My Genealogy Hound

H. Lee Wright, a prosperous farmer of Groveland township, was born on his present farm of 154 acres in section 34, on September 12, 1854, and has always been one of the practical farmers of Oakland County. He is a son of Horatio and Sarah M. (Campbell) Wright, the former of whom was born February 20, 1818, in Washington County, New York, and the latter in Monroe County, New York, December 14, 1823, and who is still living with her son H. Lee.

Horatio Wright came to Michigan from Genesee County, New York, with his brother David A. in 1842, and located on our subject’s present farm when it was but partially cleared. They drove nearly all the way in a wagon, wagonmaking being their trade and one which Horatio followed to some extent after coming to Michigan, while David A. continued in the business much longer. One of the specimens of Horatio Wright’s excellent workmanship is now in the possession of our subject, having been fashioned in 1848. They were among the early pioneers of Groveland township, and were obliged to haul all their produce many miles, Pontiac, 16 miles distant, being the principal market in those days. They endured many of the hardships inseparable from pioneer life. That Mr. Wright was a man above the average in ability, was shown by his selection for offices of responsibility, — a number of terms as supervisor, frequently as a justice of the peace and on one occasion as a member of the State Legislature. He approved of the Grange movement, and he also belonged to the Masonic fraternity, being a Knight Templar. He was married to Sarah M. Campbell, a daughter of William and Sarah Campbell, and they reared six children, namely: Austin W., of Chicago; Irving C., of Detroit; Mrs. Mary C. Fulton, of Denver, Colorado; Mrs. J. Ettie Evans, of Chicago; H. Lee, of this sketch; and Mrs. Rose E. Sprague, of Michigan.

H. Lee Wright was educated in the local schools and has devoted his subsequent life to agriculture. He has engaged in general farming and stock raising, his leading crops being corn, oats, potatoes, hay and beans. His sheep are of the Shropshire variety, his swine are Poland-China and Berkshire, and he raises a small number of draft and driving horses. He belongs to the good and capable farmers of Groveland township and the superior condition of his land is a sufficient proof of the claim.

In 1883 Mr. Wright was married to Mary D. Eddy, who was born in Hampshire County, Massachusetts, and is a daughter of John and Sarah Eddy. Three children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Wright, of whom J. Stanley and Harold L., both representative young American youths, survive. The daughter, Marie E., and her mother, both recently died.

In politics Mr. Wright is identified with the Democratic party and is one of its leading exponents in his community. He has been township supervisor for the past two years and is one of the useful and public spirited citizens. He belongs to the local Grange, is a Master Mason, and is also a member of the Knights of the Maccabees.