Marty and Karla Grant

 

Home What's New Surnames Search Christian Books Help Contact Me

 

James S. Wright (1813) and Caroline Winfrey of Surry and Cherokee Co, NC

Home > Genealogy > Surnames > Wright > Families > James


[Commentary] [Children] [Researcher List] [Register Report] [A Note about sources] [How to contact me] [Home]


I (Marty Grant) am a 3rd Great Grandson of James S. Wright and Caroline Winfrey.

Special thanks to my Grandmother Luella George Grant (deceased), my Great Grandmother Della Wright George (deceased), my Great Aunt Marynell George Lequire, Toni Davidson, Alton Wright and others for data shared on this family.

James S. Wright was born 23 Nov 1813 in Surry Co, NC, presumably in the Mitchell's River area near the Wilkes County border. His birth date is listed on his tombstone. His entry on the 1860 census shows he was born in Surry Co, NC, and family tradition also says he came from there.

I've never found any primary evidence that James was a child of Aaron Wright and Mary Murphy, but scads of circumstantial evidence strongly indicate it, and we have a strong family tradition that James' father was named Aaron.

In the book Our Heritage by Margaret Walker Freel (1950's, I think), she included a short article on the Wright family of Cherokee Co, NC, written by (or told by) Mrs. Bruce King, in the opening paragraph (page 370) she stated this:

The Wright family is of Irish descent. The first immigrant of the Wrights in America settled in the State of KY for a period. Later the family migrated to near present Oxford, N.C., then to Surry Co. To Aran Wright was born a son by name of James.

She then goes on to write about James S. Wright and his family. When I spoke to my great grandmother Della Wright George (1896-1982) in 1980, she told me that "Jimmy" Wright's father was named Aaron.

James undoubtedly grew up in the Mitchells River area of Surry Co, NC, somewhere near the present State Road community. He was probably barely into his teens when his father died in the 1820's.

On 23 June 1837, James S. Wright was deeded something by M.M. Hughes and James Martin. I don't know the details of this deed.  James' brother Daniel S. Wright was one of the witnesses. (Surry Co, NC Deed Book Y page 33)

On 31 July 1837, James S. Wright sold something to Thomas W. Carter, perhaps it was the same property he acquired just a month before. (Surry Co, NC Deed Book W page 334).

In late 1837 or early 1838, James married Caroline C. Winfrey in Surry Co, NC. I didn't find a marriage bond for them, but their entry on the 1900 census said they were married for 62 years, so that works out to ca 1837/1838.

Caroline Winfrey was a child of Caleb Winfrey (Jr) and Arabella Moody of Surry Co, NC.

On 6 Nov 1839, Caleb Winfrey made a deed to Lemuel B. Jones in Surry County. James Wright was a witness to this deed. (Surry Co, NC Deed Book Y page 213).

James S. Wright did not appear on the 1840 census, but I feel fairly confidant that he was residing with his father-in-law Caleb Winfrey, as his household seem to have extra people who were a perfect age match with James, his wife and their children.

1840 census analysis (based on available evidence): (Explanation of this census)

1840 Surry Co, NC pg 112 Caleb Winfrey  1000101000000-1112020000000
Analysis:
1 Male(s) 40-49        (1790-1800)	Caleb WINFREY (1799/1800) s/o Caleb & Nancy
1 Male(s) 20-29        (1810-1820)	James S. WRIGHT (1813) son-in-law
1 Male(s) 0-4          (1835-1840)	Isaac B. WINFREY (1835) son
2 Female(s) 30-39      (1800-1810)	Arabella MOODY Winfrey (1803/04) wife
					Eliza MOODY (1807/08) sister-in-law
2 Female(s) 15-19      (1820-1825)	Caroline C. WINFREY Wright (1822) daughter
					Emily WINFREY (1825) daughter
1 Female(s) 10-14      (1825-1830)	Eliza A. WINFREY (1829) daughter
1 Female(s) 5-9        (1830-1835)	Elizabeth WINFREY (1831) daughter
1 Female(s) 0-4        (1835-1840)	Arabella Cirkendal WRIGHT (1839) gr-daughter

Between ca 1840 and ca 1841, Caleb Winfrey and his family, and James S. Wright and his family, left Surry County, NC and moved to Cherokee County, NC, in what is now Valleytown Township. They lived along the Valley River in what later became known as Rhodo and Topton and Red Marble communities.

For the 1850 census, James Wright and family were listed in Cherokee Co, NC just three houses from Caleb Winfrey. Interestingly (and apparently only a coincidence), there was an Edward Wright family listed just 44 houses away. I've not found any connection between Edward and James so far. In 1850, James Wright's orphaned nephew James Crummell was living with them.

1850 census abstract: (Explanation of this census)
(Note: The dates at the end of each line are not part of the original census, but are approximate birth years based on age)
1850 CHEROKEE CO, NC Page 70    House/Family #  915/ 915  - VALLEYTOWN Twp

WRIGHT JAMES          37 M W FARMER                 600 NC                   1812/1813
WRIGHT CAROLINE       27 F W                            NC                   1822/1823
WRIGHT ARABELLA       11 F W                            NC                   1838/1839
WRIGHT MARTHA          6 F W                            NC                   1843/1844
WRIGHT ALEXANDER       4 M W                            NC                   1845/1846
WRIGHT RICHARD         1 M W                            NC                   1848/1849
CROMWELL JAMES        15 M W                            NC                   1834/1835

James and family were listed in Cherokee County for the 1860 census. Jerry Rogers, (no known relationship) was residing with them as a laborer. Jerry's brother Barney had married Caroline Winfrey's sister Elizabeth Winfrey, so that was probably their connection, a brother-in-law-in-law. This census taker for 1860 was a blessing to genealogists. He decided to take down the actual county of birth for everyone, instead of just the state of birth.

