JAMES BRYANTs Family Here and There SOME OF JAMES BRYANT'S FAMILY Here and There The purpose of this booklet is to identify ROBERT [BRYANT] and WILLIAM BRYANT whose wills are in Johnston County. It is hoped these identifications and other family information contained in this presentation, although far from being complete, will help the BRYANS / BRYANTS in their search. Compiled by: Lazelle (Parsons) Long 4009 Lakewood Drive Columbus, Georgia 31904 May, 1989 Page 1 of 41 ** PAGE BREAK ** JAMES BRYANTs Family Here and There -1- JAMES BRYANT, of Isle of Wight County, Virginia & Northampton or Hartford County, North Carolina, d. Between March 11, 1731 & August 9, 1732, m. ELIZABETH _____, She may not have been his only wife. ISSUE: (As named in his will) 1. WILLIAM BRYANT (untraced) 2. Daughter m. DEW 2. Daughter m. BRACEWELL (BRASSWELL) 3. JAMES BRYANT, Jr. (See p. 7A) 4. THOMAS BRYANT (See p. 19) 5. Daughter m. TELAR JAMES BRYANT - Will - Bertie Precinct, North Carolina Dated: March 11, 1731 Proved: August 9, 1732 Letters Issued: May __, 1734 . . . of sound mind . . . very dim . . . first I give and bequeath to my son WILLIAM BRYANT my land and plantation on ye north side of Maherrin River together with all the immovables to him and his heirs forever and all my goods & chattles to my said son aforesaid hath in his possession I give to my son aforesaid and all ye rest of my goods I give to be equally divided between all my children after my death and after my funeral charges is paid JOHN DEW and RICHARD BRACEWELL and JAMES BRYANT, THOMAS BRYAN, MATHEW TELAR and I also appoint JOHN DEW and JAMES BRYANT to be my executors of this my last will and revoking disannulling and making . . . void all other wills. In witness hereof I have hereunto set my hand and fixed my seal this 11th of March 1731. Wit: ARON “A” DRAKE, jurat JAMES BRYAN (signed with mark) JOHN MACK DANIEL, jurat August 9, 1732: The last Will & Testament of JAMES BRYANT was proved in open court in due form of law by the oaths of AARON DRAKE & JOHN MCDANIEL evidences thereto. (Bertie County, N. C. Court Minutes – 1724 thru 1739, Book I, #67-34, (Book p. 34) Note: JOHN DEW, RICHARD BRACEWELL (Brasswell), and MATHEW TELAR are untraced. It is not known if these 3 males are sons-in-law or grandchildren of the testator. Page 2 of 41 ** PAGE BREAK ** JAMES BRYANTs Family Here and There -2 162 SEVENTEENTH CENTURY ISLE OF WIGHT ... of his cattle and effects to a good value.” Of Major POWELL, they said, he was “an honest loyal person who was wounded by the Rebels in his leg, at the Jamestown engagement, and was (as we have heard) a great sufferer in his stock and otherwise.” As heretofore shown, in Commander MORRIS’ Journal, one WILLIAM WEST, who headed a rebel force marching to surprise a loyal fort, was captured on January 16, 1677. In October of that year several of Isle of Wight’s inhabitants petitioned the Commissioners for his release. Their Petition was as follows:16 “Petition of His Majesties most loyal and obedient subjects of Isle of Wight to his Majesties Commissioners, in behalf of William West, a rebel absconding, who took up arms against the Indians by whom his father had been most barbarously murdered, was taken prisoner and carried aboard a ship, from hence to prison and was condemned to death, but has made his escape and as yet has not been found. We pray for his life and the restitution of his estate to his wife and children. “(Signed) Bridgman Joyner (B) John Askew (A) Thomas Joyner, Jr. Will Cooke (C) John Marshall Roger Davis (D) Rob Mercer (RM) Will Fly (O) Robert Morgan Michael Fulgham Edward Prime Nicholas Fulgham Will Seller (X) Owen Griffin (O) John Seward Ed. Haild (EH) Thomas Smythe (X) Walter Harris (WH) John Stevenson (L) Hopkins Howell (H) Rob Sturdy (O) JOHN JONES Thomas Williamson ROGER JONES 16 Cal. State Papers, Vol. 39, Folio 85. P. R .O. London. Page 3 of 41 ** PAGE BREAK ** JAMES BRYANTs Family Here and There -3 163 BACON’S REBELLION Gilbert Adams (B) Edward Hinkson Roger Archer Stephen Horsfield (S) Will Askew (W) John House (IH) James Bagnall Thomas Howell (H) William Bamer (WB) Rich Jackson (R) Rob Barkley (BR) Rich Jones (X) William Bateman William Laine (L) Thomas Blake John Lewis (I) Nich Boone (NB) Henry Madeson (I) Richard Braswell (R) Noah Madocke John Bressie August Mandue (M) JAMES BRYAN (X) John Marshall (I) Hercules Calcott Thomas Marshall (T) Hodges Council (H) Anthony Mathews (A) Edward Dare (M) (or Due) John Moore (IM) Henry Dason (Z) (Dawson) Walter Morgan (M) Solomon Davis John Mylord (M) Thomas Davis John Neville Rob Edwards (RE) Robert Oldis (O) Timothy Fearne? Nicholas Osborne (NH) John Feebty John Page (I) John Forrest John Richards (IH) John Francis (IE) John Richardson John Frizzell (N) Jo Sharp (X) (or Tharp) John Frizelle Phillip Thomas (P) Anthony Fulgham John Wakefield Thomas Gandy (T) Clark Webster (W) Reuben Gladhill (B) John Whitley (X) Edward Goodson John Williams (I) Peter Greene (P) John Williamson Ambrose Hadley (H) Edward Windom (X) Henry Hearne (N) Thomas Yeuer (or Eure) It would seem that the above; signers were either active rebels or sympathized with that lost cause. On the 9th of April, 1677, a little more than a month after the presentation of Isle of Wight’s “Grievances” Page 4 of 41 ** PAGE BREAK ** JAMES BRYANTs Family Here and There -4 April 16, 1683: JAMES BRYAN - Land in Isle of Wight County between KINGSALE SWAMP & the main BLACKWATER 315 a. Beginning at WILLIAM MAYO'S corner in RICHARD BOOTH'S line, to HODGES COUNCILL & BRIDGMAN JOYNER & c. (Patent Book 7, p. 252) April 20, 1687: JOHN SUMMERELL - 420 a. in the Lower Parish of Isle of Wight County on branches of the BLACKWATER between lands of GYLES LIMSCOT, THOMAS MAN, WILLIAM MAYO, RICHARD BOOTH, BRIDGMAN JOYNER & JAMES BRYAN. (Patent Book 7, p. 574) October 20, 1689: JAMES BRYAN - Land in Isle of Wight County Beginning by the BLACKWATER RIVER, to JOSEPH VICK'S, ALONG JAMES ALLEN. (Patent Book 8, p. 8) April 29, 1692: BRIDGMAN JOYNER - 600 a. in Isle of Wight County near KINGSALE SWAMP, along JAMES BRIAN & run of the main BLACKWATER SWAMP. (Patent Book 8, p. 222) April 29, 1692: JOHN JOHNSON - 250 a. in Isle of Wight County, adjoining JAMES BRIAN & BRIDGMAN JOYNER, JAMES ALLEN .5: WILLIAM MAYO - on BEAVER DAM SWAMP & KINGSALE SWAMP. (Patent Book 8, p. 222) 1 October 28, 1702: JAMES BRYAN - 100 a. - 1177 – Total Land in Isle of Wight County on the SOUTH side of the MAIN BLACKWATER Beginning at a branch in NOTTAWAYS SWAMP. (Patent Book 9, p. 468) November 2, 1705: WILLIAM WEST - 600 a. in Isle of Wight County Beginning near KINGSALE SWAMP corner of JAMES BRYAN by run of the main BLACKWATER SWAMP. Granted HENRY APPLEWAITE October 15, 1696, deserted and now granted by order. (Patent Book 9, p. 700) 1704 - Quit Rents - Isle of Wight County: JAMES BRYAN – 1,200 acres (Seventeenth Century Isle of Wight County; By: John B. Boddie, p. 698) February 23, 1712/13: JAMES BRYAN (x) of the LOWER PARISH of Isle of Wight County to JAMES TULLAUGH for 4,500 pounds of tobacco, 250 acres - On BLACKWATER RIVER, adjoining RICHARD VICK & near CULLIN’S LANDING (from a patent to said BRYAN on October 20, 1689) Wit: WILLIAM COLLINS (w), JOSEPH CHAPMAN (Isle of Wight County, Deed Book 2, p. 233 & 234) Continued Page 5 of 41 ** PAGE BREAK ** JAMES BRYANTs Family Here and There -5 November 20, 1717: JAMES BRYANT (x) of ALBEMARLE COUNTY, N. C. to THOMAS DAVIS of Isle of Wight: County, Va. for 25 barrels of tar 315 acres - Between KINGSALE SWAMP & NORTH side of Main BLACKWATER RIVER. adjoining WILLIAM MAYO. RICHARD BOOTHE, HODGES COUNCIL & BRIDGMAN JOYNER. Patented by JAMES BRYANT February 22, 1683/4. (Same as patent dated April 16, 1683) Wit: RICHARD BEELE (RB), JOHN BARNES (B), RICHARD DRAKE (R), (Isle of Wight County, Va.. Great Book 1715-1724, Volume 2, Part 1. p. 154-156) February 5, 1717/18: JAMES BRYANT of ALBEMARLE COUNTY, N. C., to WILLIAM BEALE for 2,250 pounds of tobacco , 462 acres - NORTH of BLACKWATER RIVER in Isle of Wight County, Va. Wit: JOHN BARNES, RICHARD BEALE (R), RICHARD DRAKE (R) (Isle of Wight County, Va. Great Book. 1715-1724, p. 233-35) February 4, 1717/18: JAMES BRYANT (X), ELIZABETH BRYANT (E) appointed their loving son THOMAS BRYANT, in our place to appear in Isle of Wight County Court to acknowledge their deed to THOMAS DAVIS. and also a deed to WILLIAM BEEL. Part of a patent for 762 acres NORTH of BLACKWATER RIVER, adjoining JAMES ALLEN & JAMES TULLAUGH as granted to JAMES BRYANT on OCTOBER 20, 1689. Wit: JOHN BARNES (B), RICHARD DRAKE (R) (Isle of Wight County, Va. Great Book, p. 153 & 154) Above deeds copied from "LOOKING BACKWARD" by: Hugh Johnston. From Wilson Daily Times, Issue of June 26, 1957, p. 6 & 7. July 21, 1714: JAMES BRYANT, Sr. of Albemarle County, planter, to