William Wright (politician)

William Wright (November 13, 1794 – November 1, 1866) was a US Senator and US Representative from New Jersey.

Born in Clarksville, Rockland County, New York; attended the public schools and Poughkeepsie Academy; was a volunteer for the defense of Stonington, Connecticut, in the War of 1812; learned the saddler's trade and engaged in business in Bridgeport, Connecticut; moved to Newark, New Jersey in 1821 and ran a saddlery and leather business; mayor of Newark 1840-1843; elected as a Whig to the Twenty-eighth United States Congress and Twenty-ninth United States Congress (March 4, 1843-March 3, 1847); unsuccessful candidate for Governor of New Jersey in 1847; affiliated with the Democratic Party in 1850; elected as a Democrat to the United States Senate and served from March 4, 1853, to March 3, 1859; unsuccessful candidate for reelection in 1858; chairman, Committee on Manufactures (Thirty-third United States Congress and Thirty-fourth United States Congress), Committee to Audit and Control the Contingent Expenses (Thirty-fifth United States Congress), Committee on Engrossed Bills (Thirty-fifth Congress); again elected as a Democrat to the United States Senate and served from March 4, 1863, until his death in Newark, N.J.; interment in Mount Pleasant Cemetery in Newark.

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Preceded by: Jacob W. Miller	United States Senator (Class 2) from New Jersey 1853 – 1859	Succeeded by: John C. Ten Eyck
Preceded by: James W. Wall	United States Senator (Class 1) from New Jersey 1863 – 1866	Succeeded by: Frederick T. Frelinghuysen