1860 census abstract: (Explanation of this census)
(Note: The dates at the end of each line are not part of the original census, but are approximate birth years based on age)
1860 CHEROKEE CO, NC Page 468   House/Family #  891/ 891 -- VALLEYTOWN Twp

WRIGHT JAMES          45 M W FARMER            2200   530 SURRY CO, NC         1814/1815
WRIGHT CAROLINE       35 F W                              SURRY CO, NC         1824/1825
WRIGHT ARA            20 F W                              SURRY CO, NC         1839/1840
WRIGHT ALEXANDER      12 M W                              CHEROKEE CO, NC      1847/1848
WRIGHT RICHARD        10 M W                              CHEROKEE CO, NC      1849/1850
WRIGHT LAURA           8 F W                              CHEROKEE CO, NC      1851/1852
WRIGHT EMALINE         6 F W                              CHEROKEE CO, NC      1853/1854
WRIGHT PLUTINA         4 F W                              CHEROKEE CO, NC      1855/1856
WRIGHT AMERICUS        2 M W                              CHEROKEE CO, NC      1857/1858
WRIGHT IVALEE          0 F W                              CHEROKEE CO, NC      1859/1860
ROGERS JERRY          22 M W LABORER                      MACON CO, NC         1837/1838

While the Civil War was raging (1861-1865), the Wright family seemed to stay out of it. I was always told that the family was very pro Union, and that James S. Wright wouldn't let his sons serve in the Confederate Army. I don't know if they served in the Union Army instead. I haven't found a record of it so far. They were probably too young anyway. Margaret Walker Freel wrote this in her book Our Heritage:

James Wright was a Union sympathizer, and following the War Between the States, he was the only man living in the valley who was eligible to hold office as postmaster. He held this office in name only. The office continued operations under Mrs. Margaret Walker, widow of William Walker. It is said she paid him annually a barrel of flour for signing the official papers concerning the office.

James and family were listed on the 1870 census in Cherokee Co, NC. Caroline Winfrey Wright's widowed mother Arabella Moody Winfrey was just two households away.

1870 census abstract: (Explanation of this census)
(Note: The dates at the end of each line are not part of the original census, but are approximate birth years based on age)
1870 CHEROKEE CO, NC Page       House/Family #   20/  20--VALLEYTOWN 2 Twp

WRIGHT JAMES          56 M W FARMER                           NC              1813/1814
WRIGHT CAROLINE       46 F W                                  NC              1823/1824
WRIGHT ALEXANDER      22 M W                                  NC              1847/1848
WRIGHT RICHARD        20 M W                                  NC              1849/1850
WRIGHT LAURA          18 F W                                  NC              1851/1852
WRIGHT REBECCA        16 F W                                  NC              1853/1854
WRIGHT PLUTINA        14 F W                                  NC              1855/1856
WRIGHT AMERICUS       12 M W                                  NC              1857/1858
WRIGHT IVALEE         10 F W                                  NC              1859/1860
WRIGHT MEDIAN          3 F W                                  NC              1866/1867

In 1879, James S. Wright was listed on a couple of Cherokee County marriage records as a Justice of the Peace.

James and family were listed on the 1880 census in Cherokee County.

1880 census abstract: (Explanation of this census)
(Note: The dates at the end of each line are not part of the original census, but are approximate birth years based on age)
1880 CHEROKEE CO, NC Page       House/Family #    43/  43 -- VALLEYTOWN Twp

WRIGHT JAMES S       W M  66 HD M FARMER               NC  NC  NC  1813/1814
WRIGHT CAROLINE      W F  57 WF M HOUSE                NC  NC  NC  1822/1823
WRIGHT PLUTINIE      W F  23 D  S                      NC  NC  NC  1856/1857
WRIGHT MEDEAN        W F  13 D  S                      NC  NC  NC  1866/1867

James S. Wright and family were listed on the 1900 census in Cherokee Co, NC.

1900 census abstract: (Explanation of this census)
(Note: The birth dates given in 1900 were part of the original census record)
1900 CHEROKEE CO, NC Page  House/Family #  142/ 142--VALLEYTOWN Twp

WRIGHT JAMES S                 HD W M NOV 1813   0 M 62       NC  NC  NC
WRIGHT CAROLINE C              WF W F DEC 1822   0 M 62 17  9 NC  NC  NC
WRIGHT TINY M                  D  W F APR 1856   0 S          NC  NC  NC
ROGERS LORRA S                 LO W F MAY 1886   0 S          NC  NC  NC  LODGER

James S. Wright died on 9 May 1902, and was buried at the Red Marble Baptist Church Cemetery. I've been to his grave many times.

For the 1910 census, James' widow Caroline Winfrey Wright was listed as head of household, and living alone at age 87. For some reason her name was listed as "Catherine" instead of Caroline. However, it is possible that I read it wrong.

1910 census abstract: (Explanation of this census)
(Note: The dates at the end of each line are not part of the original census, but are approximate birth years based on age)
1910 CHEROKEE CO, NC House/Family #  406/ 406  -- VALLEYTOWN Twp

WRIGHT CATHERINE C   HD F W 87 W      17  9 NC  NC  NC                       1822/1823

Caroline died on 5 Dec 1916 and is buried next to her husband at Red Marble Baptist Church Cemetery. I've been there several times.

On 26 Jul 1977, my cousin Alton Wright interviewed (and recorded) my Great Grandmother Della Wright George (1896-1982) and I've had a copy of the transcript since about 1980 or so. Della was a granddaughter of James S. Wright and Caroline C. Winfrey, and new them. In the interview, she made this comment about James S. Wright and Caroline Winfrey:

"James Wright, 1813-1902, that was my grandfather. Grandfather was real old. Sat in a corner, had a walking stick--reach over and hit our toes. That's the only way he knew to play with us, you know. Grandmother, she's always the boss. My Daddy said she was--he was always on to her for being mean to Grandfather. She was a pretty rough old gal. Everybody thought she was. She was good."

Della would have only been about 5 or 6 when James died in 1902, but she would have been married already by the time her grandmother Caroline died in 1916.

James S. Wright family

Back Row: Palice Wright (1878), Plutinie Wright (1856-1904), Front row: Caroline Winfrey Wright (1822-1916) and James S. Wright (1813-1902). Photo taken ca 1895-1900 or before. Photo courtesy of Toni Davidson.

Photo of Caroline Winfrey Wright ca 1915

Caroline Winfrey Wright (1822-1916). Photo taken ca 1915. Photo courtesy of Toni Davidson.

