Eli Wright (1784 - 1878)

Born 2 Feb 1784 in Deerfield, Franklin, Massachusetts, United States

Ancestors

Husband of Abigail (Green) Wright — married 19 Dec 1810 (to 26 Nov 1828) in Bernardston, Franklin County, Massachusetts, United States of America

Husband of Aurelia (Baker) Wright — married 11 Mar 1830 (to 3 Mar 1878) in Adams, Jefferson County, New York State, United States of America

Descendants

Died 3 Mar 1878 at age 94 in Adams, Jefferson, New York, United States

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Biography

Eli was born in 1784 in Deerfield, Massachusetts, the son of Carmi Wright and Eunice Cooley. He moved with his family to Adams, Jefferson County, NY in 1804 and they were among the early settlers to open up the land for farming. Eli went back to Massachusetts in 1810 to marry Abigail Green in Bernardston. They settled to farm in Adams, and raised three children together. He reportedly served in the War of 1812 (to be confirmed). His wife, Abigail, died in 1828, and Eli remarried two years later in 1830 to Aurelia Baker at the Presbyterian church in Adams. They had no children and In their later years, they sold the farm and moved into Adams town. Eli passed away there in 1878 and is buried with his first wife and other family in Adams Rural Cemetery in Adams, NY.

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Obituary

Watertown Daily Times (Watertown NY), 7 Mar 1878, no page number ; accessed at www.fultonhistory.com, 13 Oct 2015.

"Death of Eli Wright. ....(cannot read) A patriarch indeed has fallen. Like the old oak of the forest which has withstood the storms and whirlwinds which have laid all low, but finally itself yields from the sheer decrepitude of age, so has fallen in our midst the patriarch of this community, as a shock of wheat fully ripe. Eli Wright was born at Deerfield, Mass., Feb. 2, 1784, his birth thus dating back to just after the close of the revolutionary war and more than three years before the adoption of the constitution under which Washington was selected first President of the U.S. With his father's family in 1804 he removed to this town, which was then almost as unbroken wilderness, with only here and there a small clearing, and at once actively engaged in his early manhood and strength in the task of xxx the wilderness, and literally xxx it to bed and blossom as the rose. In those earlier years, he sometimes associated himself with D... Colton who died only a few days ago, and they would take contracts for clearing lands for others, and thus gradually, by industry and economy , was enabled to purchase the old homestead of his father. In 1810 he married to Miss Abigail Green of Barnardston, Mass. Three children blessed their union, one son, Van Renaesler, who died some years ago, and two daughters, who still survive, Laura A. wife of Harvey Bailey, of the village, and Emily, wife of Isaac Collins Baker, of Rochester, N.Y. During the ..... revival of 1821, under the ... of Rev. Geo. W. Gxx, he was converted, and in November of that year united, with his wife, with the Presbyterian church, it which connection he has by a well ordered life, adorned the profession he then made. It was during this revival that Chas. G. Finney was converted. In 1828 his wife died, and in 1830 he married Miss Aurelia Baker, who still survives him, and who for nearly half a century has indeed been a help m... A few years ago, feeling that the infirmities of age, rendered it desirable for him to sell his farm, he did so and has since been an esteemed resident of our village. He was a man of the strictest integrity, "an honest man, the noblest work of God," honest to his fellows, honest to his convictions, honest to ... Familiarly known as 'Uncle Eli', he was not only respected but his society was ..... His keen, cutting repartee will not soon be forgotten, especially as it so often shone forth so brilliantly, even in the last months of his life. The benevolence and kindness were m... worthy of imitation. He has gone, departing this life without a struggle as he had ... feared, Sunday morning, March 3, 1878. This nearly centenarian was grandfather to Mr. J.N. Bailey, a graduate of this office in 1857, and now editor and publisher of of the Auburn Independent, who attended the funeral services yesterday."

Housekeeping

• http://www.sampubco.com/wills/ny/nyjefferson1.htm: WRIGHT, ELI; ADAMS, NY-23-18-289

Sources

R. Fitz Randolph genealogy database: Name: Eli Wright; Birth: 2 Feb 1784, Deerfield, Franklin Co, MA (reference: "Aged Townsmen"); Death: 3 Mar 1878, Adams, Jefferson Co, NY; Spouse1: Abigail Green; Marriage1 date: 1810; Spouse2: Aurelia Baker; Marriage2 date: 11 Mar 1830 (ref: Nicols, Sixtown Militiamen; married by Rev John Sessions);

Birth

"Massachusetts Births and Christenings, 1639-1915," database, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:FZ98-88R : accessed 13 October 2015), Eli Wright, 02 Feb 1784; citing DEERFIELD, FRANKLIN ,MASSACHUSETTS, ; FHL microfilm 186,146. Name: Eli Wright; Gender: Male; Birth Date: 02 Feb 1784; Birthplace: DEERFIELD, FRANKLIN, MASSACHUSETTS; Father's Name: Carmi Wright; Mother's Name: Eunice.

