John Bright Descendants 
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Contributed by Rose Parks
Generation No. 1 1. JOHN1 BRIGHT was born Abt. 1660, and died 1720 in Beaufort Co., NC. He married ELIZABETH HILL. She was born 1680, and died 1744 in Craven Co. NC1.
Nov. 1671, will of Thomas Etheredge in Lower Norfolk, gives land in adj. to John Bright's line to eldest son William Etheredge. March 15, 1675, Edward Hastell, enters 367 acres Lower Norfolk W. side of S branch of Elizabeth River at Joseph Mulder's land up Deepe Creek to Francis Fleetwood & Co., Transportation of 7 persons. Jno. Stone, Ben Bramberry, Jno. Bright,---Messhall, Jno, Crosse, Wm Cooke, Will. Payne. Nov. 22, 1682, John Bright enters 140 acres Lower Norfolk, on East side of S. Branch of Elizabeth River, 6 Nov 1671, will of Thomas Etheredge in Lower Norfolk, gives land in will adj. to John Bright's line to eldest son William Etheredge. 15 Mar 1675, Edward Hastell, enters 367 acres Lower Norfolk W side of S branch of Elizabeth River at Joseph Mulder's land up Deepe Creek to Francis Fleetwood & C., Transportation of 7 persons--Jno. Stone, Ben Bramberry, Jno. Bright, ----- Messhall, Jno. Crosse, Wm Cooke, Will. Payne. 22 Nov 1682, John Bright enters 140 acres Lower Norfolk, on East side of S. Branch of Elizabeth River, beg. by the little Creek adj. Wm. Etheredge And C., Trans. of three persons: James Jackson, Elizabeth his wife, Joseph Jackson. 25 Oct 1695, John Bright and Owen Dougherty, enter 300 acres in Norfolk, Escheated from Thomas Hall dec'd by inquiry under John Lear Esq., Esch'r, 21 Oct 1689 and now granted. 12 Nov 1712 will of James Wilson of Lower Norfolk mentions land purchased of Henry Bright to his son Solomon Wilson. John and family were in Hyde County, NC by 1705 In his will he leaves Henry and Richard land, but the rest of sons are to get the homeplace when Elizabeth died or married. She married again to a Handcock and did so before 1729 as William sold his land then and moved to Craven Co. Elizabeth died in Craven County leaving a will 1743/44. John's son James left a will in Hyde County 1735 mentioning only wife Anna. There is a land deed in Craven Co. NC (in present Lenoir or Greene or Wayne) as it is on S. side of Bear Creek at the head of Tillimans Creek and he sells 140 acres on 20 Oct 1726 to Oliver Smith, receiving a patent on it, 2 August 1726. Elizabeth, in her will 1743 mentions daughter, Lydia Handcock. She was mentioned as Lydia Bright in her Fathers will but Lydia Handcock in her Mothers will. John's wife Elizabeth married second a man named William Handcock or Hancock.
Children of JOHN BRIGHT and ELIZABETH HILL are:
Notes for JAMES BRIGHT:
2. RICHARD2 BRIGHT (JOHN1) was born Abt. 1694, and died 1731 in Beaufort Co., NC Notes for RICHARD BRIGHT:
Richard got a land grant in Currituck Co., NC in 1696, at Moyock. His descendants are mostly in Currituck and Pasquotank counties. Henry settled in Pasquotank and Richard Bright (of Hyde)
Children of RICHARD BRIGHT are:
3. SIMON2 BRIGHT, COL. (JOHN1) was born Abt. 1695 in Beaufort Co. NC?, and died 1777 in Dobbs/Craven Co., NC. He married ? HODGES. Notes for SIMON BRIGHT, COL.: 1697-1777 In North Carolina Dictionary of Biography, Simon Bright, Sr./Col. wife is given as Mary Reel, but Peter Reel's will dated 1739 indicates daughters Mary and Elizabeth are under 12. Could there be a Sr. and Jr.? Above from William Doab Bennett's manuscript "Bright's of Lenoir Co., NC" In two different documents it is given that Francis Hodges is a brother in law to Simon. Francis R. Hodges of Lakeland, Fl. feels Francis' sister is married to Simon. He is descendant of both these men. He was probably born around 1695-1697 as he was paid for 177 days of Militia Service in 1711, probably in the Tuscarora War. He should have been at least 16, but not always true, according to size etc. NC Taxpayers list him in Craven 1742 and listed in Dobbs 1769 with 6 slaves. Simon Sr. petitioned for patent 7 June 1739 in Craven 640 acres, land in present Lenoir on Briery Branch.(5:232) 11 November 1743 " 540 acres(15:123) 3 October 1735 " 546 acres (listed in Bath Co.?)(2:103) He was appointed vestryman for St. Patrick's Church in Johnston Co. in 1746. when Dobbs County was formed St. Patrick's Parish remained there and St. John's was formed in Dobbs with Simon remaining a vestryman. This was the Anglican or Church of England, also appointed with him were John Herring Sr. John Becton, In March 1734/5 he was appointed Justice of Peace for Craven. At this time it was considered a much "higher" job than of today. Probably more like a District Judge??? The only proven children of Simon Sr is James Bright, also known as Capt. James Bright born about 1750 and died 1819. He was Capt. of the Dobbs Militia from 1771-1774 and must have served in the Revolutionary War. The other proven child was Simon Bright, Jr. born by 1734 and died December 1777. Simon, Jr. was known as that all his life as he died just before his father. A William Bright who died in 1782 in Duplin may also be a son and Mary Bright, the wife of Benjamin Herring may also be a daughter. She was born near 1730-1735 and married Benjamin about 1750.
Book 3 page 231 17 January 1745/46 Simon Bright for 55 pounds conveys to John Bishop land on Clubfoot's Swamp called Bright's Cowpens, 340 acres on S. side of Neuse River in Craven, being part of a patent of 590 acres laid out for Simon Bright. Wit: William Flood and Paul Phillips Book 3 page 228 disposed of this land. Elizabeth Moore Collection files has this as Book 2 but another source gives Books and pages and Book 3 page 228 is listed where as Book 2 pg. 228 is not. Simon Bright for 55 pounds conveys 200 acres part of 540 acre tract laid out to Simon 17 January 1745/6 Wit: William Flood and Paul Phillips Also Book 2 page 153 Simon of Johnston Co. for 20 pounds conveys to Moses Brown land on S. side of Neuse at mouth of Cherry Point Branch 235 acres Wit: James Jones, Samuel Handcock, Grigg Yarboro, recorded Feb. 1758
Children of SIMON BRIGHT and ? HODGES are:
4. WILLIAM2 BRIGHT (JOHN1) was born Abt. 1702 in Beaufort Co. NC?, and died 1754 in Craven Co., NC4. He married ANN (STOCKWELL?).
His birthdate is just a guess by using his parents birthdate given in William Bennett's "Bright Family of Lenoir and Greene Co. NC" He came to Craven County by or some before 1729 as he sold his lands in Hyde left him by his father's will of 1702. He made his will 12 January 1754 and recorded 6 November 1754. In his will he mentions son Stockwell and daughters Susanna, Eleanor, Mary, Sarah, and Ann Nelson. Also mentioned was grandson Harman Gaskins. His will is recorded in Secretary of State Office (NC) proved in open court by oath of James Arthur who saw William sign and also saw Sarah Arthur and Wm. Carrathers, Jr. and at the same time Stockwell Bright and Ann Bright qualified as Executors.