 


Children

James S. Wright and Caroline C. Winfrey had 17 children (as proven by the 1900 and 1910 census). Only nine of these lived to adulthood. My grandmother Luella George Grant and her sister Marynell George Lequire both told me that there was more than one sets of twins who died as infants, or who were stillborn. Of the 8 children who died young, only one of them is known to us by name. The other 7 (probably including at least two sets of twins) are unknown to us. They may not have received names, or else they were forgotten over the years.

The other 10 children are well proven by various records, including the 1850 through 1900 census, as well as family knowledge, death records, and scads of other records.

Arabella Cirkendal Wright (1839)

Martha Wright (1843/44)

Aaron Alexander Wright (1847)

Richard Murphy Wright (1849)

Laura Caroline Wright (1852)

Emaline Rebecca Wright (1854)

Plutinie M. "Tiny" Wright (1856)

Americus Erastus "Tom" Wright (1858)

Ivalee M. "Ivy" Wright (1860)

Media Ann Wright (1866)

 


Arabella Cirkendal Wright was born 14 Oct 1839 in Surry Co, NC, presumably in the Mitchells River area. While very small, she came with her family to Cherokee Co, NC.

Arabella was presumably named after her mother's mother (Arabella Moody Winfrey), though I don't know where the middle name came from.

Special thanks to Blanche Pullium Johnson (deceased) for data shared on this family. I also owe alot to a chart compiled by Spray Bradley Adams (Mrs. Garland W. Adams) that was published in the Southwestern North Carolina Genealogical Society Quarterly (now defunct), Vol V, Number II, Spring 1988. Her chart was the source for most of the birth and death dates I have for the Tatham family.

Arabella was home with her parents for the 1850 and 1860 census in Cherokee Co, NC. She married Pinkney Benton Tatham circa 1860/61 (no marriage record found) in Cherokee Co, NC.

They were listed on the 1870 census in Cherokee Co, NC in Valleytown Township.

1870 census abstract: (Explanation of this census)
(Note: The dates at the end of each line are not part of the original census, but are approximate birth years based on age)
1870 CHEROKEE CO, NC Page       House/Family #   71/  71--VALLEYTOWN 1 Twp

TATHAM BENTON         35 M W FARMER                           NC              1834/1835
TATHAM ARRY           31 F W                                  NC              1838/1839
TATHAM JAMES           8 M W                                  NC              1861/1862
TATHAM JASPER          6 M W                                  NC              1863/1864
TATHAM JOHN            5 M W                                  NC              1864/1865
TATHAM JULIE           2 F W                                  NC              1867/1868

The Tatham's were still in Cherokee Co, NC for the 1880 census in Valleytown Township.

1880 census abstract: (Explanation of this census)
(Note: The dates at the end of each line are not part of the original census, but are approximate birth years based on age)
1880 CHEROKEE CO, NC Page       House/Family #    86/  86 -- VALLEYTOWN Twp

TATHAM P. B.         W M  45 HD M FARMER               NC  NC  NC  1834/1835
TATHAM ARRA          W F  40 WF M                      NC  NC  NC  1839/1840
TATHAM JAMES L       W M  18 S  S                      NC  NC  NC  1861/1862
TATHAM JASPER        W M  17 S  S                      NC  NC  NC  1862/1863
TATHAM JOHN          W M  15 S  S                      NC  NC  NC  1864/1865
TATHAM JULIA         W F  12 D  S                      NC  NC  NC  1867/1868
TATHAM JERILLA       W F  10 D  S                      NC  NC  NC  1869/1870
TATHAM JOELLEN       W F   8 D  S                      NC  NC  NC  1871/1872
TATHAM JERONA        W F   6 D  S                      NC  NC  NC  1873/1874
TATHAM JENORA        W F   4 D  S                      NC  NC  NC  1875/1876
TATHAM JEPTHIE       W M   2 S  S                      NC  NC  NC  1877/1878

By the time of the 1900 census, several of the Tatham's had moved to neighboring Graham County, NC.

1900 census abstract: (Explanation of this census)
(Note: The birth dates given in 1900 were part of the original census record)
1900 GRAHAM CO, NC Page  House/Family #    6/   6--CHEOAH Twp

TATHAM BENT                    HD W M FEB 1835  66 M 40       NC  NC  NC
TATHAM ARA                     WF W F OCT 1839  60 M 40  9  9 NC  NC  NC
TATHAM NITA                    D  W F OCT 1881  18 S          NC  NC  NC

By 1910 they had gone back to Cherokee Co, NC, back in Valleytown Township.

1910 census abstract: (Explanation of this census)
(Note: The dates at the end of each line are not part of the original census, but are approximate birth years based on age)
1910 CHEROKEE CO, NC House/Family #  339/ 339  -- VALLEYTOWN Twp

TATHAM PINKNEY B     HD M W 75 M   49       NC  NC  NC                       1834/1835
TATHAM ARIE K        WF F W 70 M   49 12  8 NC  NC  NC                       1839/1840

Arabella died on 31 Jan 1916 in Cherokee Co, NC. Her death record lists her as "Ary Arkendal Tatham", and lists her father as "James Wright" and mother as "Caroline Winfrey".

For the 1920 census, Benton Tatham was residing with his son John Tatham in Cherokee Co, NC in Valleytown Township.

1920 census abstract: (Explanation of this census)
(Note: The dates at the end of each line are not part of the original census, but are approximate birth years based on age)
1920 CHEROKEE CO, NC House/Family #  262/ 281 -- VALLEYTOWN-ANDREWS Twp

TATHAM JOHN A        HD O F M W 54 W NC  NC  NC  LUMBERMAN                       1865/1866
TATHAM OLIVE         D      F W 15 S NC  NC  NC                                  1904/1905
TATHAM MARY          D      F W 13 S NC  NC  NC                                  1906/1907
TATHAM LENNA         D      F W  8 S NC  NC  NC                                  1911/1912
TATHAM P BENTON      FA     M W 84 W NC  NC  NC  MILLER                          1835/1836

Benton died on 3 Mar 1926 in Cherokee Co, NC. I believe that Benton and Arabella are both buried at the Valleytown Cemetery in Andrews, NC.

