General Notes

1.  From Jeremy Johnson's website:

Taylor County Commonwealth Case #120

20 July 1859

Commonwealth vs. John M. Wright - - Felony

John M. Wright acused of murder of his wife and child in Taylor County.

His plea was not guilty.

C. Underwood states that John M. Wright's wife came to his house on 25th of June last. She was sick. She said that Wright had burnt some of her clothing and other things and threatened to burn her and threatened to whip her. She said John had been the cause of her death. Wright never came to see her after she came to his house until she died which was about July 2. She stated that Wright didn't strike her, but his threats scared her.

Polly Underwood stated the same substance as C. Underwood.

Jane Johnson was called and corobrates what has been stated before.

Mourning Bell called and states the same.

Nancy Read called and states that she heard Wright say some 4-6 weeks ago that his wife was in a low state of health and if she died, he'd be accused of her murder.

Polly A. Underwood agreed with the first witness.

There was not enough evidence to hold Wright, so he was discharged.

Witnesses called: Calloway Underwood, James B. Beams, Sarah Beams, Mourning Bell, Patsy Oaks, Jane Johnson, Polly Underwood, Thomas A. Bell, W. L. Bell, Mary Hash, Nancy Read, Jane Wright, Wm. Burress Jr.