Residence in New York State

"United States Census, 1820", database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:XHLV-FJY : accessed 13 October 2015), Eli Wright, 1820. Name: Eli Wright; Event Type: Census; Event Date: 1820; Event Place: Adams, Jefferson, New York, United States; Page: 342. Name: Eli Wright: Males: <10:1,26-45:1; Females: <10:2,26-45:1; In Agriculture:1; Also lists Carmi, Cotton, Moses, Westwood, Stephen B., Elijah, David, Henry Wright; Warriners.

"United States Census, 1830," database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:XHP3-XB2 : accessed 13 October 2015), Eli Wright, Adams, Jefferson, New York, United States; citing 7, NARA microfilm publication M19, (Washington D.C.: National Archives and Records Administration, n.d.), roll 92; FHL microfilm 17,152. Name: Eli Wright; Page: 7; Males: 15-20:1; 40-50:1; Females: 10-15:2; 30-40:1. Living next to Stephen B, Elijah, Lyman Wright

"United States Census, 1840," database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:XHYH-2WQ : accessed 13 October 2015), Eli Wright, Adams, Jefferson, New York, United States; citing p. 339, NARA microfilm publication M704, (Washington D.C.: National Archives and Records Administration, n.d.), roll 291; FHL microfilm 17,190. Name: Eli Wright; Page: 339. Males: 50-60:1; Females: 40-50:1; Living near Renselaer, Stephen B.,

"United States Census, 1850," database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:MCY2-SPC : accessed 13 October 2015), Eli Wright, Adams, Jefferson, New York, United States; citing family 1016, NARA microfilm publication M432 (Washington, D.C.: National Archives and Records Administration, n.d.). Census date: 29 Aug 1850. Name: Eli Wright; Gender: Male; Age: 66; Race: White; Birth Year (Estimated): 1784; Birthplace: Massachusetts; House Number: 1006; HOUSEHOLD (ROLE GENDER AGE BIRTHPLACE): Eli Wright, M, 66, Farmer, real estate value: 3000; Massachusetts; Aurilla Wright, F, 55, Massachusetts; Stephen B Wright, M, 61, Farmer, real estate value: 3000; Massachusetts; Hannah Wright, F, 60, [blank: Jefferson NY?]; Harriet Wright, F, 27, [blank: Jefferson NY?]; Edwin Wright, M, 22, farmer, [blank: Jefferson NY?]. shows both families at the same household/family; Renselaer Wright, wife and child living nearby.

"New York State Census, 1855," database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:K6QK-2LW : accessed 13 October 2015), Eli Wright, E.D. 1, Adams, Jefferson, New York, United States; count clerk offices, New York; FHL microfilm 895,241. Census date: 11 Jun 1855. Name: Eli Wright; Gender: Male; Age: 71; Relationship to Head of Household: Head; Birth Year (Estimated): 1784; HOUSEHOLD (ROLE GENDER AGE BIRTHPLACE): Eli Wright, Head, M, 71, married, Mass; Yrs resident in town: 49; Farmer, native born voter, land owner; Aurelia Wright, Wife, F, 62, married, Mass; Yrs resident in this town: 49; Lydia Rogers, Other, F, 73, widowed, Saratoga (NY); Yrs resident in this town: 25. Frame house, no value; Lydia looks to belong to following household. Living next to Stephen Wright and family.

"United States Census, 1860," database, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:MC7N-MYK : accessed 13 October 2015), Eli Wright, Adams, Jefferson, New York, United States; from "1860 U.S. Federal Census - Population," database, Fold3.com (http://www.fold3.com : n.d.); citing p. 58, household ID 506, NARA microfilm publication M653 (Washington, D.C.: National Archives and Records Administration, n.d.); FHL microfilm 803,761. Census date: 30 Jun 1860. Name: Eli Wright; Gender: Male; Age: 76; Race: White; Birth Year (Estimated): 1784; Birthplace: Massachusetts; HOUSEHOLD (ROLE GENDER AGE BIRTHPLACE): Eli Wright, M, 76, Farmer, real estate value: 1800; personal estate: 3000; Massachusetts; Aurillea Wright, F, 67, house work; Massachusetts.

"New York State Census, 1865," database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:QVNV-WZQK : accessed 13 October 2015), Eli Wright, District 01, Adams, Jefferson, New York, United States; citing source p. 51, line 16, household ID 346, State Library, Albany; FHL microfilm 895,244. Census date: 30 Jun 1865. Name: Eli Wright; Birth Year (Estimated): 1784; Page: 51; HOUSEHOLD (ROLE GENDER AGE BIRTHPLACE): Eli Wright, self, M, 81, Mass; Parent of how many children: 3; Times married: 2; currently married; Retired farmer; native voter, land owner; Aurelia Wright, Wife, F, 71, Mass; Times married: 1; currently married; Ann E Segus, Boarder, F, 35, Oneida (NY); single; teacher; Hellen Wright, Niece, F, 15, Jefferson (NY); student. Frame house, $2000 value. Elijah Wright family on same page.