 


Martha Wright was born ca 1843/44 in Cherokee Co, NC, presumably in the Rhodo area. She was listed with her parents on the 1850 census, but did not appear with them in 1860. Though she was old enough to have married by then, I believe she died instead. She may be buried in one of the several unmarked graves at Red Marble Church.

 


Aaron Alexander Wright was born 2 Oct 1847 in Cherokee Co, NC, presumably in the Rhodo area. He was home with his parents for the 1850, 1860 and 1870 census.

He was presumably named "Aaron" after his father's father (Aaron Wright), but I don't know where the "Alexander" came from. He was called "El" (short for their way of pronouncing his middle name "Elexander").

He married Annis Dulcenia Waters on 17 Dec 1876 in Macon Co, NC, probably at her father's house. She was a child of Jacob Jackson Waters and Emily A. Tanner.

See his own page for additional information on the Aaron Alexander Wright family.

 


Richard Murphy Wright was born January 1849 in Union Co, GA. Apparently the James S. Wright family had gone down for a visit with his mother Mary Murphy Wright who was living in Union Co, GA then. Richard M. Wright was apparently named for Mary's father Richard Murphy (great grandfather to Richard M. Wright).

Richard M. Wright was home with his parents in Cherokee Co, NC for the 1850, 1860 and 1870 census.

Richard married Mariah M. Stillwell on 27 Nov 1870 in Macon Co, NC, probably at her father's house. This was the part of Macon Co, NC that soon became Swain County, and the Richard Murphy Wright family lived there in the area near the Wesser community in Swain County.

See his own page for additional information about the Richard Murphy Wright family.

 


Laura Caroline Wright (1852) was born April 1852 in Cherokee Co, NC, presumably in the Rhodo area. She was home with her parents for the 1860 and 1870 census in Cherokee Co, NC.

Laura C. Wright married William C. Stepp on 13 Aug 1871 in Cherokee Co, NC.

I didn't find them on the 1880 census, but by 1900 they were in Macon Co, NC. If they were in Macon for the 1880 census, I missed them, and I have looked several times.

1900 census abstract: (Explanation of this census)
(Note: The birth dates given in 1900 were part of the original census record)
1900 MACON CO, NC Page  House/Family #  191/ 196--NANTAHALA Twp
                                                            
STEPP WILLIAM C                HD W M AUG 1850  49 M 26       NC  NC  NC  STONE CUTTER
STEPP LAURY                    WF W F APR 1852  48 M 26  8  5 NC  NC  NC
STEPP BESSEY                   D  W F JUL 1888  11 S          NC  NC  NC
STEPP GRADY                    S  W M APR 1889  10 S          NC  NC  NC
STEPP CROSS                    S  W M MAR 1893   7 S          NC  NC  NC

I've been told by someone (can't remember who) that William C. Stepp died in California, but the family did not move out there, he was out there by himself for some reason. In any event, this apparently took place between 1900 and 1910.

Laura was on the 1910 census in Macon Co, NC, listed as a widow.

1910 census abstract: (Explanation of this census)
(Note: The dates at the end of each line are not part of the original census, but are approximate birth years based on age)
1910 MACON CO, NC House/Family #   84/  84  -- NANTAHALA Twp
                                                     
STEPP LAURA          HD F W 59 W       8  5 NC  NC  NC                       1850/1851
STEPP GRADY          S  M W 19 S            NC  NC  NC                       1890/1891
STEPP CROSS          S  M W 17 S            NC  NC  NC                       1892/1893

Laura was still in Nantahala Township for the 1920 census.

1920 census abstract: (Explanation of this census)
(Note: The dates at the end of each line are not part of the original census, but are approximate birth years based on age)
1920 MACON CO, NC Page 279B House/Family #  45/  46--NANTAHALA Twp

STEPP LAURA C        HD O F F W 67 W NC  NC  NC                                  1852/1853
STEPP CRAIG          S      M W 26 S NC  NC  NC                                  1893/1894

 

I don't know when Laura died, but I've been told she is buried at the Valleytown Cemetery in Andrews.

 


Emaline Rebecca Wright was born March 1854 in Cherokee Co, NC, presumably in the Rhodo area. She was home with her parents for the 1860 and 1870 census. Her name might be "Rebecca Emaline" instead of "Emaline Rebecca". Various Records show it both ways, but it seems she used "Emaline" as her name.

Rebecca E. Wright married Charles Abraham Conley on 20 Oct 1872 in Cherokee Co, NC.

They were listed on the 1880 census in Cherokee Co, NC in Valleytown Township.

1880 census abstract: (Explanation of this census)
(Note: The dates at the end of each line are not part of the original census, but are approximate birth years based on age)
1880 CHEROKEE CO, NC Page       House/Family #     2/   2 -- VALLEYTOWN Twp

CONLEY CHARLES A     W M  26 HD M FARMER               NC  NC  NC  1853/1854
CONLEY EMILY         W F  26 WF M                      NC  NC  NC  1853/1854
CONLEY ANDREW J      W M   6 S  S                      NC  NC  NC  1873/1874
CONLEY ETHEL         W F   5 D  S                      NC  NC  NC  1874/1875
CONLEY JULIA B       W F   3 D  S                      NC  NC  NC  1876/1877
CONLEY PLUTINE       W F   1 D  S                      NC  NC  NC  1878/1879

They were listed on the 1900 census in Cherokee Co, NC.

1900 census abstract: (Explanation of this census)
(Note: The birth dates given in 1900 were part of the original census record)
1900 CHEROKEE CO, NC Page  House/Family #  312/ 312--VALLEYTOWN Twp

CONLEY CHARLES A               HD W M MAR 1854   0 M 27       NC  NC  NC
CONLEY REBECCA E               WF W F MAR 1854   0 M 27 10  8 NC  NC  NC
CONLEY ANDREW J                S  W M SEP 1873   0 S          NC  NC  NC
CONLEY ETHEL F                 D  W F MAR 1875   0 S          NC  NC  NC
CONLEY JURASKA B               D  W F MAR 1877   0 S          NC  NC  NC
CONLEY TINNIE                  D  W F MAY 1879   0 S          NC  NC  NC
CONLEY NINA                    D  W F JUL 1881   0 S          NC  NC  NC
CONLEY WYMER                   S  W M JUN 1884   0 S          NC  NC  NC
CONLEY ZEB BRISTOL             S  W M SEP 1890   0 S          NC  NC  NC
CONLEY PEARLIE R               S  W M FEB 1894   0 S          NC  NC  NC

They were listed in Cherokee Co, NC for the 1910 census as well.