Book C page 2. 18 May 1749 Craven Samuel Harvey sells to William Bright 160 acres on North side of Neuse River on lower Broad Creek patent by Rice Price 11 November 1719
William signed a petition to set a seat of goverment for Craven County 1733. Also shown in Records of Craven Co. Vol I by Elizabeth Moore 1960. The Dobbs Grantee Index published in NCGS from 1995 through 1997 transcribed by Martha M. Marble shows William Bright to John Lester Book 1 1746-1750 page 35 William Bright to John Winders, et al Book 3 1754-1755 pg 68 these are the only two deeds found in the Dobbs grantee Index for William. These are from Craven County, North Carolina Book 2 page 346 ,18 May 1749 Joseph Mason to William Bright for 100 pounds land on east side of Swift Creek being the plantation where said Mason now lives and Edward Bryan's patent dated 5 May 1742. Witness: John Phillips, Niclolass Lawler proved in open court Dec. 1749 Phil. Smith CC Book 1 page 471 William Kennedy Sr. of Tyrell to William Bright of Johnston 13 Dec. 1750 for valuable consideration 200 acres on S. side of Neuse River joining George Roberts beginning at a pine on S side of Spring Branch. proved March court 1750/1 Wit: Simon Bright and Francis Kennedy Book 1 page 535 proved 17 Sept 1752 William Bright of Johnston, Planter to John Cox of Craven planter for 25 pounds Proc. money 200 acres on S side of Neuse S. side of Spring Branch. Book 2 page 345 9 April 1749 Samuel Harvey to William Bright for 140 pounds land on N. side of Neuse being plantation where said S. Harvey formerly lived patent held by Rice Price on lower Broad Creek 11 nov. 1719 160 acres. Wit: Jos. Mason, James Arter proved June 1749.
Children of WILLIAM BRIGHT and ANN (STOCKWELL?) are: 10. i. STOCKWELL3 BRIGHT, b. 1728, Craven Co., NC; d. Bef. March 1791, Craven Co.,NC.
More About FRANCIS NICKLES: Event 2: 1761, Land Deed Craven Co. NC, listed as a cooper
iv. SUSANNA BRIGHT, b. 1732. More About SUSANNA BRIGHT: Event 2: 1754, will of father mentions grandsonH. Gaskins v. ELEANOR BRIGHT, b. 1736. Notes for ELEANOR BRIGHT:
Received fron NC Archives June 5, 1998 This indenture made the 6th day of June in year 1761 between Francis Nickles of New Bern in County of Craven and province of NC, cooper, and Elenor Bright of the one part and John Pearce of the county and province aforesaid witnesseth that the said Francis Nickles and Elenor Bright for and in consideration of sum of 20 pounds proclamation money to him in hand paid by the said John Pearce at or before the unsealing and delivery of the receipt whereof is hearby acknowledged, hath bargained sold aligned _____and confirmed and by these presents doth bargain sell align _____(same unreadable word as above) and confirm unto the said John Pearce his heirs and assigns forever that tract or parcel of land situated lying or being in Craven Co. in the province aforesaid butted and bounded as follows VIZ: being on the North side of the Neuse River beginning at a pine on the pecosin side and ___S. 39 East 180 poles to a pine thence S 37 W 150 poles to a cypress thence N 36 W 12 poles to an ash thence in a straight line to the first station containing 200 acres of land, be the same more or less and the Reversion and Reversions and Remainder rents dues and profit there of and also all the Estate Rights Titles and interest of them the said Francis Nickles and Eleanor Bright of and to the same and all such evidences and concerning the same. To have and to hold the said tract or parcel of land above mentioned and hearby granted sold all and singular the premisis with their every____appurtenances unto the said John Pearce his heirs assigns to the proper use and behoof? of the said John Pearce his heirs and assigns forever and the said Francis Nickles and Eleanor Bright their heirs executors and Admr. doth covenant and grant to and with the said John Pearce his heirs and assigns that they the said Francis Nickles and Eleanor Bright are truly lawfully possessed of the said land and premisis aforesaid and all the other premisis hearby bargained and sold and they are truly and lawfully seized thereof in good and absoulute and indefeasible estate of inheritance in fee simple without any manner of condition trust or limitation whatever to alter change, charge incumbrance the same and free and clear freely clearly exonerated and discharged of and from all other sales mortages or incumbrances what so ever the quit rents due and ensuing to his Majesty only excepted and that the said Francis Nickles and Eleanor Bright hath full power and authority to bargin sell convey the said land and premises unto the said John Pearce his heirs assigns according to the true interest and meaning of these presents and the said Frances Nickles and Eleanor Bright their heirs and assigns do covenant and grant to and with the said John Pearce his heirs and assigns that the said John Pearce shall and may from time to time and at all times hereafter peaceably and quietly have hold occupy and enjoy the said land and premises hearby bargained and sold without any hinderances or molestation of or from the said Francis Nickles and Eleanor Bright their heirs and assigns and of or from every other person of persons whatsoever claiming by from or under them or any of these and partly that the said Francis Nickles and Eleanor Bright their heirs and assigns the said 200 acres of land hearby bargained and sold unto the said John Pearce his heirs assigns against all persons whatsoever shall and will warrant and forever by these presents defend in witness whereof the said parties to these presents have here unto interchangably set their hands and affixed their seals the day and year written above. Witnesses: Andrew Greay, Martin Worsley and Jane TearX?
