Putnam-Wright Chronicles: Generation 1

Showing posts with label Generation 1. Show all posts

Thursday, April 16, 2020

Happy 133rd Birthday to my Grandfather, David Sanders Wright!

Here are the different Posts of done on him:

Biography

Friday, April 3, 2020

Today would have been my Great Uncle's, Edward Nims Wright, 136th Birthday

I haven't done much research on him, but here is his biography.

Thursday, March 19, 2020

Happy 128th Birthday to my Grandmother, Florence Edna Smith

Today would have been my Grandmother's 128th Birthday.

Tuesday, March 10, 2020

Today is 32nd anniversary of my Grandfather's, Ervin Earl Putnam death.

Today is 32nd anniversary of my Grandfather's, Ervin Earl Putnam death. Here are all the posts of have done on him.

Biography Information

World War I Diary

1922 Fishing and Hunting Trips

Ervin and Mary's 1961 Trip to Europe

Thursday, February 20, 2020

Charlotte Dawes Bible

I mentioned Charlotte's bible in the last post. There is a lot of info written in here which I haven't included before. AS I mentioned, there appears to have been two people entering information into it based on hand writing. The second one was probably mu mother. He is it all transcribed:

Page 677

First Hand Writing

Fanny Fowler daughter of Joseph & Charlotte Wright was born at Northampton December 3rd, 1821

was married April 24th, 1844

Page 678

First Hand Writing

Joseph Wright, son of Asa & Esther Wright, was born at Northampton April 28th, 1778 was married Dec 18th, 1812 to Charlotte Dawes she was born in Boston, March 18th, 1786
Elizabeth, Daughter of said Joseph & Charlotte was born at Northampton Dec 2nd, 1813
Daughter of said Joseph & Charlotte born Dec 9th 1816, died Dec 11th, 1816
Joseph, son of said Joseph & Charlotte was born at Northampton Feb 27th, 1817
Asa, son of Joseph & Charlotte was born at Northampton August 23rd, 1819

Second Hand Writing

Orange - son of Joseph + Charlotte April 12, 1822
Harriet M Clark - wife of Asa Born Dec 17, 1822
Francis Clark Wright, son of Asa and Harriet Born April 5, 1850
Charles Blake Wright Aug 19, 1856 son of Asa and Harriet
David Joy Wright Feb 9, 1851 son of Asa and Harriet
Jane Caroline Reed - wife of David Joy Wright Feb 12, 1846
Edward Nims Wright son of Jane and David Joy April 3, 1884
David Sanders Wright son of Jane and David Joy April 16, 1887
Florence Edna Smith wife of David Sanders Wright Mar 19, 1892
Catherine Sanders Wright daughter of Florence + David S. Nov 19 20
David Joy Wright July 3, 1922 Son of Florence + David S.

Page 679

First Hand Writing

Fanny Fowler daughter of said Joseph & Charlotte was born at Northampton December 3 1821

Third Hand Writing

Died Feb 3, 1845

Second Hand Writing

Charles Merrick Wright May 25, 1924 son of Florence + David S
George Edward Wright March, 1927 son of Florence + David S
Florence Caroline Wright daughter of Florence + David S May 12, 1930

Forth Hand Writing

Elizabeth Daughter of said Joseph & Charlotte dide December 11 1876
daughter of said Joseph & Charlotte borne Dec 2 1813 dide Dec 11 1876

Third Hand Writing

Fanny Fowler Feb 3, 1845: Age 23 - wife of J.F. Anable
Joseph Wright -1878 (Joined the gypsies?)
Asa May 11, 1883 Orange August 14 1884 - Bound out as boys?
Harriet Clark Wright wife of Asa Aug 24, 1894
Frances Clark Wright March 26, 1851
David Joy Wright May 2, 1908

Second Hand Writing

Edward Nims Wright - April 20, 1949
David Sanders Wright - Jan 18, 1967

Page 680

Second Hand Writing

Florence E. Smith Wright Nov 28, 1937

Thursday, June 27, 2019

Another write up on John Francis Carey and Georeanna Orr's wedding

This was in the Danville, IL paper.

