Benjamin Bright

(Page 628) Mr. Bright traces his lineage to James Bright, his great-great grandfather, who emigrated from England and settled in Salem County, N. J. He had a son, James Kendall, whose son James was the grandfather of the subject of this biography. The children of the latter were William, James, Josiah, and Nicholas, and two daughters. His son, Nicholas was born in 1802 at Woodstown, Salem, Co, N. J., and later made Bridgeton his residence, where he married Miss Esther Reeves, and had seven children, of whom two, Benjamin T. and James K., reached mature years, the latter having died in 1866. By a second marriage, to Miss Eliza Lawrence, was born a son, Theodore Frelinghuysen, who died in childhood. Mr. Bright served as a drummer-boy during the war of 1812. The larger portion of his business life was spent in Woodstown and Salem, where he pursued his trade of blacksmith, and by industry and judgement gained a competency. His son, Benjamin T., was born November 2, 1832, in Woodstown, N. J., and at an early age removed with his parents to Bridgeton. His youth was varied, the intervals of rest from the demands of the public school having been spent in the shop of his father. Here were formed habits of activity and industry, which aided greatly in developing his character. After a period spent farming, he entered the Cumberland Nail and Iron Works, under Robert C. Nichols, Esq., and devoted three years to labor in the engine room His studies were then resumed for one year, and at the age of twenty-one he entered the surrogate�s office as a clerk. His health having failed, a lengthened voyage was recommended, and Mr. Bright spent five years at sea. He was on his return married to Miss Rachel Ladow, of Cumberland County, to whom were born children, E. Ellsworth and Mary E. Mrs. Bright having died, he married a second time to Sarah C., daughter of Thomas Parson, of Atlantic County, N. J. Emma is their only surviving daughter.

Mr. Bright in 1862 entered the army as a member of Company H. Twenty-fourth New Jersey Volunteers, and served ten months. During this period he participated in the battles of Fredericksburg and Chancellorsville. On returning he engaged in teaching, and in 1866 embarked in the grocery business in Bridgeton, which was continued for ten years. Since his retirement his time has been principally devoted to the cultivation of his farm.

Mr. Bright is an enthusiastic Mason and Odd-Fellow. In May 1854, a member of Cumberland Lodge, No. 35, I. O. O. F., in which he has taken all the degrees. He entered the Grand Lodge of New Jersey in 1865, and was appointed Grand Guardian for 1865-66. He was one of the incorporators of Bridgeton Lodge, No. 129, I. O. O. F., was Deputy Grand Master in 1870, and Grand Master in 1871-72. Mr.Bright became, in November 1855, a member of the Brearley Lodge, No. 2, F. A. M. He has served as secretary of the lodge, and is now Past Master. He is also a member of the Olivet Commandery, No. 10, of Knights Templar, and is Past Eminent Commander. He is also a member of the Grand Royal Arch Chapter of New Jersey. Mr. Bright does not actively interest himself in the political measures of the day. He is a Republican, and has represented the Second Ward of Bridgeton as chosen freeholder. He has also served as assessor, and been for years a member of the School Board. He is a member of St. Andrew�s Protestant Episcopal Church, and one of its vestrymen.