Article in “Memoirs of Georgia,” Vol. II, p. 698. A few mild inaccuracies, but still quite interesting —
BENJAMIN WRIGHT, physician, Young’s, Polk Co., Ga. … was born in Franklin County, Ga., Jan. 10, 1846. His father came from Edgefield district, S. C., to Georgia, and settled in Franklin County in 1840. In 1850 he moved thence to Paulding County, and in 1864 moved to Polk County and settled on a farm. Dr. Wright had very meager educational advantages during his boyhood and youth. In 1861 he became a member of Phillips’ legion, as a substitute and did good service during the war. Soon after entering the service he was transferred to Gen. Wheeler’s cavalry and the western army. Among other battles engaged in were Lookout Mountain. New Hope church, Resaca, Adairsville, Cassville and Kennesaw Mountain, and in almost every skirmish during the siege of Atlanta.
He began life with nothing after the war excepting a spirit of determination, industrious habits and correct principles. He improved his leisure time studying medicine, and in 1882 was graduated from Atlanta Medical college. He located immediately at Young’s, where he has lived ever since, established an enviable reputation as a physician and has a very remunerative practice. No physician in the county stands higher than he, and no citizen is more popular. In 1886 he was elected to represent the Thirty-eighth senatorial district in the general assembly, and in 1888 he was elected to represent Polk County in the general assembly. In 1892 he was again elected to represent the senatorial district — his fellow-citizens thus bearing testimony to his faithfulness and efficiency.
Dr. Wright was married in April, 1887, to Miss Ella, daughter of Thomas J. and Jane Peek, of Polk County, by whom he had four children: William, Benjamin, John, James and Ella. The mother of these children died Feb. 6, 1891, and Feb. 7, 1892, Dr. Wright married Miss Mary, daughter of Thomas Lasseter, of Haralson County, who has borne him one child: Crissie. Dr. Wright has been very successful as a practitioner of his profession, and an excellent manager of his property.