FORMER RESIDENT'S BRIDE

Announcement has been made of marriage of former Danville boy to an Indiana girl. He is John Francis Carey, Jr., son of Mr. and Mrs. John F. Carey, Douglas Avenue, city. His bride is the former Miss Georeanna Orr, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. George Orr, Marion, Ind.

Marriage was solemnized at 8:45 a.m. Saturday, June 26, 1937, in the St. Paul's Catholic Church at Marion. The Rev. Father Foley, assistant pastor, read the ring service and sang the nuptial High Mass.

The bride wore white satin, princess style with finger tip veil held in place with orange blossoms. She carried a shower bouquet of red roses. Miss Mary Ellen Orr, the bride's sister, as maid-of-honor, wore peach silk chiffon, pail green accessories, with bouquet of tea roses.

The bridegroom had as his best man Paul Schroeder, Danville.

A wedding breakfast was served at home of bride's parents for 50 relatives and friends.

The bride is a graduate of St. Paul's Catholic Grade and High Schools at Marion and the bridegroom was a graduate at St. Patrick's School and Danville High School. He is now an inspector at Marion Malleable Iron Company.

After a short wedding trip in the East the young couple will be at home after July 15 in their newly-furnished apartment, 317 1/2 South Adams Street, Marion.

Those attending from Danville were: Mr. and Mrs. John F. Carey, Miss Mary Helen and Miss Winifred Anna Carey, Joseph Edward Carey, parents, sisters and brother of the bridegroom, Miss Maria Carrigan and Paul Schroeder, and Mrs. Frank O'Connell, Potomac, sister of the bridegroom.

Wednesday, June 26, 2019

Wedding Anniversary of John Frances Carey and Georgeanna Orr

Today would be the 82nd Wedding Anniversary of my wife's Grandparents John Francis Carey and Georgeanna Orr. Here is the write up from the paper of the event.

Geogeanna Orr, John Carey, Jr. Take Voes Here

The wedding of Miss Georgeanna Orr, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. George W. Orr, to John F. Carey, Jr., son of Mr. and Mrs. John F. Carey, Ill. was solemnized at the St. Paul's Catholic Church at 9 a.m. Saturday. Nuptial high mass was read.

The bridal party entered, the church when "Melody of Love" was played by Miss Margaret Orr, sister of the bride. The Mass was sung by the male choir of the Church.

Rev. Maurice Foley, assistant pastor of St. Paul's Catholic Church, performed the double ring ceremony. During the service "Ava Maria" was sung by George M. Orr, father of the bride.

The bride's gown was designed in white satin with princess lines and fashioned with a long train. She wore a finger tip veil held in place with orange blossoms. Her bouquet was made up of red bridal roses.

Miss Mary Ellen Orr, sister of the bride, was maid -of-honor. She was attired in a peach silk chiffon gown and wore a picture hat of the same color and green accessories. Tea roses were carried by Miss Orr as her bouquet.

Paul Schoeder of Evansville, Ill., served as best man.

Mrs. Carey is a graduate of the St. Paul's Catholic high school, and Mr. Carey, of the Danville, Ill., high school.

A breakfast was served after the wedding at the home of the bride's parents. Guests included Mr. and Mrs. John F. Carey, St., Miss Mary Ellen Carey, Miss Winifred Carey, Joseph E. Carey, Miss Marie Carrigan, Paul Schoedor, and Rev, L. Scheamaeker, all of Danville, Ill.; Mrs. Frank O. Connell, Potomac, Ill. Leo White, Chicago; Thomas Carey, William Carey, Mr. and Mrs. Pal Orr and family, Mrs. Forrestt Haley and children, Indianapolis; Robert Orr, Mr. and Mrs. George W. Orr, Miss Margaret Orr, Miss Mary Ellen Orr, Mrs. Herman Bir, Mrs. Leo Gorman and Mr. and Mrs. John F. Carey, Sr.

Following a short wedding trip Mr. and Mrs. Carey will reside in their newly furnished home at 817 South Adams street.

