Wright Family papers, 1878-1987

Access and use

Location of collection:
Library of Virginia
The Library of Virginia
800 East Broad Street
Richmond, VA 23219
Contact for questions and access:
POC: Archives Reference Services
Phone: (804) 692-3888

Summary

Language:
English

Background

Scope and content:

Papers, 1878-1987, of the Wright family of Richmond, Virginia. Included are certificates, clippings, correspondence, photographs, programs, and publications documenting their lives and work for the Richmond Police Department. The bulk of the collection relate to Captain Alexander S. Wright, Chief of Detectives, John M. Wright, Chief of Police, and Frank A.S. Wright, Circuit Court judge, all of Richmond.

Included are Annual Reports of the Dept. of Public Safety for the City of Richmond, 1907-1955; Roster and Description of the Police Force City of Richmond, 1878-1885; and memoranda from the City of Richmond Police Department. Also included are congratulatory, recommendation, and condolence letters to John M. Wright from Thomas P. Bryan, J. Edgar Hoover, Charles G. Thalhimer, and George C. Wallace. Of note are the numerous photographs, ca. 1900-1960, from the Richmond Police Department of Alexander S. and John M. Wright, street scenes, panoramic group photographs of policemen, and dedications and banquets.

Biographical / historical:

The Wright family were residents of Manchester, (South) Richmond, Virginia, and had several family members serve with the Richmond Police Department. Alexander Steel Wright was born 1 July 1868 in Manchester, Virginia. He was first appointed a police officer with the Manchester Police Commission in 1894, rising to the rank of Captain of Detectives in 1917. He was married to Roberta Gertrude Turner and died in 1945.

John M. Wright Jr. was born 25 April 1901 in Manchester, Virginia, to Alexander Steel Wright and Roberta Gertrude Turner Wright. He married Mary Beatrice Tuma in Washington, D.C., on 27 June 1922. Wright started with the Richmond Police Department February 1920, named Acting Chief March 1960, and became Chief of Police in February 1961. He served until December 1967 and died in 1968. His son, Frank A.S. Wright (1924-1996) was a Circuit Court judge in Richmond.

Acquisition information:
Gift of Robert A.S. Wright on December 2007 and November 2008, Blacksburg.
Arrangement:

This collection is arranged into the following series:

  • Series I: Papers, 1878-1987
  • Series II: Photographs, ca. 1890-1971
  • Series III: Audio/Visual materials, ca. 1968
Physical description:
3.5 cu. ft. (13 boxes and 1 oversize folder)