: 1787788
• Gross Annual Income: $4703.05 (1961)
• Type of Coverage Requested: Individual
• Retired under an appropriate Veterans' Law: Yes
• Signature Date: Nov. 19th, 1962
• Payment Amount: $5.56
• Insurance Start Date: Dec. 1962
• Board Action Date: Dec. 17, 1962

I've added the information into his biography.