JOHN DEW - 320 a. for £2.10 shillings sterling joining MEHERRIN RIVER & ye mouth of DEEP RUN. Wit: GEORGE HOLIDAY, JOHN BRYD; Registered: February 10, 1714/15 (Chowan County, N. C. Deed Book W #1, p. 173, #363) February 12, 1718/19: JOHN COUNCILL of VIRGINIA to ALEXANDER SHIRER late of Chowan Precinct for 1200 pounds of tobacco - 100 a. (more or less) on the NORTH side of MEHERRIN RIVER, joining the mouth of a Deep branch, a meadow & the river. Wit: WILLIAM CARR [KERR], WILLIAM BRYANT, JAMES BRYAN, SR. (his mark +) (Chowan County, N. C. Deed Book B #1, p. 694, #1240) Page 6 of 41 ** PAGE BREAK ** JAMES BRYANTs Family Here and There -6 CHARLES MERRITT - Will - Chowan County, North Carolina Dated: April 6, 1718 Proved October 21, 1718 Sons: CHARLES, NATHANIEL, WILLIAM, JOHN; Daus: ANN, SARAH, HARDY Wife & Exec: mentioned but not named. (Other records show his wife as ELEANOR) Wit: JAMES BRYAN, PETER EVANS; R. Hicks, C. C. JOHN DRAKE - Will - Bertie Precinct, N. C. Dated: January 5, 1728 Proved: May, 1729 Son: JAMES - My manor plantation Wife: SARAH [BRYANT DRAKE] Executor: JAMES BRYANT (father-in-law) Wit: JOHN SUTTON, JOHN DICKINSON, RICHARD SUMNER; Rt. Forester, C. C. JOHN COTTON - Will - Bertie County, N. C. May Court 1728 Sons: JOHN, WILLIAM, SAMUEL, THOMAS, ARTHUR, JAMES, JOSEPH, ALEXANDER; Wife: MARTHA COTTON Sons/law: JOHN THOMAS, CAPT. JOHN SPEARS; Daus: SUSANNAH & PRISCILLA COTTON, MARTHA BENTON, widow of FRANCIS BENTON; Executors: THOMAS BRYAN, WILLIAM BENNET; Wit: THOMAS BRYAN, THOMAS STRANGE, MARY PARKER; Rt. Forester, C. C. WILLIAM BRIDGERS - Will - Bertie Precinct, N. C. Dated: March 11, 1728/29 Proved: November, 1729; Sons: WILLIAM - Plantation whereon I now live, JOSEPH - Plantation on FISHING CREEK JOHN - 100 a. of land; Dau: SARAH BRIDGERS; Brothers: BENJAMIN BRIDGERS, WILLIAM BRYANT; Father: JOHN DEW; Wife: SARAH; Executors: WILLIAM BRYANT & JOHN DEW SENOR. Wit: JOHN DAWSON, WILLIAM BRYANT, MARY HUISE, RICHARD HUISE; Rt. Forester, C. C. RICHARD SUMNER - Bertie County, N- C. - Will Dated: April 12, 1729 Proved: May, 1729 Son & Exec: JAMES - My manor plantation Wife: MARY Dau: CHARITY [BRYANT] SUMNER; Executor: JAMES BRYANT (father-in-law); Wit: JAMES WOOD, EDWARD GREEN, JOHN SUTTON; R. Forster, C. C. February 26, 1728/29: WILLIAM BRACEWELL to JOHN BONDE, merchant for £50 – 630 a. NORTH side MEHERRIN RIVER - land whereon my father lived. Patent granted August 10, 1720; Wit: JAMES BRYANT, SARAH [BRYANT] DRAKE (May 14, 1729); Robert Forster, C. C. (Bertie County, N. C. Deed Book C, p. 109) Page 7 of 41 ** PAGE BREAK ** JAMES BRYANTs Family Here and There -7 JOHN BASS - Will - Bertie Precinct, N. C. Dated: January 18, 1732 Proved: February, 1732 Sons: MOSES - All land on north side BAIRE SWAMP; JOHN & EDWARD - My manor plantation WILLIAM - My land at ye BEAVERDAM ARON - My plantation on south side BAIRE SWAMP Grandson: ARON JOHNSTON - 100 a. of land 5 Daus: JEUDATH CANADY - 100 acres 1 SARAH ANDERSON - 100 acres LOVEY BASS - 100 acres MARY - 100 acres PACEUNCE BASS - Plantation on south side BAIRE SWAMP Wife: MARY Executors: JOHN BASS & EDWARD BASS, sons Wit: THOMAS BRYANT,JAMES GUIE, EDWARD BASS; Rt. Forster, C. C. ‘ ROBERT BRASWELL - Will - Bertie Precinct, N. C. Dated: September 14, 1734 Proved: November, 1736 Sons: ROBERT ) JOHN ) Plantation whereon I now live RICHARD ) VALENTINE - 100 acres Daus: SARAH DOUGHTRY, JEAN BRASWELL, MARY BRASWELL Godson: DIOMEE SUMNER - 100 acres Wife: SARAH Executors: JAMES BRYANT, JOSHAWAY DAUGHTREY Wit: THOMAS BRYANT, NICHOLAS BAGET, PACCENCE BRYANT; John Wynns, C. C. JOHN DEW - Will - Bertie County, N. C. Dated: September 5, 1740 Proved: November, 1744 Wife: SUSANNAH - Extrx. Sons: JOHN - All my horses, mares that run on the south side of Meherrin River. JOSEPH (Execr.) Land lying on the east side of the road from Cornell hills ferry & also land on Buckhorse Swamp. SPENSER: Plantation whereon I now live. WILLIAM MORVEN Dau: PATIENCE Wit: EDWARD MOSELY, ALES MOSELY, CONSTANT DEW WILLIAM BRIDGERS - Will - Johnston County: N. C. Dated: September 30, 1751 Proved: December, 1751 Legatees: JOEL MARTIN & LUCRECE Executor: PHILIP JONES Wit: JAMES BRYANT, JAMES ACOCK, JOSEPH GOODING. (Abstracts of N. C, Wills; By: J. BRYAN Grimes, Secretary of State) November 29, 1745: Marriage contract between JOSEPH WASHINGTON of Bertie County & SUSANNAH DEW, widow. (Abstracts of Deeds, Northampton County, N. C.; By: Margaret M. Hofmann - Deed Book 1, p. 273) Book p. 43 Page 8 of 41 ** PAGE BREAK ** JAMES BRYANTs Family Here and There -7A JAMES BRYANT, Jr., s/o James, Sr., m. SARAH ISSUE: (any others undetermined) 1. JAMES BRYANT p. 10 2. WILLIAM BRYANT p. 11 3. ARTHUR BRYAN(T) p. 16 Page 9 of 41 ** PAGE BREAK ** JAMES BRYANTs Family Here and There -8 JAMES BRYANT, Jr., s/o James, Sr. January 18, 1714: AT A COURT HELD AT YE HOUSE OF JOHN HILL. ANN CARVER prays letter of administration on ye estate of WILLIAM CARVER, her father deceased, deceased, granted. Ordered that JOHN DEW, JAMES BRYAN Jr., THOMAS BOON & WILLIAM BOON (or any 3 of them) appraise estate & return inventory to next court. (Chowan County, N. C. Deed Book B #1, p. 1) July 16, 1715: JAMES BRYANT & SARAH BRYANT to VALENTINE BRASSWELL (All of Chowan Precinct) - £30 Sterling of England 130 acres (more or less) on the WEST side of QUONKE BRANCH above old FIELD, adjoining the branch. PART OF PATENT DATED April 1, 1711: (sic). Wit: JOHN MACKMIHEE, SARAH STEWART (Registered: September 10, 1715) (Chowan County, N. C. Deed Book B #1, p. 126) September 3, 1721: VALENTINE BRASSWELL & wife JENE to JOHN BLACKMAN - £30 150 acres Purchased of JAMES BRIANT patent: date April 1, 1719 (sic) - Now in possession of JOHN BLACKMAN - On the WEST side QUONKE’S Branch. Wit: JAMES BRYANT, SARAH BRYANT (May Court 1721) John Sutton, D.C.C. (Bertie County, N. C. Deed Book 2, p. 63) July 20, 1715: JAMES BRYANT to WILLIAM BRASSWELL (both of Chowan Precinct) £35 Sterling of England 640 acres (more or less) on ye NORTH side of CATTAWASKY MEADOW, adjoining DR. BROWN, the mouth of BREAKFAST BRANCH & the MEADOW. The said land being granted to me by patent. JOSEPH ROWLSON, JOHN DEW (Registered: September 10, 1715) (Chowan County, North Carolina Deed Book B #1, p. 179) June 22, 1715: SARAH BRYANT to JOHN DEW. Letter of Attorney to relinquish dowery in 640 acres to WILLIAM BRASSWELL and 150 acres to VALENTINE BRASSWELL Wit: THOMAS KIRBY Sr., HENRY WHEELER (Reg. Sept. 10, 1715) (Chowan County, N. C. Deed Book B #1, p. 125) June 14, 1717: WILLIAM BRASSWELL to JOHN DICKINSON. Assignment of a patent for 640 a. on the NORTH side of CATTAWATSKY MEADOW formerly surveyed for JAMES BRYANT, Jr. Wit: WILLIAM BRASSWEL, WILLIAM COLLINGS. (Registered August 19, 1717) (Chowan County, N. C. Deed Deed Book B #1, p. 467) Continued Page 10 of 41 ** PAGE BREAK ** JAMES BRYANTs Family Here and There -9 JAMES BRYANT, Jr., s/o James, Sr. July 30, 1717: JOHN DICKINSON to JOHN DEW. Assignment of my whole right, title & interest of this within mentioned deed. Wit: JAMES BRYAN SR. (his x mark), WILLIAM BRYANT (Registered: Not given) (Chowan County, N. C. Deed Book W #1, p. 194) October 14, 1720: JAMES BRYANT Jr. & SARAH [BRYANT] his wife to THOMAS FUTRALL (All of Chowan Precinct) £16 100 acres at YOURASHER / YOURHAR (?) SWAMP, adjoining the mouth of a small branch, the MEHEARRING ROAD and the SWAMP. Wit: JOHN DICKINSON, MOSE CARTER. (Registered October 20, 1720. Test: Thomas Henman, Clk.) (Chowan County, N. C. Deed Book F #1, p. 92) March 9, 1717: JAMES BRYANT - 640 acres in Chowan Precinct joining URAH SWAMP & POTYCASY to the mouth of the said URAH. (Patent Book 3, p. 156) May 14, 1723: JAMES BRYANT & SARAH [BRYANT] wife to JOHN DICKINSON - £10 - Land on YOWARRAH Part of 640 a. patent bearing date March 9, 1717/18. Wit: NICHOLAS BAGGET, JOHN SMITH (May Court 1723) John Sutton, D. C. C. (Bertie County, N. C. Deed Book A, p. 48) May 14, 1723: SARAH [BRYANT], wife of JAMES BRYANT, Power of Attorney to THOMAS BRYANT to acknowledge sale of 640 a. to JOHN DICKINSON. Wit: NICHOLAS BAGGETT, JOHN SMITH. (May Court 1723) John Sutton, D. C. C. (Bertie County, N. C. Deed Book A, p. 49) August 11, 1724: JAMES BRYANT & SARAH [BRYANT], wife, to THOMAS FEWTRELL 100 acres On YOURAH SWAMP. Part of 640 a. patent surveyed by WILLIAM BRASSWELL. Wit: MOORE CARTER, MARTHEW MASHBORN (August Court 1724) (Bertie County, N. C. Deed Book A, p. 266) January 6, 1735: MICHIAL DORMAN to GEORGE DOWNING - "a likely negro man or woman" for 608 a. on the SOUTH side of URA SWAMP, WEST side of URA PATH. By patent to MICHAEL (MICHIAL) DORMAN. Wit: JAMES BRYANT, Jurat; JOHN SUTTON (November Court 1736) John Wynns, D. C. C. (Bertie County, N. C. Deed Book E, p. 35) Continued Page 11 of 41 ** PAGE BREAK ** JAMES BRYANTs Family Here and There -10 JAMES BRYANT, Jr., s/o