He completed preparatory studies and attended the University of Tennessee at Knoxville, where he pursued courses in medicine and law.

After graduating from the law department, he was admitted to the bar in 1852, and he commenced practice in Purdy.

[1][4] During the Civil War, Wright served in the Confederate Army as colonel of the 13th Tennessee Infantry Regiment in 1861.

He was appointed to the law division of the United States General Land Office in 1887 and served until his death.

[5] His daughter Georgia Hays married Frank Lyon.