Wright, George G. (1820-1896)

WRIGHT

Posted By: Paul Nagy, volunteer (email)
Date: 2/15/2012 at 00:40:12

Judge George G. Wright
March 24, 1820 - [18 Jan 1896]

Distinguished Jurist and Statesman Passes Away.

Death of Judge G. G. Wright.

Judge G. G. Wright died Saturday morning [18 Jan 1896] at Des Moines, his death being quite unexpected. He suffered a stroke of apoplexy Friday. Judge Wright was born in Bloomington, Monroe County, Ind., March 24, 1820. His parents were of Welsh extraction. He was graduated at the State University of Indiana in 1839 and read law under his brother Joseph A. Wright at Rockville, Ind. He was admitted to the bar in 1840. In September of that year he came to Iowa, his father locating at Keosauqua, Van Buren County, where he himself began the practice of law. After two years at Keosauqua, he was elected district prosecuting attorney on the Whig ticket, and in 1848 was elected to the State Senate. In 1850 he was a candidate for Congress, but was defeated. When 35 years of age he was elected chief justice of the State Supreme Court, holding the position for fifteen years. In 1870 he was elected to the United States Senate, declining a reelection. In 1865 he removed to Des Moines. He and Judge C. C. Cole, also afterwards of the Supreme Court bench, established the Iowa Law School, the first law school west of the Mississippi river. In 1868 the school became the law department of the State University of Iowa at Iowa City, with Judge Hammond as chancellor. Judge Wright was president of the State Agricultural Society for five years up to 1863. He was president of the American Bar Association during 1887 and 1888. Since 1882 he has been president of the Polk County Savings Bank and connected with several financial institutions of the city and State. Judge Wright leaves a large family, including his wife and five children. Judge Wright was an Odd Fellow and a Methodist. He was one of the three members of the Loyal Legion in this country who are civilians. He was a member of the faculty of the State University up to the time of his death. The Republican legislative caucuses appointed committees on arrangements for the funeral of Judge Wright, and on resolutions in honor of his memory.

“Distinguished Jurist and Statesman Passes Away.” THE INDEPENDENT. [Forest City, Iowa] 23 Jan 1896. 7. Microfilm.

George G. Wright Dead.

Geo. G. Wright, ex-United States Senator and one of the most popular men in the state died at his home in Des Moines Saturday [18 Jan 1896]. The immediate cause of his death was an attack of indigestion, followed by a fainting fit. It was reported that Judge Wright was dying, but later he apparently recovered from the attack and was thought to be out of immediate danger. His death, therefore, was sudden and almost entirely unexpected. Those around him when he passed away were his wife, Carroll Wright, Mrs. Thomas S. Wright and Craig L. Wright. The other children were not present, because no apprehension was felt.

“George G. Wright Dead.” THE INDEPENDENT. [Forest City, Iowa] 23 Jan 1896. 7. Microfilm.