James, Sr. May 6, 1740: RICHARD SUMNER to GEORGE DOWNING - £25 200a. on the NORTH side of CATAWITSKEY MEADOW at GRAY'S pocoson. Wit: JAMES BRYANT, JOHN O'QUIN, JOHN SUTTON, Jurat (May Court 1740) November 27, 1742: GEORGE DOWNING of Edgecombe County to THOMAS HOWELL of Northampton County - for value received by me (acres not given) – A tract land joining SEIZMORE, WILLIAM BRASSWEL & RICHARD SUMNER. Wit: JAMES BRYANT, SARAH BRYANT. Registered: August, 1745. Robert Forster, C. C. (Northampton County, N. C. Deed Book 1, p. 202) June 12, 1754: JAMES BRYANT, Sr. to JAMES BRYANT, Jr. (both of Northampton County), planter - £25 52 acres In CATAWISKEY WOODS, as by patent to JAMES BRYANT, Sr. November 7, 1723 and 10 acres Part of the tract whereon the said JAMES BRYANT, Sr. now dwells being on the WEST side of the said 62 acres, joining the MEHERIN ROAD & other lands of JAMES BRYANT, Sr. Wit: JOHN DUKE, ISRAEL CAMPBELL, THOMAS KNOX. Registered: November, 1754. J. Edwards, C. C. (Northampton County, N. C. Deed Book 2, p. 176) Page 12 of 41 ** PAGE BREAK ** JAMES BRYANTs Family Here and There -11 WILLIAM BRYANT, s/o JAMES BRYANT Jr. & gs/o JAMES BRYANT Sr. d. Will proved February, 1749 ISSUE: 1. RACHEL BRYANT m. MCDANIEL 2. WILLIAM BRYANT, Jr. (see p. 15) 3. JOSEPH BRYANT 4. SARAH BRYANT m. JOHN MYHAND 5. PATIENCE BRYANT The following will copy from Raleigh Archives, is in very poor condition. Both sides of the two pages are torn, letters and complete words missing. Spelling changed only when obvious what the words are meant to be. WILLIAM BRYANT - Will - Edgecombe County, N. C. (Halifax County) Dated: September 21, 1749 (According to Will Abstracts by J. Bryan Grimes) Proved: February Court 1749 IN THE NAME OF GOD AMEN - I, WILLIAM BRYANT of Edgecombe County, N. C. being weak of body but of perfect and sound memory, etc. FIRST: I give and bequeath to my daughter PATIENCE [BRYANT] house land and plantation whereon I now dwell and all ye land that belongs to it and MILL and my negro boy Sipco (or Lipco) one bed ye best bed a green rug and Dutch blanket and all the rest furniture belonging to it and a new bed tick and my young bay mare and all her increase and six cows and calves to be … out to haves. ITEM: I give and bequeath to my well beloved grandson JAMES MCDANIEL; my cattle that is on his fathers and my negro wench Judey only ye use of them to my daughter long as she liveth. ITEM: I give and bequeath to my SARAH MYHAND my negro girl Su ‘ and her increase forever my other bed and furniture. ITEM: I give and bequeath to my son JOSEPH BRYANT my negro fellow Roben. ITEM: I give and bequeath to my son WILLIAM BRYANT my negro fellow Dick. ITEM: I give and bequeath to my well beloved friend THOMAS .ERY ANDINE my bearskin coat if he be live to enjoy it. ITEM: I give and bequeath to my well beloved friend SARAH … (possibly SARAH ANDREWS) my horse Lite foot and side saddle if she recover … of sickness as she now lives under to enjoy ye use of them, AND all the rest of my goods and chattels both within doors and outdoors to be equally divided to RACHEL MCDANIEL and WILLIAM BRYANT JUNIOR, JOSEPH BRYANT, SARAH MYHAND and PATIENCE BRYANT. Executors: ABRAHAM DEW & EDWARD BROWN and this my last will & testament disannuling and revoking all other wills and testaments Continued Page 13 of 41 ** PAGE BREAK ** JAMES BRYANTs Family Here and There -12 WILLIAM BRYANT – Will - Edgecombe County, N. C. - Continued beginning of the world to this day. Furthermore I accept 4:0:0 on JOHN B .. to pay ye quitrance (?) (quit rents) of my land. In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal this 21st day of September in the year of our Lord … W. BRYANT, SENIOR Signed sealed published & pronounced by the said WILLIAM BRIANT to be his last will and testament. THOMAS POPE WILLIAM ANDERES JAMES “M” MYHAND Edgecombe County February Court 1749 The above written will was exhibited into court by WILLIAM BRYANT one of the executors thereto & proved by the oath of THOMAS POPE & JAMES MYHAND two of the subscribing evidences thereto & at the same time the said executor … oath by law prescribed which was ordered to be recorded. BRYANT (BRYAN), WILLIAM, inventory taken by WILLIAM BRANT (?) executor, no date, August Court 1750. Division of estate by commissioners into SEVEN equal shares of which one was allotted to PATIENCE BRIANT. February Court 1750 (1751). (Edgecombe County, N. C. Estate Records, By: Joseph W. Watson) Page 14 of 41 ** PAGE BREAK ** JAMES BRYANTs Family Here and There -13 WILLIAM BRYANT, s/o JAMES BRYANT, Jr, & gs/o JAMES BRYANT, Sr. March 14, 1708: RICHARD BRASSWELL to JAMES BRYANT, Sr. (both of Isle of Wight County, Va.) for 4,000 pounds of tobacco assign my right, title & interest in the within mentioned patent. Wit: JAMES BRYANT Sr. (X), (sic) JOHN DEW (Chowan County, N. C. Deed Book W #1, p. 187) May 20, 1740: WILLIAM BRYANT & wife of Edgecombe County, N. C. to THOMAS UZELL of Nansemond County, Va., £1000 for a certain plantation plus 100 a. of land on NORTH side of MEHERRIN RIVER being plantation whereon JAMES BRYANT formerly lived and and of the patent granted to RICHARD BRASSWELL and also one hundred (100) acres of land bought of JOHN DEW by deed bearing date July 25 1730. Wit: JAMES UZZELL, THOMAS WHITFIELD, W. BAKER, August Court 1740. (Bertie County, N. C. Deed Book F, p. 133) May 20, 1740: WILLIAM BRYANT of Edgecombe County, N. C. to THOMAS UZZELL of Nansemond County, Va. - for £25 320 a. - Land whereon JAMES BRYANT, deceased, formerly lived. Patent granted to RICHARD BRASSWELL for 640 a. dated November 24, 1706 … which patent being endorsed to JAMES BRYANT, SEN. the 4 day of March 1708 and recorded in Chowan County. Adjoining JOHN DUKES, Being the same 300 acres of land given JAMES BRYANT by his father JAMES BRYANT DECEASED & also one hundred acres I bought of JOHN DEW dated July 25, 1730. Land adjoining JOHN DEW, WILLIAM BRYANT, BRITT'S corner. Wit: THOMAS WHITFIELD, W. BAKER August Court 1740 (Bertie County, N. C. Deed Book F, p. 136) July 25, 1730: JOHN DEW, SEN. to JAMES BRYANT, SEN. for £10 acres - On the NORTH side of MAHERRIN RIVER on the line between DEW & BRYANT, adjoining _____ BRITT. Wit: ABRAHAM DEW, JOSEPH DEW (Bertie County, N. C. Deed Book C, p. 361) Page 15 of 41 ** PAGE BREAK ** JAMES BRYANTs Family Here and There -14 KEHUKEE SWAMP is located in present Halifax County which was formed from Edgecombe County in 1758. May 15, 1744: JOSEPH COTTON of Edgecombe County to WILLIAM BRYANT (County not given) £24 200 acres - On the NORTH side of DEEP CREEK. Wit: JOSEPH BRYANT, RACHEL "X" MCDANIEL Registered: May 17, Robert Forster, C. C. (Deed Book 5, p. 252) January 2. 1749: WILLIAM BRYANT, Sr. of Edgecombe County MILLER to JOSEPH BRYANT (Co. not given) for .. . . (not given) 200 acres - on the NORTH side of DEEP CREEK, joining the creek . Wit: JOHN (I) MYHAND, WILLIAM BRYANT Registered: February 1749. B. Wynns, C. C. (Deed Bk. 3 p. 446) November 17, 1750: JOSEPH BRYANT of Edgecombe County to WILLIAM BRYANT (Co. not given) 59 L acres not given - On the NORTH side of DEEP CREEK, joining the creek. Wit: WILLIAM WALLACE, JOHN (I) MYHAND Registered: February 1754, B. Wynns, C. C. (Deed Bk. 4, p.571) January 2, 1749: WILLIAM BRYANT, Sr. of Edgecombe County to WILLIAM BRYANT, Jr. (Co. not given) for … (not given) 80 acres - On the SOUTH side of KEHUKEY SWAMP, joining the SPRING BRANCH & is PART OF THE LAND I DWELL ON except 1 acre for the MILL'S use. Wit: JOHN MYHAND, JOSEPH BRYANT Registered: February 1749 B Wynns, C. C. (Deed Book 3, p. 445) January 31, 1754: ABRAHAM DEW of Edgecombe County to WILLIAM BRYANT (Co. not given) for (not given) 144 acres - On the SOUTH side of KEHUKE SWAMP, joining the said DEW, WILLIAM FORD & WILLIAM BRYANT, Sr. Wit: JOHN BLACKBURN, JOHN MYHAND (I) Registered: February 1754, B. Wynns C. C. (Deed Book 4, p. 577) March 8, 1755: WILLIAM BRYANT of Edgecombe County to JOHN MYHAND (Co. not given) for (not given) 150 acres - Joining WILLIAM BRYANT, Sr. & the EAST Side of HOG PEN BRANCH. Wit: THOMAS POPE, WILLIAM POPE Registered: August 1755, J. Montfort C. C. (Deed Book 2, p. 280) (ABSTRACTS OF DEEDS, EDGECOMBE PRECINCT, EDGECOMBE COUNTY, N. C. 1732-1758; By Margaret M. Hofmann) Page 16 of 41 ** PAGE BREAK ** JAMES BRYANTs Family Here and There -15 WILLIAM BRYANT: 5/6 William, gs/o JAMES Jr. & ggs/o James, Sr. b. d. Between March 13 1762 - Jun 1762 (Will) m. JEAN ANDREWS. d/o William Andrews b. d. ISSUE 1. JESSE BRYANT 2. WILLIAM BRYANT, Jr. 3. PENELOPE BRYANT 4. SALLEY BRYANT 5. CATHERINE BRYANT WILLIAM BRYANT - Will - Halifax County, North Carolina Dated: March 13, 1762 Proved: June, 1762 Son: JESSE BRYANT - All my wearing clothes. Son: WILLIAM BRYANT - House, land, plantation & Still & 200 acres called CROOKED WHITE OAK. Wife: JEAN BRYANT - The