The Philemon W. Wright site is dedicated to my close friend, Irene Wright, who set me on the 'right track' as to the parents of my Granville Lafayette Wright. Irene has spent years researching the Wright and Campbell families.Special thanks must be given to Kendall Sparkman who shared these very old receipts and transcriptions with us. He is also responsible for many of the old photos.
My direct ancestor, Philemon W. Wright was a farmer and a Methodist Minister by occupation. He m/1 Charity ? about 1823 probably in the Simpson Co., KY area - a marriage record HAS NOT BEEN FOUND. However, it is believed to have been Gilliland.Kendall Sparkman in 2002 writes
My grandmother was not certain, but believed Charity's maiden name was Gilliland.Irene writes:
There was a John GILLILAND/GILLILAN (who could be Charity's father) who died about 1850 in Simpson county, Kentucky. He was married to Charity RICHARDSON. They were in Barren, Simpson and Logan countes in Kentucky.Per 1820 census there were 4 sons and 6 daugthers. I am missing 2 daughters. A daughter (Elizabeth GILLILAND born 1795 KY) married Moses Chaney.
Charity died sometime between the 1880 census and September 1884. Though there is no marker, it is believed that Philemon and Charity are both buried at Pitman (aka Mt. Pleasant) Cemetery at Pitman, Randolph Co., AR.
Philemon married Mrs. Elizabeth Vann, a widow with grown sons, on November 9, 1884 Ripley Co., Missouri. She appears on
1880-Randolph Co., AR, Warm Springs, page 31C Thomas F. VAN Self W M W 31 IL Farm Laborer TN VA Elizabeth VAN Mother W F W 63 VA Hse Kpng VA VAKendall Sparkman writes:
In 1880, you will find that he is living next door to Randolph Co. Baptist minister David Henry Sharp. David's son James Franklin Sharp married Dollie Melissa McCauley, daughter of John Henry McCauley and Philemon's daughter Adeline Wright,The marriage was performed by Anthony Foster, a Baptist minister you find living 11 households away from Philemon in 1880, who was the brother in law of David Henry Sharp (in Anthony's household that year is Polly Sharp, David's mother). Our family tradition is that Philemon overheard Elizabeth and her son plotting to kill him and left her.
Kohn Henry McCauley, who Adeline Wright married at age 13 or 14, left Adeline a widow in her thirties after dying from lung problems stemming from the TB he had contracted in the Civil War. Adeline lived to age 90 and never remarried. She was very close to my grandmother, and Adeline's sister, "Aunt Rock", is keenly remembered as is her tobacco chewing. I have been intrigued by Philemon Wright since childhood, as every time I visited my grandmother, I had to get into the cedar chest at the foot of her bed for the 1846 or so tintype photo of Philemon from Tishamingo Co. and his reading glasses in their original case that she had inherited from her grandmother. Grandmother also has the original Civil War prisoner release of Philemon's son George W. Wright, and my mother has Philemon's book entitled "Italy"
page 209 "The Old Antioch Methodist Church was organized at Pitman in 1850. The organizers are now known. Some of the early preachers were Philemon Wright, Larkin F. Johnston, W. H. Phipps, W. A. Downing, Jesse Robinson and Willis H. Hall. The church no longer exists."page 243 "Among the first preachers to preach at Siloam were Rev. Robinson, L. F. Johnson, Philemon Wright, Ankrum Hilburn, Calvin Paddy and earlier than these were possibly Jonathan Waylnad, Philip Davis and Eli Lindsey. ASs these were last named old-time circuit riders were living in this section even before this church was established. "
Recd from P.W. Right Three Dollars & Ninety One Cents in full his a/c 27 Dcm 1827. For E.S. & Chaffen. /s/ John Kirk
Received from Philamon Wright Twenty Three Dollars 67/100 being the of a judgemt obtained against him by R. Crof [Cross?] in my favour. Novr 1st 1828. /s/ A. W. Veany?
Recd of Phillaman Wright the full full amount of a judgement that this C.C. obtained against him this 4th July 1829. /s/ R. Y. Crof [Cross?] C.H.C.Recd of Phillemon W. Right 50 cents in full of his tax for the year 1829. /s/ Jas. R. Randle, clk.
listed with 2 sons and 1 daughter
My other direct ancestor, Edward Kendall is on this same 1830 Henry Co., TN census, 1840 Fayette Co., TN Census and both are again together on 1845 state and 1850 Federal Tishomingo Co., MS. Edward Kendall is the father of Martha Anna (Kendall) Vinson and grandfather of Meridith Vinson (husband of Caroline Wright - d/o Granville L. Wright)
Mr. Philemum W. Right pleas to pay Thomas Smith e Dollars and 37½ cents and this shall be your receipt in full this Jananuary 4, 1831. /s/ Robert Dollahite.Recd. of P.W. Wright 37½ cents in full of his Tax for the year 1831. /s/ J. Brown D. Shff. 17 Feb. 1831.
