Theodore Lyman Wright, Jr. was an American teacher of Greek.
Background
Theodore L. Wright, Jr. was born on September 13, 1858, in Beloit, Wisconsin, the son of Theodore Lyman Wright, Sr. and Jane Newcomb, and was in the seventh generation of descent from Samuel Wright, one of the early settlers of Springfield (then Agawam), Massachussets. Samuel Wright was the son of a London merchant, Nathaniel Wright, who had an interest in the Arbella, which brought John Winthrop to Salem in 1630. Samuel was deacon in the First Church of Springfield, and when the first minister returned to England, Wright was chosen "to dispense the word of God" and allowed fifty shillings per month while thus serving. He became one of the original settlers of Northampton, where he died in 1665.
Education
Wright, Jr. graduated with distinction at Beloit College (1880), taught the classics in Beloit Academy (1881 - 1883), took the degree of M. A. in Greek at Harvard (1884), and studied at the American School of Classical Studies in Athens (1887).
Career
In 1888, he was called to Beloit College as assistant professor, and in 1892 became full professor of Greek literature and art. He was already recognized as a teacher of originality and charm, and throughout nearly forty years of continuous service he was held by his students in ever-deepening admiration and devotion. He was for years summer lecturer for the Bureau of University Travel (1904 - 1926). In addition to instructing in Greek, he organized courses in Greek literature and Greek art in English, which were largely elected. A noteworthy feature of his work was the presentation of Greek dramas in English, translated by his classes. In this his stimulating thought and dramatic talent had full scope. During a period of twenty-five years more Greek plays were seen in Beloit than in any other American community. Wright's verses for special occasions were felicitous and of penetrating characterization. His most important production of this sort was "The Four Horizons, " in commemoration of the fiftieth anniversary in 1897 of the founding of the college. The Beloit Pageant, from the Turtle to the Flaming Wheel (1916), written mainly by him, was given by some two thousand performers of various nationalities on the eightieth anniversary of the founding of the city. Translations by him of a few Greek dramas have been printed. Theodore L. Wright, Jr. died on October 4, 1926, in Beloit, Wisconsin.
Achievements
An internationally known authority on Greek literature, Theodore Lyman Wright, Jr. was a professor in Greek at Beloit College, who translated and produced of a large number of Greek dramas, which were staged by his classes and presented on the Beloit campus.
The colony of Greeks in Beloit idolized him; they presented his portrait bust to the Theodore Lyman Wright Art Hall of the college on its dedication in 1930.
Membership
Theodore L. Wright, Jr. was a member of the Beloit school board (1898 - 1902, 1917 - 1920) and of the park board from its organization in 1915.
Personality
Theodore L. Wright, Jr. was of medium stature, alert, responsive, his vivid dark eyes gleaming under heavy brows. He was exacting, yet considerate, of illuminating insight and whimsical humor, a great-hearted friend.
Connections
On March 29, 1909, Theodore L. Wright, Jr. married Jean V. Ingham of Buffalo, New York, who died on July 28, 1910.