Tuesday, June 4, 2019

David Wright and Florence Smith's Engagement Announcement

I found a newspaper clipping of my grandparent's engagement announcement. Given comments in article, this was probably written in the winter of 1917-1918. Here is a transcription:

ENGAGEMENT ANNOUNCED
Miss Florence Edna Smith of Risingdale, teacher in the Searles school at Great Barrington entertained the teachers of Searles at her home on Thursday evening. During the evening announcement of her marriage engagement to David Sanders Wright of Northampton was made public. Mr. Wright is a graduate of Amherst college and previous to his entering the service of the national army taught science in Searles and was also atheletic instructor. He is now at Camp Gordon, Atlanta, Ga. Miss Smith is a graduate of Searles and of Mount Holyoke college. No date has been set for the wedding.

Tuesday, March 19, 2019

Happy 127th Birthday to my Grandmother, Florence Edna Smith

Today would have been my Grandmother's 127th Birthday.

Biography

Sunday, March 17, 2019

Photos of my grandmother: Mary Gertrude Connelly

Here is a quick break from the McCann research:

An old friend of my father's provided me with a few folders she had of my grandmother, Mary Gertrude Connelly.

The house the lived in in Leeds, MA

Wednesday, February 20, 2019

John Francis Carey and Gergeanna Orr's Engagement Announcement

Not sure when this was published but it was likely in 1937

ENGAGED

One of the late June brides will be Miss Georgeanna Orr, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. George Orr, whose marriage to John F. Carey, Jr. son of Mr. and Mrs. John F. Carey, Danville, Ill. will be solemnized on June 26 in St. Paul's Catholic church.

Friday, February 8, 2019

Happy 103rd birthday to John Francis Carey, my wife's grandfather

Happy 103rd birthday to John Francis Carey, my wife's grandfather. I have been given more information about him but haven't collated it yet. Here is what I have:

Biography

Wednesday, January 30, 2019

Today would have been Georgeanna Orr's 103rd birthday

Today would have been my wife's Grandmother's 103rd birthday, here is what I know about her:

Biography

Saturday, September 22, 2018

Biography of Georgeanna Orr(1916-1997)-O1

Georgeanna Orr(1916-1997)
Birth: January 30th, 1916 in Marion, IN
Father: George Wesley Orr(1876-1955)
Mother: Margaret Gerette Dittoe(1876-1962)

Married: Married John Francis Carey in Marion, Indiana

Children:
Living Son(1939-Living)
Living Son(1941-Living)
Dennis Michael Carey(1943-2000)

Death: September 15th, 1997 in Akron, OH

Georganna Orr was born on January 30th, 1916 in Marion, IN to George Wesley Orr and Margaret Gerette Dittoe. She was the 5th of 6 children. In 1920, she was living with her parents and 5 siblings at 1012 South Mcclure St. in Marion, IN. The family had moved to 910 South McClure St in 1940, and Georgeanna's oldest brother had moved out.

On June 26th,1937, Georgeanna married John Francis Carey at St. Paul's Catholic Church in Marion, IN and moved to Marion. The family started living at 2717 S. Boots Street. Their first son was born in 1939 when the family was living at 928 South McClure Street. By 1940, the family had moved in with John's older brother Thomas and his family. They were living at 1311 Fourth Street. Their second son was born in 1941, and their youngest, Dennis Michael Carey was born on February 18th, 1943.

At some point after 1943, John Francis started working as a Country Club manager. In 1948, he is the Manager of the Kokomo Country Club in Kokomo, IN. They lived on the club property. By 1953 he was managing the Danville Country Club in Danville, IL and living at 1608 E. Voohees Street. By 1957, they had moved to 729 Commercial Street.

Between 1957 and 1959, John Frances became the manager of the Country Club of Lincoln, and the family moved to Lincoln, NE and lived on the Country Club property. I loss track of the family in the available documents until they show up living at 125 Kenridge Rd, Akron, OH in 1993. Their phone number at the time was 263-9761. Georgeanna died on September 15th, 1997 at 4:30 AM in Akron, OH.