1910 census abstract: (Explanation of this census)
(Note: The dates at the end of each line are not part of the original census, but are approximate birth years based on age)
1910 CHEROKEE CO, NC House/Family #  128/ 128  -- VALLEYTOWN Twp

CONLEY CHARLES A     HD M W 56 M   37       NC  NC  NC                       1853/1854
CONLEY REBECCA E     WF F W 56 M   37 10  7 NC  NC  NC                       1853/1854
CONLEY ETHEL A       D  F W 35 S            NC  NC  NC                       1874/1875
CONLEY RUSH B        S  M W 33 S            NC  NC  NC                       1876/1877
CONLEY WYMER E       S  M W 25 S            NC  NC  NC                       1884/1885
CONLEY ZEB B         S  M W 20 S            NC  NC  NC                       1889/1890
CONLEY ROY P         S  M W 16 S            NC  NC  NC                       1893/1894

Charles Conley died 22 Nov 1918 in Cherokee Co, NC.

Emaline was listed as head of household on the 1920 census in Cherokee Co, NC.

1920 census abstract: (Explanation of this census)
(Note: The dates at the end of each line are not part of the original census, but are approximate birth years based on age)
1920 CHEROKEE CO, NC House/Family #  239/ 257 -- VALLEYTOWN-ANDREWS Twp

CONLEY EMELINE       HD O F F W 65 W NC  NC  NC  NONE                            1854/1855
CONLEY RUSH          D      F W 38 S NC  NC  NC  SEAMSTRESS      DRESSMAKER      1881/1882
CONLEY ZEB           S      M W 30 S NC  NC  NC  CIVIL ENGINEER  LAND SURVEYING  1889/1890

I don't know when Emaline died, but it was after 1920.

 


Plutinie M. "Tiny" Wright was born 12 Apr 1856 in Cherokee Co, NC, presumably in the Rhodo area.

She was home with her parents for the 1860, 1870, 1880 and 1900 census.

On 22 Nov 1903, at the age of 47 she married Robert E. Hampton (Robert Eugene "Gene" Hampton) in Cherokee Co, NC.

Tiny died very soon after marrying Gene Hampton. My Great Grandmother Della Wright George said it was from a miscarriage or some complication from being pregnant. She died on 29 Feb 1904. She is buried at Red Marble Baptist Church Cemetery.

 


Americus Erastus "Tom" Wright was born 18 Mar 1858 in Cherokee Co, NC, presumably in the Rhodo area. I don't know the origin of his name.

Tom was home with his parents for the 1860 and 1870 census in Cherokee Co, NC.

He married on 5 Apr 1878 in Cherokee Co, NC to Malinda Evans. She was my Aunt by blood as well as by marriage. She is a daughter of Reuben P. Evans, 2nd husband of my ancestor Rebecca Fouts. (See these two pages for more info: Zachariah Evans and Michael J. Waters).

See his own page for more information on the Tom Wright family.

 


Ivalee M. "Ivy" Wright (1860) was born 21 May 1860 in Cherokee Co, NC, presumably in the Rhodo area. I don't know the origin of her name.

Ivy was home with her parents for the 1860 and 1870 census in Cherokee Co, NC.

She married Josiah Burchfield ca 1877/78 in Cherokee Co, NC. His family was from Cades Cove, TN (Blount County) and also Swain County, NC.

For the 1880 census, the Burchfields were in Swain County, NC just three houses from Ivy's brother Richard Murphy Wright.

1880 census abstract: (Explanation of this census)
(Note: The dates at the end of each line are not part of the original census, but are approximate birth years based on age)
1880 SWAIN CO, NC Page 184B  House/Family #    89/  89 -- NANTAHALA Twp

BIRCHFIELD JOSIAH    W M  20 HD M FARMER               TN  NC  TN  1859/1860
BIRCHFIELD IVYLEE    W F  19 WF M                      NC  NC  NC  1860/1861
BIRCHFIELD DEVEREAUX W M   1 S  S                      NC  NC  NC  1878/1879

By 1900 they had gone back to Cherokee Co, NC and were listed next to Ivy's brother Tom Wright.

1900 census abstract: (Explanation of this census)
(Note: The birth dates given in 1900 were part of the original census record)
1900 CHEROKEE CO, NC Page  House/Family #   14/  14--VALLEYTOWN Twp

BIRCHFIELD JOSIAH              HD W M SEP 1855   0 M 22       TN  NC  TN
BIRCHFIELD IVY M               WF W F MAY 1861   0 M 22  9  8 NC  NC  NC
BIRCHFIELD DEAVER              S  W M SEP 1879   0 S          NC  NC  NC
BIRCHFIELD ROBERT D            S  W M JUN 1883   0 S          NC  NC  NC
BIRCHFIELD HELLIE              D  W F FEB 1884   0 S          NC  NC  NC
BIRCHFIELD BILLIE              S  W M APR 1888   0 S          NC  NC  NC
BIRCHFIELD GEORGE Q            S  W M MAR 1891   0 S          NC  NC  NC
BIRCHFIELD SHERMAN C           S  W M JUL 1893   0 S          NC  NC  NC
BIRCHFIELD BROCK D             S  W M DEC 1896   0 S          NC  NC  NC
BIRCHFIELD JANIS S             D  W F MAY 1898   0 S          NC  NC  NC

Josiah Burchfield died 11 Nov 1909 in Cherokee Co, NC and is buried at Red Marble Baptist Church Cemetery.

Ivy was listed as head of household on the 1910 census near her children, and just two houses from her widowed mother Caroline Winfrey Wright.