"United States Census, 1870," database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:M8N7-R6L : accessed 13 October 2015), Eli Wright, New York, United States; citing p. 73, family 686, NARA microfilm publication M593 (Washington D.C.: National Archives and Records Administration, n.d.); FHL microfilm 552,443. Census location: Adams, Jefferson, NY; Post Office: Adams Centre; Census date: 17 Jul 1870. Name: Eli Wright; Gender: Male; Age: 86; Race: White; Race (Original): W; Birth Year (Estimated): 1783-1784; Birthplace: Massachusetts; Page Number: 73; HOUSEHOLD (ROLE GENDER AGE BIRTHPLACE): Eli Wright, M, 86, Farmer, Real estate value: 3000; personal estate: 6000; Massachusetts; adult male citizen; Aurelia Wright, F, 74, keeps house; Massachusetts.

Marriages

"Massachusetts Marriages, 1695-1910," database, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:FCQV-KQ2 : accessed 13 October 2015), Eli Wright and Abigale Green, 01 Dec 1810; citing reference ; FHL microfilm 893,957, 772,617, 983,958. Name: Eli Wright; Spouse's Name: Abigale Green; Event Date: 01 Dec 1810; Event Place: Bernardston, Franklin, Massachusetts.

"Massachusetts Marriages, 1695-1910," database, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:FCQV-KQG : accessed 13 October 2015), Eli Wright and Abigail Green, 19 Dec 1810; citing reference ; FHL microfilm 893,957, 772,617, 983,958. Name: Eli Wright; Spouse's Name: Abigail Green; Event Date: 19 Dec 1810; Event Place: Bernardston, Franklin, Massachusetts.

"New York Marriages, 1686-1980," database, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:F634-Q8M : accessed 13 October 2015), Eli Wright and Aurelia Baker, 11 Mar 1830; citing reference ; FHL microfilm 501,911. Name: Eli Wright; Spouse's Name: Aurelia Baker; Event Date: 11 Mar 1830; Event Place: First Presbyterian Church, Adams, Jefferson, New York.

• Same information at: "New York Marriages, 1686-1980," database, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:F6ST-LJX : accessed 13 October 2015), Eli Wright and Aurelia Baker, 11 Mar 1830; citing reference 2:1VCP6T2; FHL microfilm 501,911.

Military

United States Daughters of 1812, list of 1812 Veterans buried in Jefferson County; accessed 13 Oct 2015.

Fold3.com. Alphabetical card index to the compiled service records of volunteer soldiers who served during the War of 1812.

• State: New York; Discharge Rank: Pvt; Enlistment Rank: Pvt; Surname: Wright; Regiment: 55 (Allen's), New York Militia; Given Name: Eli.
• State: New York; Discharge Rank: Pvt; Enlistment Rank: Pvt; Surname: Wright; Regiment: 55 (Sprague's), New York Militia; Given Name: Eli
• State: United States; Discharge Rank: Pvt; Enlistment Rank: Pvt; Surname: Wright; Regiment: Rangers, United States Volunteers Given Name: Eli.

Death

FindaGrave.com Memorial #80680446, accessed 13 Oct 2015. Name: Eli Wright; Birth: 1784; Death: 1878; Family links: Spouse: Abigail Green Wright (1785 - 1828); Children: Rensalaer Wright (1812 - 1853); Burial: Adams Rural Cemetery, Adams, Jefferson County, New York, USA. Photo?: Yes. Inscription: "Eli Wright; 1784-1878; Abigail Green, His Wife; 1785-1828; Renselaer Wright Their Son; 1812-1853; Cynthia His Wife; 1820-1846"

DNA Confirmation

The relationship of Eunice (Cooley) Wright to her son Eli has been associated with an autosomal dna segment (Chromosome 1: 190,325,645 to 203,909,013 of length 15.5 cM, 2,445 SNPs [GEDmatch analysis, 6 Nov 2015]) between Douglas Gary Anderson (GEDmatch kit M612162) and Thomas Fitz Randolph (GEDmatch kit M011134) that links back to Benjamin Cooley (1681-1745) and Margaret Bliss (1683-1744). This association remains to be confirmed through triangulation with a third person.

Untriangulated DNA Match

Researcher Randolph-1145 has identified autosomal DNA segments which may have passed from Carmi Wright to his son Eli Wright, and from Eli to his daughter Laura Ann (Wright) Bailey: Thomas Fitz Randolph (GEDmatch kit M011134) and Angela Nakashima (23andme) share 2 segments on their chromosome 15:

• 53,688,494-62,306,387, 15.25 cM, 2062 SNPs
• 62,649,219-71,011,391, 5.94 cM, 1283 SNPs.

23andme DNA comparison tool, 27 Nov 2015. MRCAs have been tentatively identified as Abel Wright (1631-1725) and Martha Kitchell.