Recd of Phillamon W. Wright the amt. in full of an Execution that Issued from a Judgement R. G. Dowell obtained before Robert Debruce Esqu. 18th June 1831. Sept. the 1st 1831. /s/ Jas. C. Garner, Ct.
"Mr. Philomon Wright
1832 - In a/c Nelsons & Williams
July 5 “ To 7 yds Rhone? Cashmere 50 3.50
“ ½ yds. Bucknam 25 .12
“ 1 Wool Hat 75 1 do 6.3 1.38 5.00
Sept. 28 “ 5 Nails? Sugar & Coffee 1.00 1.63 1.63
Oct. 6 “ 1 Rosin 3 yds. flannel 75 2.38
“ 2 yds domestic 25 3” Flushing 2 6.50
“ 10 Buttons for .62
“ 2 yds. Blk Combrich 25 .50
31 “ 1 Sack 50” 25 Salt 2½ 1.13 11.12
Nov. 8 “ 3 oz. Indigo 25 .75
19 “ Sugar & Coffee 2.00 2.75
$20.50
Recd. Jan. 17th 1833 of P. WhightHis note for the above which when pd. will be in full. /s/ Nelsons & Williams"
Recd. of Mr. Phileman Wright in full of his Medical acct. up to this Date this 26th Dec. 1834. John Travis By D. Turner
Received of P. Wright 51 cents in full of his State and County tax for 1835. /s/ Goodlor Warrin D. shff.On before the Eight of December of Next we promise to pay Alford A. Brown and C. Brown Twenty four Dollars and fifty Ct. owing for value pd. as Witnefs our hand and seals the 28 day of July 1835. /s/ P.W. Wright, Elijah his X mark Smith, Daniel Perry.
(on back) P.Whright Note $24.50
Recd. on the within and Dollars 8th Decr 1836."
Recd. of P.W. Wright ten Dollars on a judgment that Wm. Barnett obtained against him. Novr. 2nd 1836. /s/ C. Martin C.C.
Recd. of P.W. Wright five Dollars and 6¼ in full of a Judgment that Elijah forest obtained against him Befor Culpeper Green Esq. this the 17th of Decr. 1836. /s/Jacob Humble C.C.
Recd. of Philoman Wright the amt. in full of his of March 19, 1837. A.M. Caldwell By S. __tt?Recd. of John Wilson by the hands of A.J. Wilson one Dollar & 94 in full of our execution in my hand s in favour of A. M. Lamberth this 4th of December 1838 /s/ W. J. Davis CHC
"page 84Issued - It is ordered by the Board that Poter F. Burn be appointed overseer on the district ?? road from the Town of Farmington to Hickinbottoms Mill and that he have the hands of.....
(no first name) Calaham James Cooper (no first name) Vickers James Wright (no first name) Wright D. W. Hyneman Philip Wright J. Choate Thomas Choate ( no first name) Scoggs"
Received in full of P. W. Wright for his State & cty. Tax for the year 1840 this the 29 of November 1840. /s/ M. Savage T.C.
#582 STONES also married into the VINSON and KENDALL Family
#583 BUSBE (BUSBY) family also married into my VINSON family
#586 is Philemon 'Phil' Wright (father of Granville L. Wright who m. Esther Malinda Donahoo)
#587 James P. WRIGHT - Philemon's brother
- - Wright, Phil age 30 - 40 (1809-1810)
- - -male age 50-60 with him (father William born abt 1780)
- - -female age 30-40 (wife Charity born abt 1806)
- - -male age 15-20 (George born abt 1825 -age 15/16)
- - -male age 10-15 (Granville born abt 1827 - age 13/14)
- - -female age 10-15 (Mary Ann born abt 1829 - age 11/12)
- - -female age 5-10 born abt 1831 - age 9)
- - -male age 5-10 (Phildemon Jr. born abt 1833 - age 7/8)
- - -female age under 5 (Susie born 1835-1836) - age 4/5)
- - -female age under 5 (Elizabeth born abt 1838 - age 1/2)
#590 Hickman HENSLEY is brother to Charlotte Hensley (wife of Alexander DONAHOO)
#591 James HENSLY is antoher brother to Charlotte HENSLY (wife of Alexander DONAHOO)
#593 Lucinda HENSLEY is mother of Charlotte (Hensley) Donahoo
#594 Alexander DONAHOO is my direct ancestor married to Charlotte Hensley
(parents of James H. Donahoo who married Elizabeth Wright (d/o Philemon), my Esther Malinda Donahoo who m. Granville L. Wright (s/o Philemon), and Lucinda Donahoo who married Jesse Vinson Jr. (who was brother to father of Meridith Vinson who m. Caroline Wright, d/o Granville L. Wright)
January 9th 1841Recd of P.W. Wright 75 cents in full of his State and County tax for the year 1841. /s/ _____?