1910 census abstract: (Explanation of this census)
(Note: The dates at the end of each line are not part of the original census, but are approximate birth years based on age)
1910 CHEROKEE CO, NC House/Family #  404/ 404  -- VALLEYTOWN Twp

BIRCHFIELD IVALEE    HD F W  0 W      ** ** NC  NC  NC                       1909/1910
BIRCHFIELD ROBERT D  S  M W 26 S            NC  NC  NC                       1883/1884
BIRCHFIELD GEORGE Q  S  M W 18 S            NC  NC  NC                       1891/1892
BIRCHFIELD JESSE C   S  M W 16 S            NC  NC  NC                       1893/1894
BIRCHFIELD BROCK A   S  M W 14 S            NC  NC  NC                       1895/1896
BIRCHFIELD JIMMIE W  D  F W 12 S            NC  NC  NC                       1897/1898
BIRCHFIELD TINIE     D  F W  9 S            NC  NC  NC                       1900/1901

Ivy was listed on the 1920 census as head of household, near many of her children and other relatives.

1920 census abstract: (Explanation of this census)
(Note: The dates at the end of each line are not part of the original census, but are approximate birth years based on age)
1920 CHEROKEE CO, NC House/Family #  140/ 156 -- VALLEYTOWN Twp

BIRCHFIELD IVALEE    HD     F W 59 W NC  NC  NC  NONE                            1860/1861
BIRCHFIELD PLUTINA   D      F W 17 S NC  NC  NC                                  1902/1903

Ivy died on 7 Apr 1947 in Cherokee Co, NC. She is also buried at Red Marble Baptist Church Cemetery.

 


Media Ann Wright (1866) was born April 1866 in Cherokee Co, NC, presumably in the Rhodo area. She may have been named after her 1st cousin Media Ann Wright (daughter of Daniel S. Wright), or perhaps they were both named after a common relative.

Media was home with her parents for the 1870 and 1880 census in Cherokee Co, NC.

She married John Bryant West ca 1884/1885 in Cherokee Co, NC.

The Wests were listed on the 1900 census in Cherokee Co, NC next door to Media's parents.

1900 census abstract: (Explanation of this census)
(Note: The birth dates given in 1900 were part of the original census record)
1900 CHEROKEE CO, NC Page  House/Family #  143/ 143--VALLEYTOWN Twp

WEST JOHN B                    HD W M JUN 1866   0 M 15       NC  NC  NC
WEST MEDEA H                   WF W F APR 1866   0 M 15  8  7 NC  NC  NC
WEST WALTER                    S  W M MAR 1886   0 S          NC  NC  NC
WEST AMERICUS                  S  W M MAR 1890   0 S          NC  NC  NC
WEST DORA                      D  W F AUG 1891   0 S          NC  NC  NC
WEST LUTHER                    S  W M JUN 1893   0 S          NC  NC  NC
WEST WELDON                    S  W M APR 1895   0 S          NC  NC  NC
WEST HALLIE                    S  W M MAY 1897   0 S          NC  NC  NC
WEST OTIS                      S  W M FEB 1899   0 S          NC  NC  NC

They were still in Valleytown Township for the 1910 census.

1910 census abstract: (Explanation of this census)
(Note: The dates at the end of each line are not part of the original census, but are approximate birth years based on age)
1910 CHEROKEE CO, NC House/Family #  384/ 384  -- VALLEYTOWN Twp

WEST JOHN B          HD M W 43 M   24       NC  NC  NC                       1866/1867
WEST MEADIE E        WF F W 43 M   24 11 10 NC  NC  NC                       1866/1867
WEST AMERICUS E      S  M W 20 S            NC  NC  NC                       1889/1890
WEST LEUTHA L        D  F W 16 S            NC  NC  NC                       1893/1894
WEST ROBERT W        S  M W 14 S            NC  NC  NC                       1895/1896
WEST HARLEY B        S  M W 11 S            NC  NC  NC                       1898/1899
WEST ODIS A          S  M W 10 S            NC  NC  NC                       1899/1900
WEST EDITH           D  F W  8 S            NC  NC  NC                       1901/1902
WEST EDNA W          D  F W  6 S            NC  NC  NC                       1903/1904
WEST GRADY W         S  M W  3 S            NC  NC  NC                       1906/1907
TRANTHAM ALBERT      SL M W 24 M            NC  NC  NC                       1885/1886
TRANTHAM DORA L      D  F W 18 M            NC  NC  NC                       1891/1892

They were still in Valleytown Township for the 1920 census.

1920 census abstract: (Explanation of this census)
(Note: The dates at the end of each line are not part of the original census, but are approximate birth years based on age)
1920 CHEROKEE CO, NC House/Family #  133/ 149 -- VALLEYTOWN Twp

WEST JOHN B          HD O F M W 55 M NC  NC  NC  FARMER                          1864/1865
WEST MEDA E          WF     F W 53 M NC  NC  NC                                  1866/1867
WEST OTIS A          S      M W 20 S NC  NC  NC                                  1899/1900
WEST EDITH           D      F W 18 S NC  NC  NC                                  1901/1902
WEST EDNA            D      F W 15 S NC  NC  NC                                  1904/1905
WEST WAYNE           S      M W 13 S NC  NC  NC                                  1906/1907
WEST KENNETH         S      M W  5 S NC  NC  NC                                  1914/1915

I don't know when they moved, but sometime between 1920 and 1937 they moved down to the Warne community in Cherokee County, which is along the Georgia border. John B. West died there on 3 Jul 1937.

I don't have a death date for Media Wright West.

 


Researcher List

Persons researching this family (click here for data on how to get on or off of this list):


Register Report


1. James S1 Wright , born 23 Nov 1813 in Surry Co, NC; died 9 May 1902 in Rhodo, Cherokee Co, NC; buried in Red Marble Cem, Cherokee Co, NC, son of Aaron Wright  and Mary Murphy .  He married in 1837/38 in Surry Co, NC Caroline C Winfrey , born 13 Dec 1822 in Surry Co, NC; died 5 Dec 1916 in Cherokee Co, NC; buried in Red Marble Cem, Cherokee Co, NC, daughter of Caleb Winfrey  and Arabella Moody .

 

      Children of James S Wright and Caroline C Winfrey were as follows:

+    2          i           Arabella Cirkendal2 Wright , born 14 Oct 1839 in Surry Co, NC; died 31 Jan 1916 in Cherokee Co, NC.  She married Pinkney Benton Tatham .

      3          ii           Martha2 Wright , born 1843/44 in Cherokee Co, NC; died 1850/60 in Cherokee Co, NC.

