Re: 1783 Wingfield Wright of Granville Co, NC
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In reply to:
1783 Wingfield Wright of Granville Co, NC
Robert Grant 4/12/08
Descendants of Wingfield Wright
Winfield Wright (b. ?, d. abt. Aug. 1775, Halifax Co., NC)
Winfield Wright (Winfield II) was the son of Wingfield Wright and his first wife Nelly. Winfield is named is his father’s 1783 will, which as noted below has apparently caused some confusion. Will of Wingfield Wright, Granville County Wills, 1749-1968, North Carolina State Archives, C.R. 044.801.42 (Wilson James D.-Young).
Winfield Wright apparently moved to Halifax Co. prior to 1775 when his will was recorded North Carolina. Margaret M. Hoffman, Genealogical Abstracts of Wills 1758 through 1824 Halifax County, North Carolina, The Roanoke News Company, Weldon, NC, 1970, p. 46.Winfield named in his will his wife Patience and five children: Nancy Wright, Joseph Wright, Alice Wright, and Colin Wright.He gave his wife Patience use of the land and plantation he purchased from Benjamin Clark and the land he purchased from William Wright for her life or widowhood.His son Joseph Nicholson Wright received the remainder in the land purchased from William Wright after her death or remarriage and some negroes.His youngest son Colin Wright received the plantation and home where Benjamin lived after the death or remarriage of his mother.Wingfield bequeathed land on the north side of Jack Horse Branch to son Roderick Wright.The will stated that in the event either son died without surviving sons, that the land granted by his will should be divided between his surviving sons.This Winfield apparently had many slaves and his will stated that they were to be equally divided among all his children following his wife’s death.Also, the will stated that each child was to receive a horse, bridle and saddle when that arrive at the age of maturity.Wright Nicholson,John M. Lachlen, and Giles Hancock witnessed the will.Winfield named his brothers and friends, Thomas Nicholson and John Wright, and his wife, Patience as his executors.
The mention of Winfield in his fathers will has led some researchers to conclude that Winfield was alive in 1783 and to question the transcription made by Margaret Hoffman in her abstract of Granville County wills.However, the language of the will does not prove that Winfield was alive.On the contrary, the will of 1783 Wingfield Wright makes a bequest to “my Eldest son Winfield Wright Five Shillings Sterling to his Estate & his heirs”A similar bequest is made to son Thomas.However, bequests made to the other children of Wingfield do not refer to their estates or heirs.The language in the will of 1783 Wingfield Wright suggests that both Winfield and Thomas were deceased, which is supported by other evidence.
Children of Winfield and Patience Wright
1. Nancy
2. Roderick
3. Joseph Nicholson
4. Colin
5. Alice
Thomas Wright (b. ?, d. abt. 1783, Halifax Co., NC)
Thomas Wright was the son of Wingfield Wright and his first wife Nelly.We do not know much about Thomas Wright.His wife was named Martha, whose maiden name is not known.Some researchers indicate that her maiden name was Clanton.I have not found any evidence to support this conclusion, but have not finished my research.He is mentioned in his father’s will, which bequeaths to his “beloved son Thomas Wright Five Shillings Sterling to his Estate & his heirs.” Will of Wingfield Wright, Granville County Wills, 1749-1968, North Carolina State Archives, C.R. 044.801.42 (Wilson James D.-Young). A similar bequest is made to son Winfield.However, bequests made to the other children of Wingfield do not refer to their estates or heirs.The language in the will of 1783 Wingfield Wright suggests that both Winfield and Thomas were deceased, which is supported by other evidence.
Thomas Wright apparently moved to Granville Co., with his father Wingfield and died before Nov. 1, 1784 when the Granville Co. court ordered several orphans of Thomas Wright to be apprenticed. Thomas McAdory Owen, History and Genealogies of Granville County, North Carolina, 1746-1880, Southern Historical Press, Greenville, SC 1993., p. 195.Susannah Wright, orphan of Thos. Wright, was bound to Charles Harris until 18 to be a spinster.Agness, age 12, and Mary age 6, were bound to Samuel Whitehead until they each reach the age of 18 to be spinsters.
Thomas’s sister Susannah Wright died by Nov. 1784 when an account of sales and inventory of her estate were returned to court.Record of Susannah Wright Estate, Granville County Estate Records, 1746-1919, North Carolina State Archives, C.R.044.508.197 (Woody - Wynn).She was left a tract of land in Granville Co. in her father’s will. Will of Wingfield Wright, Granville County Wills, 1749-1968, North Carolina State Archives, C.R. 044.801.42 (Wilson James D.-Young); In a deed dated 22 Feb. 1786, Hannah Wright, admrx. of Susannah Wright, William Wright of Nash Co., John Wright of Halifax Co, and Benjamin Wright of Franklin Co, NC, all heirs of Susanna Wright, decd., sold to John Pope the land left to Susannah by their father. Granville Co. Deed Book O, p. 454. The land was part of a larger tract formerly owned Winfield Wright, decd.
