Revised 4/19/2017. Copyright @2017; The following Documentary Timeline has been compiled and created by Paul Rhetts. It may be copied for research purposes; but it may not be reproduced for inclusion in any printed or electronic distribution of any kind without the express written permission of the author. Any requests to use this information should be sent to Paul Rhetts, LPDPress@q.com.
Philburt T WRIGHT (1768-1855) m. (1) Mary Molly SEARS (1776-1830) and (2) Elizabeth Devin BECK (1792-1864)
s/o Richard R WRIGHT (1730-1784) m. Elizabeth Anne Jane MORGAN (1732-1798)
1-d/o Christian F SEARS (1742-1843) m. Catherine STUTZMAN (1759-1834)
2-d/o Unknown
29 Mar 1768 Philburt T WRIGHT born at Rowan, NC; 8th and youngest son, 9th child of 12 [one source says birth was 2 Mar 1768]
13 Feb 1776 Mary Molly SEARS born at Rowan, NC; 5th child of 12, 3rd daughter
1779 Randolph Co Tax list; NC Taxpayers Register, Vol 2, p.226 (doc)
3 Sep 1784 Philburt T WRIGHT probated his father’s will in Randolph Co, NC [father’s records include DAR Record 855723; DAR Record 866258; DAR Record 505619; DAR Record 520327.] [Philburd Wright named in his father's will, as a minor. He would have been sixteen at this time.]
1790 Federal Census, Rowan, NC, p.345-Phillimon Wright: Males < 16=1; Males 16>-2; Females=5 (doc)
22 Feb 1792 Elizabeth Devin BECK born at Washington, IN
7 Dec 1792 Philburt T WRIGHT purchased from the State of NC 134 acres of land on the "Uary", next to John Plummer and ______ Morgan, recorded 7 December 1792 Source: Rowan Co. Deeds, Book 19, p. 97. Three additions to the land were purchased to enlarge their farm between 1792 and 6 Oct 1808. On that date the entire farm was sold. Rowan Co. Deeds, Book 23, p. 842.
15 Aug 1793 Philburt T WRIGHT and Mary Molly SEARS married at Rowan, NC (12 children) [North Carolina Marriage Bonds, 1741-1868, lists Mary Sear and Philburt Wright, bond date 15 Aug. 1793, Rowan Co., record #02 478 (3doc). Bondsman: William Bodenhamer, Witness: Jno Monro, Bond #000130674; "Marriages of Rowan Co., NC 1753-1868", Holcomb, Brent H.(compiler), Gen. Pub. Co., Inc., 1981. p. 437. Also, "Rowan Co., NC Marriage Bonds, Part II", Typed by Gen. Soc. of Utah, (FHL), p.477. Marriage Bond: "State of North Carolina Rowan Co. Know all men by these presents that we Philbut Wright and Wm. Bodenhamer, of Rowan County and State aforesaid are held and firmly bound unto George H. Barrigar Esq. Chairman of the Court of Pleas and Quarter Sessions for the County afore-said, in the just and full sum of five hundred pounds current money of this State to be paid to the said George H. Barrigar esquire or his successors or assigns; to the which payment well and truly to be made and done we bind ourselves, our heirs, executors and administrators. Sealed with our seals and dated this fifteenth day of August – Anno Dominie 1793. The condition of the above Obligation is such That whereas the above bound Philburt Wright has made application for license for a marriage to be celebrated between him and Mary Sears of the County aforesaid now in case it shall not appear hereafter that there is any lawful cause to obstruct the said marriage, then the above obligation to be void. Otherwise to remain in full force and virtue. Sealed and delivered in the presence of John Monro. Philburt Wright (Seal) W. Bodenhammer (Seal)] (2doc) [Register of Deeds Marriage License Index List, Reel No022; Page no. 3882 (doc)]
