JAMES WRIGHT was born in Ballynafeagh, Arboe Parish, Co. Tyrone, on December 18, 1839, a son of James and Bertha Ann (McConkey) Wright, both of whom died in Ireland. He had two brothers Andrew and William Wright. James was christened in Brigh Presbyterian Church.
James Wright attended the common schools of his native place. In 1859, he came to the United States landing at Brooklyn, New York where he remained for several years. On April 5, 1862, James enlisted in Company H of the 4th US Artillery Battery as James McConkey (mother’s Maiden name). James musters out of the 4th on March 4, 1865 then re-enlists in Company I of the 96 Infantry. He is mustered out on February 2, 1866 in City Point, Virginia.
On March 18, 1885 James married Mary Tulley-Parsons In Brooklyn, NY. Together, James and Mary had six children; sons James, Wilbert, Albert and daughters Ella Mae Kylish and Florence Miller. James and Mary raised their family in Elizabeth, NJ along with Mary’s three children from a previous marriage: Maggie, George and Harriet Parsons.
James retired January, 1890 on a Civil War Pension. He passed on July 7, 1911 and is buried in Evergreen Civil War Cemetery Hillside, New Jersey. [photo]