Note that Thomas Wright is not mentioned in the 1786 deed from the heirs of Susannah Wright to John Pope, Sr.His absence suggests that he was dead by 1786.However, his share in Susannah’s land should nevertheless have passed to his children.Perhaps they were not of age in 1786 and could not sign the deed.In any event, the interest of Thomas or his surviving children was not conveyed. Therefore, it appears that John Pope (Sr.). did not acquire full title to the property.On 8 Aug. 1786, John Pope, Sr. deeded the land acquired from the heirs of Susannah Wright to John Pope, Jr. Granville Co. Deeds O, p. 511.Subsequently, on 29 Nov. 1787, Augustine Wright, as heir of Thomas Wright, conveyed his interest in the same land to John Pope, Jr.Granville Co. Deed Book N, p. 21.The deed from Augustine Wright to john Pope Jr. was apparently made to unify title to the land formerly owned by Winfield Wright and Susannah Wright.
Thomas apparently married during his life to Martha.Some researchers give her maiden name as Clanton, which I have not confirmed.Martha died in Halifax Co., North Carolina by May 1787, when her will was recorded. Margaret M. Hoffman, Genealogical Abstracts of Wills 1758 through 1824 Halifax County, North Carolina, The Roanoke News Company, Weldon, NC, 1970, p. 74.Her will names five of her children Augustine, Mary Myatt, Sarah Wright, Penelope, and Minney Wright.To her son Augustine and daughter Mary Myatt, she left 20 shillings each.The will stated that the rest of her estates after payment of debts was to be equally divided between her three youngest daughters, Sarah, Penelope, and Minney.Joseph Wheeless and Zach. Powell witnessed the will. Martha named John Wright and James Judge as executors of the will.
Children of Thomas and Martha Wright
1. Augustine
2. Agnes
3. Susannah
4. Mary, m. ____ Myatt
5. Penelope
6. Minnie
7. Sarah
Benjamin Wright (b. ?, d. abt. 1800, Johnston Co., NC)
Benjamin Wright was the son of Wingfield Wright and his first wife Nelly.The identity of his wife is not known.Some researchers report that her maiden name was Mann, which seems possible.
Benjamin Wright was bondsman on the marriage bond for David Bradford and Elisabeth Man dated 6 Nov. 1777 in Granville Co. NC. Brent H. Holcomb, Marriages of Granville County, North Carolina, 1753-1868, Genealogical Publishing Co., Balt. Md. 2003, p. 33
The 1783 will of Wingfield Wright names his son Benjamin, whom he gives a negro named Dick. Will of Wingfield Wright, Granville County Wills, 1749-1968, North Carolina State Archives, C.R. 044.801.42 (Wilson James D.-Young).Wingfield also granted Benjamin use of a female slave named Silvah during his natural life, after which the slave was to be equally divided between his two oldest sons Winfield Wright and Johnman Wright.
Benjamin Wright moved to Franklin Co., NC by 1786, which is evidenced by a 1786 deed in Granville Co. from the heirs of Susannah Wright to John Pope Jr. Granville Co. Deed Book O, p. 454.Benjamin’s sister Susannah Wright died by Nov. 1784 when an account of sales and inventory of her estate were returned to court.Record of Susannah Wright Estate, Granville County Estate Records, 1746-1919, North Carolina State Archives, C.R.044.508.197 (Woody - Wynn).She was left a tract of land in Granville Co. in her father’s will.In a deed dated 22 Feb. 1786, Hannah Wright, admrx. of Susannah Wright, William Wright of Nash Co., John Wright of Halifax Co, and Benjamin Wright of Franklin Co, NC, all heirs of Susanna Wright, decd., sold to John Pope (Sr.) the land left to Susannah by their father.The land was part of a larger tract formerly owned Winfield Wright, decd.
Note that Thomas Wright, brother of Benjamin and Susannah, is not mentioned in the 1786 deed from the heirs of Susannah Wright to John Pope (Sr.).His absence suggests that he was deceased, however, his share should nevertheless have passed to his children.Perhaps they were not of age in 1786 and could not sign the deed.In any event, the interest of Thomas or his surviving children was not conveyed. Therefore, it appears that John Pope (Sr.). did not acquire full title to the property.On 8 Aug. 1786, John Pope, Sr. deeded the land acquired from the heirs of Susannah Wright to John Pope, Jr. Granville Co. Deeds O, p. 511.Subsequently, on 29 Nov. 1787, Augustine Wright, as heir of Thomas Wright, conveyed his interest in the same land to John Pope, Jr.Granville Co. Deed Book N, p. 21.The deed from Augustine Wright to john Pope Jr. was apparently made to unify title to the land formerly owned by Winfield Wright and Susannah Wright.
It is believed that Benjamin Wright remained in Franklin co. until about 1794 when he moved to Johnston Co., NC.I have made a cursory review of Franklin Co., NC records and there are many records mentioning Benjamin Wright, who appears to be a prominent citizen.
A Benjamin Wright married in Wake Co. to Olive Perry 17 Aug. 1787.It is not known whether this is the same Benjamin Wright who lived in Franklin and Johnston counties.If so, it is probably a second marriage.
