, though born in Virginia in 1710. But from early childhood until 1734 he lived in Phila- delphia. Thus it is very remarkable that coming to Lancaster county to live in May, 1734, a young man of 24, he should in the fall of that same year be elected to Assembly by the highest vote of all the candidates and

James Wright home" on Sunday, September 25, 1938, when the Lancaster County Historical Society unveiled a bronze tablet placed on the wall of this old stone mansion during the Sesquicentennial of Columbia, This tablet was designed and worded by Dr, Herbert H, Beck, president of the Lancaster County

EARLY COLUMBIA AND VICINITY, The following paper was read by H. Frank Eshleman, Esq., at the recent anniversary of the founding of the town of Columbia: Civilized activity opened up on the Susquehanna very early. Three hun- dred and six years ago Captain John Smith forced his way a short distance

expeditions, do., 44; presi- dent of Council, do., 59; elected in 1747, do., 65; asked to be relieved. do., 65. �file:///Volumes/LCHS%3BLCHSFS01/OCR%20Journal%20Project/PDF%20Biblio%20Info/Pwebrecon.cgi.txt Author: Eshleman, Henry Frank, 1869-1953. Title: The public career of John Wright, Esq. / by H. Frank

speakers at the memorial exercises. "The granting of a patent to John Wright, to operate his ferry some two *"The Public Career of John Wright, Esq.," a paper prepared by H. Frank Eshleman, Esq., was published in Vol. XIV, pp. 251-282, of the Pro- ceedings of The Lancaster County Historical Society. �'0:5

not until 1753, rights were granted for Harris's Ferry. That Wright's Ferry was the first important crossing point of the Sus- quehanna, is an established historical fact. We, of Lancaster county, recognize John Wright as a leading figure in the county's history. He was a fitting, resourceful pioneer