J. L. Wright, one of Poinsett County's representative farmers and stockmen, was born on Blue Grass soil in 1836, being the second of four children of Joseph and Sarah (Ford) Wright, who were also natives of that State, to which the paternal grandfather had moved at a very early day. Joseph Wright removed to Arkansas in 1842, and settled in Greenfield Township, where, in 1848, he entered the land on which he had first squatted, comprising 160 acres, and commenced making improvements, and here made his home until his death, which occurred August 19, 1876. He was a member of the Masonic Lodge of Harrisburg, and was a man whom all esteemed and respected. His excellent wife passed from this life in 1852.
J. L. Wright in assisting his father in clearing the home farm, became familiar with the duties of agricultural life, and after acquiring a fair education in the old subscription schools of Poinsett County, he, at the age of twenty years, started out to fight the battle of life for himself. He was married in 1857 to Miss Jane Ishmet, a native of St. Francis County, and a daughter of Thomas and Elizabeth (Lane) Ishmet, who were born in Illinois and Tennessee, respectively. They removed from the former State to Poinsett County, Ark., during the early history of this region, and also made their home in Greene County. The father's death occurred many years ago, but the mother is still living and makes her home with her daughter, Mrs. Wright.
After his marriage, Mr. Wright settled on the farm where he now lives, and in 1861 enlisted from here for three years in Capt. Hillis' company, and was assigned to the Fifteenth Arkansas regiment, but was honorably discharged a short time after. He then volunteered in Capt. Kitchens' regiment, and was a participant in the battle of Little Rock. At the close of the war he returned to Poinsett County, and has since devoted his energies to putting his farm in good tillable condition. His first purchase of land was in 1858, and consisted of forty acres, but by his own good management and energy he now owns 660 acres, with over 200 acres under cultivation, which constitutes one of the finest farms in the county. He makes a specialty of raising a good grade of Durham cattle and Berkshire and Poland-China hogs, and in all his views he is progressive and enterprising. He is not an active politician, but usually votes the Democrat ticket, and socially is a member of Harrisburg Lodge No. 184, of the A. F. & A. M. He is one of the oldest members of the Christian Church, his wife also belonging to that church; and not in church matters alone has he been active, for he has always been interested in the progress and advancement of schools, and was instrumental in organizing the district in which he resides. His children are as follows: James J., who died in 1858; Harriet Frances (Mrs. Thornton), Eliza Jane, Mary Etta Gertrude (Mrs. Smith), Sarah Ellen, Jennie Kate, Joseph William, Julia, James Charley and Lou Ollie (twins), the latter of whom died in 1879 at the age of ten months; and Ida Lou. Mr. Wright's brothers and sisters are: John J., who was married, served in the late war, and died in 1872; J. L., Jasper, who married, and is a resident of the county; Elizabeth, who was the wife of James Wilson, and died in 1869; Malvina, now Mrs. McBroom, a resident of Harrisburg; and Joseph H., who is married and resides in Bolivar Township.