17 Feb 1794 dau Nancy Wright born at Rowan, NC; married Jacob Purlee in 1815 at Salem, Washington, IN
5 Sep 1795 son Eli Wright born at Rowan, NC; married Elizabeth Bower on 11 Feb 1819 at Clark, IN
25 Jul 1797 son Evins Wrights born at Rowan, NC; married Nancy Hinds on 21 Aug 1822 at Washington, IN
21 Jun 1799 KY Land Grant 200 ac at Cumberland R, Green Co, KY [Book 9]
18 Sep 1799 dau Sarah Jane Wright born at Rowan, NC; married Peter Zink
1800 Federal Census, Salisbury, Rowan, NC –Philbert Wright: males <10=2; males 26-44=1; females<10=2; Females 26-44=1 (doc)
Nov 1801 dau Barbara Wright born at Rowan, NC; married Ransom Johnson
8 Nov 1803 dau Elizabeth Betsey Wright born at Rowan, NC; married James Hinds on 9 Aug 1821 at Washington, IN
14 Feb 1806 dau Catherine E Wright born at Rowan, NC; married Samuel Preston Hinds on 9 Sep 1824 at Washington, IN
29 May 1807 Rowan Co., Deed Bk 20, p. 80: 29 May 1807. Henry (X) Tarr as adm of Lewis Stokinger to Peter Sumey for $300, 140 A in three tracts on Uwharrie R: (1) 25 A adj Philbert Wright who was legatee of Richard Wright Sr. dec'd; (2) 20 A adj Benjamin Wright; and (3) 95 A adj the Randolph County line and Richard Wright. Part this land was conveyed by Benjamin Wright [18:975] and part was conveyed by Philbert Wright to Lew Stokinger [18:975], who gave a bond to secure conveyance of the land to Jacob Briles or his assigns. The bond finally came to Peter Summey. Whit: Philbert (X) Wright, John Darr. Prvd by Philbert Writht at Aug Ct 1808. (Abstract of Deed Books 20-24 of Rowan Co., NC 1807-1818, James W. Kluttz, p. 5)
10 Feb 1808 dau Delilah Wright born at Salem, Washington, IN; married Emanuel Zink on 21 Sep 1827 at Washington, IN
6 Oct 1808 Rowan Co., Deed Bk 23, p. 842: Philbird (X) Wright to John White for $800, 427 A in 4 tracts on Uary [Uwharrie R] (1) 115 Aadj William Wright and Lewis Stuckiner; (2) 134 A adj John Plummer and Morgan; (3) 100 A adj Elijah Morgan and John Plummer; and (4) 78 A adj this Grantor, Jacob Copple, Adam Bowers. This land was three State grants to this Grantor and one conveyance from Jacob Johnson. Wit: E. Morgan, P. Copple. Prvd by Elijah Morgan. (Abst. of Deed Books 20-24 of Rowan Co., NC 1807-1818, James W. Kluttz, p. 182) [Rowan Co., Deed Bk 23, p. 469: 9 Sept. 1814. Philburd (X) Wright of Washington Co., Indiana Territory, to Amos Wright for L50, 125 A on Flat Swamp adj Jacob Hinkle, Jacob Hootsmon (?), and Frederick Goss. It was a State grant to this Grantor on 22 Nov. 1806. Wit: Richard (X) Wright, John Wright. Prvd by Richard Wright at Aug. Ct 1815. ( Abst. of Deed Books20-24 of Rowan Co., NC 1807-1818, James W. Kluttz, p. 159)
aft 8 Oct 1808 Philburt T WRIGHT and family moved from NC to Clark’s Grant and planted one crop there. [Centennial History of Washington County Indiana by Warder Stevens pg 683 Philbert came to Washington County 1807 and moved to Washington county in 1808.] [Settled where Harry Denny once lived-Cauble now owns the farm.]