above mentioned plantation during her life : or widowhood & all my goods & chattels & at i her death the estate to be equally divided between JESSE BRYANT, PENELOPEY BRYANT, SALLEY BRYANT, CATHERINE BRYANT, & WILLIAM BRYANT Jr. Wit: WILLIAM HILL ANDREWS, PENELOPE BRYANT, THOMAS WEATHERSBEE (X) Executors: JESSE ANDREWS & JESSE BRYANT (Halifax County, N. C. Will Book 1, p. 58) WILLIAM ANDREWS - Will - Halifax County, N. C. Dated: October 20, 1761 Proved: December, 1761 Sons HENRY ANDREWS, WILLIAM HILL ANDREWS, ABRAHAM ANDREWS & ISAM ANDREWS & daughters JEAN BRYANT & AMEY BAILEY 20 shillings sterling each. Son: MICAJAH ANDREWS desk, etc., & 240 a. in Halifax County near WIGGENS'S Cart road joining JOSEPH MOORE, CONNEHO (CREEK) & WIGGINS. Dau: SARAH ANDREWS 4 cows, bed, 20 shillings sterling, etc. Wife: CATHERINE ANDREWS - Land the use of plantation & livestock, etc., for her natural life & after her decease the same to go to my son JESSE ANDREWS & should JESSE die without heirs the same to go to son MICAJAH ANDREWS. Son: JESSE ANDREWS 2 tracts of land containing 400 a.; 300 on CONNEHO & 100 a. in the ISLANDS. Extra: Wife & sons HENRY ANDREWS & JESSE ANDREWS Wit: WILLIAM RAIN, JACOB CHAMBER (X), SARAH SCOTT (X), THOMAS MIHAM (X) (Halifax County, N. C. Will Book 1, p. 49) Page 17 of 41 ** PAGE BREAK ** JAMES BRYANTs Family Here and There -16 ARTHUR BRYAN s/o JAMES BRYAN Jr. & gs/o JAMES BRYAN Sr d. Between December 15, 1803 - February 1811 (Will) m. ELIZABETH … ISSUE: (As named in the will) 1. WILLIAM BRYAN (See p. 18) 2. JOEL BRYAN 3. WILLIS BRYAN 4. ROBERT BRYAN (See p. 18) 5. JAMES BRYAN 6. HENRY BRYAN 7. MARY BRYAN m. ROBERT GRIFFIN 8. ELIZABETH BRYAN m. LEVI LANCASTER 9. CATHERINE BRYAN m. RICE PRICE 10. SARAH BRYAN m. LANCASTER ARTHUR BRYAN - Will - Wayne County, North Carolina Dated: 15 day of the 12 month 1803 (Quaker method of dating) Proved: February Term 1811 Wife: ELIZABETH - 1 feather bed & furniture, 1 cow & 1 pewter dish, 3 spoons & 3 plates to her disposal. Son: WILLIAM BRYAN - Land & plantation whereon I now live. Son: JOEL BRYAN - Land whereon he now lives. Children: WILLIS, ROBERT, JAMES & HENRY BRYAN, MARY GRIFFIN, ELIZABETH LANCASTER, CATHERINE PRICE & SARAH LANCASTER each of them 5 shillings. Son: WILLIAM BRYAN - All the remaining part of my movable estate. Executors: ISAAC PARKER & WILLIAM BRYAN Wit: CALEB HALL, ELIJAH COLEMAN, WILLIAM DICKISON February 1811: Proved by Elijah Coleman. QUAKER MINUTES By: William Wade Hinshaw - p. 300 CONTENTNEA MONTH MEETING - WAYNE COUNTY, N. C. BRYANT: 1772: ARTHUR & wife & children received on certificate from Northampton County. 1778: ELIZABETH reported married to LEVI LANCASTER 1783: CATHERINE reported married to RISE PRICE 1783: MARY, daughter of ARTHUR, reported married to ROBERT GRIFFIN. (Recorded in marriage book, but date of marriage omitted) Page 18 of 41 ** PAGE BREAK ** JAMES BRYANTs Family Here and There -17 June 21, 1715: WILLIAM BRASSWELL & MARY BRASSWELL to JAMES BRYANT (All of Chowan Precinct, N. C.) for £30 600 acres - Part of 2 tracts 570 acres in ye lower tract & 30 acres in ye upper tract; both tracts being on ye SOUTH side of YOUARA SWAMP, adjoining the first Great Branch below ye said WILLIAM’S house & swamp. Wit: JOSEPH ROWLSON, JOHN MOLTON Registered: September 10, 1715 (Chowan County, N. C. Deed Book B #1, p, 135) December 4, 1754: JAMES BRYAN to ARTHUR BRYAN (both of Northampton County, N. C.) for £40 400 acres on SOUTH side of URAHA SWAMP near mouth of said swamp, adjoining a branch & JOEL NEWSOM, land the said BRYANT purchased of WILLIAM BRASSWELL & MARY BRASSWELL & the REVEREND JOHN BOYD bought of GEORGE DOWNING. Wit: JOHN DUKE, WILLIAM LANCASTER, RICHARD YOUNG (Northampton County, N. C. Deed Book 2, p. 183) August 27, 1755: ARTHUR BRYANT & ELIZABETH, his wife, to ROBERT PEELE, carpenter (all of Northampton County) for £125 All my plantation whereon I lately lived with all the lands thereunto belonging with 30 ACRES the REVEREND JOHN BOYD purchased of GEORGE DOWNING, adjoining other lands of the said BRYANT & containing in the whole 400 ACRES which the said BRYANT purchased of HIS FATHER, JAMES BRYANT, & the said BRYANT purchased of WILLIAM BRASSWELL & MARY his wife JUNE 20, 1715 on the SOUTH side of URAHA SWAMP. Wit: JOHN DUKE, WILLIAM RUFFIN, HANCE HOFLER Registered: February 1756 (Northampton County, N. C. Deed Book 2, p. 245) Note: Other references re ARTHUR BRYANT not copied: September 25, 1751: JOSHUA DAUGHTREE, planter, to THOMAS KNOX, ROBERT PEELE & JOSEPH HOLLOWELL (all of Northampton County) Trustees for the BODY OF PEOPLE CALLED QUAKERS of Northampton County - 2 shillings 6 pence - 1 acres on the SOUTH side of URAHA SWAMP, adjoining the main road that leads from Roanoak River over the POTACASA BRIDGE, being part of the land said DAUGHTREE purchased of THOMAS SEELEY. February 8, 1731/2. Registered: February 1752: (Northampton County, N. C. Deed Book 2. p. 52) Page 19 of 41 ** PAGE BREAK ** JAMES BRYANTs Family Here and There -18 January 2, 1824; WILLIAM BRYAN, deceased, Division of the lands, by commissioners among the heirs, namely: WILLIAM BRYAN, SUSANNAH BRYAN, ELIZAANN MOORING, ARGENT BRYAN, and NANCY BRYAN. (Deed Book 12, p. 476) December 18, 1824: ROBERT BRYAN, deceased, Division of the lands by commissioners among the lawful heirs, namely: ELIZABETH BRYAN (no land awarded), SARAH BRYAN, WILLIAM BRYAN, ZILPHA BRYAN, HEPSEBETH BRYAN (?), MILES RADFORD in right of his wife, MARGARET [BRYAN] RADFORD, BENNETT BRYAN. (Deed Book 12, p. 559) Reference: KINFOLKS of WAYNE COUNTY, N. C. 1793-1832 By Joseph W. Watson Page 20 of 41 ** PAGE BREAK ** JAMES BRYANTs Family Here and There -19 CAPT. THOMAS BRYANT, s/o JAMES BRYANT Sr. d. by February 11, 1740 m. ALICE ISSUE: (Any others undetermined) 1. BENJAMIN BRYANT 2. ROBERT BRYANT p. 27 3. CHARLES BRYANT 4. JAMES BRYANT p. 22 5. SAMUEL BRYANT p. 22 6. WILLIAM BRYANT p. 34 7. THOMAS BRYANT Jr. p. 20 Capt. THOMAS BRYANT must have been a merchant, judging from his land transactions; many of which are not included in this booklet. Page 21 of 41 ** PAGE BREAK ** JAMES BRYANTs Family Here and There -20 THOMAS BRYANT, s/o JAMES BRYANT Sr February 4, 1717: JAMES BRYANT (x) & ELIZABETH BRYANT (E) power of attorney to their son THOMAS BRYANT, to appear in Isle of Wight County Court to acknowledge deeds. (Isle of Wight County, Va. Great Book, p. 153 & 154) Chowan Precinct, N. C. Genealogical Abstracts of Deed Books – 1696 to 1723 By Margaret M. Hofmann THOMAS BRYAN / BRYANT – No references in the index April 18, 1727: Whereas several differences controversies & quarrels and controversies have been entertained between CAPT. THOMAS BRYANT, ALICE his wife & MR. JOHN POWERS concerning several Negroes (Viz) TOM, BUCK, BETTY, NANNY, PATTY, SARAH and an infant boy her son formerly in possession of said POWERS in right of his late deceased WIFE, SARAH [POWERS], MOTHER OF THE SAID ALICE. Now for quieting & avoiding all further strife debates law suits claims controversies & demands Whatsoever … CAPT. THOMAS BRYAN & ALICE my wife for … four of the said Negroes … quietly & peaceably made over to me by the said JOHN POWERS … by deed of sale. I do make over to JOHN POWERS forever 3 of the Negroes. Wit: BENJAMIN HILL, SIMON JEFFREYS, WILLIAM WHITEHEAD, February Court 1727. Edw. Mashborne, D. C. C. (Bertie County, N. C. Deed Book B, p. 366) May 19, 1735: THOMAS BRYANT & ALICE his wife of Bertie Precinct to JOHN PERRITT of Edgecombe Precinct - £10 434 acres - On the SOUTH side of MORATOCK (Roanoke) RIVER & the WEST side of FISHING CREEK, joining a pocosin & the creek, which said land was granted by patent to THOMAS BRYANT April 8, 1730. Wit: WILLIAM WILLIAMS, BENJAMIN RAWLINGS Registered (not given) (Edgecombe County, N. C. Deed Book 1, p. 115) August 24, 1737: WILLIAM CAIN of Edgecombe Precinct to CAPT. THOMAS BRYANT of Bertie Precinct - £10 640 a. - on the fork between FISHING CREEK & DEEP CREEK which land - was granted to WILLIAM CANE by patent February 28, 1726. Wit: ANDREW TAYLOR, THOMAS BRYANT Jr. Registered: (place not given) February Court 1737. T. Kearney, D. C. C. (Edgecombe County, N. C. Deed Book 1, p. 225) May 10, 1738: CAPT. THOMAS BRYANT of Bertie Precinct sold above 640 a. to JOHN ONEALS of Edgecombe Precinct. Wit: BRIDWELL BRIDGERS, WILLIAM DEES. Registered: May Ct. 1738 (place not given). Thomas Kearney, D. C. C. (DB-1, p. 243) Page 22 of 41 ** PAGE BREAK ** JAMES BRYANTs Family Here and There -21 THOMAS BRYANT, s/o JAMES BRYANT, Sr. February 11, 1740: The Last Will & Testament of THOMAS BRYANT cease was exhibited by BENJAMIN BRYANT executor & proved by the oath of JOHN EDWARDS & the executor qualified according to Law. August 14, 1735: MR. THOMAS BRYANT appeared here at this day according to this Court's order at their last sitting