Deputy Sheriff William S. Wright

William S. Wright

Deputy William Wright was shot and killed from ambush by two members of the Ku Klux Klan.

Deputy Wright was targeted because of his involvement with quelling a Klan war that had erupted in the county. He had also assisted with protecting a woman and her son who had been beaten and robbed by members of the KKK.

Both suspects were convicted of his murder and sentenced to life in prison.

Deputy Wright had served with the agency for only three months. He was survived by his wife and 11 children.

Deputy Wright's son, William Wright, was shot and killed in the line of duty on April 11, 1901, while also serving with the Letcher County Sheriff's Department.