John F. Wright
John F. Wright, proprietor of he Simpson Flour Mill, and one of the successful young business men of Johnson County, was born in Vienna October 25, 1858, a son of John Wright. The latter was a native of Alabama, born March 10, 1828, and he in turn was a son of Isaac Wright, who emigrated from that state to Illinois in 1835, and was one of the pioneers of Johnson County. Isaac Wright's wife was Martha Davis.
The father of our subject was seven years old when his parents brought him to Illinois, and he was reared and educated at Vienna. He learned the trade of a millwright, and engaged in that and in milling until death closed his career. He was twice married. His first wife, to whom he was wedded in April, 1849, was Sarah Newton and she died May 7, 1856. His second marriage, which occurred January 15, 1857, was to Mary J. Copeland. She was born in Massac County, a daughter of Joshua and Elizabeth (Ashley) Copeland. She was married a second time to a Mr. Parker, and resides in Vienna.
The subject of this brief life record received an excellent education in the schools of Vienna, and at the age of sixteen commenced to learn the trade of a millwright, which he still pursues. In 1888 he and Mr. J. B. Kuykendall entered into partnership to build a mill in Simpson for the manufacture of flour, and he has since operated it. The mill is furnished with the most approved modern machinery for making flour by the best process, and sends a superior grade of that article to the markets. It is operated both as a merchant and a custom mill and has a capacity of fifty barrels a day.
Our subject was married in 1876 to Miss Omega Woelfle, a
native of Canada. They have established a pleasant home, and
their household circle is completed by the two children born to
them, Effie and Fred. Mr. Wright is a stalwart Republican and
is always true to his party. He is a member of Vienna Lodge No.
150, A. F. & A. M.; and of Delta Lodge No. 772, I. O. O. F.
The Biographical Review of Johnson, Massac, Pope and Hardin
Counties,
Illinois: Containing Biographical Sketches of Prominent and Representative
Citizens. Chicago: Biographical Publishing Co.; 1893. Evansville,
Ind.:
Reproduction by Unigraphic/Genealogical Society of Southern Illinois;
1975.
pp. 295-296.
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