New Bern 6 June 1761 received of John Pearce the sum of 20 pounds in full for the consideration of money within mentioned in full for the said 200 acres of land as witnesseth our hands the day and year above said. April Inferior Court Craven 1762 Present his Majesties Justices then the above deed proved according to law by the oath of Martin Worsley and ordered to be registered... Peter Conway Clerk Inferior Court Believe this to be Eleanor's sister Mary who received 100 acres as did Eleanor in her fathers will and they are jointly selling this 200 acres to John Pearce. It is sold for nothing almost. Later descendants of their father buy this land back and say it was "willed away by their father/grandfather etc". Book 4 10 May 1749 Joseph Mason to William Bryant (Bright) for 70 pounds land on north side of Neuse, 200 acres patented by Joseph Mason 8 Oct. 1747. Wit: John James W.B. Whitford recorded June 1749 Phil. Smith CC. This is evidently land left to daughters Elenor and Mary in the will which is sold (above).
5. LYDIA2 BRIGHT (JOHN1) was born Abt. 1704 in Beaufort Co. NC?. She married ? HANDCOCK. Children of LYDIA BRIGHT and ? HANDCOCK are:
6. MARY3 BRIGHT (SIMON2, JOHN1) was born Abt. 1730, and died Aft. 1789 in New Hanover County, North Carolina. She married BENJAMIN HERRING Abt. 1750 in Johnston County, North Carolina, son of JOHN HERRING and CATHERINE MORBE. He was born 1720 in Bertie Precinct, North Carolina, and died 1789 in New Hanover Co. NC. Notes for MARY BRIGHT: Notes for BENJAMIN HERRING: 1720-1789 Benjamin received a 200 acre grant on the north side of the Neuse River and E. side of Falling Creek, joining Ambrose Airres Survey and land where his father, John Herring lived, 27 November 1762. This land is in present day Lenoir. He was listed in the Johnston County, NC militia 1754-55. He is listed in Book 1 Old Dobbs County as buying land from Jacob Thompson pg. 291 This book covers the period from November 1746-April 1750. There are several other Herrings in Book 1 John, Joshua, Anthony, Henry, John Herring Jr.
Book 3 April 1754-April 1755 does not list Benjamin but Samuel, Daniel, Simon, Anthony are listed.
Book 16 1794-1795 - none
Many of the Herrings lived in Wayne Co. when it was created from Craven and Dobbs in 1779 and some perhaps in Greene when it was created 1799. Our Benjamin has died by then but there is Benjamin called for Jury duty in January 1793 (Wayne Co.) Beginning in 1745 Anthony, John are getting grants. Then it is 1762-1774 before very many show in the Dobbs Land Grants. Some of these Herrings including John and some of his sons got grants in Craven Co. (but land was in Dobbs area) In the 1780 Dobbs Taxlist these Herrings are listed. The person who transcribed seems to think it may only be land value but I thought they were also taxed for negros, but not sure. There is not a distinction anyway, only one dollar amount. Dist. 1 Benjamin Herring $3,730 (North of Neuse River and west of Kinston) Dist. 2 Simon Herring $9,324 (Near LaGrange & Institute area) John Herring $ 3,077 E. Matchett Herring $2,439 Joshua Herring $9,093 James Herring $5,306 Dist. 4 James Herring $829. (South of Neuse River, Woodington vicinity) Armwell Herring $886 Stephen Herring $394 Samuel Herring $670
The NCGS vol XXV #2 May 1999 contains an article "Fee Tail 1751-1774" by John H. Oden III which contain several documents for the Williams family and most are the Williams family connected with Herring's I believe but this one surely is. Writ: 18 March 1771 to Sheriff of Dobbs Co. 200 acres owned by William Williams, Jr. signed at Newbern by Robert Palmer, Secy. Inquisition: 28 March 1771 at Parish of St. Patrick, County of Dobbs, acreage is a a plantation on Tom's Branch, entailed under the will of John Williams. Jury values 200 acres at 45 pounds 14: 3 good and lawful money of Great Britain. Sheriff's sig: Abraham Sheppard Jurors signatures: Simon Bright, Jr.; John Hull; George Bell, Jr.; Benjamin Herring; Samuel Caswell; James Bright; James Sheppard; John Kennedy; Gersham Wiggins; John Garland; Robert Taylor; and Thomas Torrans. Endorsement: Writ to dock the intail of 200 acres in Dobbs, Wm. Williams Jr. the execution of within writ appears by the Inquistion annexed. March 28th 1771, Abraham Sheppard, Sheriff. Benjamin had land on Colvins Creek in New Hanover Co. NC