1809 Philburt T WRIGHT and family moved from Clark’s Grant to Harrison Co (which became Washington Twp, Washington Co) about 3-4 miles west of Salem, Washington Co, IN [The Wrights built a cabin, cleared the land, tilled the soil, and made a home for their family. During the years the Wrights lived there, the cemetery was established. The records show that Molly Sears Wright was the first buried there. Evidently Philburd was a wealthy man as it is said that he gave each of his children a farm......and he had 12 children.] [Philburt is considered an “Indiana Pioneer”] [He and his family lived at the "Old Fort House" during the Indian hostilities. His cabin was about four miles from the fort, and after the trouble with Indians subsided to some extent, he became tired of going back and forth with his family and decided to build a blockhouse on his farm sufficient to protect his family and the surrounding community. It was provided with portholes and a heavy door, plank floor, and had a large fireplace by which to do their cooking. Each family was expected to furnish their own bedding and provisions. A good spring was near this house. They were members of the Church of Christ at Blue River.] [Genealogy of the Wright family : descendants of Richard Wright, Sr., p. 113] [Centennial History of Washington County Indiana by Warder Stevens: Philbert Wright took up lands two and 1/2 miles southwest of Salem on Blue River. pg 540]
1810 Federal Census males =2; 0 0 =1 0; females=2; 0 0 0 =1
9 Jan 1811 son Absalom Wright born at Monroe, Washington, IN; married Sarah Beck on 28 Mar 1832 at Washington, IN
13 Sep 1811 NC Court of Please & Quarter Sessions, Rowan Co, NC: STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA COURT OF PLEAS & QUARTER SESSIONS, ROWAN COUNTY - August Term, 1811 GEORGE WACASER Vs. PHILBIRD Wright - Original Attachment Levied - It appearing to the satisfaction of the Court that the defendant, PHILBIRD WRIGHT, is not an inhabitant of this State. It is therefore ordered by the Court that publication be made for three weeks in the Raleigh Minerva, that unless the said defendant appear at our next Court of Pleas and Quarter Sessions to be held for the County of Rowan in the Court House at Salisbury on the second Monday in November next and enter his plea to the said suit, judgment will be taken according to the plaintiff’s demand. Test. JOHN GILES, C.C.C. File at: http://files.usgwarchives.net/nc/rowan/court/philbird520wl.txt
28 Jul 1813 dau Celia Wright born at Washington, IN; married Andrew Jackson RATTS on 16 Sep 1829 at Washington, IN
9 Sep 1814 Rowan Co., Deed Bk 23, p. 469: Philburd (X) Wright of Washington Co., Indiana Territory, to Amos Wright for L50, 125 A on Flat Swamp adj Jacob Hinkle, Jacob Hootsmon (?), and Frederick Goss. It was a State grant to this Grantor on 22 Nov. 1806. Wit: Richard (X) Wright, John Wright. Prvd by Richard Wright at Aug. Ct 1815. ( Abst. of Deed Books 20-24 of Rowan Co., NC 1807-1818, James W. Kluttz, p.159) [[Tower County. North Carolina Deeds Bk. 25-Pg. 469. Sep 9, 1814 -Philburd Wright of Washington County, Indiana lets Amos Wright of Rowan County North Carolina have 125 acres on Flat Swamp, next to Jacob Hinkle, Jacob Stoutman, Frederick Gass, and said Philburd Wright for 50 pounds. Witnessed by John Wright and Richard Wright by letter in August 1815 (Granted November 22, 1806 to said Philburd.]
