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Amos Russell Wright and Conover Wright papers

 Collection
Identifier: UUS_COLL MSS 464

Scope and Contents

The Amos and Conover Wright Papers document the activities of Amos Russell Wright, a founder of Bennington, Idaho, and his son, Conover Wright, who worked at the Teton Phosphate Company. A majority of this collection contains genealogical research performed by Conover Wright, Charolotte Wright, other Wright family members, and interview of various Bennington, Idaho residents collected by Charolotte Wright.

The collection is divided into 4 series:

Series I.: Amos Wright Papers contains manuscript material written about Amos by family members that document his life and his community in Bennington, Idaho, including a speech by Amos Wright, research notes in Idaho census and midwife records, Bennington meeting minutes and LDS records.

Series II.: Conover Wright Papers documents Conover Wright’s personal life, and his work as a Bennington Idaho’s Justice of the Peace through correspondence, financial papers, and work papers.

Series III.: Teton Phosphate Company Papers documents Conover Wright’s work for the Teton Phosphate Company from 1940 to 1965. During this period Wright served as both the company manager and was later the Vice President of the company. His papers mainly consist of correspondence, though additional materials include financial papers, contracts, legal papers, and invoices.

Series IV.: Other Wright Family Papers contains other documents created by other members of the Wright family including research notes created by Charlotte Wright, genealogical records, and correspondence.

Dates

  • Creation: 1883-1995

Creator

Conditions Governing Access

No restrictions on use, except: not available through interlibrary loan.

Conditions Governing Use

It is the responsibility of the researcher to obtain any necessary copyright clearances.



Permission to publish material from the Amos Russel Wright and Conover Wright Papers must be obtained from the

Biographical / Historical

According to family-written records contained in this collection, Amos was born on January 11, 1840 in Illinois to Johnathan C. Wright and Rebecca Wheeler, and traveled to what is now known as Utah in approximately 1850. Amos was a part of group of men who established the mission Fort Limhi in approximately 1855-1858. He was also a mail carrier on the Pony Express in 1858. Around 1865, Amos and his family was a part of the founding of Bennington, Idaho, where Amos would later become a religious and community leader. Amos was elected to the territorial legislature during the 1880’s when the Idaho Test Law was passed. Amos practiced polygamy and was married to Catherine Roberts in 1861 and Martha Loella Weaver in 1885. He died in 1915.

Conover Wright was born 1896 to Amos Russell Wright and Martha Loella Weaver. Conover Wright was a long-time employee and Vice President of the Teton Phosphate Company and served as the Justice of Peace in Bennington, Idaho. Conover was the son of Amos R. Wright and father of author David L. Wright.

Extent

7 Linear Feet (10 boxes: 9 Half Letter and 1 Oversized box (2.5 ln ft) )

Language of Materials

English

Abstract

The Amos and Conover Wright Papers document the activities of Amos Russell Wright, a founder of Bennington, Idaho, and his son, Conover Wright, who worked at the Teton Phosphate Company. Conover was the son of Amos R. Wright and father of author David L. Wright.

Arrangement

This collection is arranged into 4 series: I. Amos Wright Papers, II. Conover Wright Papers, III. Teton Phosphate Company Papers, and IV. Other Wright Family Papers. They are described at the folder level across 10 letter boxes and one oversized box.

Immediate Source of Acquisition

Materials were donated by Charlotte Wright between 2004 and 2022.

Related Materials

David Lane and Nancy Wright Johnson Family Papers, COLL_MSS_566

Title
Guide to Amos Russel Wright and Conover Wright papers 1883-1995
Author
Finding aid written by Abbie Chesley and Clint Pumphrey
Date
2023
Description rules
Describing Archives: A Content Standard
Language of description
English
Script of description
Latin

Repository Details

Part of the Utah State University, Merrill-Cazier Library, Special Collections & Archives Repository

Contact:
Merrill-Cazier Library
Utah State University
3000 Old Main Hill
Logan Utah 84322-3000 United States
435 797-8248
435 797-2880 (Fax)