Rev. Robert A. Wright
Aug. 5, 1859-July 17, 1923
Niles Daily Star-Sun, Tuesday, July 17, 1923, page 8, col. 3, microfilm Niles District Library
REV. WRIGHT DROPS DEAD
Former Pastor of Niles Methodist Church Had Started on Vacation Trip
The announcement of the sudden death of Rev. R.A. Wright of Coldwater, at Tecumseh, brought sorrow to many in Niles, Rev. Wright having for a number of years been pastor of the Methodist church here. His health had long caused his family and friends much concern, but lately there had apparently been an improvement in his condition and he had decided to take a vacation trip to Canada. With Mrs. Wright he left Coldwater early this morning, and they had evidently gone as far as Tecumseh when he dropped dead. No particulars concerning his death were conveyed in the announcement received here this morning about 6 o'clock by his daughters, Mrs. Gorton Price and Miss Mildred Wright, but it is understood that he died on the train.
Mr. and Mrs. Price, accompanied by Miss Wright who came to Niles last Saturday for a visit, and Miss Vogt who accompanied her to Niles, left by motor for Coldwater upon receiving the message.
Rev. Wright after his first year here was repeatedly returned to this city by conference at the request of the local church congregation. His influence extended far outside the circle of his own church and he was generally beloved.
Surviving Mr. Wright is his widow, two daughter[sic]x, Mrs. Gorton Price of Niles, and Miss Mildred Wright of Coldwater and two sons, Bruce of Chicago and Gerald of Coldwater.
Niles Daily Star-Sun, Thursday, July 19, 1923, page 8, col. 6, microfilm Niles District Library
Body of Former Pastor Niles Church Buried Here Today
The body of Rev. Robert A. Wright, who died suddenly last Tuesday, was brought to Niles this afternoon from Coldwater and taken directly to Silver Brook cemetery for burial. The committal service was conducted by Rev. John C. Willetts, superintendent of the Niles district of the Methodist church.
The Coldwater Reporter, in the account of the death of Rev. Wright states that he and Mrs. Wright had left Coldwater about 4 a.m. with Frank B. Kennedy, with whom the planned to motor to Detroit and from there Mr. and Mrs. Wright intended to go to London, Ont., to visit his only brother, Thomas Wright. They had reached a point five miles east of Teconsha, when Mr. Kennedy got out of the car to adjust some minor mechanical difficulty and Mr. Wright also got out of the car and was standing by Mr. Kennedy when he fell backward dead. It is believed that he was overcome with a sudden attack of heart disease.
Mr. Wright's heart began to fail a year ago," says the Recorder. "He had purchased an automobile but doctors soon after told him he must not drive it on account of his heart. However, he had seemed to gain of late. He was anticipating the visit with his brother with a great deal of pleasure."
Mr. Wright was 63 years old. He was born in Ontario, Canada, August 5, 1859. he received his education at the University of Montreal and Northwestern university. He had . . .[illegible]. ..over 28 years.
The Recorder refers at length to Mr. Wright's faithful service as a minister and his influence in the community, all of which is appreciated by his former parishioners and friends here.
He is survived by his wife, four children, and one brother. The children are Mrs. Gorton Price of Niles, Miss Mildred and Gerald of Coldwater and Bruce of Jackson.
He was a member of the Masonic fraternity.
Niles Daily Star-Sun, Friday, July 20, 1923, page 8, col. 4, microfilm Niles District Library
Mrs. R.A. Wright and children, also Mr.and Mrs. Thomas Wright of London,Ont., and Mrs. Wright's sister, whose home is in Hillsdale, who came to Niles yesterday with the body of Rev. R.A. Wright returned to Coldwater today. Tomorrow Mr.and Mrs. Thomas Wright will return to their home. Twenty-six ministers attended the funeral services for Mr. Wright in Coldwater and four ministers accompanied the family to Niles for the committal service. For the present Mrs. Wright plans to make her home in Coldwater, where her daughter Miss Mildred, will again teach in the public schools and where her son, Gerald, will complete his high school course next June.