Other Events:

• Occupation: Physician

Notes:

Page 122 COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

JW. BRIGHT, M. D., of Rebersburg, Centre county, is a physician whose professional attainments place him in the front rank among the practitioners of this section. European travel and study in the most noted centers of clinical work have supplemented the thorough preparation of our own schools, while natural talent has enabled him to improve to the utmost these advantages and the no less valuable training gained in years of practice. His success is the more creditable from having been gained by his own efforts in the face of financial difficulties in early life.
John Bright, great-grandfather of our subject, was born in Pennsylvania of pioneer stock, his family having been among the early settlers in the eastern counties of that State, and after spending the greater part of his life there as a farmer, he came to Centre county to spend his last days. This was in the latter part of the eighteenth century, and he was then too old to work. His son George, our subject's grandfather, who was born, probably, in Lehigh county, was married in Centre county, about 1788, to Eve, daughter of John and Barbara (Wolf) Stover. George Bright, who possessed much mechanical ability, located at Aaronsburg, and having learned the hatter's trade in the East before the removal of the family, he followed that business, and was also interested in farming. He and his wife reared a large family, all of whom are dead except George. Jr.: (i) David, who nevermarried. was a hatter at Aaronsburg; (2) Sophia married Adam Guiswite, a farmer of near Aaronsburg; (3) Margaret never married, and her death occurred at the old homestead; (4) Catherine was the wife of Samuel Shafer, a farmer, who lived at Madisonburg; (5) John, who married Martha Hill, was a brick maker and tanner at Aarons- burg; (6) George, a carpenter and cabinet maker, married Sarah Bower, and is living in retirement at Aaronsburg at the age of eighty-five years; (7) Michael, who married Elizabeth Robinson, was a slave-holder before the war, in which he participated on the Confederate side, and his death occurred in Memphis, Tenn., in 1893.

Another member of this family was Samuel Bright, our subject's father, who was born, about 1818, at Aaronsburg, near the present site of the Lutheran cemetery. He was educated in that town, attending both the common schools and the academy, and then learned the carpenter's trade under the instruction of his brother George. He was of ordinary stature, was active and supple, and possessed decided genius in his line. As a citizen he was well known. He was the drum-major of an organization in Aaronsburg, and was a consistent, if not an active, member of the Lutheran Church. In politics, he was first a Whig, later a Republican, but he had no taste for the life, of a politician, and he followed the business of carpentering and cabinet making until his death; he died at the early age of thirty-eight, from the effects of being over-heated, and he was buried at Aaronsburg. His wife. Eve Weaver, a daughter of Daniel and Elizabeth Weaver, was born and reared in Haines township, Centre county. Six children blessed their union: (1) Mary E. (Mrs. Thomas Miller), of Winfield, Kans.; (2) Anna (Mrs. John Walton), of North Bend, Penn.; (3) Jennie (Mrs. Huston Hunter), of Mill Hall, Penn.; (4) James W. , professor of English Language in Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Md.; (5) John W., our subject, and (6) Margaret, who died in infancy. After the father's death the mother formed a second union, this time with Levi Conser, and now resides at Logantown, Penn. By this marriage there are three children: Harry N., Ph. D., now principal of the high school at Sunbury, Penn.; Thomas C. , M. D., practicing medicine at Sunbury; and Minnie M., now Mrs. James Stoman, of Loganton, Penn.

Dr. Bright was born November 17, 1854, in a house which stood upon land now inclosed within the Lutheran cemetery at Aaronsburg. During his boyhood he was taken by his mother to Loganton, where he attended school under the tutorship of Rev. W. H. Gotwald. Later he pursued a course in the normal school at Miliersville, and taught successfully for a time in Dauphin county, Penn. Being entirely dependent upon his own resources for his education, his ambition found many hindrances but " where there's a will there's a way," and his was not the sort of a nature to be easily daunted. As he could save funds, he would pursue his studies, and thus in time he entered Jefferson Medical College at Philadelphia, and was graduated in 1880. In the fall of the same year he located at Rebersburg, where Dr. Hilbish, a successful physician, then well advanced in j'ears, welcomed Dr. Bright as his successor. A young physician could scarcely find a better opening than this, and Dr. Bright succeeded from the first, his ability, skill and devotion to his chosen work winning and retaining confidence. Each year saw his practice increasing; but so far from being content with the attainments which had won his success. Dr. Bright showed the true scientific spirit by determining upon still further study under the best guidance obtainable. In the fall of 1888 he went to Europe, and remained until the spring of 1890, attending lectures under several eminent teachers, notably those of Leipsic and Vienna. On his return he resumed his practice at Rebersburg, and has since continued it with growing popularity.
In August, 1892, the Doctor was married to Miss Sarah M. Meyer, a native of Rebersburg, and a daughter of Reuben and Mary (Cosman) Meyer, prominent citizens. Mrs. Bright is a member of the Reformed Church and a leader in social life, her talents making her an acquisition to any circle. She is especially accomplished in music, and taught the art previous to her marriage. Three interesting daughters — Mary E. , born February 1 1, 1894, and Florence and Lucile (twins), born December 28, 1896 — brighten their home.
While not a politician. Dr. Bright takes great interest in the success of his party, the Republican, and at various times when placed upon the ticket for a township office in opposition to his expressed wishes, he has acquiesced gracefully and given most acceptable service. His unusually thorough preparation for his profession gives him much influence within as well as without the charmed circle of the medical fraternity, and he is a valued member of the American Medical Association, the State Medical Society, the West Branch Medical Society, and the Centre County Medical Society. He is a member of the Re- formed Church. Socially, he belongs to the Masonic lodge at Centre Hall.