Sources:

Indiana, Birth Certificates, 1907-1940: Name Georgeana Orr, Gender Female, Birth Date 30 Jan 1916, Birth Place Marion, Grant, Indiana, USA, Registration Year 1916, Father George W. Orr, Mother Margaret Dittoe, Certificate Number 15857, Roll number 007, Agency Indiana State Dept. of Health, Volume Range 1006 - 1010
1920 United States Federal Census: Year: 1920; Census Place: Marion Ward 3, Grant, Indiana; Roll: T625_434; Page: 4B; Enumeration District: 204; Image: 913
1930 United States Federal Census: Database online. Year: 1930; Census Place: Marion, Grant, Indiana; Roll: 589; Page: 19A; Enumeration District: 9; Image: 279.0; FHL microfilm: 2340324.
Web: Indiana, Marion Public Library Marriage Index, 1831-2008: Name John Francis Carey, Gender Male, Marriage Date 26 Jun 1937, Marriage Place Grant, Indiana, USA, Spouse Georgeanna Orr
U.S. City Directories, 1822-1995: Name Georgeanna Carey, Gender Female, Residence Year 1938, Street Address 2717 S Boots, Residence Place Marion, Indiana, USA, Spouse John F Carey, Publication Title Marion, Indiana, City Directory, 1938
1940 United States Federal Census: Year: 1940; Census Place: Marion, Grant, Indiana; Roll: m-t0627-01047; Page: 12B; Enumeration District: 27-10
U.S. City Directories, 1822-1995: Name Georgeanna Carey, Gender Female, Residence Year 1948, Street Address Do, Residence Place Kokomo, Indiana, USA, Spouse John F Carey, Publication Title Kokomo, Indiana, City Directory, 1948
U.S. City Directories, 1822-1995: Name Georgeanna Carey, Gender Female Residence Year 1953, Street Address 608 E Voorhees, Residence Place Danville, Illinois, USA, Spouse John F Carey, Publication Title Danville, Illinois, City Directory, 1953
U.S. City Directories, 1822-1995: Name Georgeanna Carey, Gender Female, Residence Year 1957, Street Address 729 Commercial, Residence Place Danville, Illinois, USA, Spouse John F Carey, Publication Title Danville, Illinois, City Directory, 1957
U.S. City Directories, 1822-1995: Name Georgeanna Carey, Gender Female, Residence Year 1959, Residence Place Lincoln, Nebraska, USA, Spouse John F Carey, Publication Title Lincoln, Nebraska, City Directory, 1959
U.S. Public Records Index, 1950-1993, Volume 1: Name John F Carey Sr, Birth Date 8 Feb 1916, Phone Number 263-9761, Address 125 Kenridge Rd, Akron, 44333 (1993), OH
Ohio, Deaths, 1908-1932, 1938-2007: Name Georgeanna Carey, Birth Date 30 Jan 1916, Birth Place Indiana, United States, Gender Female, Race White Hispanic, Origin Not Hispanic, Death Date 15 Sep 1997, Death Time 04:30 AM, Hospital of Death Public - Other, Death Place Summit, Ohio, USA, Certificate 076003, Age at Death 81, Certifier Physician, Hospital Status Other/Other, Father's Surname Orr, Mother's Maiden Name Dittoe, Marital Status. Married, Education 12, Armed Forces Indicator No, Industry of Decedent Miscellaneous entertainment and recreation services, Occupation of Decedent Supervisors, food preparation and service occupations, Census Tract 5066, Primary Registration District 7700,Probate search Georgeanna Carey - 1997[Georgeanna Orr]

Saturday, September 15, 2018

Biography of John Francis Carey(1916-2000)-CR1

I'm jumping off track and doing a bit of work on my wife's side of the family. This is all based on the records I have found. I would love to hear any additional information people have.

John Francis Carey(1916-2000)
Birth: February 8th, 1916 in Danville, Illinois
Father: John Francis Carey(1869-1954)
Mother: Rosa Amelia Whipple(1886-1960)

Married: Married Georgeana Orr in Marion, Indiana

Children:
Living Son(1939-Living)
Living Son(1941-Living)
Dennis Michael Carey(1943-2000)

Death: September 17th, 2000 in Akron, Ohio

John Francis Carey was born on February 8th, 1916 in Danville, IL to John Francis Carey and Rosa Amelia Whipple. He was the 5th of nine children. The 1920 U.S. Census shows him living with his father, mother and five of his siblings at 615 Douglas Ave, Danville, IL. The family still lived at this address but now show 8 children in the house.