+    4          iii          Aaron Alexander2 Wright , born 2 Oct 1847 in Rhodo, Cherokee Co, NC; died 21 Oct 1907 in Rhodo, Cherokee Co, NC; buried in Red Marble Cem, Cherokee Co, NC.  He married Annis Dulcenia Waters .

+    5          iv          Richard Murphy2 Wright , born Jan 1849 in Union Co, GA; died aft 1920 in Swain Co, NC.  He married Mariah M C Stillwell .

+    6          v          Laura Caroline2 Wright , born Apr 1852 in Rhodo, Cherokee Co, NC; died aft 1920 in Nantahala, Macon Co, NC; buried in Valleytown Cem, Cherokee Co, NC.  She married William C Stepp .

+    7          vi          Emaline Rebecca2 Wright , born Mar 1854 in Rhodo, Cherokee Co, NC; died aft 1920 in Cherokee Co, NC.  She married Charles Abraham Conley .

      8          vii         Plutinie M "Tiny"2 Wright , born 12 Apr 1856 in Rhodo, Cherokee Co, NC; died 29 Feb 1904 in Cherokee Co, NC; buried in Red Marble Cem, Cherokee Co, NC.  She married on 22 Nov 1903 in Cherokee Co, NC Robert Eugene "Gene" Hampton .

+    9          viii        Americus Erastus "Tom"2 Wright , born 18 Mar 1858 in Rhodo, Cherokee Co, NC; died 7 Apr 1934 in Cherokee Co, NC; buried in Valleytown Cem, Cherokee Co, NC.  He married Mary Malinda L Evans .

+    10         ix          Ivalee M "Ivy"2 Wright , born 21 May 1860 in Rhodo, Cherokee Co, NC; died 7 Apr 1947 in Cherokee Co, NC; buried in Red Marble Cem, Cherokee Co, NC.  She married Josiah "Sye" Burchfield .

+    11         x          Media Ann2 Wright , born Apr 1866 in Rhodo, Cherokee Co, NC; died in Warne, Cherokee Co, NC.  She married John Bryant West .

 

Generation 2

 

2. Arabella Cirkendal2 Wright  (James S1), born 14 Oct 1839 in Surry Co, NC; died 31 Jan 1916 in Cherokee Co, NC.  She married in 1860 in Cherokee Co, NC Pinkney Benton Tatham , born 6 Feb 1835 in Iredell Co, NC; died 3 Mar 1926 in Cherokee Co, NC; buried in Valleytown Cem, Cherokee Co, NC, son of Thomas Clinton Tatham  and Mary Phillips .

 

      Children of Arabella Cirkendal Wright and Pinkney Benton Tatham were as follows:

      12         i           James Leander3 Tatham , born 10 Nov 1861 in Cherokee Co, NC; died 19 Oct 1882 in Cherokee Co, NC; buried in Valleytown Cem, Cherokee Co, NC.

+    13         ii           Jasper Marion3 Tatham , born 10 Apr 1863 in Cherokee Co, NC; died 2 Mar 1932 in Cherokee Co, NC.  He married Laurie Ellen Moore .

+    14         iii          John Alexander3 Tatham , born 20 Jan 1865 in Cherokee Co, NC; died 1951.  He married Stella Mae Dunlap .

      15         iv          William Thomas3 Tatham , born 5 Jan 1867 in Cherokee Co, NC; died 28 Mar 1867 in Cherokee Co, NC; buried in Valleytown Cem, Cherokee Co, NC.

+    16         v          Julia Texas3 Tatham , born 6 Aug 1868 in Cherokee Co, NC; died 2 Jul 1940 in Cherokee Co, NC.  She married George Washington West .

+    17         vi          Jarilla Rozana3 Tatham , born 10 Jul 1870 in Cherokee Co, NC.  She married John B Piercy .

+    18         vii         Joellen3 Tatham , born 30 Jan 1872 in Cherokee Co, NC.  She married William Gladen .

+    19         viii        Jaronia Carvella3 Tatham , born 18 Dec 1873 in Cherokee Co, NC; died 13 Mar 1961 in Cherokee Co, NC; buried in Valleytown Cem, Cherokee Co, NC.  She married (1) Nicholas Oren Hampton ; (2) Millard McLelland .

+    20         ix          Janora Grazel3 Tatham , born 8 Nov 1875 in Cherokee Co, NC; died 2 Mar 1928.  She married J Tilman Lovin .

+    21         x          Jepthie Hooper3 Tatham , born 6 Jan 1878 in Cherokee Co, NC; died 26 Dec 1954 in Graham Co, NC; buried in Old Mother Cem, Graham Co, NC.  He married Georgia Slaughter .

      22         xi          Jetharoe Ulyssus3 Tatham , born 28 Dec 1879 in Cherokee Co, NC; died 25 Jan 1880 in Cherokee Co, NC; buried in Valleytown Cem, Cherokee Co, NC.

+    23         xii         Juanita3 Tatham , born 17 Oct 1881 in Andrews, Cherokee Co, NC; died 18 Sep 1959 in Cherokee Co, NC; buried in Valleytown Cem, Cherokee Co, NC.  She married Edgar Bruce King .

 

 

4. Aaron Alexander2 Wright  (James S1), born 2 Oct 1847 in Rhodo, Cherokee Co, NC; died 21 Oct 1907 in Rhodo, Cherokee Co, NC; buried in Red Marble Cem, Cherokee Co, NC.  He married on 17 Dec 1876 in Macon Co, NC Annis Dulcenia Waters , born 6 Jan 1862 in Macon Co, NC; died 18 Oct 1918 in Topton, Cherokee Co, NC; buried in Red Marble Cem, Cherokee Co, NC, daughter of Jacob Jackson Waters  and Emily A Tanner .

 

      Children of Aaron Alexander Wright and Annis Dulcenia Waters were as follows:

+    24         i           Daniel Boone3 Wright , born 22 Feb 1878 in Rhodo, Cherokee Co, NC; died 1950 in Topton, Cherokee Co, NC.  He married Ollie Vandora Pace .

+    25         ii           Emily Arzelia3 Wright , born 21 Feb 1880 in Rhodo, Cherokee Co, NC; died 18 May 1974.  She married Joseph Wiles Matheson .