23 Oct 1814 dau Polly Ann Wright born at Washington, IN; married Christopher Stover Frantz on 4 Aug 1836 at Washington, IN
8 Feb 1817 son John P Wright born at Washington, IN; married Sarah Souders on 29 Sep 1836 at Washington, IN
7 Aug 1820 Federal Census, Washington, IN: Philburt Wright (p.222) as head of family with 2 males under 10, 1 male 18-25, and 1 male 45 and over, 2 females under 10, 2 age 10-15, 1 age 16-25, and one aged 26-44. (doc)
1 Jun 1830 Federal Census, Washington, IN-Philbert Wright: Males 10-14=1; males 15-19=1; males 60-69=1; females 60-69=1 (doc)
10 Sep 1830 Mary Molly SEARS died at Salem, Washington, IN (age 54); Burial: Philbert Wright Family Cemetery, Washington County, Indiana [Find A Grave Memorial # 9075275] (gravestone-photo)
15 Nov 1832 Philburt T WRIGHT and Elizabeth Devin BECK married at Washington, IN (no children) [(Marriage Record B. p. 70), after the death of his wife Molly Sears Wright. Elizabeth was first married to John Clements, and secondly to Philip Beck, before her marriage to Wright. (FHL microfilm 1306176).] (3doc)
20 Jun 1834 Will written. (probated 2 Aug 1855)
1840 Federal Census, Washington, Washington, IN-Philbert Wright: Males 15-19=1; males 70-79=1; females 10-4=1; females 20-29=1; females 40-49=1; employed in agriculture=1 (doc)
1850 Federal Census, Washington, Washington, Indiana (Roll 179, p. 331; family #152): Philbert Wright 84-farmer; Elizabeth Wright 62; Sarah Capple 14; real estate value $3000; cannot read or write. (doc) Living one household from Adam Wright, age 26, b. IN, Elizabeth, age 22, Eli, age1, and Philbert M., age 18 b. IN. Hist. of Lawrence, Orange & Washington Co., IN states that Adam H. & Philbert M[arion] Wright were the sons of Eli & Elizabeth (Bower) Wright, and grandsons of "Philbert Wright who immigrated from North Carolina in about 1809 to what is now Washington Township, Wash. Co. IN., where he passed the remainder of his days... Adam H. Wright was born [date] on the farm where he now resides, and which his grandfather entered from the Government."
31 Jul 1855 Philburt T WRIGHT died at Salem, Washington, IN (age 87) (gravestone-photo) (Find A Grave Memorial# 16144239)
2 Aug 1855 Philburt T WRIGHT’s will probated Washington County, Indiana [Recorded: Will Book A, Pg. 457-459] [Wife: Elizabeth; Sons: John; Eli; Evan; and Absolum. Daughters: Nancy Perlee; Sally Zink; Barbara Johnson; Betsy Hind; Caty Hind: Delilah Zink; Selah Ratts; and PollyWright. Executor: Son Evans; Witnesses: Hugh McPheeters and Eli W. Malott]
1860 Federal Census
26 Aug 1864 Elizabeth Devin Beck died at Washington, IN (age 72)
6 Dec 1876 Salem Democrat Blue River Items - 'The family of Philbred Wright who died 21 years since at the advanced age of 98, had a reunion at the residence of Samuel Hinds last week. Among the old folks present were, Nancy, widow of Jacob Purlee, deceased, aged 83; Evans Wright, 79; Sally Zink, 76;Catharine Hinds, 70: Cela Ratts, 63; John Wright of Illinois, 60; and Polly Frantz, 58.'" (FHL microfilm 1306176 - Documents held by the Washington Co, IN Hist. Soc., filmed at the Stevens Museum, Salem, Ind.)
17 Sep 1890 Photograph of children of Philbert Wright and Mary Sears: The group picture was taken at a birthday dinner given for Philburd Marion Wright [son of ELI WRIGHT and grandson of Philbert Wright 1768], September 17, 1890. LEFT to RIGHT - Wilson Bower, 72; Evins Wright, 93; Sarah [Wright] ZINK, 91 [middle; Catherine [Wright] HINDS, 81; Celia [Wright] Ratts, 77; - 1 brother and 3 sisters - Children of PHilbert Wright, b.1768 - son of Richard Wright, Sr. (photo)
Will of Philbert Wright: Dated June 30,1834, probated August 2,1855 in Wash. Co., IN. (Will Book A, p. 457-459)."I, Philbert Wright, of Washington County, do hereby make my last will and testament in the manner and form following to-wit: 1st. I give and bequeath unto my beloved wife, Elizabeth [BECK] Wright, one hundred dollars in cash, for the use of herself, her heirs & C. forever. Also at the time of our intermarriage, she was possessed of a half quarter section of land, 3 beds and bedding, 1bureau, 1 corner cupboard, 1 clock, 2 cows and 1 yearling heifer, 10head of sheep, 2 sows and 9 shoats, cupboard ware and small articles in amount say of $15., one loom, 1 ten gallon kettle, 1 pot, 1 teakettle, 1 oven and 1 skillet, all of which said half quarter section of land and