Alonzo Wright (1821 - 1894)

Born 28 Apr 1821 in Hull, Lower Canada

Ancestors

Died 7 Jan 1894 at age 72 in Ironside, Quebec, Canada

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Biography

Alonzo Wright is Notable.

Alonzo, born in 1821, was the son of Tiberius Wright and Lois Ricker.

Following the death of his grandfather, father, and uncle, Christopher Columbus, the Wright’s lumber business was inherited by Alonzo’s uncle, Ruggles Wright. But Ruggles was not trusted, and numerous lawsuits were launched against him, headed by Alonzo.

Alonzo inherited Gatineau Falls Farm from William Farmer in 1846 and entered the lumber trade. He didn’t particularly like the occupation, and wasn’t able to become a “gentleman farmer” until later in life.

His later wealth allowed him to raise sheep, cattle, and pure-bred horses and partake in the activities of the Ottawa County Agricultural Society and the Ottawa Agricultural Society. Alonzo also took on duties as lieutenant-colonel in the Ottawa County non-service militia, and got involved in politics. He earned the nickname “ King of the Gatineau” for his residence and handsome lifestyle.

He passed away in 1894. ^[1]

Political Career

Alonzo was elected to the Legislative Assembly for the Province of Canada, in the County of Ottawa riding of Canada East in 1863. He served this riding until 1891, when he retired from the House of Commons.

Although he didn’t speak often in parliament, when he did he is said to have been knowledgeable, eloquent, and humorous. He was a champion for the Ottawa region, fighting for the development of agriculture and transportation in the area, and encouraging colonization.

Wife's Family

1 Nicholas Sparks 1792 - 1862 m. Sarah 'Sally' Olmstead 1790 - 1871 (widow of Philomen Wright Jr.). The Olmsteads came from Burritt's Rapids to Hull.

2 Mary Sparks 1829 - 1904 m. Alonzo Wright 1825 - 1894

2 Esther Sparks 1832 - 1894 m. James Dyson Slater 1813 - 1876

3 Robert Nicholas Slater 1851 - 1920 m. Ann Tomlinson 1854 - 1941

4 Leonard Dyson Slater 1880 - 1915 m. Flora MacDonald Stewart 1883 - 1964

4 Mary Slater 1882 m. William Foster Wilson 1874 - 1944

3 Florence Augusta Slater 1859 m. James E.W. Currier 1849

2 Nicholas Sparks 1833 - 1872 m. Caroline Blaisdell 1843 - 1887^[2]

Sources

1. ↑ Dictionary of Canadian Biography, Volume XII (1891-1900). Wright, Alonzo.
2. ↑ Some early Descendants of Nicholas Sparks, Database created by the Late Mr. Robert Sample of Goulbourn Township. The George Sparks family in Goulbourn Township was related to Nicholas Sparks.

See also:

• Echoes from the Past by Patrick Evans. Published by the Gatineau Valley Historical Society.

• Wikipedia: Alonzo Wright
• Wikidata: Item Q2839292, en:Wikipedia