+    26         iii          Lula Cansus3 Wright , born 7 Jan 1882 in Rhodo, Cherokee Co, NC; died 11 Nov 1971 in Cherokee Co, NC; buried in Valleytown Cem, Cherokee Co, NC.  She married Henry M Lusk .

+    27         iv          Richard Murphy3 Wright , born 17 Feb 1884 in Rhodo, Cherokee Co, NC; died 17 Mar 1976 in Asheville, Buncombe Co, NC; buried in Aqoune Cem, Macon Co, NC.  He married Maggie Jones .

+    28         v          Aaron Burr3 Wright , born 14 Apr 1886 in Rhodo, Cherokee Co, NC; died in Old Fort, Rutherford Co, NC.  He married (1) Nora Jenkins ; (2) Olive Lowery .

+    29         vi          William Rush3 Wright , born 2 Apr 1888 in Rhodo, Cherokee Co, NC; died 1970 in Cherokee Co, NC.  He married Hassie Nichols .

+    30         vii         Minnie Viola3 Wright , born 9 Mar 1890 in Rhodo, Cherokee Co, NC; died 14 May 1966 in Okala, FL.  She married William Luther Crisp .

+    31         viii        James Alonzo3 Wright , born 4 Apr 1892 in Rhodo, Cherokee Co, NC; died 5 Nov 1964.  He married Mary Emaline George .

+    32         ix          Flora Bell3 Wright , born 6 Dec 1894 in Rhodo, Cherokee Co, NC; died in Asheville, Buncombe Co, NC.  She married Mack Hazelman .

+    33         x          Della Christmas3 Wright , born 24 Dec 1896 in Rhodo, Cherokee Co, NC; died 30 Mar 1982 in Blue Ridge, Fannin Co, GA; buried in Red Marble Cem, Cherokee Co, NC.  She married (1) Albert Conley ; (2) Charles Noten George .

+    34         xi          Ernest Bristol3 Wright , born 12 Jun 1899 in Rhodo, Cherokee Co, NC; died 15 Oct 1975 in Marion, NC.  He married (1) Mary Sue Wall ; (2) Chloe Banner .

      35         xii         Paul Rozzelle3 Wright , born 11 Sep 1901 in Rhodo, Cherokee Co, NC; died in Asheville, Buncombe Co, NC.  He married Annie Wall , daughter of Lloyd Oliver Wall  and Mary Elizabeth Cuthbertson .

+    36         xiii        Florence Idema3 Wright , born 16 May 1904 in Rhodo, Cherokee Co, NC; died 6 Sep 1999 in Valdese, Burke Co, NC.  She married Luther Lloyd Nichols .

      37         xiv        Arnold Jacob3 Wright , born 28 Dec 1906 in Rhodo, Cherokee Co, NC; died 5 Mar 1927 in Topton, Cherokee Co, NC.

 

 

5. Richard Murphy2 Wright  (James S1), born Jan 1849 in Union Co, GA; died aft 1920 in Swain Co, NC.  He married on 27 Nov 1870 in Macon Co, NC Mariah M C Stillwell , born Jun 1848 in Macon Co, NC; died aft 1920 in AL, daughter of William H Stillwell  and Maria L Welch .

 

      Children of Richard Murphy Wright and Mariah M C Stillwell were as follows:

+    38         i           Nancy Callie3 Wright , born Aug 1870 in Wesser, Macon Co, NC (now Swain Co, NC).  She married Doctor F Mahaffey .

      39         ii           William A3 Wright , born 1872/73 in Wesser, Swain Co, NC.  He married on 23 Jun 1895 in Swain Co, NC Dixie Everett , born 1875/76 in Swain Co, NC, daughter of S Everett  and M J (---) .

+    40         iii          Margaret J3 Wright , born Apr 1876 in Wesser, Swain Co, NC.  She married Charles E Byrd .

+    41         iv          James S3 Wright , born 9 Apr 1877 in Wesser, Swain Co, NC; died 7 Jun 1952 in Graham Co, NC; buried in Panther Creek, Graham Co, NC.  He married Ida Elizabeth Maynor .

      42         v          Richard W3 Wright , born Jan 1879 in Wesser, Swain Co, NC.

+    43         vi          Thomas Patton3 Wright , born 28 Jan 1881 in Wesser, Swain Co, NC; died aft 1920 in Swain Co, NC.  He married Martha J Hogue .

      44         vii         Tina M3 Wright , born Mar 1883 in Wesser, Swain Co, NC.  She married on 8 Jan 1901 in Swain Co, NC R G Cable , born 1881/82 in Graham Co, NC, son of W C Cable  and Martha Jane (---) .

+    45         viii        Erastus3 Wright , born Mar 1885 in Wesser, Swain Co, NC.  He married Maderia (---) .

+    46         ix          John Zedwick3 Wright , born 3 Mar 1887 in Wesser, Swain Co, NC.  He married Alice Marr .

      47         x          Amanda E3 Wright , born Aug 1888 in Wesser, Swain Co, NC.

+    48         xi          Leander A3 Wright , born 23 Jan 1892 in Almond, Swain Co, NC.  He married Fannie (---) .

 

 

6. Laura Caroline2 Wright  (James S1), born Apr 1852 in Rhodo, Cherokee Co, NC; died aft 1920 in Nantahala, Macon Co, NC; buried in Valleytown Cem, Cherokee Co, NC.  She married on 13 Aug 1871 in Cherokee Co, NC William C Stepp , born 27 Aug 1851 in Haywood Co, NC; died 1900/10 in CA; buried in Nantahala Cem, Macon Co, NC, son of Jesse Stepp .

 

      Children of Laura Caroline Wright and William C Stepp were as follows:

+    49         i           George W3 Stepp , born 1871/72 in Macon Co, NC.  He married Ella Lilly Wood .

      50         ii           Iva Mae3 Stepp , born 29 Jan 1880 in Cherokee Co, NC; died 10 Feb 1962.  She married in 1898 in Macon Co, NC Romulus M Reese .

      51         iii          Elizabeth "Bessie"3 Stepp , born Jul 1888 in Macon Co, NC.

      52         iv          Grady3 Stepp , born Apr 1889 in Macon Co, NC.

      53         v          Cross3 Stepp