J. LAWSON WRIGHT, of the firm of Wright & Harding, dealers in books, stationery, pencils, gold pens, picture frames, etc., at No. 115 Stephenson street, Freeport, was born in Union County, Pa., on the 10th of September, 1837. His father was Paschal L. Wright, who was a farmer by occupation, and his mother was Jane (Lawson) Wright. Both parents were natives of Pennsylvania, and moved to Stephenson County in the summer of 1838, settling on a farm not far from Cedarville, and four miles north of Freeport. This county was then very sparsely settled, and the neighbors were few and far between; not a house was erected where the city of Freeport now stands. At that time the family of Mr. Wright consisted of five children, three girls and two boys. Mr. and Mrs. Wright both died in the fall of 1872.

J. L. Wright, who is the oldest child of the family, was less than a year old when his parents came to Stephenson County. His early education was obtained in the primitive district schools of those days. In 1870 he entered the State University at Normal, from which he was graduated in 1873, and then followed the occupation of school teacher until 1883, having taught in all forty-five terms of school in Ogle, Carroll and Stephenson Counties. The last term he taught was at Cedarville. His longest engagement as a teacher was for a term of four years at Forreston, Ogle County. Upon retiring from the profession he formed a partnership with C. G. Sanborn, which continued until the summer of 1884, when Mr. Sanborn sold his interest to I. F. Kleckner. This partnership was continued until 1887, when Mr. K. sold his interest to John R. Harding, who is Mr. Wright’s present partner.

Our subject was married, in 1871, to Miss Rose Clarridge, a native of the State of Ohio. Mr. Wright is a member of Moses R. Thompson Lodge N. 381, A. F. & A. M.; Freeport Chapter No. 23; Freeport Commandery No. 7, and Freeport Consistory. He was elected Alderman for the Second Ward in 1887, which position he holds at the time of this writing. He is a member of the Presbyterian Church; his mother was one of the charter members at the first organization of that church.

The firm of Wright & Harding is one of the popular houses of Freeport, and is headquarters for all articles in their line. By a straightforward policy in business they have secured a good trade, which they have an admirable knack of holding.

Contributed by Carol Parrish from Portraits & Biographical 1888 Stephenson Co IL Pg 218-21