Buried:
https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/186720318/john-weaver-bright

Plot Valleyview 574

John married Sarah Margaret Meyer in 1892. Sarah (daughter of Reuben Meyer and Mary Corman) was born on 29 Dec 1862 in Rebersburg, Centre County, PA; died on 26 Sep 1949 in Philadelphia, Philadelphia County, PA; was buried in Westminster Cemetery, Bala Cynwyd, Montgomery County, PA. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Other Events:

• Residence: Rebersburg, Centre County, PA

Notes:

Buried:
https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/199148396/sarah-margaret-bright

Notes:

Page 122 COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

Samuel Bright, ... was born, about 1818, at Aaronsburg, near the present site of the Lutheran cemetery. He was educated in that town, attending both the common schools and the academy, and then learned the carpenter's trade under the instruction of his brother George. He was of ordinary stature, was active and supple, and possessed decided genius in his line. As a citizen he was well known. He was the drum-major of an organization in Aaronsburg, and was a consistent, if not an active, member of the Lutheran Church. In politics, he was first a Whig, later a Republican, but he had no taste for the life, of a politician, and he followed the business of carpentering and cabinet making until his death; he died at the early age of thirty-eight, from the effects of being over-heated, and he was buried at Aaronsburg. His wife. Eve Weaver, a daughter of Daniel and Elizabeth Weaver, was born and reared in Haines township, Centre county. Six children blessed their union: (1) Mary E. (Mrs. Thomas Miller), of Winfield, Kans.; (2) Anna (Mrs. John Walton), of North Bend, Penn.; (3) Jennie (Mrs. Huston Hunter), of Mill Hall, Penn.; (4) James W. , professor of English Language in Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Md.; (5) John W., our subject, and (6) Margaret, who died in infancy. After the father's death the mother formed a second union, this time with Levi Conser, and now resides at Logantown, Penn. By this marriage there are three children: Harry N., Ph. D., now principal of the high school at Sunbury, Penn.; Thomas C. , M. D., practicing medicine at Sunbury; and Minnie M., now Mrs. James Stoman, of Loganton, Penn.

Buried:
https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/187121591/samuel-bright

Samuel married Eve Margaret Weaver. Eve was born on 23 Dec 1822 in Centre County, PA; died on 26 May 1904 in Sugar Valley, Clinton County, PA; was buried in Saint Pauls Evangelical Lutheran Cemetery, Loganton, Clinton County, PA. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Obituary, plus notes, from Find a Grave.

The Clinton County Times, June 3, 1904.
Death Record.
Mrs. Levi Conser.
Mrs. Eve Conser, wife of the venerable Levi Conser, of Loganton, passed away at her home in Loganton Thursday morning last aged 81 years. Death was due to infirmities incident to her advanced age.
Mrs. Conser was a lovable woman and a devoted wife and mother. She was twice married having formerly been the wife of Samuel Bright of Aaronsburg. She is survived by her aged husband, who is a number of years her senior, and the following children: Prof. Harry Conser and Dr. T. C. Conser, of Sunbury; Mrs. Minnie Stamm, Altoona; Prof. James Bright of John Hopkins University, Baltimore, Md.; Dr. John Bright, Rebersburg; Mrs. Mary Miller, Kansas; Mrs. Annie Walton, Gleasonton, and Mrs. Huston Hunter, Mill Hall. Five stepchildren also survive, namely: Mrs. John A. Marshall, and Mrs. Lucretia Yoxheimer, this city; C.C. Conser, Ridgway; Mrs. George Bell, St. Joseph, Missouri; and Mrs. Amelia Reynolds, of Topoka, Kansas.
The funeral was held from the Lutheran church at Loganton Monday forenoon at 10 oclock and was largely attended. Interment was made in the Lutheran cemetery.

