Wright, James (1716-1785)

Colonial agent and administrator.

Attorney general of South Carolina (c. 1739). Agent for South Carolina (1757-61). Lieutenant governor (1760), then governor (1761-76) of Georgia. Generally credited with preventing the Georgia Assembly from sending delegates to the First Continental Congress. Resumed governorship of Georgia during British occupation (1779-82).

Son of Robert and Isabella (Wright) Pitts Wright of Sedgfield, Durham. Spent much of his childhood in South Carolina, where his father was chief justice. Married Sarah Maidman (1740); nine children. Member of Grey’s Inn. Created a baronet (1772).