On June 26th,1937, John Francis married Georgeana Orr at St. Paul's Catholic Church in Marion, IN and moved to Marion. He was working as an Inspector at the Marion Malleable iron works in 1938 and living at 2717 S. Boots Street.

Their first son was born in 1939 when the family was living at 928 South McClure Street. By 1940, the family had moved in with his older brother Thomas and his family. They were living at 1311 Fourth Street. Their second son was born in 1941, and their youngest, Dennis Michael Carey was born on February 18th, 1943.

At some point after 1943, John Francis started working as a Country Club manager. In 1948, he is the Manager of the Kokomo Country Club in Kokomo, IN. They lived on the club property. By 1953 he was managing the Danville Country Club in Danville, IL and living at 1608 E. Voohees Street. By 1957, they had moved to 729 Commercial Street.

Between 1957 and 1959, John Frances became the manager of the Country Club of Lincoln, and the family moved to Lincoln, NE and lived on the Country Club property. I loss track of the family in the available documents until they show up living at 125 Kenridge Rd, Akron, OH in 1993. Their phone number at the time was 263-9761.

John's wife Georgeana died on September 15th, 1997 in Akron. His youngest son, Dennis, passed away on February 22nd, 2000, and John died on September 17th, 2000.

Sources:

1920 United States Federal Census: Database online. Year: 1920; Census Place: Danville Ward 1, Vermilion, Illinois; Roll: T625_411; Page: 10A; Enumeration District: 153; Image: 418.
1930 United States Federal Census: Database online. Year: 1930; Census Place: Danville, Vermilion, Illinois; Roll: 564; Page: 9B; Enumeration District: 13; Image: 62.0; FHL microfilm: 2340299.
Web: Indiana, Marion Public Library Marriage Index, 1831-2008: Name John Francis Carey, Gender Male, Marriage Date 26 Jun 1937, Marriage Place Grant, Indiana, USA, Spouse Georgeanna Orr
U.S. City Directories, 1822-1995: Name Georgeanna Carey, Gender Female, Residence Year 1938, Street Address 2717 S Boots, Residence Place Marion, Indiana, USA, Spouse John F Carey, Publication Title Marion, Indiana, City Directory, 1938
1940 United States Federal Census: Year: 1940; Census Place: Marion, Grant, Indiana; Roll: m-t0627-01047; Page: 12B; Enumeration District: 27-10
U.S. City Directories, 1822-1995: Name Georgeanna Carey, Gender Female, Residence Year 1948, Street Address Do, Residence Place Kokomo, Indiana, USA, Spouse John F Carey, Publication Title Kokomo, Indiana, City Directory, 1948
U.S. City Directories, 1822-1995: Name Georgeanna Carey, Gender Female Residence Year 1953, Street Address 608 E Voorhees, Residence Place Danville, Illinois, USA, Spouse John F Carey, Publication Title Danville, Illinois, City Directory, 1953
U.S. City Directories, 1822-1995: Name Georgeanna Carey, Gender Female, Residence Year 1957, Street Address 729 Commercial, Residence Place Danville, Illinois, USA, Spouse John F Carey, Publication Title Danville, Illinois, City Directory, 1957
U.S. City Directories, 1822-1995: Name Georgeanna Carey, Gender Female, Residence Year 1959, Residence Place Lincoln, Nebraska, USA, Spouse John F Carey, Publication Title Lincoln, Nebraska, City Directory, 1959
U.S. Public Records Index, 1950-1993, Volume 1: Name John F Carey Sr, Birth Date 8 Feb 1916, Phone Number 263-9761, Address 125 Kenridge Rd, Akron, 44333 (1993), OH
Web: Indiana, Marion Public Library Death Index, 1812 - 2011: death date: 17 Sep 2000 death place: Akron, Summit, Ohio, USA Name: John Francis Carey birth date: 08 Feb 1916 birth place: Danville, Vermilion, Illinois, USA

Tuesday, March 29, 2016

David Sanders Wright (1887-1967)-W1 1911-1940

Alright, let’s move on to the years 1911-1940. This period marks the growth of his family and tragic loss of his wife.

