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James Wright | Allen Wright

James Wright

James Wright was the oldest son of Robert Wright and Emma Wright. He was born on September 29, 1788. He lived on the family farm just north of the city of Hardaway.

At age 17, James was involved in an unusual accident that resulted in the loss of his arm. He had taken a wagonload of cotton to the neighboring gin and while waiting for the cotton to be ginned, he became interested in the ginning process. The linseed separating stands were open and James noticed that the stand was jammed. He reached in to remove the rocks that had stopped the machine. The saw caught his right arm and severed it from his body.

James was never considered by those that knew him to be a handicapped person. He did not become restricted by the loss of his arm. He wanted and needed no sympathy because he had an unusually sharp intellect and a fierce determination. He developed unbelievable manual skills. Hunting was a favorite hobby and his marksmanship was superior. He was a successful farmer and a skilled craftsman and spent long hours in his workshop. He was a challenge and inspiration to his family and friends.

On October 16, 1813, he married Eliza Dashard. To this union were born nine children: Emily Grantham, Charlie, Fay Jones, Ressie Garland, Eugene, Edna Thomas, Milford, Mildred Hamilton, and Joe. All of the children lived and died in the city of Absanie.

In 1827, James, his family, and his brother Allen and his family moved to the newly formed city of Dorinda. In 1829, a community was launched with a store and later a mill, built by James Wright. In 1830, James Wright, his brother, Allen Wright, and three other men purchased 50 square miles of land from Bill Hardaway. (When Bill Hardaway died in 1892, he willed the last seven square miles that comprise Absanie to James Wright. The men voted and they named the city Absanie.

James Wright died on October 5, 1883. He is buried in the Absanie Cemetery.

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Allen Wright

Allen Wright was the youngest son of Robert Wright and Emma Wright. He was born on February 3, 1791. He lived on the family farm just north of the city of Hardaway.

He married Sarah Lawrence on August 9, 1806 when he was 15 and she was 13. To this marriage were born four girls and four boys: John, Lillie Payne, Myrtle Hall, Annie Chandler, Jefferson, Martha Marion, Robert, and Mary Henry.

In 1827, Allen, his family, and his brother James and his family moved to the newly formed city of Dorinda. In 1829, a community was launched with a store and later a mill, built by James Wright, Allen's brother. In 1830, James Wright, his brother, Allen Wright, and three other men purchased 50 square miles of land from Bill Hardaway. (When Bill Hardaway died in 1892, he willed the last seven square miles that comprise Absanie to James Wright. The men voted and they named the city Absanie.

Allen was a successful farmer. He was the most prosperous farmer in the area. He also owned and operated the store in Absanie. He helped found the Absanie Baptist Church the first church in Absanie. His descendant, Jefferson Allen Wright once served as the pastor of Absanie Baptist Church. Jefferson Allen Wright is the first member of the Wright family to be a pastor of the church.

Allen died on April 28, 1897 when he was 106 years old. He is buried next to his brother, James in the Absanie Cemetery.