Cornelius J. Bright

Cornelius J. Bright, one of the most successful and prominent attorneys of Eastern Oregon, resides at Wasco, Sherman County. He was born in Bath County, Virginia, September 27, 1862, the son of Thomas M. and Martha J. (Anthony) bright, both natives of Virginia.  The father of our subject, and an uncle, served in the Civil war under General Imbotan, of the confederate army.
     The family removed to Ohio when our subject was four years of age. Thence they went to Iowa where they remained until 1883. He laid the foundation of an excellent education in the district and graded schools in Fontanelle, Iowa. In 1883 Mr. Bright came to The Dalles where he taught school one year. He was then matriculated in the Wasco Independent Academy, from which he was graduated in 1886, with honors, and having earned sufficient money to carry him through, with the strictest economy. Subsequently he taught school two years in Wasco County, Oregon. In the spring of 1888, he came to Wasco, Sherman County, where he taught two terms of school. In November, 1888, Mr. Bright began publishing the Wasco Observer, the first newspaper in what is now Sherman County. That fall the question of county division became a vital issue and our subject took an active and leading part in the campaign. Of the new county he was appointed school superintendent and served with ability until the July election of 1890.
     Mr. Bright had commenced the study of law immediately after graduation. In October, 1890, he was admitted to the bar and established an office at Wasco. The first marriage of Mr. Bright occurred November 9, 1890, at Wasco, when he was united to Jeanette Murchie, a native of California, the daughter of Andrew and Mary A. Murchie. North Yakima, Washington. Mrs. Bright died at Wasco, February 27, 1892, from consumption, after an illness of a year's duration.
     On March 14, 1896, at Wasco, Mr. Bright was united in marriage to Jennie M. Larson, born at Alcona, Michigan. She is the daughter of Charles and Christina (Nelson) Larson, the father a native of Norway; the mother of Sweden. Charles Larson and his wife at present live in Yamhill county, Oregon.
     Fraternally he is a member of Aurora Lodge No. 54, K. of P., of which he is past chancellor and has on several occasions served as representative to the grand lodge; W. W., Wasco Camp, No. 350, of which he is past consul commander; the Rathbone Sisters, Mrs. Bright being a member of the same, and grand chief in the grand lodge of Oregon; past chief of the local lodge Lillian Temple No. 17. Mrs. Bright is prominent in Methodist Episcopal church work; has been organist ever since coming to Wasco. Both are members of that church of which he is recording steward, leader of the choir and chorister in the Sunday school. He has been city attorney and for the past three years clerk of the school district.
     Politically he is a prominent Prohibitionist; has been county chairman for the last ten years; delegate to county and state conventions and was delegate from Oregon to the last Prohibition national convention at Indianapolis Indiana. During several campaigns Mr. Bright has been the Prohibition candidate for congress, attorney general and supreme judge.
     Mr. Bright is a man of pleasing personality, is a forceful and logical speaker, and an untiring student. He is conscientious in his labors for clients and is known as a man, to use the homely but expressive phrase, "one can tie to." He maintains an up-to-date and complete library, and judging from his past achievements in his profession, he has a Bright and useful future before him.
     Bright died on 6 December 1920 and is buried in the Odd Fellows Cemetery at The Dalles.

— Information located by Adam Seaman

An Illustrated History of Central Oregon, Embracing Wasco, Sherman, Gilliam, Wheeler, Crook, Lake, & Klamath Counties, Spokane, WA: Western Historical Publishing Co., 1905, p. 480.

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