and gave the Court to understand that he had in his custody & possession, a molatto and 3 children together with a negro girl 7 belonging to KEZIAH HOLDEBEE?, and that the security he formerly gave for the said children’s estate is dead The Court hereon doth order that the said BRYANT do give security in the sum of £1000 for the said estate to be delivered to the said KEZIAH? & her children? as soon as they respectively arrive at age. November, 1740: Upon complaint made to this court by JEMIMA HOLDERBEE an orphan of THOMAS HOLDERBY deceased that some years ago this Court appointed CAPT. THOMAS BRYANT her guardian & she now being of age to choose her guardian she pray'd to choose JOHN EDWARDS be & he is hereby appointed guardian to the said JEMIMA HOLDERBEE. Security: £400 February, 1740: KASIAH HOLLIBEE an orphan of this court formerly under the guardianship of MR. THOMAS BRYANT praying leave to make choice of another guardian which is granted. She made choice of MR. JOHN DAWSON. May, 1740—?: Ordered that MR. DAWSON guardian to KESIAH HOLDABEE give security sum of £2000. Ordered that upon … his produce of Letters Tuition MRS. ALSE BRYANT deliver up to the sd. orphan’s estate to the sd. guardian &? no? default that (blank) MR. KINCHIN & JOHN DAVISON approved of as securities. (words marked through) May, 1742: Upon the prayer of BENJAMIN BRYANT executor of THOMAS BRYANT that he may be allowed ye sum of £200 for ye expense and extraordinary trouble … his father in his lifetime: hath … been at in maintaining & providing necessaries for CASHIA HOLBEE an orphan; her negro wench and six children for ye space of near 13 years & c. It is considered by ye court and ordered that he be allowed ye sum £90 province bills & that JOHN DAWSON be appointed guardian to ye said CASHIA HOLLBEE do pay the said sum to ye said BENJAMIN BRYANT as aforesaid. (Bertie Count , N. C. County Court Minutes; Book I, 1724 thru 1723 & Book II, 1740 thru 1743; 1758 thru 1762. Note: Minutes for 1744 thru 1757 are missing) Page 23 of 41 ** PAGE BREAK ** JAMES BRYANTs Family Here and There -22 THOMAS BRYANT, s/o JAMES BRYANT, Sr. NORTH CAROLINA TAXPAYERS 1701-1786 By Clarence E. Ratcliff NORTHAMPTON COUNTY ALICE BRYANT 1742 CHARLES BRYANT 1722 JAMES BRYANT 1744 May 15, 1742: JAMES BRYANT, shoemaker, to SAMUEL PEETE, medicine doctor (both of Northampton County) £4 100 acres on both sides of URAHA SWAMP, joining WILLIAM BENNETT, WILLIAM WHITE (WHITEHEAD), LANE & the SWAMP. Part of a patent to THOMAS BRYANT, deceased, for 230 a. granted November 20, 1729. Wit: BENJAMIN BRYAN, WILLIAM BRYANT, ALICE BRYAN Registered: August, 1742. J. Edwards, C. C. (Northampton County, N. C. Deed Book 1, p. 30) May 16, 1743: ROBERT BRYAN of TARR RIVER in Edgecombe County to ROBERT WEBB of FISHING CREEK in Edgecombe County for a valuable consideration. 400 acres on the SOUTH side of TARR RIVER, joining my DECEASED FATHER’S land, FRANCIS GRICE & THOMAS BRYANT. Wit: RICHARD HURLOCK, WILLIAM SPICER (X) (REPEATED ON PAGE 29) Registered: May, 1743, R. Forster, C. C. (Edgecombe County, N. C. Deed Book 5, p. 145) May 19, 1747: JAMES BRYAN of Edgecombe County to GEORGE REAVES of Brunswick County, Virginia - £22 200 acres - On the SOUTH side of TAR RIVER, adjoining HIS FATHER THOMAS BRYANT, a branch, WEBB & the river. As by patent to said JAMES BRYAN April 20, 1745. Wit: JOSEPH JOHN ALSTON, THOMAS KEARNEY Registered: May, 1747. R. Forster, C. C. (Edgecombe County, N. C. Deed Book 3, p. 123) February 7, 1750: SAMUEL BRYANT to ROBERT WEBB (both of Edgecombe County) - £10 150 acres - On the SOUTH side of TAR RIVER. Wit: WILLIAM DONALD, THOMAS BRYANT Registered: February, 1758. J. Montfort, C. C. (Edgecombe County, N. C. Deed Book 6, p. 253) January 17, 1758: ROBERT WEBB & ELIZABETH, wife, to JAMES MOIR (MOORE) (All of Edgecombe County) £30 150 acres - On the SOUTH side of TAR RIVER, part of a patent to CAPT. THOMAS BRYAN February 28, 1726. Wit: GEORGE BROWN, PHILLIP PETTYPOOL, WILLIAM HAYWOOD. Registered: February, 1758. J. Montfort, C. C. (DB-6, p.249) Page 24 of 41 ** PAGE BREAK ** JAMES BRYANTs Family Here and There -23 November 10, 1745: JAMES BRYAN of Northampton County to THOMAS JONES of Petty Shore in Bertie County – 2 shillings sterling money of Great Britain – full & free privilege of the new road that the said JONES has already opened & made from the main road at the upper end of my meadow to his causeway over his meadow. Wit: ALIAS BRYAN, BENJAMIN BRYAN August 1746.. Robert Forster, C. C. (Northampton County, N. C. Deed Book 1, p. 274) December 1, 1750: JOHN BRYANT of Edgecombe County, planter, to ROBERT HAMMONS of Northampton County, planter - £4 50 acres - On the WEST side of BRIDGERS CREEK, joining VALENTINE BRASSWELL, CULLEN POLLOCK, the main road to CASHY & the creek. Wit: JOHN EDWARDS, BENJAMIN BRYANT February Court 1750. J. Edwards, C. C. (Northampton County, N. C. Deed Book 1, p. 461) February 9, 1758: AARON JOHNSON of Orange County, planter, to BENJAMIN BRYANT of Northampton County - £4 100 acres – In the fork of URAHA & QUARTER SWAMP, joining JOHN BASS. Wit: JOHN ALSTON, JAMES LONG Registered May 2, 1758, John Dawson, A. J. (Northampton County, N. C. Deed Book 2, p. 455) May 22, 1758: SAMUEL BASS to BENJAMIN BASS (both of Northampton County) or £4 50 acres - On QUARTER SWAMP, joining ROBERT HOUSE & the said BENJAMIN BASS. Wit: CHARLES BRYANT, EDWARD BASS Registered Northampton County July 1758. J. Edwards, C. C. (Northampton County, N. C. Deed Book 2, p. 460) April 4, 1758: BENJAMIN BASS to CHARLES BRYANT (both of Northampton County) for £4 50 acres - Between LEWIS ANDERSON & ELIJAH BASS. Wit: BENJAMIN BRYANT, JOHN EDWARDS Jr. July Court 1758. J. Edwards, C. C. (Northampton County, N. C. Deed Book 2, p. 461) May 15, 1758: EDWARD BASS to CHARLES BRYANT (both of Northampton 4 county) for £7 – 70 acres – Between the said BASS & JOHN BASS, part of a tract purchased of WILLIAM WHITEHEAD by EDWARD BASS, Sr. Wit: BENJAMIN BRYANT, JOHN EDWARDS, Jr. July Court 1758. J. Edwards, C. C. (Northampton County, N. C. Deed Book 2, p. 462) Continued Page 25 of 41 ** PAGE BREAK ** JAMES BRYANTs Family Here and There -24 June 3, 1758: JOHN DAWSON – Grant - 142 acres in Northampton County in the Parish of Northwest on BRIDGERS CREEK, joining CULLEN POLLOCK & the said creek. Wit: SAM JOHNSTON, RICHARD VIGERS May 19, 1758: Surveyed, J. Edwards, D. Surveyor Plat reads - land surveyed for COL. JOHN DAWSON Chain carriers: BENJAMIN BRYANT, WILLIAM COTTEN (Patent Book 14, p. 278) September 2, 1758: JOSEPH BASS of Granville County to CHARLES BRYANT of Northampton County - £3 50 acres - Between the lands of REUBEN BASS & JAMES BASS & holding the young orchard where JOHN BASS Jr., the sone of EDWARD BASS did formerly live. Wit: WILLIAM PURDY, BENJAMIN BRYANT October 1758. J. Edwards, C. C. (Northampton County, N. C. Deed Book 2, p. 489) January 13, 1761: BENJAMIN BRYANT - Grant - 300 acres in Johnston County, Parish of St. Patrick, on both sides of BUFFELLOW [BUFFALO] CREEK joining (a point) below the GREAT FALLS. Wit: J. MONTFORT, WILLA SILLS Examined by J . MONTFORT & JOHN JOHNSTON Surveyed November 12, 1751. Richard Caswell, Surveyor. Chain carriers: MARTIN CASWELL, JAMES WOOTEN (Patent Book 14, p. 192) December 27, 1762: BENJAMIN BRYAN, Northampton County to JOHN TAYLOR of Norfolk £30 425 acres - In Johnston County on SOUTH side of BUFFALOW CREEK, beginning at a red oak SOUTH side of GREAT BUFFALO SWAMP at the POPLAR BRANCH W 200 p. to a red oak S 278 p. to a red oak in HOGPEN BRANCH E to a pine on said SWAMP, up said SWAMP to 1st station. Wit: JAMES CARY Jr., CHARLES BRYANT, BENJAMIN BRYAN; April, 1763: proved by James Cary, Jr. Test: Robert Ramey, C. C. (Johnston County, N. C. Tr-1, p. 59) Page 26 of 41 ** PAGE BREAK ** JAMES BRYANTs Family Here and There -25 BENJAMIN BRYANT - Will - Northampton County, North Carolina Dated: August 1, 1789. Proved: December, 1789. IN THE NAME OF GOD AMEN: I BENJAMIN BRYANT being of perfect mind, sense and memory, etc. ITEM: I give and bequeath unto my son BENJAMIN BRYANT all the lands and die possessed with in the OCCONEECHEE NECK SIX HUNDRED (600) acres be the same more or less to him & his heirs forever, but if my son BENJAMIN BRYANT should die without heir then my will is that the said land become the on property of my daughter POLLEY BRYANT to her and her heirs forever. I also give & bequeath unto my son BENJAMIN BRYANT two hundred (200) of land being the manor plantation whereon I now live, be it more or less, bounded by the road leading from JONES MILL to the cross roads then from the cross roads to PULHAM'S FERRY and bounded by the ATHERTON’S line and my own head line. I also give & bequeath unto my son BENJAMIN BRYANT one piece of land called GRAYS containing one hundred (100) acres more