Benjamin F. Pridgen
Benjamin F. Pridgen Family History
Benjamin Franklin Pridgen was born in Greene County, Alabama, on January 9, 1835. He died in Anderson County, Texas, on July 12, 1913. His parents were Wiley Washington and Mary (Baker) Pridgen. His parents had six sons, namely: Henderson McBride, Redding Scott, Bolivar Jackson, Benjamin Franklin, Wiley Washington, Jr., and James Polk. Wiley Washington Pridgen, Sr., and family lived inNash County, North Carolina, prior to living in Alabama and he was sheriff of Nash County, N. C. Benjamin Franklin was four years old when his parents came to Texas, arriving on April 10, 1839. The records show that Wiley Washington Pridgen was granted 640 acres of land in Harrison County by the Republic of Texas on January 2, 1840. Wiley Washington Pridgen and wife, Mary moved toDeWitt County, Texas, January 1846, and settled in the Guadalupe River Valley (called Price’s Creek Settlement). Benjamin Franklin Pridgen grew up in this settlement, but returned to Harrison County, Texas, where he married Lucy Alice Wright on November 12, 1863. They moved to Houston County, Texas, and established a home of Elkhart Creek, 5 miles from Grapeland. To this union were born six children, namely: a boy, Lula May, Robert Lee, Wright Taylor, Lena Ross, and Edith Pearl. Marriages follow: Lucy May married Zaccheus Charles Sheridan-refer to William Nugent Sheridan history in this edition for more details. Robert Lee married Lucinda Williams-refer to Robert Lee Pridgen history in this edition. Wright Taylor married Edith Gertrude Pridgen-refer to Wright Taylor Pridgen history in this edition for more details. Edith Pearl married Algie Lee Brown-refer to Algie Lee Brown and Edith Pearl (Pridgen) Brown history in this edition for more details. Benjamin Franklin Pridgen and wife, Lucy Alice (Wright) Pridgen were fine, sincere citizens-always sharing and ministering unto the needs of their families and friends. To their many friends, they were affectionately known as ‘Uncle Frank’ and ‘Miss Alice’. He was a successful farmer and from 1863 until the end of the Civil War, he managed his own plantation, the plantation of William Nugent Sheridan, and Captain Redding Scott Pridgen (his brother). He also assisted other families where the need arose during the hard years of the Civil War. After the war, he managed his own plantation until he was too feeble. He and his wife had good educations and were intensely interested that their children have the same. Schools were sparse and they helped engage the services of fine teachers who lived in their home.