Book of Memoranda

       You are welcome to listen to the podcast about Ann Hagerty to the right. It tells a little more about her youth.
        In answer to Abby Black's question about the Book of Memoranda...The Book of Memoranda is a title which some of the descendants of Robert Wright gave to the composition book that was kept by him. The first date in it was 1839 before he was baptized (in 1841). Most of the pages contained mathematical word  problems that he worked on. Poems and song lyrics were also recorded in it. As he crossed the plains with his wife and children on the trek to Nauvoo in 1846, he penned short sentences about the route they took. About 1850, Robert included family information about his parents and siblings with their birth dates and his wife's parents and siblings with their birth dates. He also noted the deaths of both sets of parents and a sister to Ann named Lydia. His children's names and birth dates are also recorded. This book still exists and has a black cover with white mottling on it similar to the old-fashioned composition books that are sold today.

Marriage

Robert married Ann Hagerty who was also from Chester County, Pennsylvania. Ann was born on November 28, 1819 in Toughkenamon, New Garden Township, Chester, Pennsylvania, to William and Ann Hagerty.[1]  

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[1] “Book of Memoranda,” 1839, In this book, Robert gives Ann’s parents as William and Ann Hagerty, Ann’s place of birth is not mentioned. Toughkenamon was identified as Ann’s probable birthplace because her father was the proprietor of the The Hammer and Trowel Inn there from 1815-1825.

A Neighbor and Friend, Edward Hunter

Edward Hunter of Chester County befriended these missionaries because of the persecution they were experiencing from trying to preach. Mr. Hunter had been taught by his father to belong to no religious sect, but to keep sacred that all men have the right to worship God according to the dictates of their own consciences. He had previously agreed to give a corner of his land for 99 years and help build a house for education and religious purposes. However, the agreement was that all persons and persuasions must be allowed to meet in it to worship God. This was particularly stated in the articles of the agreement and the building was called West Nantmeal Seminary. So, when some of the leading residents wished to prevent the preaching of the LDS missionaries in the West Nantmeal Seminary, Edward Hunter threatened to repossess it. No further objection was raised. https://www.lds.org/ensign/2004/07/edward-hunter-generous-pioneer-presiding-bishop?lang=eng. Edward Hunter would later bring Robert’s eldest son into his home in Utah.

Robert Wright was baptized on his birthday, February 10, 1840 by Elder Elisha H. Davis. Imagine the joy he felt knowing that he would see his mother once again! Then on January 1, 1841 in West Nantmeal Township, Robert Wright was ordained a Priest by Elder Lorenzo Barnes.[1] By April 6th, 1841 Elder L.D. Barnes reported at a conference in Nauvoo that the Chester County branch had 150 members.[2]

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[1] “Book of Memoranda,” 1839
[2] R.C. Wetherbee, “Conference Minutes,” Times and Seasons, 14 May 1841, online archives (http://contentdm.lib.byu.edu/cdm/compoundobject/collection/NCMP1820-1846/id/9099/rec/3: accessed 5 February 2013), para. 11; citing original p. 412.