Montpelier examiner. [volume] (Montpelier, Idaho) 1895-1937, 1915-03-12

The data regarding the life Of the
late Amos r. Wright was furnished
us by his son. Silas, Many more
interesting incidents in connection
with his early-day experiences might
have been written. but the following
are the principal events as recalled
by his son:
Amos Russell Wright, whose death
occurred at his home in Bennington
on Wednesday. Feb. cath, was the
son of Jonathan c. and Rebecca
Wheeler Wright, He was born at
Exeter. Scott county. Illinois. on
Jan. III. 1910. His parents were
members Of the Mormon church and
Amos was baptized by his father.
when eight years of age. His par
ents crossed the plains in 1850. ar
irving In Salt Lake In October Of
that year. Although but lad OF 10
years. Amos walked the entire dis
tance. He moved with parents to
Brigham City in 1854.
In May. 1855, although but q few
months past is years Of age. Mr..
Wright, In company with Lewis
Shurtliff. now president Of Weber
stake. Thos. C. Kicks, now deceased.
and others. was called to explore and
settle the Salmon river country The
company went by way Of Bear River
City, through Malad valley and
crossed the Snake river at q point
this side of Idaho Fails. Arriving
In the Salmon river valley a fort was
and stockadcs built. Far
ly In the spring of 1866 crops were
planted at what Is now known as Ft.
Lemhi. BY this time Mr.. Wright
was able to talk the ShOahone Indian
language quite fluently. This served
aa = great help 10 him and his com
panions during their stay In that sec
ton. and later on In his life.
During this mission an incident
occurred which showed the bravery
Of Mr.. Wright. II was The custom
to place all of the stock in a corral
at night. One morning just Us the
stock was turned out, band Of about
rs Indians rushed from the river bot
tom, near by. ard drove all Of the
animals of 30 q bluff, about two and
q half miles distant, leaving only one
old mare. He was asked to go and
meet with the Indians and try TO in
duce them to return the stock. An
was customary with him. the only
point he considered was, is It my
duty" not considering the danger in
connection with the undertaking.
Accordingly, he mounted the only
animal left, and braveIy rode up 10
the band Of hostile redskins. After
talking with them for a short time
he succeeded In getting them 10 re-
turn the animals. and the Indians
entered into a treaty with the little
band Of whites. which lasted during
the life Of the mission.
Owing TO the hostile attitude OF
the Nez Perce Indians, from the
north, and other causes, the mission
was abandoned during the summer
of 1857. After returning from the
Salmon river country. Mr. Wright
carried the u. s. mail from Salt
Lake west 500 miles, by way Of Ruby
Valley, Nevada. for a period Of two
years. During this time an incident
occurred which showed his physical
endurance. The mail contractor
had brought q valuable pair of mules
from Kentucky. Shortly afterwardl
the mules were stolen and taker
west. Mr.. Wright was offered biG
reward II he would recover the ani
mails and return them TO their own
ers. Just a year from the date the.
were stolen. he located them ut
ranch in the Sierra Nevada noun
tains. II was the habit Of those VII
had stolen the mules 10 turn theu
loose in the evening TO water at
spring about : half mile fron IN
ranch. He notified bis employer an
upon being asked If he could devils
some way Of recovering them. n
piled in the affirmative. He vas Ri'
en . lay-oR and proceeding 10 h
plaee. sscreted himself In . bnneh /
tuilea awaiting the time of wateTiu