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Jacob R. And Jane Smith Wright
Jacob R. Wright was born in 1851 in the Little Crab area. He was the son of Mathias and
Elizabeth J. (Wright) Wright. (1818-1899 and 1820-1898). He married Jane Smith
(1847/53-1885), daughter of Russell M. Smith (1832-?) and Lucinda Poore (1834/40?). They
had five children. Joseph Harrison (1875-1945), married Sarah Reagan and had eight
children. Permelia Elizabeth (1877-1962), married Jacob Winningham and had 12 children:
James Russell (1879-?), Nancy Jane (1881-1965), married John A. Beaty, had five children.
John "Rabbit" married first Bell Nation and second, Frone Conatser.
Jane Smith Wright died in 1885 and is believed to be buried in a cemetery in the
Moodyville area. After her death, Jacob married his housekeeper, Sarah Jones and they
raised four children. Edward "Little Edd", married Martha Beaty. Harrison
(1875-1945?) married Emaline South. Lady Ann (1888-1929) married Dillard Beaty. Adeline
married ? Moles. Dave Smith was the child of "Jake" and Lyn Smith.
By occupation, "Jake" was a school teacher and taught at the Little Crab School
and others in the area. In his 1880 Teacher's Register, he wrote "This closes the
first month of school. I have had many bright eyed boys and girls attending my school -- I
got along very well with my students this month although they are so full of the mischief
that I have had to whip about fifteen of them this month yet we enjoy peace and happiness.
J.R. Wright, Teacher"
In addition to teaching, "Jake" must have enjoyed performing. The following
story was relayed by Mrs. Wilma Reagan Pinckley through her mother, Mrs. Effie Chism
Reagan, resident of the Little Crab area for many years. Jake held a "dialogue"
at the Little Crab School on occasion. At this event, he would get up front and perform by
playing an old 3 string banjo. He would squat down and jump up like a rabbit. As a result,
he came to be known by the nickname "Rabbit". The nickname was passed on to his
children, as was the custom in those days. His son, John was called "John
Rabbit", as was John's daughter Lena.
"Jake" lived to be 73 years old and is buried in the Wm. Reagan Cemetery at
Little Crab beside his sister, Margaret Wright.
by Judy Moulton
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