Jesse Wright

Jesse Wright was born a slave in Rockbridge County, VA in 1857. His father was Richard Jordan Wright (slave owner) and his mother was Lucy Byrne (a slave). Richard Jordan Wright died in 1858. In his will, he made a provision that Jesse (an infant) was to serve Richard's nephew until he reached the age of 21. At 21, Jesse would be emancipated.*

Slavery ended in 1865. Jesse would have been 8 years old. He shows up in the 1880 Census working for a family in Braxton County, WV. What did Jesse do from ages 7 - 22?? What happened to his mother Lucy Byrne??

Jesse Wright married Ann Daniels Singleton Wright in 1880. They had 6 children. Jesse owned 80 acres of land in Braxton Coutny, WV where he raised his children and lived until his death at age 97. He was a farmer.

• A copy of Richard Jordan Wright's Will is on the Media tab filed under "documents ". The document names Jesse and his mother Lucy