est Jefferson Hills BOROUGH OF JEFFERSON HILLS NEWS
A rather important document regarding the early history of West Jefferson Hills currently hangs — mostly unnoticed — on the wall in Council Chambers at the Jefferson Hills Borough Building . This two-hundred-year-old artifact is the original sheepskin deed for the property of Zadock Wright . But who exactly was Zadock Wright , and why is this deed so significant ?
Historians consider Zadock Wright to be the earliest settler in West Jefferson Hills . The Virginian was a wagoner for Braddock ’ s army during the French and Indian War ( 1754-1763 ). While passing through this area on his way to the battle at Fort Duquesne , Wright took note of the lush forest , plentiful game , and beautiful waterways of what is today Jefferson Hills . These natural resources seemed ideal for Wright ’ s plan to establish a homestead and farm , with abundant game to provide sustenance and ample waterways for both refreshment and trade .
True to his vision , Zadock Wright returned after the war ' s end and settled on a tract of land traversed by
Peters Creek , now referred to as the “ Large ” region of Jefferson Hills . Wright acquired ownership of this land through a Virginia Certificate . It must be remembered that at the time , both Virginia and Pennsylvania laid claim to Western Pennsylvania . This dispute was not settled until 1780 , when Virginia gave up its claim to
7:00 P . M . on Wednesday , June 26 , 2024 Community Rooms of Jefferson Hills Borough Building “ Monongahela Indian Village Consol Site Excavation ” presented by Bob Oshnock , Jim Barno , and Scott Benack
Zadock Wright Sheepskin Deed Deb Morinello , West Jefferson Hills Historical Society
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the disputed land on the condition that “ the private property and rights of all persons acquired under , founded on , or recognized by the laws of either Pennsylvania or Virginia previous to the date hereof , be saved and confirmed to them .” On September 20 , 1785 , Zadock received an original land patent for the property , which he named “ Wrightsburg .”
So , how did Zadock Wright ’ s sheepskin deed come to its current place of residence ? Local historian Charles Thatcher of Pleasant Hills acquired the deed , passing it into the hands of Jack Maple , the then Chief of Police in Jefferson Hills , who displayed it in his office for many years . In September 2002 , Chief Maple gave the important artifact to Joyce Schmidt , who had recently instituted the West Jefferson Hills Historical Society . Feeling that this important document should be shared with the entire Jefferson Hills community , Joyce turned the deed over to the society to be studied . Although the historical society owns the sheepskin , it is on permanent loan to the Borough of Jefferson Hills .
As Joyce Schmidt had so wished , the Zadock Wright sheepskin deed is on display for the entire community to see and appreciate . Next time you find yourself in the Jefferson Hills Council Chambers , take a look at this artifact firsthand .
7:00 P . M . on Wednesday , August 28 , 2024 Community Rooms of the Jefferson Hills Borough Building “ A Ukulele Performance ” presented by Ukeaholics
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