Passing of Ed Wright
Ed Wright, well known attorney, died at his home in La Grande Monday night, November 29th, following a heart attack. He had been in poor health for some time, but during the past few months appeared to have improved. He was apparently feeling as well as usual when he went to his office Monday, but being indisposed during the afternoon he went to his home, his condition becoming serious and he passed away about 9:30 o’clock p. m.
Mr. Wright was born in Union July 10, 1878, and spent most of his life in Union County. For 12 years he served as Clerk and deputy clerk of Union County. At the end of the last term to which he had been elected as Clerk he was appointed Secretary of the State Public Services Commission, holding that office until 1919.
While serving as Secretary of the Commission, Mr., Wright completed his course of law at the Law School of the Williamette University, and was admitted to practice. After resigning the Secretaryship he returned to La Grande to engage in the practice of law. He was elected District Attorney for Union County in 1920, serving until 1924, when on account of failing health, he was obliged to give up his practice. After about a year he formed a partnership with E. R. Ringo, which association existed at the time of Mr. Wright’s death.
Ed Wright was the son of the late John T. and Della Wright and a grandson of George Wright, all pioneers of Oregon and Union county. In January 1901 he married Lola Clark and to this union one son was born, John, now a resident of La Grande. He is also survived by two brothers-L. A. Wright of Union and C. C. Wright of Portland, and a sister, Georgia Wright of Union.
Mr. Wright had a wide acquaintance throughout the State and numbered among his friends most of the residents of Eastern Oregon, his popularity in Union county was demonstrated by the fact that he was several times elected County Clerk without opposition, and after serving for four terms, declined further nomination.
Funeral services were conducted at the Elks Temple, La Grande, Thursday, at 2 o’clock, Rev. Oliver Riley officiating. Burial was at the Union cemetery where services were conducted by the Mason’s Lodge.
1926 newspaper item
Contributed by: Larry Rader
Former District Atty. Dies Suddenly At Home In Lagrande
Ed. Wright, 48, well known politician, of La Grande, died Monday night at his home there, following a heart attack earlier in the evening.
Mr. Wright had lived in Union county most of his life and his death is mourned by a host of friends all over the county.
He served in a number of public offices and always in the satisfaction of a large share of the people. Mr. Wright was born July 10, 1878, at Union, and received his public school education in Union county. For 12 years, beginning about 1903, he was county clerk of Union county. At the close of his term as county clerk he went to Salem as secretary of the public service commission, serving there until 1919.
He was elected district attorney of Union county, serving from 1920 until 1924. Since finishing his term as district attorney he has been associated in the law firm of Ringo & Wright.
He leaves besides his widow, Mrs. Laura Wright, one son Jack, and two brothers L.A. Wright of Union, and Claude Wright of Portland, and a sister, Mrs. Georgia Wright of Union.
Funeral services were held in La Grande Thursday afternoon at two o’clock, Rev. Oliver Riley officiating. Burial was at Union with the Masonic lodge in charge.
North Powder News
Saturday, December 4, 1926