George Wright
Sperry Twp.

George Wright was born in Yorkshire, England, March 1, 1821. He emigrated to America in 1851, and settled in Clayton County, purchasing a farm of 160 acres on section 12, Sperry Township. Having learned the machinist's trade in his native country, in 1875 he rented his farm and moved into Volga City for the purpose of engaging in that business. He constructed the first steam engine in this county, forging it all on his Smith's forge and anvil. It is the only steam engine in the county. He does all kinds of repairing, and is a first-class machinist.

He was married in 1842 in England, to Martha Thornton, by whom he has had three children-- Sarah Anna, born in 1852, married Thomas Johnston, and resides in Green County, Ia.; Etta, born in 1856 (is now the wife of Frank Davidson), of Sperry Township, and Martha, born in 1866, married Frank Durst, and now resides in Volga City).

Mr. Wright is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church, and in politics is a republican.

source: History of Clayton County, Iowa, 1882, p. 1107-1108
Transcribed by Sally Scarff and Marlene Chaney