Matthias  Wright
          Matthias Wright, a leading, substantial citizen of this county, was born in Ross County, Ohio, at what is now Frankfort, October 22, 1818.  He is the son of  Caleb and Mary A. (Sleeth) Wright, who were natives of New Jersey and Virginia, respectively.  Mr. Wright was reared to manhood in Logan County, Ohio, his parents were in limited circumstances and could not offer him many advantages for obtaining an education, but he improved every one that was afforded, and the knowledge obtained was the germ of a liberal education acquired latter by close application and hard study without the aid of a teacher.  He taught for several years in Ohio and this State; he had determined to make the law his profession, and in 1839, entered the office, as a student, of  Cyrus Wright, then located at Lebanon, this State.  He pursued his legal studies at such intervals as he could, being compelled during the time, to continue teaching for a livlihood.  In 1845, he reached Shelbyville with a cash capital of fifty cents and a library valued at $30, with which to begin the practice of his profession.  Owing to failing health he was compelled in 1850, to retire and seek a less sedentary pursuit.  He then removed to a farm now occupied by his sons,  Charles M., and  David A., where he remained until January, 1887, when he removed to Shelbyville.  November 5, 1846, he married  Miss Amanda Young,  by whom he is the father of eight children, these three now living,  David A., Charles A., and  Nancy M.  In his farming, the same effort characterized his work as did every undertaking made during his life, and it is almost unnecessary to say that he was very successful.  He is now the proprietor of 340 acres of well improved land.  Politically he is a Republican, and during his career as a lawyer served efficiently as Prosecuting Attorney.
History of Shelby County, Indiana, Chicago: Brant & Fuller, 1887, "Addison Sketches", pages 603-604.
Contributed by Phyllis Miller Fleming


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