Luke Edward Wright facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Luke Wright
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| 43rd United States Secretary of War | |
| In office July 1, 1908 – March 11, 1909 |
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| President | Theodore Roosevelt |
| Preceded by | William H. Taft |
| Succeeded by | Jacob M. Dickinson |
| United States Ambassador to Japan | |
| In office May 26, 1906 – August 13, 1907 |
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| President | Theodore Roosevelt |
| Preceded by | Lloyd Carpenter Griscom (Minister) |
| Succeeded by | Thomas O'Brien |
| Governor-General of the Philippines | |
| In office February 1, 1904 – April 1, 1906 |
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| President | Theodore Roosevelt |
| Preceded by | William H. Taft |
| Succeeded by | Henry C. Ide |
| Personal details | |
| Born |
Luke Edward Wright
August 29, 1846 Giles County, Tennessee, U.S. |
| Died | November 17, 1922 (aged 76) Memphis, Tennessee, U.S. |
| Political party | Democratic (Before 1896) Republican (1896–1922) |
| Spouse | Katherine Semmes |
| Education | University of Mississippi, Oxford |
| Signature |  |
| Military service | |
| Allegiance |  Confederate States |
| Branch/service |  Confederate States Army |
| Rank |  Second Lieutenant |
| Battles/wars | American Civil War |
Luke Edward Wright (born August 29, 1846 – died November 17, 1922) was an important American government official. He held several major roles during his career. He was the leader of the Philippines when it was a U.S. territory, serving as its Governor-General of the Philippines from 1904 to 1906. Later, he became the United States Secretary of War, a top advisor to the President on military matters, from 1908 to 1909.
Contents
Who Was Luke Edward Wright?
Early Life and Military Service
Luke Edward Wright was born in Giles County, Tennessee. When he was about four years old, his family moved to Memphis, Tennessee. He went to public schools there.
At just 15 years old, he joined the Confederate States Army during the American Civil War. In 1863, he showed great bravery during the Battle of Murfreesboro. Because of his courage, he was promoted to second lieutenant.
After the war ended, Wright attended the University of Mississippi from 1867 to 1868. He did not finish his degree there. In 1868, he married Katherine Middleton Semmes. Her father was Admiral Raphael Semmes, a well-known figure from the Confederate Navy.
A Career in Law and Public Service
Luke Wright studied law in his father's office. This was a common way to become a lawyer back then. After passing his exams, he became a lawyer and started working in Memphis.
For eight years, he served as the Tennessee Attorney General. This meant he was the state's chief legal officer. In 1878, when a serious yellow fever epidemic hit, he helped set up a special committee. This group worked to provide help and relief to people affected by the illness.
Before 1896, Wright was a member of the Democratic Party. Later, he changed his political party.
Leading in the Philippines and Japan
In 1900, Luke Wright became part of the second Philippine Commission. This group helped the United States govern the Philippines. In 1901, he was named vice-governor of the Philippines.
He then became the full Governor-General of the Philippines in 1904. He held this important leadership role until 1906. After that, from 1906 to 1907, Wright served as the first full United States Ambassador to Japan. This meant he represented the U.S. government in Japan.
Serving as Secretary of War
From July 1, 1908, to March 11, 1909, Wright served as the United States Secretary of War. He worked under President Theodore Roosevelt. In this role, he focused on making sure military officers were highly skilled. He also looked for ways to use new aviation (airplane) technology for the military.
He served for less than a year before he resigned. After leaving government service, he returned to his private life. Luke Edward Wright passed away in Memphis in 1922.
His Legacy
A beautiful area in Baguio, Philippines, is named after Governor Luke E. Wright. It is called "Pool of Pines" or more commonly, Wright Park. This park features a long, shallow reflecting pool that he helped design.
Also, a street in Dumaguete City in the Negros Oriental province of the Philippines is named in his honor.
See also
In Spanish: Luke Edward Wright para niños