Old Tishomingo Co., Ms Minute Book OneApril 14, 1841
State of Mississippi vs.
Philamon WrightDismissed.
Received of P.W. Write one Dollars and -- cents, his State and County Tax in full this the 25 December. M. Savage, Tax Collector.
Recivd of P.W. Wright Sixteen dollars being apart of an execution in favor of John Dane against said Wright this the 26 of March 1842. /s/ James Bell ctr
Old Tishomingo Co., Ms Minute Book OneOctober 12, 1842
State of Mississippi
vs.
John Doan and P. WrightAssault and battery
Defendants go hence withouy pay.
Phil Wright in a/c with J. W. Turkman? 1842.To mid? 75
To Mid? 25
1.00
The amt? pay in ful June the 2 1843. /s/____?"
"page 422 The State of Mississippi of Tishomingo County This day came we A.H. Weir and Stephen Gibbs, Sheriff and John Reeves, Clerk of the Circuit Court of said County and in open court proceeded to draw the following names of Jurors for the April term of the Circuit Court of said County this 5th day of February 1844.22. Philomon Wright"
1844 Decr. P.W. Wright To Garland & Giff
½ lb. Pepper 13
½ “ spice 13
4 Spelling Book 15 c 25
1 File? 9 60
13
98
Recd. payment on the above a/c /s/ Garland & Giff"
"-listed as Philam Wright with 5 males and 4 females"
Recd P.W. Wright one dollar in full of his Poll Tax for the year 1845. /s/ W. L. Duncan
Recid of Philemon W. Wright one Dollar his pole tax for the year 1846. /s/ W. L. Duncan Sh
Recd of P.W. Wright in full of all demands Jan. 2nd 1847. /s/ J. G. Loring.Rec’d of Phil. Wright the full amt of my Medical Bill against him up to this date. Apr. 2nd ’47. /s/ Jas. Stord?
I do binde myself to pay a note that P W Wright give to P. F. Calahan in 43 or 44 if the said Note comes against the said Wright the said Note coles for Too Dollars and 50 cts this Aprile 9th 1847. /s/ Eli J. Calahan adm of P. F. Calahan Dec.
Recd of Philemon W. Wright Seventeen dollars and five cents in full of his account to date this 30th decr 1847. /s/ C A & J Taylor.
Poll Tax $ .80 SW ¼ S17, T2, R9 1.28 $2.08Recd. of P W Wright two dollars and eight cents in full of the tax above list for the year 1847. /s/ Wm. L. Duncan, Shff, By J. W. Cowan D. Shff.
Recd of P. W. Wright Six dollars & 15 c in full of his a/ct to date with John Druitt Decsed this 21st Januy 1848. /s/ B. Bruton, administror of John DruittRecd of P.W. Wright by assessment? by J.P. Young the full amt of his acct to date Sept. 23 1848. /s/ B. Bruton.
Farmington Miss Sept. 18nd 1848. Recd of P.W. Wright fifty Cents in full of his Book act for _____?. /s/ Bell F. Hymmans, By John Sawyer.
Recd of P.W. Wright the full amt of all Claims Due me on settlement by order to J.P. Young this 27th Sept /48. /s/ A.B. Walker
When Philemon went to Arkansas, several of his children had married and remained in Tishomingo Co., MS. About the same time, his parents and most of his siblings moved to Benton County, Tennessee."
P. W. Wright 47 Ky Charity 44 Philamon 17 Tn Elizabeth 12 Ms William 10 Amanda J 6 Adaline 3
Rvied of P.W. Wright one Dollar 54 cts in full of his State and County tax for the year AD 1851.
John Shuwler Sheriff
By W.C. Murphy Deputy
Recd Pocahontas April 21st 1851 of P.W. Wright Seventeen Dollars in full of his Account up to this day.
