Submitted by Norma Jean Huss
A typical example of viral manhood of Southern Illinois is found in William Wright, the widely known Justice and Notary of Metropolis, whose offices are across the street South of the Court House. He was born in the second of May, 1842, in Missouri and can trace his ancestry to Lexington, Ky., he was educated in the common schools, entered the Union Army in 1861, before he was sixteen' participating in the active duties of his company, including the important engagement of Shilo and the siege of Vicksburg. he was discharged in August 1864.
He came to Metropolis in 1880, labored in saw mill and at carpenter work until 1885, when he was elected Justice of the Peace, which office he still holds and from review of his eight large Dockets, it appears that a greater volume of business has passed through his hands than any of his associated Justices; it is very apparently known that Justice Wright has solemnized a greater number of marriages during his term in office than any other person in Metropolis, and Southern Illinois.
Justice Wright is affiliated with a number of Fraternal Orders, Odd Fellows, Masonic, Knights of Pythians, and Men and Owls.
Mr. Wright served on the Board of Education a number of years, as its sec'y. During his ten years service in the City Council he was honored with Chairmanship of many of the important Committees, where he was industrious in the people's interest and for the up build of Greater Metropolis.
He is a member of the Christian church and has officiated as Elder for many years.
The life of Esquire William Wright has been an honorable one, also one of much activity.
The Illustrated industrial edition of the Journal Republican with its historical articles and biographical sketches of prominent men would be entirely incomplete did it not contain a sketch of Mr. Wright. he is one of our respected and honored citizens and he has surrounded himself with a warm friendship that is indeed enviable. he is also a firm believer in the future prosperity of Metropolis. He has witnessed the steady growth of the town and he can see that it has a splendid future. As a businessman, as a farseeing man, Mr. Wright has few equals. He readily foresaw that great good, that would come to Metropolis as a result of the publication of this big paper and he readily co-operated with us in the same.
William Wright is one of the stable and dependable men of this community and we are pleased that he is represented in this paper.
Modern 2 story brick residence 206 West 5th street.
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