Biography of Joshua Wright

Joshua Wright was a prominent resident of Belle Plaine, serving as a Captain during the Civil War. Born on December 20, 1822, in Orange County, Indiana, he married Parmelia Hall in 1842. The couple had eight children, with several surviving into adulthood. In 1849, they relocated to Jefferson County, Iowa, before moving to Kansas in 1876. Capt. Wright was known for his community involvement and served as Justice of the Peace. His family was respected members of society, and he received a pension for his war injuries.

JOSHUA WRIGHT is a well-known dweller in Belle Plaine, and was, for about thirteen years, a member of the agricultural class of Belle Plaine Township. He spent some time in serving his country during the trying days of the War of the Rebellion, was elected Captain on the organization of the company, and has since that time been known by that title. He has acquired a sufficient amount of this world’s goods to allow him to give up active work and to enjoy the repose that seems so fitting after a life of industry and well-doing. He and his estimable wife are regarded with confidence and esteem by all who know them.

The paternal grandfather of our subject was born in England, but having become a citizen of the Colonies prior to the Revolutionary War, entered the Colonial army and met his death at the hands of the British. His son, Jonathan, was born in Virginia, was bound out when a child, taken to Kentucky, and there grew to manhood. He married Miss Sarah Read, and became the father of twelve children, of whom three only beside our subject are now living. Mrs. Parraelia Turley lives in Orange County, Ind., and Aaron and Emmett in Lawrence County, of the same State. The parents had removed to that State in 1802, taking their place among the pioneers of Orange County, where they endured the privations and hardships incident to such life, rearing their family among the frontier surroundings and bestowing upon them such advantages as the circumstances would admit. The father died November 17, 1838, and the mother did not long survive, her death taking place August 4, 1840.

In the State and county in which his parents so long resided, Capt. Wright was born, December 20, 1822, spending his boyhood amid the scenes of the frontier, where a sturdiness of character is developed and habits of observation learned that take the place of extended schooling. Even before the death of his parents, he was obliged to begin labor for his own support, at the age of sixteen going out to work by the month or day. On April 8, 1842, he was united in marriage with Miss Parmelia Hall, also a native of Orange County, Ind., who has borne her share in the burdens of life by her husband’s side since the day of their union, and has faithfully endeavored to fill her place as a wife and mother. She is becoming advanced in years, having been born September 27, 1823.

The parents of Mrs. Wright were William and Sophia (Dabney) Hall, who, like her husband’s parents, were early settlers in the county in which she was born. Her father was a native of Kentucky and of English descent. The household band comprised twelve children, of whom the following now survive: Mrs. Nancy Stewart, of Iowa; Mrs. Polly Fender, of Kansas; Mrs. Wright; and Marintha, wife of George Moore, of Lawrence County, Ind.

In the spring of 1849 Capt. Wright, with his wife and two children, removed to Jefferson County, Iowa, where he resided for over a quarter of a century, and whence, in 1876, he came to Kansas. He located on a farm near Belle Plaine, in this county, and remained there until February, 1889, when he became a citizen of the village. His farm comprised 160 acres of well-improved land, which he sold some time since. The enlistment of Capt. Wright took place in July, 1862, as a member of the Nineteenth Iowa Infantry, and he was elected Captain of Company D. The command became a part of the Army of the Southwest, and participated in numerous skirmishes and various engagements. During the battle of Prairie Grove the Captain received a wound in the right arm, and still carries a musket ball embedded in that member as a trophy from the battlefield. He now receives a pension of $20 per month on account of his injury. During the same engagement he received two other slighter wounds. In July, 1863, he was discharged and returned to his home to again take up the life of a civilian. He was connected with the home militia in Iowa after his return from the seat of war.

To Capt. and Mrs. Wright eight children have been born, of whom Sarah J., Eliza M. and Mary E. have been removed from them by death. Matilda is the wife of Henry Kline, of this county; Rhoda E., the widow of David Snider, also lives in this county; George W. makes his home in Iowa; Millard is mining in Colorado; and William operates a farm in Belle Plaine Township, this county. The parents of this family have been identified with the Christian Church and are active members of society. Capt. Wright belongs to the Grand Army of the Republic, and gives his political adherence to the Republican party. He has served as Justice of the Peace here for nearly six years.