or less to him & his heirs forever. It is my Will and desire that my son BENJAMIN BRYANT shall have liberty to cut timber of YAWRY (URAHAW) SWAMP or any of my lands to support his plantation. ITEM: I give & bequeath unto my son THOMAS BRYANT all the remainder part of my lands adjacent to this place that is not given away to him and his male heirs forever. It is my will & desire if my son THOMAS BRYANT should die without any male heirs then my will is that the said lands become the only property of my son BENJAMIN BRYANT and his heirs forever reserving half of the land called CARYS PLACE to my son SAMUEL BRYANT during his natural life SAMUEL BRYANT yielding & paying my son THOMAS BRYANT one shilling proc rent to THOMAS BRYANT yearly. My will is that if my son SAMUEL BRYANT should offer to sell or rent his right to the said lands that then the lands shall become the immediate property of my son THOMAS BRYANT & his male heirs forever. Also I give & bequeath unto my son THOMAS BRYANT one hundred (100) acres of land called PARKERS survey the use of the land to my son BENJAMIN BRYANT during the life of my loving wife & no longer. I give & bequeath unto my son THOMAS BRYANT ten head of cattle young & old to be taken out after a sufficiency is first taken out for my family's use. I also give & bequeath unto my son THOMAS BRYANT one negro wench named PINK and all her increase born before this date & afterwards. My will & desire is that the negro wench named PINK shall remain (one or two pages missing - ** see later) I also give to be divided between my three children SAMUEL BENJAMIN & POLLY BRYAN all the horses that are not given away that belongs to my manor plantation at the home house to them their heirs forever. My will is that they are not to be divided until the death r of my loving wife. It is my will that if my son BENJAMIN BRYANT Continued Page 27 of 41 ** PAGE BREAK ** JAMES BRYANTs Family Here and There -26 Continued BENJAMIN BRYANT - Will - Northampton County, North Carolina Dated: August 1, 1789. Proved: December, 1789. should misbehave to my loving wife or his sister POLLY BRYAN during that his living with them at the manor plantation it is ordered hereby that my executors remove him to his own plantation in the OCCONEECHEE NECK. It is my will & desire that there shall be as much money drawn out of my estate as will purchase two hundred (200) acres of acres of land adj. SHERRADS FISHING PLACE when when purchased I give & bequeath unto my son BENJAMIN BRYANT & his heirs forever. Executors BRYAN WINBORNE & JOHN M. BRYAN Wit: EDWARD TURNER, WILLIAM BELL, JAMES BELL Northampton County December Court 1789 Proved by: James Bell and Edward Turner Executors: Bryan Winborne & JOHN M. BRYAN (Northampton County, N. C., Clerk of Superior Court, Jackson, North Carolina) ** Above will consists of 2-1/2 pages. In an effort to obtain :he missing pages, The Office advised above was the complete will. The following from will of BENJAMIN BRYANT, same date as above. is taken from Margaret M. Hofmann's abstracts of Northampton County Wills. "To my 2 youngest children BENJAMIN & POLLY BRYAN 1 negro and residue of Negroes to be divided between them as they come of age or marry, my Negroes to be worked together in the Neck to my wife 12 pounds in gold or silver, 1 riding chair, harness etc. and support out of my estate and wife to remain at my manor plantation for her life to BENJAMIN and POLLY all my ready money to my wife SEALOW BRYAN all the household (goods) furniture and Negroes she brought on my plantation." CELIA "B." BRYANT was one of the witnesses to JESSE ATHERTON’s will dated January 19, 1787, and is probably the last wife of BENJAMIN BRYANT. Celie-Celia is sometimes rendered as SELAH. Her nee name is undetermined. The wills of BENJAMIN BRYANT's sons (2 of them) are in Margaret M. Hofmann's abstracts of Northamton County. THOMAS BRYANT - Dated November 22, 1793. Proved: March 1794. BENJAMIN BRYAN - Dated January 26, 1796. Proved: December 1796. His wife was SARAH [PARKER BRYAN], d/o Francis Parker, will dated December 6, 1798, Proved: June, 1799. Page 28 of 41 ** PAGE BREAK ** JAMES BRYANTs Family Here and There -27 ROBERT BRYANT, ESQ., s/o THOMAS BRYANT gs/o JAMES BRYANT Sr. d. Between December 6, 1760 – April, 1761 m. CHARITY m. (2) DAVID HOLLEMAN ISSUE: 1. ELIZABETH BRYANT m. JAMES HOLLEMAN, April 16, 1772, Charles Jones, bds. 2. MARY BRYANT m. SIMON SALTER 3. LEWIS BRYANT m. CELIA HOLLEMAN November 18, 1767 (See p. 32) 4. SARAH BRYANT m. JOHN O'NEAL, YR. 5. ARPEY BRYANT m. RICHARD HOLLEMAN, January 8, 1768, David Holleman, bds. 6. CHARITY BRYANT ROBERT BRYANT. ESQ. - Will – Johnston County, North Carolina Dated: December 6, 1760 Proved: April, 1761 Wife: CHARITY - Use of manor plantation during natural life or widowhood, then to daughters: ELIZABETH & MARY divided equally. Dau: ELIZABETH - 1 negro, Harry. Dau: MARY - 1 negro, Pompey Reserving use of negroes for wife during life or widowhood. Son: LEWIS - Plantation on NORTH side of BUFFALO I purchased from JOHN BRASWELL, livestock. Dau: SARAH - Plantation on NORTH side of BUFFALO I purchased from EDWARD POOR, livestock. Dan: ARPEY - Livestock, furniture. Dau: CHARITY - Stock at JOHN HALES BROTHER: CHARLES BRYANT - Cattle at DICK HOWARD’S place. Remaining estate to be sold & money divided equally between wife and children. Executors: WILLIAM HINTON, CHARLES BRYANT, CHARITY BRYAN Wit: BENJAMIN BRYANT, **ALICE BRYANT, ELIZABETH PAGE (Abstracts of Johnston County, N. C. Wills, Book I, By: Elizabeth E. Ross) ** She may have been wife of BENJAMIN BRYANT Page 29 of 41 ** PAGE BREAK ** JAMES BRYANTs Family Here and There -28 ROBERT BRYAN, ESQ. - Continued July 27, 1743: ALICE BRYAN - Grant - 300 a. in Craven County on the SOUTH side of LITTLE RIVER commonly called Vernons Creek (?), joining the mouth & side of CATTAIL BRANCH & both sides of LITTLE RIVER. (Patent Book 5, p. 293) October 31, 1752: JAMES WOOTEN - Grant - 200 a. in JOHNSTON COUNTY on the WEST side of BUFFELOW [BUFFALO], joining INDIAN BRANCHES, the head of a small branch, and the SWAMP. Surveyed: November 12(?), 1751 Chain Carriers: ROBERT BRYAN, MARTIN CASWELL Surveyor: RICHARD CASWELL, Jr. (Patent Book 14, p. 260) May 6, 1757: ROBERT BRYAN (T) - Grant - planter - JOHNSTON COUNTY 10 shillings sterling 610 acres - In St. Stephen Parish in Johnston County, beginning at WILLIAM BOYKINS corner the NORTH side of LITTLE RIVER, runs thence along his line S 60 W 180 p. to said BOYKINS corner gum in a round pond, along CATTAIL SWAMP according to the plan 238 7p. to the corner red oak on the SWAMP N 200 p. to a corner red oak E 32 p. to a corner hickory on LITTLE RIVER to beginning. Wit: JOHN HAYWOOD, WILLIAM WATSON, JOHN SMITH (Johnston County, N. C. Tr-3, p. 340) ROBERT BRYANT appears in the Court Minutes of Johnston County from April (last Tuesday) 1759 to and including January (3rd Tuesday) 1761, as a COURT JUSTICE. July 23, 1759: ROBERT DUCK Dobbs County to DAVID HOLLEMAN of Johnston County 260 acres - In Johnston County NORTH side GREAT BUFFALO SWAMP, part of survey granted to WILLIAM BOYKIN by Granville deed from Corbin & Wheatley November 8, 1756 for 660 acres. Wit: JACOB (I) DUCK, ROBERT BRYAN July 1759, Proved by: ROBERT BRYAN. Test: George Cogdell, C. C. (Johnston County, N. C. Deed Book A-1, p. 24) May 8, 1760: EDWARD POOR of St. Stephen Parish, Johnston County to ROBERT BRYAN (co. not given) for £20 175 acres - In Johnston on NORTH side of GREAT BUFFALO SWAMP – the place & land formerly sold by WALKER to EDWARD POOR deceased; beginning at THOMAS WALKER’s beginning tree on the said SWAMP & then running to a pine & then to 2 hickorys from thence to another hickory & from thence to the beginning for compliments. Same land said EDWARD POOR deceased purchased of said THOMAS WALKER. Wit: JAMES WATSON, THOMAS HOLLEMAN July 1760: Proved by JAMES WATSON (Johnston County, N. C. Deed Book A-1, p. 66) Continued Page 30 of 41 ** PAGE BREAK ** JAMES BRYANTs Family Here and There -29 ROBERT BRYAN, ESQ- - Continued Book I – Johnston County, N. C. Court Minutes - 1759 thru 1766. April 1761: The will of ROBERT BRYANT proved by BENJAMIN BRYANT & WILLIAM HINTON one of the executors came into court & refused to take on him the burden thereof. The other two CHARLES BRYANT & CHARITY BRYANT the other two in said will named were qualified agreeable to law. (#55) July 1761: CHARITY BRYAN widow & executrix of ROBERT BRYAN, ESQR. Late deceased of the moved to be admitted guardianship of the orphans of the said ROBERT BRYAN. CHARITY BRYAN ARPEE BRYANT ELIZABETH BRYAN LEWIS BRYANT MARY BRYAN SARAH BRYANT On giving of bond & security she is appointed guardian to said orphans. Bond: 500 pounds. Securities: JOSHUA HORTON, HOHN HINTON, ESQRS. (#71) January 1762: Ordered that DAVID HOLIMAN be appointed guardian to ARPER BRYAN, LEWIS BRYAN, CHARITY BRYAN, SARAH BRYAN, MARY BRYAN & ELIZABETH BRYAN, minors of ROBERT BRYAN, ESQ., deceased. Bond: 500 pounds. Securities: MATHEW LOWREY & SAMUEL HOLIMAN (#86) 1762: The account current of the estate of ROBERT BRYAN deceased the returned by DAVID HOLLIMAN & CHARITY his wife Exx. Audited by an tors appointed last court which was ordered to be filed. (#133) May 16, 1743: ROBERT BRYAN of TARR RIVER in Edgecombe County to ROBERT WEBB of FISHING CREEK in Edgecombe county for a valuable consideration. 