When John Weaver died in 1902 at Lock Haven, PA, Eve was listed as a surviving sister, as well was another sister, Mrs. Fannie Straw of Julian, PA, and a brother Jacob Weaver of Fresno, CA. On Fannie (Francis Straw's) death certificate, the father was listed as Daniel Weaver.
The Matrical: Daniel & Elizabeth Weber (Weaver) parents of Eva Margareth born 12/23/1822, baptized 5/18/1823 sponsored by Joseph & Elisabeth Gerberich.

Buried:
https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/63291659/eve-margaret-conser

Other Events:

• Residence: Rebersburg, Centre County, PA; Trinca farm east of Rebersburg
• Baptism: 09 Apr 1809

Notes:

Buried:
https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/69176260/reuben-meyer

Reuben was born in Brush Valley. He owned part of his father's farm. His wife was Mary Corman, the daughter of George & Sallie Corman.

Children: William, Joanna, Jerome, Henry Amazon, G Calvin, Daniel T & Sarah.
Reuben & Mary's son William C. Meyer was born June 17 1844, he was unmarried. He enlisted Aug 1862 in Rebersburg, a member of Company A 148th Regiment Pennsylvania Volunteers. This regiment later became the 2nd Army Corps The Army of the Potomac. He was killed in an engagement at Deep Bottom Va Aug 14, 1864 by a shell which passed thru his breast.

Section 1, Row 7, #15. Next to wife, Mary.

Reuben is acknowledged on a cast bronze plate affixed to a marble stone "in memoriam of the Meyer family buried in this plot". (Reuben Meyer 1808-1891).

Reuben married Mary Corman. Mary was born on 23 Jun 1821 in Centre County, PA; died on 28 Sep 1903 in Centre County, PA; was buried in Saint Peters Lutheran and Reformed Cemetery, Rebersburg, Centre County, PA. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Other Events:

• Residence: Rebersburg, Centre County, PA; Trinca farm east of Rebersburg.

Notes:

Section 1, Row 7, #15. Next to husband, Reuben.

Buried:
https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/69176295/mary-meyer

Other Events:

• Residence: Brush Valley, Centre County, PA

Notes:

See Section 1, Row 14, #7. Stone says "father". It's next to the stone for Margaret Meyer w/o Henry. The stone that reads "Henry Meyer 1795-1881 on the other side of Margaret's stone is for her step-son, Henry. It is very probable that this stone marked "father" is for Henry, the father of Henry & Jacob, and husband of Margaret. However, there is also a stone for Heinrich Meyer, 15 Oct 1764 -17 May 1820 (in German) farther along in Row 14 at #30. This stone is next to stone for his son, Wilhelm. This leaves the question of who the stone marked "father" is for.

Henry Meyer 1764-1820 is also acknowledged on a cast bronze plate affixed to a marble stone "in memoriam of the Meyer family buried in this plot.

Genealogy of the Meyer Family by Henry Meyer

Henry (son of Jacob, son of Gr. Meyer), my paternal grandfather, was married first to Mary Steese, daughter of Jacob Steese of Penns township, now Snyder County, Pa., and resided with his family near Straubsburg (Freeburg) for several years. Three of the children were born there, Henry Jacob and one — the oldest — which died in infancy. Either in 1797 or 179S the family moved into Brushvalley, Centre County, Pa., upon a tract which had been partially cleared by John Meyer who was married to grandfather's oldest sister Catharine. See page 39. Mary Steese is said to have been a very stout and strong woman and that she had charge while still single, of a grist-mill, an occupation which on account of the rude and inconvenient construction of the mills of that age, required considerable physical strength. She died in August, 1801 of a malignant fever which was- contracted while visiting with her husband her brother Frederick Steese, Snyder County (now) who was low with this fever and which he had contracted while he and his father were in Philadelphia buying goods. (Note. — Their father also took the fever in Philadelphia and died there.)

