Born in 1829 in New York City, Wright was still living in the state of New York when he joined the Navy. He served during the Civil War as a quartermaster on the . At the Battle of Forts Jackson and St. Philip near New Orleans on April 24, 1862, he "conscientiously performed his duties throughout the action". For his part in the battle, he was awarded the Medal of Honor a year later on April 3, 1863.