Wright, Albert A. (Albert Allen), 1846-1905

Educator and scientist. Professor, Oberlin College.

Albert Allen Wright was born and educated in Oberlin, Ohio. He earned both the A.B. and B.D. from Oberlin College, and the Ph. D. from Columbia. In 1864 Wright enlisted as a 100 day volunteer with Company K of the 150th Ohio National Guard. He participated in the second geological survey of Ohio, and was appointed professor of Geology and Natural History at Oberlin College in 1874. Perhaps the first modern scientific mind on the Oberlin faculty, Wright was an early proponent of Charles Darwin and the theory of evolution. He also fostered the laboratory system of study by students in all scientific departments, and worked to expand the College Museum. Wright was a highly capable administrator, serving as acting president (1896-98), registrar (1889-90), chairman of the Faculty (1896- 98), and member of numerous committees. In the community, Wright served on the waterworks board, and helped to plan the sewage system.