Grandfather's second wife was Margaret, daughter of John Adam Harper of Pennsvalley, who was at one time one of the associate Judges of Centre County, his term beginning in 1800. The date of the marriage I have not ascertained. Grandfather was a large man, weighing over two hundred pounds, being over six feet tall and of symmetrical build. He possessed great muscular strength and activity, and was proficient in all the athletic accomplishments of his day. Although, being of a reserved and non-aggressive disposition, he was, nevertheless, a principal in many a fierce encounter in his younger days; but it is to be hoped only in self-defense or in behalf of his friends of whom there were a legion. It is said that his brother Philip in whom the quality of meekness was not overwhelming in his earlier manhood, had, on a number of occasions to be extricated out of serious difficulties. Grandfather was well known in Centre, Snyder (now), Northumberland and other of the lower counties, in all of which he had many friends; and no doubt, not a few enemies who coveted the honor of conquering him. But he was never "knocked out." In our day a reputation of that quality is not so desirable, but in his time it was considered a proof of cowardice and consequent disgrace not to resent a real or imaginary insult b} r physical force. And it was the case, too, that a man's reputation as a pugilist was a standing challenge — a chip on the shoulder as it were — of which every other aspirant for like honors would feel in duty bound to take cognizance.

Grandfather was enrolled, as already stated, in some organization when but sixteen years old for the protection of the settlement against the Indians. He must have had a touch of the martial spirit as his connection with military organizations seems to indicate. Feb. 28, 1794 he was commissioned Major of the First Battalion 3nd Northumberland Brigade: Jan. 4, 1802, he was commissioned Lieut. Colonel of the 131. Regt. Militia, First Brigade 10th Div. composed of the counties of Mifflin, Huntingdon and Centre. I do not think he held any civil office except that of Justice of the Peace, commissioned Jan. 4, 1814, to succeed John Kryder who removed to Ohio about that date. Grandfather lived, as stated in another place, at the old home near Elk Creek, Brushvalley, until sometime after 1806 when he built a house on the main Brushvalley road, some twenty rods east of his son Reuben's present dwelling house. The barn which had been erected in 1806 stood still farther east and also along the main road. He was a millwright by trade, which occupation he followed a long time, but devoted his later years to farming. Among the grist-mills for which he performed the millwright work many be mentioned John Motz's mill, Woodward, Pa., erected in 1790; Tobias Pickle's mill now owned by J. K. Meyer, Brushvalley, erected in 1801 or 1802. I do not know that grandfather enjoyed any school privileges in his youth, yet he acquired a fair education in some way. He was an assiduous reader of both German and English books and periodicals, and wrote a beautiful hand in both languages. He was a stiff Democrat and in politics had very decided opinions. He was fond of social gatherings and as a citizen he was universally respected. He belonged to the German Reformed church and contributed liberally towards its support. Grandfather was born at Mühlbach, Lancaster (now Lebanon) county. Oct. 15, 1764, where his folks resided until about the year 1768-1770, when they re- moved to Straubsburg. See page 34. He died May 17, 1820. His death was quite sudden. Returning from a trip to Jersey Shore, Pa., he caught a severe cold which resulted in Brain fever, delirium and death. He had been an affectionate husband, a kind father and had been loved with tender affection by his family, and when his wife and children, gathered round his bier to gaze upon his face for the last time, mother says, they were overwhelmed with grief and sorrow. His second wife survived him many years; she died Feb. 27, 1871, aged 83 years 7 months 27 days: both are buried in the Lutheran and Reformed cemetery at Rebersburg. Pa.

There were ten children who reached maturity; of these, it is said, Dr. Jonathan Meyer most nearly resembled his father in physical feature.


Buried:
https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/63156145/henry-meyer

Pioneer Settler Rev War Soldier
From the Commemorative Biographical Annals:
Henry was born near Muhlbach Oct 15 1764 and died May 17 1820, he was twice married first to Mary Steese daughter of Jacob Steese of Penn twp Snyder County and second to Margaret Harper daughter of Hon. Adam Harper of Penn's Valley. Husband & both wives are buried in the Union Cemetery in Rebersburg. Mr. Meyer moved to Brush Valley near Wolf's Store in 1797 or 1798 and farmed but his trade was that of a millwright. He built many gristmill & sawmills in in Central Pa. He served as Justice of the Peace for many years. He was commissioned Feb 28 1794 Major of the 1st. Battalion 3rd Northumberland Brigade; Jan 4 1802 lieu-colonel of the 131st Regiment Militia 1st Brigade 10th Division. When but 16 years old he was recruited to an organization for protection from Indians.

Henry married Margaret Harper. Margaret (daughter of John Adam Harper and Philippina Mark) was born on 30 Jun 1787 in Centre County, PA; died on 27 Feb 1871 in Rebersburg, Centre County, PA; was buried in Saint Peters Lutheran and Reformed Cemetery, Rebersburg, Centre County, PA. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Section 1, Row 14, #6. Next to two step-sons, Jacob and Henry.

Margaret (Margaret Harper Meyer 1788-1881 2nd wife) is also acknowledged on a cast bronze plate affixed to a marble stone "in memoriam of the Meyer family buried in this plot".

Buried:
https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/63156819/margaret-moyer