Member Biography

Biography

Brigader General Michael Bright (Democratic-Republican1) Philadelphia City and Philadelphia Counties, 1808-1809

Early Life:

Michael Bright, born, 1761, Pennsylvania; served, Revolutionary War, Pennsylvania Militia; brigadier general, First Division, 1st Company, War of 1812; elected, common council, Philadelphia,  1797; unsuccessful campaign, common council, Philadelphia, 1800; elected, Democratic-Republican, Pennsylvania House of Representatives, 1802-1803; unsuccessful campaign, Sheriff, Philadelphia City and County, Pennsylvania, 1803; elected, select council, Philadelphia, 1803; elected, assessor, Upper Delaware Ward, Philadelphia, 1804-1805; elected, elections Inspector, Upper Delaware Ward, Philadelphia, 1806-1808; elected, director, Bank of Philadelphia, 1806; unsuccessful campaign, director, Bank of Philadelphia, 1807, 1808; elected, Pennsylvania State Senate, 1808-1809, resigned; flour inspector, Port of Philadelphia, 1811-1812; died, February 9, 1812, Philadelphia, Philadelphia County, Pennsylvania; Burial Details Unknown.

Pennsylvania Politics:

Elected, Common Council, Philadelphia City, Pennsylvania, 1797.

Unsuccessful campaign, Common Council, Philadelphia City, Pennsylvania, 1800.

Elected, Democratic-Republican, Pennsylvania State House of Representatives, 1802-1803.

Unsuccessful campaign, Sheriff, Philadelphia City and County, Pennsylvania, 1803. 

Elected, Select Council, Philadelphia City, Pennsylvania, 1803.

Elected, assessor, Upper Delaware Ward, Philadelphia, 1804-1805.

Elected, Inspector, Philadelphia City, Upper Delaware Ward, Pennsylvania, 1806-1808.

Elected, Director, Bank of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, 1806.

Unsuccessful campaign, Director, Bank of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, 1807, 1808.

Elected, Inspector of the General Election, Philadelphia City, Upper Delaware Ward, Pennsylvania, 1807. 

Elected, Inspector, Philadelphia City, Upper Delaware Ward, Pennsylvania, 1808.

Elected, Conventionalists (Democratic-Republican) Pennsylvania State Senate, 1st district, Philadelphia City and Philadelphia Counties, 1808-1809; resigned his seat prior to the beginning, 1809-1810 session, replaced by John Connelly.

Pennsylvania State House of Representatives Biography:

Official Website - PA House Archives Official Website 

Legacy: 

DIED - Yesterday, in the 51st year of his age, Brigadier General MICHAEL BRIGHT, inspector of flour for the Port of Philadelphia. His death was caused by a pulmonary consumption. He has left five children, many relatives and numerous friends who deeply deplore his loss.

Another soldier of the Revolution has descended into the silent tomb. The voice of him who loved freedom, even more than life, shall be heard no more. As warm a heart as ever glowed in a human bosom is now cold and senseless as the clod of the valley. A spirit as generous and dauntless as ever dared the bravest foe has cast off its earthly incumbrance, and is now, we humbly trust, in the regions of a blissful immortality. "An honest man, the noblest work of God," is called hence, to be no more seen of men - but his memory will be cherished and his virtues shall be remembered long after his frail frame shall have mouldered into dust and ashes.

The funeral will move from the late dwelling of the deceased, No. 125 North Water street, TO-MORROW at Two o'Clock in the afternoon."

Democratic Press (Philadelphia, Pa.), February 10, 1812

Cited:

Cox, Harold. "Senate Members B". Wilkes University Election Statistics Project. Wilkes University.

Cox, Harold. Senate1790-1869 (wilkes.edu). Wilkes University Election Statistics Project. Wilkes University.

A New Nation Votes (tufts.edu)

Brigadier General Michael Bright (1761-1812) - Find a Grave Memorial