City: Memphis
WRIGHT, Luke E., lawyer; born Giles Co., Tenn., Aug. 29, 1846; Scotch descent; son of Archibald and Mary E. (Eldridge) WRIGHT; paternal grandparents John and Nancy (McIntyre) WRIGHT, maternal grandfather Elisha ELDRIDGE, maternal grandmother was a Miss DILLON prior to her marriage; educated University of Miss.; received B. L. (honorary) degree from University of Miss., and Hamilton College, New York; married Kate Middleton SEMMES, Dec. 15, 1868; member Tennessee Club, Chickasaw Club, Metropolitan Club, Washington, D. C., and Tenn. State Bar Assn.; Democrat; enlisted as private C. S. A. in 1861, Co. “A,” 54th regiment Tenn. Infantry, transferred to Art. Battery (Wright’s Art. Battery) and became 2d Lieut. in same to 1865; district attorney of Shelby Co., Tenn., 1876-1878, member of Philippine Commission 1900, vice-governor of Philippine Islands, 1903-1905, ambassador to Japan, 1906-1907, secretary of war, 1908-1909; resigned; active in relief measures during yellow fever scourge of 1878.