On 30 Aug. 1794 Benjamin Wright purchased from Samuel Balding for 50 pds., 70 acres on north side of Black Mingo near Beard’s Branch.The land was granted to Samuel Balding 12 Nov. 1793.Winfield Wright (his son),Jo. Hodges, and Matthew Moore witnessed the deed, which was proved in Nov. Ct. 1795.Johnston Co. Deed Book V, p. 106.
On 16 Oct. 1764, Benjamin Cannon entered 165 acres of land in Johston Co. lying on the north side of Black Mingo joining his own line, Clemment Bryan’s line on Beard’s Branch, William Rialses line and Peter Harrises line.Weynette Parks Huan, Johnston County Land Entires 1778 thru 1805, Durham, NC, 1980, p. 81.
On 30 Oct. 1794 Benjamin Wright purchased from John Lee of Hawkins Co., NC, two tracts of land from John Sasser for 200 pds.The first tract contained 300 acres on the east side of Black mango joining the lines of Sasser and Cumberland (?).The first tract comprises comprised two parts - the firstpart was granted to John Sasser by patent and the second part was granted to Drewry Hix by patent dated 1769.The conveyance also include a second tractcontaining 122 acres of land on the lower side of Beard’s Branch near Wood’s line, which was granted by patent to James Harrison in 1779.The deed was signed by James Lee as attorney for john Lee.Hopkins Lee and Matthew Moor witnessed the deed.Johnston Co. Deed Book V, p. 131.
Benjamin Wright is recorded in the 1800 census in Johnson Co., NC.His household includes 2 males 10-15, 3 males 16-25, 1 male over 45, 1 female under 10, 1 female 16-25, and 1 female over 45, and 5 slaves. 1800 Federal Census, Johnson Co., NC, Roll 31, p. 771.There is sufficient evidence to conclude that he is the son of Wingfield Wright.Thus, Benjamin Wright was born sometime prior to 1755.
Benjamin Wright is not listed in the 1800 tax list for Johnston Co., although he is listed in 1799.A deed from William Proctor to James Woodall refers to the land being conveyed as adjacent widow Wright’s line, John Mann Wright, and Winfield Wright.Johnsotn Co. Deed Book E-2, p. 256-246.Therefore, it can be concluded that Benjamin Wright died in Johnston Co., probably near the end of the year 1800.
Children and Benjamin Wright
1. Winfield
2. John Mann
3. William
John Wright (b. ?, d. ?)
John Wright was the son of Winfield Wright as his first wife Nelly.He is mentioned in the will of his father. Will of Wingfield Wright, Granville County Wills, 1749-1968, North Carolina State Archives, C.R. 044.801.42 (Wilson James D.-Young). Also, he was named in a Granville Co. deed from the heirs of Susannah Wright (his sister) to John Pope (Sr.) dated 22 Feb. 1786. Granville Co. Deeds O, p. 511. The deed identifies John Wright as being of Halifax Co., presumably in North Carolina, which is southeast of Granville Co.
William Wright (b.?, d. ?)
William Wright was the son of Winfield Wright as his first wife Nelly.He is mentioned in the will of his father. Will of Wingfield Wright, Granville County Wills, 1749-1968, North Carolina State Archives, C.R. 044.801.42 (Wilson James D.-Young). Also, he was named in a Granville Co. deed from the heirs of Susannah Wright (his sister) to John Pope (Sr.) dated 22 Feb. 1786. Granville Co. Deeds O, p. 511. The deed identifies William Wright as being of Nash Co., presumably in North Carolina,
Mary Pridham Wright (b. ?, d. bef. 3 Apr. 1848, Weakley Co., TN)
Mary Pridham Wright was the daughter of Wingfield Wright and his second wife Mary Pridham.She is mentioned in the will of her father. Will of Wingfield Wright, Granville County Wills, 1749-1968, North Carolina State Archives, C.R. 044.801.42 (Wilson James D.-Young).
She married about 25 Oct. 1783 (bond) to Simon Clement inGrnaville Co., North Carolina. Brent H. Holcomb, Marriages of Granville County, North Carolina, 1753-1868, Genealogical Publishing Co., Balt. Md. (2003), p. 65.One researcher indicates that she made a will dated 23 Sept. 1839 in Granville, North Carolina and proved in court in Weakley Co. Tennessee on 3 April, 1848 naming five children: William (executor), Anthony, Simeon, Mary Clements Welch, and Isabella Clements Freeman (wife of Gideon T.).This information has not been confirmed but appears to be possible.
Susannah Wright (b. ?, d. 1791, Granville Co., NC)
Susannah Wright was the daughter of Wingfield Wright and probably his second wife, Mary Pridham.Susannah is mentioned in the will of her father made in 1783. Will of Wingfield Wright, Granville County Wills, 1749-1968, North Carolina State Archives, C.R. 044.801.42 (Wilson James D.-Young). Susannah Wright never married and died in Granville Co. in 1791.An inventory of her estate was returned by Hannah Wright as administratrix in Feb. 1792.
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Re: 1783 Wingfield Wright of Granville Co, NC
Clarence Lee 12/17/10