My Genealogy Hound

W. C. BRIGHT, M. D., is a son of John M. Bright, who was born in Fayetteville, Tenn., January 20, 1817. His father, James Bright, was a Virginian and an early pioneer of Tennessee. John M. was educated in Fayetteville and Hillsboro, N. C. In 1839 he graduated from the Nashville University. The subject of his graduating theme, “On the Classics,” was a scholarly effort. He began studying law, and in 1841 graduated from the Transylvania University, at Lexington, Ky., with credit to himself and honor to the institution, delivering the valedictory address. He has since practiced in Fayetteville. In November, 1841, he wedded Judith C. Clark, daughter of Gov. Clark, of Kentucky. She died in 1855, and two years later he wedded Zerilda B. Buckner. Mr. Bright has always been a Democrat, and in 1844 stumped the State for Polk in his race for the Presidency. In 1847-48 he was a member of the State Legislature, and served on many important committees. In 1848, he made a canvass for Cass and Butler, and a leading journal wrote that it “would be hard to exaggerate the power and brilliancy of his speeches.” The following are some of his speeches that have been published: “The Obligations of the American Youth,” a speech against Know-nothingism, “Charity,” “Life, Character and Public Services of the Hon. Felix Grundy,” “Law, Lawyers, and Law-schools.” During the late war he was inspector-general of Tennessee, with the rank of brigadier-general. In 1870 he was nominated and elected to the Forty-second Congress. Mr. Bright is very public spirited, and has done all in his power to further the interests of his State and county. His son, W. C. Bright, was born in Fayetteville in 1844, and was educated in Fayetteville and at Richland Academy, in Marshall County. His school-days were suddenly stopped by the breaking out of the war. May 4, 1861, he enlisted in Company C, Eighth Tennessee Regiment, and took an active part in the battles of Perryville, Murfreesboro, Peach Tree Creek, Chickamauga, and Decatur. At the last-named battle he was wounded in the left leg, which unfitted him for duty for about fifteen months. After his return home in 1865, he began the teacher’s profession, but in the fall of the same year began studying medicine under Dr. Kennedy. From 1866 to 1868, he attended the medical department of the University of Nashville, and delivered the valedictory address in 1868. He immediately began practicing in his birthplace, where he has since resided with the exception of five years spent in Edgefield and Nashville. February 4, 1871, he wedded Annie Bramlett, daughter of Judge L. M. Bramlett. Mrs. Bright was born in 1849 in Giles County, Tenn. They have three children: Bramlett, Mary, and Judith. Dr. Bright is one of the leading physicians and surgeons of Lincoln County, and has a large and paying practice. He is a Democrat, and he and wife are members of the Presbyterian Church.