Gilbert Bright

About

Gilbert Bright was born on March 9, 1840, in Knox County, Tennessee to John and Susan Pugh Bright. Gilbert is a Founder of Richmond. Gilbert was a veteran of the Utah War and Indian Wars.

History

When Gilbert was young, his family converted to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and moved to Nauvoo, Illinois in May 1844. When the Saints were commanded to move to the West, the Bright family moved to Council Bluffs, Iowa. They lived in the small community for many years until his father's death.1

The Bright family journeyed with the Isaac Stewart Company on June 19, 1852. It was Gilbert's job, along with his brother Isaac, to drive the cattle. Besides the cattle, the family had about 11 heads of sheep and one or two cows. The company arrived in the Salt Lake Valley on Aug 28.1

After their arrival, the Bright family moved to Alpine, Utah. Gilbert traveled to Richmond in 1859 by himself. After the winter of 1859-1860, Gilbert brought his family to the small settlement of Richmond. The family had a garden alongside some farming and building the small settlement. Gilbert learned the Native American language and became well acquainted with them.1

Gilbert married Alice Hill on Dec 6, 1869. They built a small home on Second East and Main Street in Richmond. His farm was located on the west side of Richmond.

"[Grandfather] came to stay at my father's home in Winder Ward, Franklin County, Idaho, after the death of my grandmother who died on March 18, 1914. Grandfather was a very religious man, and I remember him as being very kind to we grandchildren. He was a great lover of horses, and I remember him having a team of ran horses. He always kept them well fed and groomed. His farm was located in the west fields of Richmond but he had his home in town, just two blocks east of the center of Richmond. Their first home was built of logs. Later they built a frame home near the old log house. Grandfather had a big lot on that corner, and we grandchildren were free to run and play without being restricted to much."2

Indian Wars Service

After the construction of the Richmond Fort in 1860 and other forts in Cache Valley, the Territory of Utah created the Cache Military District on Oct 15, 1861 with Church Apostle Ezra T. Benson as Colonel. Richmond was organized as the 5th Battalion Infantry, with Thomas L. Whittle as Major, David P. Rainy as Adjutant, and Robert M. Kerr and Dana Walton as Captains. On June 16, 1863, Richmond was organized into two companies of Infantry and two squads of Cavalry. Gilbert was appointed Sargent in both instances.

On Sep 14, 1864, the Richmond Home Guard was created with Henry Standage as Captain. At any cost, the city Guard was to protect. Most of the Guard, including Gilbert, consisted of Minute-Men. They had regular drills every night.2 The Home Guard was released from active duty on Oct 25, 1864.