L. Hananer & Co.Recd Pocahontas April 21 1851 of P.W. Wrigh One dollar and 55/100 and ct
J.P. D C Polock
Recd of P W Wright the full amount of his State and Couty tax for the year 1852 2.00 1/4.
w.C. Murphy shff & collRecd Pocahontas Dec 13th 1852 of P W Wright nine Dollars and Six Cents in full of his Act (as a Ballance)
L. Hananer & Co.
Recd of P W Wright two Dollars & 40 cts in full of his Statte & County tarc for the year of 1853.
W.C. Murphy as Sheriff & Collector
Pitman Ark Jay 1st 1854 Recd of P.W. Wright the sum of twenty nine dollars and forty Eight Cents in full of all acct up to Date.
Clark & Bryans
"WRIGHT PHILEMON W 2 21N 2E 40 1855/03/01"
Received of P.W. Wright two dollars & thirty cents in full of his State & County tax for the year 1855
W.C. Murphy, Sh'ff & CollectorRecved of P.W. Wright Thirty Six Dollars and 92/100 in full of act to date. March 17, 1855
_______(?) BlackRecd of P.W. Wright two dollars for the M & A advocate. March 18th 1855
J.M. Stul AgentSean mill Pitman Ark July 31fis 1855. Recived of P.W. Right in full of all mill accounts up to this time.
E.A. Pitman
"P W Wright (grantor) to M Higginbottom (grantee) 10 May 1856"NOTE: M. Higgibottom was son-in-law.
Recd of P. W Wright $1.53 cts the full amount of his tax for the year A.D. 1856
John Chandler Sheriff
"P W Wright (grantor) to G L Wright (grantee)"NOTE: Though living in Arkansas, Philemon W. Wright kept his land in Mississippi when he went to Arkansas. G.L. Wright would have been son.
Received Pocahontas Apl 6th 1858 of P.W. Wright Fifty Dollars Cash & his note for (27.66/100) Twenty Seven 66/100 Dollars to Close his account in ful up to 1st Janauary 1858.
L. Hananer & Co.
Pn OakesReceived of P W Wright 2 Dollars & Cents in full of his State & County Tax for the year 1858
G W Murphy Collector
[Note: The following is the almost illegible entry at the end of the 1858 accounts.]thomas sumers Debtor to P W Wright Mar 1858 one larg Shovel plow $1/75 cts.
November two beef hisses(?) way 48 pounds at nine cts pur pound - three gallens and half molass 50 ctes. four gallen one del___? cts paid by Wm Wright
This is interesting because it is in Philemon's handwriting. Also, I wonder if he was ever paid for those not marked off?
WRIGHT PHILEMON W 2 21N 2E 40 1859/07/01 WRIGHT PHILEMON 2 21N 2E 0 1859/07/01 WRIGHT PHILEMON 2 21N 2E 80 1859/07/01
Received February 27th 1859 of P. W. Wright Sixty three 81/100 Dollars in full his Book account for the year 1858.
L Hananer & Co.
P. Oakes
Bal du P W Wright on Books $8.19This is to certify that sister Lundy Rederine is an acceptable member of the M.E. Church South.
Alder Spring Society
Benton Circuit Memphis Com
Sept the 19th 1859
P A Mason P.C.Recd of P W Wright two dollars and 86 3/4 Cents in full of his State and County Tax for the Year 1859
W G Murphy Shff. and collector
74
212
286 3/4
1859 P.W. Wright but if L. Hananer & Co. March 1 1 sack Coffee 23 10 8 oz Indigo & mar 1 00 2 1/2 H Roop 65 Oct 15 1 pr Shoos 1 75 3 pr " 1.40 4 20 1 Bridle 2 00 1 H Lodo (?) & Specks 70 1 Prest pin 1 25 Novr 15 1 Stove 12 00 1 Sack salt 1 50 1 pr Shoos 1 40
Jany 2 2 pr Shoos 2 75
1 pr Coliss (?) 4 20
2 X Cut files 1 20
Bagging & Book of Pool Pulliam H. 58 00
18 00
$76 00
act of Last year 8.19
Balln Lin $67 81
of for Book 18 00
$49 81
Recipt Pay up to date March 11th 1860 L Hananer & Co.
Jan 6 - Court Settlement in Benton Co., TN for William Wright as sent to me by John T. Wright per "West Tennessee Whig" , Jackson, Tennessee, issue of Jan. 27, 1860, Vol. 18, page 3
To see the details of these documents concerning his father's estate - please see the page on William Wright, father of Philemon Wright
WRIGHT PHILOMON W 2 21N 2E 0 1860/05/01 WRIGHT PHILOMON W 2 21N 2E 80 1860/05/01
Philemon WRIGHT 57 yrs KY Farmer Charity 55 yrs KY Housekeeper Adeline 13 yrs MS George W 2 yrs ARNOTE: Adeline is daughter and George W. is a grandson that Philemon raised.
