Parma Hilton Historical Society
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Parma Hilton Historical Society

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Gad Wright Jr. and Margaret Downs Wright

Gad Wright Jr. and Margaret Downs Wright

Front Row: Denison Wright, Margaret Downs Wright, Gad Wright. Back Row: Gifford Wright and Virgie Wright

The intersection of Dunbar Road and Hamlin-Parma Townline Road is known as Wright’s Corners, named after the Wright family. The area was settled by four brothers from Oneida County – Barber, Nathan, Gad Jr., and Jesse Wright. These four brothers, together with their families, four sisters, and their mother Elizabeth White-Wright, arrived in Parma between 1810 and 1812. They cleared the land and erected log cabin homes. Both Barber and Nathan received additional land grants of 400 acres each from the government for their service in the War of 1812.

Gad Wright Jr., the oldest of the brothers, settled on the property at the southeast corner of Dunbar and Hamlin Parma Townline Road. The land being heavily forested, he felled one acre, and apparently became so discouraged, he left the trees laying where they fell and went east for a time. His wife, Margaret Downs Wright, refused to go with him and remained at the settlement, planting corn and potatoes in the spots where no trees were laying. When Gad returned, he found the corn and potatoes in such a flourishing state, that he decided to remain. Margaret had the true pioneer grit and determination. She and Gad where charter members of the First Freewill Baptist Church, organized in the local schoolhouse, and Gad one of the first Deacons.

Coming Events

October 13th – Spooky Goddesses

November 10th – Erie Canal

December 8th – Historic Buildings of Orleans County

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Parma Hilton Historical Society

1300 Hilton Parma Corners Road
Hilton, New York 14468
585.392.9496

Parmahiltonhistory@gmail.com

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