400 acres - On the SOUTH side of TARR RIVER, joining my DECEASED FATHER'S LAND, FRANCIS GRICE & THOMAS BRYANT. Wit: RICHARD HURLOCK, WILLIAM SPICER (x) Registered: May, 1743. R. Forster. C. C. (Edgecombe County, N. C. Deed Book 5, p. 145) This is same deed as on p. 22. It appears to be a grant to ROBERT BRYANT, however, it is not in the indices of Margaret M. Hofmann's Patent / grant books, as well as several other grants to the BRYANTs which are mentioned in the deed books. Page 31 of 41 ** PAGE BREAK ** JAMES BRYANTs Family Here and There -30 ROBERT BRYAN, ESQ. - Continued November 30, 1773: JOHN ONEAL, YR, Johnston County, planter, to ELISHA THOMAS, same, planter - £45 175 acres - In Johnston County on the NORTH side of GREAT BUFFALOW SWAMP, beginning on said SWAMP at a hickory tree from thence along a line of marked trees to 2 hickories from thence up a line to a pine & from thence a line to said sum to a hickory tree & from thence up along said SWAMP to 1st station - It being a tract granted by ROBERT BRYANT to his daughter, SARAH BRYANT, by will. Wit: DREWRY VINSON, AXOM O’NEAL May Court 1774. William Ward, Clerk (Johnston County Deed Book H-1, p. 121) Note: ROBERT BRYAN bought above land from EDWARD POOR May 8, 1760. February 7, 1774: SIMON SALTER & wife, MARY, Granville County, SOUTH CAROLINA - to DAVID HOLLEMAN, Johnston County, £30 305 acres - In Johnston County on both sides LITTLE RIVER, adjoining CATTAIL BRANCH, being part of grant to ROBERT BRYAN deceased by Granville for 610 acres, beginning on the NORTH side of LITTLE RIVER at BOYKINS corner hickory, West along BOYKINS line 280 p. to a gum on CATTAIL in a Mill Pond, up patent according to the plan to a corner oak, N to agreed line betwixt JAMES HOLLEMAN & said SIMON SALTER & MARY his wife, along the agreed line partly EAST to LITTLE RIVER to the beginning. SIMON SALTER (x), MARY SALTER (x). Wit: WILLIAM BANCKS, JOHN LEE, CHARITY BRYANT (+) (Johnston County, N. C. Deed Book H-1, p. 163) August 17, 1774: DAVID HOLLIMAN to JAMES HOLLIMAN (both of Johnston County) £30 305 acres – In Johnston County on both sides of LITTLE RIVER & adjoining CATTAIL BRANCH, being part of a tract granted to ROBERT BRYANT deceased by Granville for 610 acres, beginning on the NORTH side of LITTLE RIVER at BOYKINS corner hickory, along BOYKINS line W 189 p. to a gum standing in a mill pond on CATTAIL, up CATTAIL according to the plan to to a corner red oak W to agreed line, along the agreed line partly E to LITTLE RIVER, to beginning. DAVID HOLLIMAN. Wit: WILLIAM HOLLIMAN, JOHN GARNER (Johnston County, N. C. Deed Book H-1, p. 171) Note: Above 305 acres part of 610 acres granted to ROBERT BRYAN(T) May 6, 1757. Continued Page 32 of 41 ** PAGE BREAK ** JAMES BRYANTs Family Here and There -31 ROBERT BRYAN, ESQ. - Continued November 15, 1775: JAMES HALLIMAN to SAMUEL HALLIMON (both planters of Johnston County) for £80 360 acres - In Johnston County on both sides of LITTLE RIVER, it being part of a larger tract granted to ROBERT BRYAN by Granville, Beginning at BOYKINS corner hickory on the NORTH side of LITTLE RIVER along said BOYKINS line across the said RIVER S 60 W to a pine at PRICES path the dividing between said JAMES HALLIMON & SOLOMON JOHNSON then along said dividing line the courses of said path to a pine - E 300 p. to a hickory on said LITTLE RIVER, to the beginning. ELIZABETH HOLLIMON, wife of said JAMES HOLLIMON surrenders her right of dower & power of thirds. James Hollimon, Elizabeth Hollimon (+) Wit: DAVID HOLLIMON, SOLOMON JOHNSON (S) (Johnston County, N. C. Deed Book H-1, p. 258) RECAP: Robert BRYANT's granted of May 6, 1757 acquired by James Holliman August 17 1774: Bought 305 acres from David Holliman Bought 305 acres in right of wife, Elizabeth --- 610 acres January 28, 1775: Sold 250 acres to Solomon Johnson (D. B, H-1, p. 285) Sold 360 acres above --- 610 acres Page 33 of 41 ** PAGE BREAK ** JAMES BRYANTs Family Here and There -32. LEWIS BRYAN, s/o ROBERT BRYAN & gs/o THOMAS BRYAN d. Between February 12, 1819 – February 1818 (Will) m. CELIA HOLLEMAN November 18, 1767 ISSUE: 1. ELIZABETH BRYAN m. EDWIN PAMOLD 2. AVEY BRYAN 3. WILLIAM BRYAN 4. JAMES BRYAN 5. ROBERT BRYAN m. SARAH WOODARD December 23, 1826 bms: LARKIN HOLLIMON 6. FREDERICK BRYAN 7. CUZZY BRYAN m. WOODARD LEWIS BRYAN - Will - Johnston Count N C Dated: February 12, 1818 – Proved: February 1818 Wife: CEILY - 444 acres for life, then equal to Daus: ELIZABETH & AVEY; remaining estate equal to Sons & daughter: WILLIAM, JAMES, ROBERT, FREDERICK & A CUZZY BRYAN WOODARD Executors: Sons, ROBERT & FREDERICK Wit: JOSEPH HOULDER, BLAKE ATKINSON (x), BERSHEBA ATKINSON (x) January 28, 1794: LEWIS BRYAN to JAMES HOLDER (both of Johnston County) for £15 60 acres in Johnston County - Beginning on the NORTH side of GREAT BUFFALO at a white oak in the mouth of the MOSY BRANCH, thence N 50 E South continuing along an agreed line of marked trees to the back line, thence along the said BRYAN‘s line a WEST course to his corner a pine, thence to beginning. LEWIS BRYAN Wit: TOBIAS HOLLEMAN, HEN. FINCH August 1794: Proved by Frederick Holleman (Johnston County, N. C. Deed Book T-l, p. 303) FREDERICK BRYAN m. Elizabeth Woodard November 28, 1809 . Bds./Wit: West Woodard (x), R. Sanders FREDERICK BRYAN m. Sally Gully March 30,1814 Bds./Wit: JAMES BRYAN, John Sanders, Jr. 1850: Johnston County - Census #606 FREDERICK BRYAN - 62 (b. 1788) Farmer Sarah - 57 (b. 1793) Elizabeth - 70 (b. 1780) Brannan, Martha - 16 Hogg, Thomas - 15 Page 34 of 41 ** PAGE BREAK ** JAMES BRYANTs Family Here and There -33 JOHNSTON COUNTY, N. C. Book LD-A, . 166 & 167 December 4, 1830: We the commissioners appointed to divided the lands devised by will of LEWIS BRYAN, deceased, late of the county aforesaid between AVEY BRYAN & PATSEY PARNOLD daughters and legatees of the said LEWIS BRYAN have proceeded to do the same with the assistance of JOHN TURNER Co. surveyor and have allotted and divided in the following manner, to wit: No. 1 Beginning on the NORTH SIDE OF GREAT BUFFILOW SWAMP at he mouth of the MIRY BRANCH running: N 50 E 132 p. with HOULDERS line to a stake, thence N 41 E 24 p. to a pine thence along an agreed line of marked trees to a stake MATTHEW WOODARDS corner thence E 46 p. to a Spanish oak thence S 104 p. to a red oak, another of said MATTHEW WOODARD’s corners S 45½ W to a maple on the bank of said swamp, thence up said swamp to the beginning - 172½ - West to a maple on the bank of said swamp, thence up said swamp to the beginning - 172½ acres. No. 2 Beginning at a stake on the run of said swamp ROBERT BRYANS corner running with said BRYANS line N 50 E 76 p. to a stake another of sd. BRYAN‘s corners thence S 40 E 50 p. to a stake sd. BRYAN‘s corner W 40 p. to a red oak thence S 6 p. to a stake sd. BRYAN‘s corner thence N 55 E 195 p. to a pine stump N 33 E 8 p. to a poplar stump BRYAN ONEAL’S corner thence N 2 E 26½ p. to a pine with BRYAN O’NEAL’S line 91 p. to his corner a red oak thence W 66 p. to a red oak AVEY BRYAN‘s corner S 45½ W along her line to a maple on the run of said swamp, thence down said swamp to the beginning. 