"History of Southern Oregon, Comprising Jackson, Josephine, Douglas, Curry and Coos Counties. Compiled from the Most Authentic Sources." A. G. Walling, Publisher. Portland, OR. 1884. pg. 544. JOHN M. WRIGHT A prosperous and well to do farmer of the French Settlement, is a native of Kanawha county, West Virginia, born June 12, 1826. Residing in his birth-place until 1843 -- in the meantime learning the trade of cooper -- he with his parents moved to Linn county, Missouri and there embarked in farming until the spring of 1850, when, with his brother, Louis F., he started for California. On his arrival he at once proceeded to the mines on the American river where he mined with good success until March, 1851, and then returned to his home in Missouri via the Isthmus of Panama with the intention of bringing his family to California. April 20, 1852, found Mr. Wright again ready to brave the dangers of a trip across the plains accompanied by his wife and three children, and his brother-in-law, John P. Bowyer. On arriving in the Black Hills they were met by Mr. H. B. Flournoy then on his way East, and by him induced, on account of the bad roads on the California route, to change their course to Oregon. After a weary trip of some six months they arrived at The Dalles, September 6, 1852. Mr. Wright first located near Corvallis, where he remained until February, 1853, and then located in Douglas county, first settling on land now owned by J. Flournoy, where he resided until 1857, when he purchased of E. M. Moore his present valuable farm consisting of 600 acres, five miles north of Looking-glass. A view of his farm residence, which will compare favorably with any in Douglas county, will be found in this work. Mr. Wright is a highly respected and influential citizen, and now after many years of toil and hardships is prepared to reap the comforts of a well spent and prosperous life. Mr. W. was united in marriage in Missouri, June 17, 1846, to Miss Emily Simmons, a daughter of Thomas Simmons, of Howard county; they have a grown family of three sons and four daughters, as follows: William W.; Roena L., now Mrs. Joseph Jones; Missouri N., now Mrs. L. T. Thompson; Alice G. V., now Mrs. Van Buren; Emily M., now Mrs. David West; Calvin W. and Lee S. Alson, and one adopted daughter, Lizzie. ******************* Submitted to the Oregon Bios. Project in July 2005 by Diana Smith. Submitter has no additional information about the person(s) or family mentioned above.