Benjamin Drake Wright (1799–1875) was a prominent Pensacolian attorney and civic leader.
| Benjamin Drake Wright | |
|---|---|
| Born | January 23, 1799 Wilkes-Barre, Penn. |
| Died | April 1875 Pensacola |
| Occupation | attorney, judge |
| Spouse | Josephine de la Rua |
| Children | George Washington Wright Five other sons Two daughters |
Benjamin Drake Wright was born in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania, on 23 January 1799. He was admitted to the bar of Luzerne County, Pennsylvania on 7 April 1820. Wright came to Pensacola in the Spring of 1823.
Contents
Legal career
In 1824 he was a member of the Legislative Council of the Territory of West Florida as well as United States Attorney for the part of the Territory between the Apalachicola and Suwanne Rivers. In 1825 he was appointed United States District Attorney for the whole of the Territory. In 1829, Wright served as the President of the Board of Aldermen of Pensacola. In a least 1839, Wright served in the Territorial Senate. In 1841, Wright was elected to his second term as Mayor of Pensacola. During the 1840s, Wright served as a federal judge, and after statehood in 1845, he became Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of the State of Florida. In 1866, Wright was appointed Collector of Customs in the District of Pensacola in the State of Florida.
In 1844, Wright represented in court Jonathan Walker, who was tried and convicted of stealing another man's slave.
Other ventures
Despite his busy professional life, Wright also edited the Pensacola Gazette from 12 March 1834 through the end of the Territorial period in 1845. He owned the paper through 1839.
Personal life
Wright married Josephine de la Rua on 23 February 1826. The two had eight children (six sons and two daughters).
Death
Judge Wright died in Pensacola in April 1875.
Wright Street in downtown Pensacola is named in his honour.
| Preceded by: John Jerrison |
Mayor of Pensacola 1828—1829 |
Succeeded by: John Jerrison |
| Preceded by: Charles Le Baron |
Mayor of Pensacola 1841—1842 |
Succeeded by: Charles Evans |