Wright, Alta (Miss), 1894-1938

WRIGHT, SATTERLEE, CAMPBELL

Posted By: Lydia Lucas - Volunteer (email)
Date: 6/13/2021 at 20:33:37

Born: August 10, 1894
Died: March 5, 1938

From the Hawarden Independent, March 10, 1938, news of Ireton and Vicinity:

Miss Alta Wright Died Saturday

The remains of Miss Alta Wright, who passed away at the home of her sister, Mrs. E. R. Satterlee at Blue Earth, Minn., Saturday, following a lingering illness since last September, were brought to Ireton Tuesday and short burial services were held at the grave in Pleasant Hill Cemetery, Reverend W. O. Harper being in charge. The casket was opened so the many friends of the departed could take a last look on a dear friend.

She was born in Ireton, August 10, 1894, receiving her education in our public schools, graduating from the Ireton high school with the class of 1913. She prepared herself for teaching and for several terms taught in the rural schools near Ireton. Later she was employed in one of Ireton’s general stores. Early in life she united with the Presbyterian Church, being active in all its departments. She has made her home at Blue Earth, Minn., the past eight years, having been employed in the accounting department of a general store up to the time of her last illness. Miss Wright was active in civic as well as religious organizations after moving to Blue Earth and the many acts of kindness and beautiful floral tributes bespeak the passing of a friend.

She was the youngest daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Albert Wright, early residents of Ireton, who came here in 1892 from Hanover, Ill. Her father for many years was one of Ireton’s business men, operating a harness shop when harness was in real demand. The father died in 1910 and the mother passed away in 1926. Miss Wright made lifelong friendships, her fine character and disposition winning and holding friends. She had reached the age of 43 years, 6 months and 25 days. She leaves one sister, Mrs. Elmer Satterlee, in sorrow over the death of a dear one as well as many other relatives and friends.

Funeral services were held at Blue Earth Monday and then the remains were brought to Ireton for interment.

* * * * * * * * * *

From the Sioux Center News, March 17, 1938:

Death Takes Former Sioux County Teacher

IRETON—SPECIAL – Announcements were received here Sunday of the death of Miss Alta Wright, 42, of Blue Earth, Minn., former well known Sioux county school teacher. Miss Wright, who made her home for the past several years with her sister, Mrs. Elmer Satterlee at Blue Earth, has been quite sick the past month and in failing health the past year.

She was born and reared in Ireton, and following her graduation from the Ireton high school taught in rural schools in Reading, Center and Eagle townships for many years.

Funeral services were held at Blue Earth, Minn. Monday afternoon and the remains were brought to Ireton where on Tuesday afternoon a brief graveside service was held. The remains were interred in the family burial plot in Pleasant Hill cemetery beside the remains of her parents. Deceased is survived by one sister, Mrs. Elmer Satterlee, several uncles, aunts and cousins.

* * * * * * * * * *

RESEARCH NOTES

No obituary was found in the Blue Earth Post for March 10 or 17, 1938.

Her FindaGrave page gives her full name as Alta Mary Wright and adds her parents, Albert John Wright (1863-1910) and Anne Curel Campbell Wright (1867-1926); sister Edna Alberta Wright Satterlee (1890-1944).

Minnesota death certificate no. 1938-MN-003886: Alta Mary Wright; born Aug. 10, 1894 in Iowa; parents Albert John Wright and Anna Curel Campbell, both born in Illinois; occupation: clerical, office work, for 6 years; last worked at this occupation Sept. 28, 1934; died at Faribault, 9:20 p.m., 5 March 1938; cause: “undetermined autopsy, bacteremia”; contributory causes: hysteria and neurosis, duration 6 months. On the verso of the certificate: "The patient had been suffering from a hysterical vomiting which cured and later the Bacteremia developed, but was of unknown origin.” Signed F. E. Havel, M.D. 5-16-38.

In the 1920 U.S. census Alta (age 24) is living in Ireton with her widowed mother Anne (52) and older sister Edna (29). Edna is a dry goods clerk and Alta is a rural school teacher. In the 1930 census she is living in Blue Earth City, Faribault County, Minnesota with her sister Edna and brother-in-law Elmer Satterlee. Elmer is a department manager in a department store, and Alta is a bookkeeper in an electric shop.