other articles above enumerated, I give and bequeath to her my said wife, Elizabeth Wright forever, and also the sum of $200.I wish placed in the hands of my Executor to be loaned by him on interest and the interest therefor to be paid over annually to her the said Elizabeth Wright, during her natural life. But should she again marry to be paid annually during her widowhood, and at her decease or intermarriage, the said sum of $200 to be equally distributed amonst my heirs and legal representatives - 1 side saddle, which she the said Elizabeth Wright now uses, I also give and bequeath to her forever, and all other property real or person, which she had at the time of her marriage, I bequeath to her forever. 2nd. I give and beqeath to my son John Wright, a horse to be worth$70. To make the term equal to the amount I have given my other sons. 3nd. It is to be understood that I have given and delivered to my daughters: Nancy Perlee, Sally Zink, Barbara Johnson, Betsy Hinds, Caty Hinds, Delilah Zink, and Selah Ratts, each 1 horse beast, worth$70., 1 cow worth $14, 1 flax wheel worth $4, 1 set knives and forks, worth $2.50; 1 pot worth $2. 1 set plates worth $1.25; 1 set spoons worth 75cents; 1 pail worth 50cents; 2 sheep worth $3.; 1 sow worth$2.; and the sum of $40. cash. 4th. I give to and bequeath to my daughter Polly Wright, the same as I have given to my other daughters above named, excepting the side saddle worth $18, which has been delivered to the said Polly Wright, and if a sufficiency of said articles therein named should not be in my possession at the time of my decease, my executor is hereby directed to pay to my said daughter, Polly Wright, her equivalent in cash out of my estate. 5th. It is to be understood that I have conveyed by deeds to my sons, Eli Wright, Evins Wright, Absalom Wright and John Wright, certain lands (by reference to their deeds will more fully show) making the amounts as nearly equal as my judgement could determine and also I have given and delivered to Eli Wright, Evans Wright and Absalom Wright, 1 horse each worth $70. or in lieu thereof, $70. cash, as before stated my son John a horse to be worth $70. or in lieu thereof, $70. cash, as before stated in 2nd Item of this will. 6th. I will that my Executor pay all the above named legacies, not already paid out of my estate and that he make sale of the residue of my estate both real and personal in such manner as the law prescribed and after paying there out the expense of his trust, then the proceeds of such sale be equally divided amongst all my sons and daughters above mentioned or their legal representatives. 7th. I constitute and appoint my son, Evans Wright, Executor of this my last will and testament. Witnesses: Hugh McPheeters and s/ Philbert x Wright Eli W. Malott (his mark) [An Abstract of this will can be found in "Abstracts of Wills of Washington County, Indiana 1808-1902" by Miss Lulie Davis, sec. of the Washington Co. Historical Society, Salem, IN 1971, retyped and indexed 1994.]
An Index to Marriage Bonds Filed in the North Carolina State Archives. Raleigh, NC, USA: North Carolina Division of Archives and History, 1977. Philburt Wright, Spouse: Mary Sear, Bond Date: 15 Aug 1793; Bond #:000130674; North Carolina Marriage Bonds, 1741-1868, ImageNum:007097; Rowan Record #:02 478; Bondsman: William Bodenha, Witness: Jno Monro
The Philburd Wright Family by Emsley Wright Johnson, 1940; Indiana Magazine of History, Volume 36, Issue 2, pp 160-163: In his Sketches, Mr. Nowland wrote in 1876: "Among the early settlers of the Territory of Indiana was a large family of Wrights, who emigrated from Randolph County, North Carolina, and settled in Union County in 1813. From Union County a portion of them went to Wayne, and some to Washington County; later four of the sons came to Marion County."1 Philburd Wright, one of the many persons of this name who came to Indiana, was born in Maryland in 1750. He became a pioneer of Indiana about 1813, taking up his residence in Union County near Brownsville, where he died in 1831, or 1833. It is believed that he served in the Revolutionary War, and later as justice of the peace in Randolph County, North Carolina, for about forty years. He married Elizabeth Reagen and to them were born the following children: Joshua, Caroline (Delilah), Sarah, Mary, Noah, Levi, Joel, Jesse, Elizabeth and Aaron.