1911-1920

David Sanders Wright

David Sanders Wright
on Right

The city directories show he had gotten a job as a teacher in 1911 and worked as one until retirement. From 1911 to at least 1915 the city directories have him living at 67 West St and working as a teacher. Sometime between 1915 and 1917 he moved to Great Barington, MA as his draft card has him living at 50 Dresser Ave, Great Barrington, MA and working as a teacher for the Town of Great Barringtion. He is described as being short, of medium build, with brown eyes and slightly balding brown hair.

Chivales East Hospital

On May 1st, 1918 he was called up and served in the U.S. Army during World War I. I don’t have much on his time in the army but suspect he was stationed at a hospital in England based on a picture we have. The photo is title Chivales East Hospital but I don’t know where that was. He completed his service on July 1st, 1919. This is an area of his life I plan on looking into more.

Florence Edna Smith

The wedding of David Sanders Wright
and Florence Edna Smith

He returned from the war and married Florence Edna Smith (S1) on August 16th, 1919 in Great Barrington, MA. By 1920, they had moved back to Northampton. The 1920 census has them renting rooms at 101 West Street and David S. was teaching at the high school. During that year they had their first daughter and moved back into the 67 West Street house.

David Sanders Wright and
Florence Edna Smith

Their Youngest Daughter-Age 1

1921-1930

David Sanders Wright,
Florence Edna Smith
and their oldest children-abt 1928

The family remained at 67 West Street and David S. was a teacher at the high school throughout the 1930s. Their son, David Joy Wright (1922-1991) was born in 1922. Charles Merrick (1924-2008) was born in 1924. Their third son was born in 1927.

In the 1930 Census, David S. is listed as being 42 and a teacher at the public school. He is marked as a World War I Veteran. The entire family is living at the 67 West Street house and David is renting the house for $30.00. I assume he is renting from his mother who is also living in the house, but they don’t show that she owns the house and no property value is given. Their last daughter was born later in 1930 and therefore doesn’t show up in the 1930 census.

1931-1940

The family seems to have managed the first part of the Great Depression pretty well. The city directories show David S. continuing to teach at the high school. That all changed with a series of tragedies from 1936 onward. On February 24th, 1936, David’s mother past away. The next year, on November 28th, 1937, David lost his wife Florence Edna Smith to Pneumonia. Two day later, her mother-in-law past away as well.

The 1940 census shows David S. living with his five children and brother at the 67 West St. house. He now owns the house and it is valued at $9400. That is a Real Value of $312,000 today. Given that the house has been torn down and an apartment building is now there I am not going to try and get the current value of the property. He worked 35 hours the week previous to the census and for 40 weeks in 1939. This is likely due to his schedule as a teacher. His salary for the year was $2300 which translates to $104,000 today. If you’re wondering how I am calculating these figures, check out Measuring Worth.

Sources:

U.S. City Directories, 1821-1989, Northampton, MA-1912, 1913, 1914, 1915, 1918, 1919, 1920, 1923, 1924, 1925, 1927, 1928, 1929, 1930, 1031,1932, 1933, 1934,
1920 United States Federal Census: Database online. Year: 1920; Census Place: Northampton Ward 2, Hampshire, Massachusetts; Roll: T625_705; Page: 10B; Enumeration District: 165; Image: 646.
1930 United States Federal Census: Database online. Year: 1930; Census Place: Northampton, Hampshire, Massachusetts; Roll: 912; Page: 14B; Enumeration District: 27; Image: 638.0; FHL microfilm: 2340647.
1940 United States Federal Census: Database online. Year: 1940; Census Place: Northampton, Hampshire, Massachusetts; Roll: T627_1599; Page: 10B; Enumeration District: 8-40.
U.S., World War I Draft Registration Cards, 1917-1918: Database online. Registration Location: Berkshire County, Massachusetts; Roll: ; Draft Board: . Record for David S Wright
U.S., Department of Veterans Affairs BIRLS Death File, 1850-2010:
Massachusetts, Marriage Index, 1901-1955 and 1966-1970: Vol 36, Pg 364

Sunday, March 27, 2016

David Sanders Wright (1887-1967)-W1 1887 to 1910

Now I want to turn to the Wright side of the family. I didn't get to meet either of my grandparents on this side, so this is really a voyage of discovery for me. As with all my posts, I would appreciate hearing if I was wrong about something or other stories so please comment! First we will start with the basic information and then move into more detail.