172-1/2 a. and by mutual consent AVEY [BRYAN] chose No. 1 and EDWIN PARNOLD and wife, BETSEY [PARNOLD] chose lot No. 2. (Total 345 acres) Jo. Richardson William Hinton J . V. Watson February, 1331; Then was this division of land returned to court & ordered to be enrolled & registered. Enrolled in the Clerk's Office of the County aforesaid Book B, p. 166. R. M. Sanders Page 35 of 41 ** PAGE BREAK ** JAMES BRYANTs Family Here and There -34 WILLIAM BRYANT, s/o THOMAS BRYANT & gs/o JAMES BRYANT Sr. d. between May. 1762 & January 1763 (Will) m. DRUCILLA LANE ISSUE: (As named in Will) 1. SAMUEL BRYANT 2. BENJAMIN BRYANT 3. WILLIAM BRYANT p. 38 4. PATTY BRYANT 5. NANNE BRYANT WILLIAM BRYANT - Will - Edgecombe County, North Carolina Dated: May (splotched) 1762 Proven: January, 1763 IN THE NAME OF GOD AMEN, I, WILLIAM BRYANT, of Edgecombe County, North Carolina – MERCHANT – being of good health & sound mind. Etc. ITEM: My desire is that all my just debts shall be paid as soon as my debts can be got in and all my goods to be vendued and sold at the discretion of my executor hereafter named of about 30 head of cattle and 5 head of horses & mares likewise at the discretion of my executor. My will is that wife have the use and occupation of the house and plantation I now live on together all out houses gardens or other appurtenances thereon to belonging during her natural life with 1 feather bed and furniture, 1 horse and saddle, one negro named Africa and 12 cows and calves and my desire that my loving wife bring UP MY CHILDREN AT HER DISCRESION and my executor. Son: SAMUEL After my wife’s decease that house and plantation I now live on with all the appurtenances thereto Son: BENJAMIN My plantation at LITTLE RIVER and stock of cattle thereon. Son: WILLIAM My plantation on BUFFALO CREEK with 5 cows & calves. Dau: PATTY A negro woman named DOLL with 1 feather bed and furniture, 4 dishes, 4 basins, 1 dozen plates & 1 horse and saddle. Dau: NANNE One negro boy named TOM, 1 feather bed & furniture, 4 dishes, 4 basins, 1 dozen plates, 1 horse & saddle. I give and bequeath unto JOHN HAILL (?) for his faithful discharge of business the sum of 20 pounds current money and that all my hogs, horses, cattle, sheep, geese & c. to be sold, the money arising be put to the use of BRINGING UP MY CHILDREN which I desire may be at the discretion of my loving wife and executor. Page 36 of 41 ** PAGE BREAK ** JAMES BRYANTs Family Here and There -35 WILLIAM BRYANT - Will – Continued Executor: Friend, WILLIAM LANE Wit: ALEXANDER BRODIE, NEWIT LANE, EDWARD LANE Edgecombe County January Court 1763: The last will and testament of WILLIAM BRYANT deceased exhibited on oath of the Executor & proved by NEWIT LANE one of the evidences thereto & at the same time the executor qualified. executor qualified. Test: James Hale, Clerk (Edgecombe County, N. C. Wills 1750-1945 (unbound), Raleigh, N. C. Archives) EDGECOMBE COUNTY, N. C. - ESTATE RECORDS By: Joseph W. Watson WILLIAM BRYAN - Name of wife not given Estate records included the following: January 1763: Will proved by NEWIT LANE January 1764: WILLIAM LANE be allowed to sell as much of estate as sufficient to pay the debts Date: ? EDWARD LANE was paid for going to VIRGINIA April 1763: A large account was received from sales of estate in Johnston County by JAMES CARY. JOSEPH LANE - Will - Edgecombe County, N. C (Grimes Abstracts) Dated: December 6, 1757 Proved: November, 1758 Brother: WILLIAM LANE Sisters: FAITH BYNUM & DREWSILLER BRYANT Other Legatee: WINIFRED POPE Mentors: JOHN BRADFORD & HENRY POPE Wit: BENJAMIN MERRYMAN, BARNABAS LANE, DAVID DICKSON February 19, 1759 (sic): JOSHUA HENDRICK of Edgecombe County to RITIANA [BUZBY] (county not identified & no last name given) my beloved daughter – all my lands & tenements & my cattle & hogs, etc. Proviso my wife ANN shall have her maintenance out of said estate. Wit: WILLIAM BRYANT, DRUCILLA BRYANT (X), WILLIAM LANE, GEORGE BALDWIN Registered: December Court 1758. Joseph Montfort, C. C. (Edgecombe County, N. C. Deed Book 6, p. 362) Page 37 of 41 ** PAGE BREAK ** JAMES BRYANTs Family Here and There -36 WILLIAM BRYANT, s/o THOMAS BRYANT & gs/o JAMES BRYANT Sr. - Continued February 28, 1746: WILLIAM BRYANT of Edgecombe County to WILLIAM WILLS of Northampton County £35 440 acres - On the SOUTHWEST side of DEEP CREEK, adjoining the said BRYANT & the creek. Part of 640 a. granted to THOMAS BRYANT April 7, 1730 & bequeathed to the said WILLIAM by the said WILLIAM by the said THOMAS. Wit: J. EDWARDS, THOMAS WILLS Registered: Edgecombe County February 1748 B. Wynns, C. C. (Edgecombe County, N. C. Deed Book 3, p. 283) October 13, 1747: WILLIAM BRYANT to NATHANIEL RUFFIN (both of Edgecombe County) £8 200 acres – On the SOUTH side of MARATOCK RIVER & WEST side of DEEP CREEK. Wit: SAMUEL RUFFIN, JONES STOKES, GEORGE DOWNING Registered: Edgecombe County November 1747. R. Forster, C. C. (Edgecombe County, N. C. Deed Book 3, p. 89) August 4, 1748: NATHANIEL RUFFIN to JAMES BARNES (both of Edgecombe County) £8 200 acres - On the SOUTH side MARATOCK RIVER & WEST side of DEEP CREEK, adjoining the creek. PART OF 640 ACRES GRANTED TO THOMAS BRYAN in April 1730. Wit: ETHELRED RUFFIN, SAMUEL COTTON, WILLIAM WILLS Registered: Edgecombe County August, 1748. B. Wynns, C. C. (Edgecombe County, N. C. Deed Book 3, p. 95) JOHNSTON COUNTY, N. C. - DEEDS April 19, 1762: JULIUS ALFORD, Granville County, planter, to WILLIAM BRYANT, MERCHANT, of JOHNSTON COUNTY - £16 100 acres - In Johnston County on the NORTH side of LITTLE RIVER BEGINNING AT THE MOUTH OF A BRANCH CALLED JULINSES BRANCH running up said river & branch including all the land above the mouth of said branch on the NORTH side of said river surveyed for ROBERT CADE, Jr. by Granville's agents houses, orchards, gardens, etc. Wit: JOHN HAILE, JESSE ADDAMS July Court 1762 proved by JOHN HAILE. Test: ROBERT RAMEY, C. C. (Deed Book B-l, p. 334) April 14, 1764: JOHN BRADLEY, Johnston County, planter to WILLIAM BRYANT of EDGECOMBE COUNTY - £20 200 acres - In Johnston County on both sides of BUFFALOE CREEK, beginning at the mouth of POPLAR BRANCH & said branch to be the dividing line to the back line, WEST off from the mouth of said branch to the WEST line NORTH to the corner a white oak EAST along a line across said branch to the corner SOUTH to the said POPLAR BRANCH. It being 200 acres granted by Granville to JAMES GRIFFIN & granted by said JAMES GRIFFIN to said JOHN BRADLEY. Wit: THOMAS HOUGHTON, JOHN ROGERS (Deed Book D-1, p. 128) [This page includes page 37] Page 38 of 41 ** PAGE BREAK ** JAMES BRYANTs Family Here and There -38 WILLIAM BRYANT, s/o William & Drucilla, gs/o Thomas & ggs/o James, Sr. d. Between July 26, 1789 - August,vl789, Johnston County, N. C. m. ISSUE: (as named in will) 1. JAMES BRYANT - 1 Shilling 2. ELIZABETH [BRYANT] WADE - 1 Shilling 3. LUCEY BRYANT - 1 iron pot, 1 cow 4. BEDEY BRYANT - 1 Shilling 5. LIDAH BRYANT - 1 feather bed, livestock 5. LEWIS BRYANT - Land & plantation where I now live, 1 bay filly 6. JOHN BRYANT - 1 Shilling 7. ANN [BRYANT] JOYNER - 1 Shilling 8. LUCINAH (?) LEWIS - 1 Shilling 9. SILVIAH BRYANT - 1 Shilling Remaining estate, after expenses are paid, to be divided between daughter LIDDY & son LEWIS BRYANT. Executor: JOHN STANSELL Wit: JOHN STANSELL, HENRY BARBOUR (x), JONATHAN STANSELL (x) (Johnston County, N. C. Abstracts of wills By: Elizabeth E. Ross - Volume I) September 1, 1789: Ordered that JOHN STANSEL ESQ, SENR. be appointed guardian to LEWIS BRYAN, orphan of WILLIAM BRYAN deceased. Bond: 250 pounds. Bondsman: WILLIAM HINNANT, JOHN STANSIL, Jr. Same for SILVEY BRYAN. February 28, 1792: JOHN STANSEL guardian exhibited an account by 7 him charged against LEWIS BRYAN, son of WILLIAM BRYAN, deceased. (Johnston county, N. C. Court Minutes, Book IV, 1787 thru 1792 By: Weynette Parks Haun) Page 39 of 41 ** PAGE BREAK ** JAMES BRYANTs Family Here and There -39 WILLIAM BRYANT, s/o WILLIAM BRYANT (Drucilla), gs/o THOMAS BRYANT & ggs/o JAMES BRYANT Sr. September 17, 1792: THOMAS FENDER to JOHN PICKRUN (PICKREN) 150 a. on EAST side of LITTLE RIVER, beginning JOHN STANSELL SR. line - WILLIAM BRYAN deceased line – along said BRYANT’s line crossing the road - WILLIAM STERLINGS (STARLINGS) line, etc. Wit: JOHN STANSEL, Jr, JONATHAN STANSEL (Deed Book T-1, p. 389) November 12, 1793: FREDERICK HOLMES - Grant - 150 a. on the NORTH side of LITTLE RIVER & SOUTH side of LITTLE BUFFALO - Beginning WILLIAM BAILEYS corner - JOHN STANSELS line - WILLIAM STARLINGS line, etc. (Deed Book T-l, p. 228) STATE CENSUS OF N. C. 1784-1787 “A list of inhabitants of CAPT. HOULDER'S COMPANY, 1787. The persons that give that numbers of Families to FRED HOLLIMON." Page 1: WILLIAM BRYAN - 3 males under 21 & over 60, 6 females (no blacks) Page 2: JOHN STANSSELL, SR. NEXT : JOHN STANSSIL NEXT : THOMAS FENDER, FREDERIC HOLMES WILLIAM BRYANT (wife DRUCILLA) in his will devised to son WILLIAM, plantation on BUFFALO CREEK in Johnston County. See will p. 34. See deed p. 36 dated April 14, 1764 John Bradley to WILLIAM BRYANT land on both sides of Buffalo Creek. Page 40 of 41 ** PAGE BREAK ** JAMES BRYANTs Family Here and There ###### # # ##### ####### # # ##### ####### # # # # ## ## # # # ## # # # # # ## ## # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # ###### # # # # #### ##### # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # ## ### # # # # # # ###### # # ##### ####### # # ### ##### ####### # # Transcribed from original documents by Brent R. Brian & Martha M. Brian. This document and others can be found on our website: BMGEN We claim COPYLEFT on the documents that we publish that are our original work. COPYLEFT “rules” can be reviewed on the web site: GNU Free Documentation License In short, use what you like. But if you use our stuff, mention us as the source. Brent R. Brian Martha M. Brian BrianMitchellGenealogy@gmail.com Page 41 of 41 ** PAGE BREAK **