Recd of P W Wright the Sum of Six 40/100 dollars in full of his State and county tax for the year 1861
D C Black Sheriff & Collector
By G S Simington Dep't
Recd Pitman Ark Jan 18 1862 of P Wright Five dollars and Twenty five cents in full of Act
Pape ThomasRecevd of P Wright $9 dollars and 25 cts. it bein the full amount of his acct for the year 1861 the 21 day of Feb 1862
W. W. Mcnatt
Received of Philamen W Wright Seven Dollars and cents in full for his
State, County and Jail tax for the year 1866.
State Tax: 3 50
County " 1 75
Jail " 1 75
7 00
D C Black Sheriff and Ex-officio Collector
Received of Phillmon W. Wright as Adm of Philomen Wright Ded one Dollar and 60 Cents in full
for his State, County and Jail tax for the year 1866.
State Tax: 80
County " 40
Jail " 40
1 60
D C Black Sheriff and Ex-officio Collector
Estate of William Wright and Granville Wright Minors and Bond of Guardians , filed 24 Jul 1866Today the court examined the bond of P W Wright of said minors and on consideration approved the ____.
NOTE: This bond is for Philemon Wright Sr's grandchildren - children of Philemon Wright II who had died in civil war.
Recd of Philomel W. Wright is a draft of the Estate of Philomel Wright Three 50/100 Dollars in full for clerk & Sheriff fees for citation in said estate. this 26th day of April 1870
E. Rockwell Clerk
Received Pitman Ark March 9th 1871 of P. W. Wright Sixty Six Dollars and ninety five cents in full of all afc to date
W H Waddle
Pr Hawil(?)
P W WRIGHT 76 Ky SC VA Minister Charity 75 KY SC SC Housekeeper
Received, Pocahontas, Arkansas, Jan 12, 1880, of W P Wright five & 66/100 DOLLARS,
Taxes due on $13 Personal
Property as charged upon the Tax Books for the year 1879.
Currency 28 Mills $3 64 Cost......
State Scrip 2 1/2 "
Poll tax $1.00 1 32 2 Penalty.....
County Scrip 5 Mills 65 Milage.....
$5.61 2
Wibb. Carnus Sheriff and ex-officio ocollector of Randolph Co.
Kendall Sparkman writes:
I believe the attached receipt for the shipment of 2 cemetery stones and a base indicate that Charity may have died prior to Sept 1884. As I noted earlier, no stones remain for them at Pitman Cemetery.- 1884, -Nov 9, Ripley Co., MO Marriages
"WRIGHT, PHILEMON W. VANN, ELIZABETH 9 NOV 1884"
- 1880 Randolph Co., AR
Receipts - Courtesy of Kendall Sparkman
Frank Van acount for board and work first to three days gethering corn november 1884 to striping tobacco 4 days to Traping corn 3 days $5.00 to seven month bred for him one work hands $6.00 to 9 monthes him and hand $3.00 P W Wright Undated: uncle Phill please send me the amount of George Wrights account and oblige $9 50 Interest 95 10.45 Recd of P.W. Wright in full two judgmnts and cort by Giveing note in favour of Charles Barnes one on P. W. Wright, & suerd aken, and Wm. Wright for thirteen dollars $13.00 and one Wm and P.W. Wright for nineteen dollar 19.00 Paul Hagler, CHC- 1887 Randolph Co., AR
--SLC fiche #6050897 per Pitman, AR News dated June 10, 1887
Old uncle Phil WRIGHT's funeral was preached Sunday. (from Pitman (Ark) Newsletter)
NOTE: This also appears in the book by Thelma McManus, obits from 1874 to 1910 Doniphan Ripley, Mo Newspaper.
Guion Miller Roll lists the names of applicants for the Eastern Cherokee Court of Claims, 1906-1909. This list shows her name as Mary A. Cooper (her second marriage being to Charles H. Cooper), but she applied under the surname Pearce, so in the index her name is Mary A. Cooper Pearce. Her parents were John Pearce and Nancy AllenJohn Pearce’s parents were William Pearce and Mary J. LNU
William’s father is unknown and his mother was Rebecca, who was full blooded Cherokee. This information was provided by Mary on her application. Rebecca, William, and Mary are buried in Benton Co., AR. Prior to Benton Co., AR they were in Van Buren Co., AR, and prior to that they were in Benton Co., TN, which prior to that had been Humphreys Co., TN.