Children of MARY BRIGHT and BENJAMIN HERRING are:
7. SIMON3 BRIGHT, JR. (CAPT.) (SIMON2, JOHN1) was born 1734 in Craven/Dobbs County, NC, and died December 1777 in Dobbs County, NC. He married MARY GRAVES Abt. 1766 in Craven County/Dobbs, NC5, daughter of THOMAS GRAVES and SARAH TURNER. She was born Abt. 1740 in Craven Co., NC?, and died 1836 in Lenoir Co. NC6.
Notes for SIMON BRIGHT, JR. (CAPT.): 1734-1776
His will is dated 23 November 1775 and recorded 15 January 1777 in Craven County. It names his wife Mary (Graves), sons Simon, James, Graves and daughters Nancy, Mary, Sally and Elizabeth. Simon's brother James is executor. He leaves to wife Mary use of plantation where he lives, 246 acres of land all household and kitchen furniture except 2 beds and furniture, 2 work horses and all plantation tools. He leaves to son Simon the plantation where l live after the death of Mary and a survey of 200 acres lying on Briery Branch including the negro's house branch. I give to son Graves the land contained in a patent known by the name of Hoskins land, give to son James the plantation where John Grant now lives containing 160 ac. and two other tracts one containing 500 acres. I leave to daughter Mary a horse, bridle, saddle, spinning wheel, feather bed and furniture cows and their calves, iron pott and half a dozen___. To daughter Nancy about the same and to Sally and Elizabeth pretty much the same items. Appoint friend Richard Caswell and John Cooke and my brother James Bright Executors to my LW&T. Witness: E. Cooke, R. Caswell, and _Glasgow. New Bern ,January 10, 1777, Foregoing will proved according to law by oath of Elizabeth Cook and James Glasgow, two of the subscribing witnesses. At the same time John Cooke one of the Executors herein named was duly qualified. R . Caswell. He is mentioned in his first land deed as Jr. in 1755. Simon Jr. is mentioned in the 1769 Dobbs /NC Taxpayers with 2 slaves. Graves Bright is mentioned in the will of Richard Graves of Craven as son of Simon Bright. Graves Bright was sheriff in Dobbs, during the dispute of Rainbow Creek in 1794.
This Simon received "Briery Branch" plantation and 200 acres also noted as "Graves" land also known as Haskins, in the will of his father. Simon Jr served as Capt. in the 2nd Regiment NC Sept. 1775. He was also serving as Justice of Peace in 1772 when Sarah Wiggins made her deposition. Simon, Jr. receives 300 acre grant in 1767 on north side of Wheat Swamp and Conteneny Creek (in Greene) also same year 500 acres on south side of Briery Branch (Lenoir) and in 1773, 84 acres on North side of Wheat Swamp (Greene) and in 1775 he receives 165 acres on south side of Briery Branch joining Simon Bright near bridge and joining John Becton (Lenoir) To His Execellancy the Gov. in Council, The humble Person of Robert Hamilton sheweth that your petitioner purchased from Simon Bright, Sr., 200 acres of land lying in Dobbs Co. on the south side of Stoneytown Creek about 16 years ago and has been settled on the land and paid quit rent during this time. Now may it please your honor Simon Bright the younger has been persuading your petitioner of the said land and ___him that his land is where some poor people has been settled these 18-19 years which would not leave your petitioner above 40 acres of the land purchased of said Simon Bright, Sr,. It goes on to say it is a mistake of the surveyors returing different courses marked through the trees but which can be proved by the oath of Francis Hodges, Uncle of the said Simon Bright the younger, who carried the chain around the said land about 32 years ago when it was surveyed for the patent. ----prays for a warrant of survey agreeable to marked trees and have patent altered , agreeable to boundry of trees. Newbern district 27 Feb. 1773 Robert Hamilton Notes for MARY GRAVES:
Craven Co. Book 32 page 609 7 April 1796 Mary Bright and James Bright of Lenoir to John Daves for 60 # current Lot in New Bern #217. Witness: James Markland, John Bryan proved June term 1796 S. Chapman CC
Children of SIMON BRIGHT and MARY GRAVES are:
Notes for SIMON BRIGHT III:
8. JAMES3 BRIGHT (SIMON2, JOHN1) was born 1750, and died 1819.
Notes for JAMES BRIGHT: The Dobbs Grantee Index shows james transferring land to all of these children, probably not long before he died, sometime between 1810 and 1820. The margaret listed on census of 1820, unmarried may be a daughter of this James but he didn't transfer land to her.
Children of JAMES BRIGHT are:
9. ELIZABETH3 BRIGHT (SIMON2, JOHN1) was born 1745 in Johnston Co.?Lenoir, NC. She married FRANCIS HARPER Abt. 1760. Child of ELIZABETH BRIGHT and FRANCIS HARPER is:
10. STOCKWELL3 BRIGHT (WILLIAM2, JOHN1) was born 1728 in Craven Co., NC, and died Bef. March 1791 in Craven Co.,NC. Notes for STOCKWELL BRIGHT: 1728-1791 Book 2 page 313 29 August 1759
Book 2 page 453 Stockwell Bright, planter for 20 pounds proc. money conveys to John Hartley, blacksmith land in Craven on south side of Swift Creek and both sides of Pamlico Rd. granted to Thomas Fisher to Eben Hall by deed 16 June 1746 dated 30 Oct. 1763, proved June Court 1765. Wit: Joseph Bryan, Zebulon Rice, William Williams Craven County Deeds abstracted by Agness Gunter
Deed Book 26 page 3 26 Feb. 1772 between Stockwell Bright and Samuel Wiggins both of Craven for 40 pounds on south side of Swift Creek, beginning at Reedy Creek, containing 100 acres being a patent granted to Bright 1772. James Tillingin, John Bright, Witness Branch being plantation where Rice now lives and part of Sol. Griffin patent dated 20 April1745. Wit: Lazarus Pearce, Edmund Andrews, Sarah Pearce, Jurat. Deed Book 54 page 321, 9 March 1840 Samuel Wiggins sells the grant of Stockwell 1772 above to Levi Wayne, 100 acres for $150. (same coordinates) Joseph Wiggins his mark Jennett Wiggins had signed another deed with her mark. 7 July 1761 Stockwell Bright sells to Isaac Simmons 160 acres on N. side of Neuse where Samuel Harvey formerly lived patented by Rice Price 11 November 1719 (C-2) dividing line between Harvey and William Bright. NC Gen & Hist. Reg. Vol I #1 Jan. 1900 Book 9 and 10 page 466 14 October 1757 Hardy Bryant to Stockwell Bright for 20 pounds, (Nicholas Lawley) north side of Neuse River, E. side of Swift Creek above Bear River 150 acres being part of patent granted to Edward Bryan 12 April 1737. Wit: John Bryan, John Worsley. Ack in open court Feb. 1758 William Powell. CC Book 9 and 10 page 37 27 March 1755 Stockwell Bright conveys to Thomas Graves for 15 pounds proc. money, 205 acres near the widow Craft's line to a pine on Bond's Creek and up the line by widow Crafts and Robert Bond's for 205 acres commonly known as Orchard Creek and being part of Rice Price's patent for 410 acres in Craven dated 1719. Wit: Jacob Johnson, Garrett Johnson . proved by oath of Garrett Johnson, Wm. Powell CC Aug. 1755 Book 26 page 239 3 May 1785
Stockwell is listed in Craven Co. 1790 census. He is only one listed in his household. Inventory of Stockwell Bright Returned 17 March 1791 mentions John Bright. from Craven County Clerk's Loose papers
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