David Sanders Wright

David Sanders Wright (1887-1967) (W1)
Birth: April 16th, 1887 in Northampton, MA
Father: David Joy Wright (1851-1908) (W2)
Mother: Jane Caroline Reed (1846-1936) (W3)

Married: Florence Edna Smith (1892-1937) (S1) on August 16th, 1919 in Great Barrington, MA.

Children:
Living Daughter
David Joy Wright (1922-1991)
Charles Merrick Wright (1924-2008)
Living Son
Living Daughter

1887-1910

67 West Street

David Sanders Wright (W1) was born on April 16th, 1887 to David Joy Wright (W2) and Jane Caroline Reed (W3). The family was living at 67 West Street, Northampton, MA including David’s older brother Edward N. Wright. Though Edward isn’t a direct ancestor, I plan to dedicate a post to him. David Joy Wright is listed as a merchant.

Jane Caroline Reed, David Joy Wright,
Edward N Wright and
David Sanders Wright

David Sanders Wright

David Sanders Wright's class in 1894

Because the 1890 census information was destroyed, the first census we have for David is in 1900. He is shown as living (age13) at 67 West Street with his father (age 49), mother (age 54) and older brother (age 16). They had a servant named Nellie Conway (age 20) from Ireland. She seems to have emigrated in 1890, could read and write and speak English.

David Sander Wright (top) and
Edward N. Wright (bottom)

We know that David spent time working for his father as he was growing up. My mother past along the following story which I think gives a little more color to his early life. David Joy Wright owned a livery stable, as well as a general store, farm, and was an auctioneer. Calvin Coolidge would hire a horse and sleigh to make his political calls and David Sanders Wright would put the sleigh bells on and pick him up at the Coolidge’s house. Coolidge, always to be remembered as Silent Cal, would make David S. take the sleigh bells off and leave them on the porch. After the calls were made, David S. would eat dinner with the Coolidge family in the kitchen, then put the sleigh bells back on and go home. However David S., even in high school, was an anomaly in New England, a Democrat Yankee, and said he went and swept the Democratic headquarters for penance. The Coolidge family attended my mother's church and were well liked by our family. My mother says that Mrs. Coolidge was a lovely, outgoing woman who took part in all church events and, later, saw groups of young men off at the train station as they left for World War II.

David Joy Wright died on March 2nd, 1908 leaving the family at 67 West St. At this point, Jane Caroline Reed’s Mother, Sister and Aunt move in to help out. David starts to show up in the city directories in 1908 and 1909 where he is listed as a student at Amherst College in Amherst MA. In 1910, he has graduated and moved back to 67 West St. According to my mother, he had planned to go to law school but the family couldn’t afford it at the time so he took up teaching. This turned in be the profession he loved.

The 1910 Census has David (Age 22) living at the 67 West St house with his mother (age 64), brother (age 26), grandmother Sarah W. Reed (age 87), Great Aunt Lucy Sanderson (age 88) and Aunt Lucy A. Lawrence (age 62). Edward is the only one that is listed as being employed. The have a live in Nurse named Viola Thayer (age 16)

Sources:

Massachusetts, Birth Records, 1840-1915: Northampton 1887
Massachusetts, Town and Vital Records, 1620-1988: Northampton pg 93
U.S. City Directories, 1821-1989, Northampton, MA-1908, 1909, 1910
1900 United States Federal Census: Database online. Year: 1900; Census Place: Northampton Ward 2, Hampshire, Massachusetts; Roll: T623_31077_4113839; Page: 16B; Enumeration District: 0631; FHL microfilm: 1240654.
1910 United States Federal Census: Year: 1910; Census Place: Northampton Ward 2, Hampshire, Massachusetts; Roll: T624_593; Page: 2B; Enumeration District: 0698; FHL microfilm: 1374606

The Honeymoon

Mary Gertrude Connelly in a canoe on Togue Pond, with Mt. Katadin in the background, 1926

As I said in the last few post, I have a number of photos of Ervin Earl Putnam (P1) and Mary Gertrude Connelly's (C1) honeymoon. This post is really just a publication of those photos. They honeymooned at Togue Pond. I believe this is Lower Togue Pond on the south end of Baxter State Park in Maine.