Porter Wright Family, 1879-1907, Undated

Milton Wright was an avid genealogist. His passion started when he was a young man and continued until his death. Milton wrote to family members throughout the United States and Germany seeking information on the Wright and Koerner families. Orville continued the search after Milton’s death in 1917. Most of the letters in this subseries are those received by Milton and Orville. On a few occasions, there are copies of letters sent by Orville in reply or by his secretary, Mabel Beck. At the end of many of the files are undated materials in Milton’s handwriting. These materials include essays, notes, and family trees. The letters are not strictly genealogical. The correspondent would also include news on daily activities, health, school, war, religion, and temperance. Of particular note are the many letters of condolence to Milton upon the death of Wilbur Wright of typhoid in 1912. Some letters praise Wilbur and Orville for their accomplishments in the development of flight. Milton Wright also wrote several essays about his family and his life. These are included at the beginning of this subseries.