War, Rev, Pension, William Bryan S6699 NC WILLIAM BRYAN S. 6699 Page 1 of 38 ** PAGE BREAK ** War, Rev, Pension, William Bryan S6699 32561 North Carolina WILLIAM BRYAN deceased Johnston County in the state of North Carolina who was a private in the company commanded by Captain WHITLEY of the regiment commanded by Colonel BRYANT in the revolution. Issue for 8 months private North Carolina line June 15th 1904 records corrected Inscribed on the role of North Carolina at the rate of $26.66 per annum to commence on the 4th day of March 1831 and to terminate the 11th of February 1846 when he died. Certificate of pension issued the 24th day of April 1847 and sent to T. L. & W. Smith Esquire, present. Arrears to the 4th of _____ semi annual allowance. Ending _____ Pay to ASA H., JANET, JOSEPH, ELIZA and ALICE BRYAN and JOANNA THORNTON, my children Revolutionary claim Act June 7th 1832 recorded by Thomas Lumpkin clerk Book E volume 6 page 47 Page 2 of 38 ** PAGE BREAK ** War, Rev, Pension, William Bryan S6699 DECLARATION In order to obtain the benefit of the act of Congress passed June 7th 1832. State of North Carolina Johnston County On this 26th day of April 1845 personally appeared before me a justice of the peace for and of the court of pleas and quarter sessions of said County WILLIAM BRYAN of the county and state aforesaid now in his 85th year of age of being first duly sworn according to law, doth on his oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the act of Congress passed the 7th of June 1832. That he entered the service of the United States under the following named officers and served in the Revolutionary War as herein stated viz: That in 1778 he was drafted for a five-month tour under Captain JOHN WHITLEY of the county and the company marched to the south and were engaged in the Battle of Brier Creek but that the declarant was not in said battle. That from the period of his being thus drafted under Captain WHITLEY he continued to render military service under the orders of the commanding Colonel of this County for more than 12 months and what was then called the minute service. That the names of the Colonels of that time were Colonel ARTHUR BRYAN and Colonel NEEDHAM BRYAN. That this minute service was rendered to the order of his two elder brothers ASA [BRYAN] and JOHN BRYAN who are officers in the public service and acting in obedience to the orders and command of some of the Colonels before named. That under such orders he was often out on scouting parties in pursuit of Tories and enemies to the cause of Independence who were often concealed in different neighborhoods in the woods and among amongst evil disposed friends of theirs. That in the irregular minute service he is unable to state the exact length of time except generally, as before said, but that he has been out as long as 10 days at a time on such and very often a less number of days that during these years he aided at a “dear rate” of furnishing a man for the 12 months service - military orders having been given that every 15 men must furnish a man for a 12 month service or stand a draft for one of themselves that as one of such a class he did furnish a man jointly with the rest of the class. The declarant further states that in the fall of 1780 he thinks he was again drafted as a militia man under Captain EDMUND GRIFFIN, WILLIAM ROBERTS Lieutenant, JAMES HOLT and son and himself as sergeant and so marched to Wilmington under Colonel NEEDHAM BRYAN of this County. That he remained in service at Wilmington until the news reached them of the capture of Lord Cornwallis at Little York then soon afterward his company was discharged without any certificate of service to return to their homes. That although he acted as sergeant in this service he never received a commission as such. That Colonel YOUNG was officer than in command at Wilmington under General RUTHERFORD who he thinks was absent from there then. Page 3 of 38 ** PAGE BREAK ** War, Rev, Pension, William Bryan S6699 That whilst at Wilmington in said service he had the smallpox uncommonly severe and was much of the time confined, having nearly lost his life with it there. The declarant is not able at this remote period to say distinctly the length of time of his last draft under Captain GRIFFIN but he knows and remembers that he was only at Wilmington under said draft three months and that if they were bound for a length of term they were disbanded to go home on the news of the capture of Cornwallis and were never afterwards called out. The declarant states further that he has not before now made any formal application for a pension for the reasons that he understood that positive proof of service in the Army was necessary and that he was not for years past known of any person living by which such could be made and for the further reason that he has not until lately stood in one of the bounties of his country to her revolutionary soldiers but that he now now that he has lived to see his little property waste away and leave him nearly dependent on the charity of his friends and community. WILLIAM BRYAN Sworn to and subscribed on the day and year above written before me. JOHN Q. ADAMS, Justice of the Peace State of North Carolina Johnston County I do hereby certify that I have been acquainted from my childhood with WILLIAM BRYAN as above and that he is of sound mind and memory and that from bodily weakness great age and distance to the county town he is unable to attend the court of this county with convenience. I further certify that he is a man of great respectability and truth and full faith and credit may be given to his statements. Given under my hand and seal this 26th day of April 1845 JOHN Q. ADAMS, JP {seal} Page 4 of 38 ** PAGE BREAK ** War, Rev, Pension, William Bryan S6699 State of North Carolina Johnston County On this 12th day of December 1845 personally appeared before the subscriber and acting Justice of the Peace in in for the said County WILLIAM BRYAN who having been duly sworn according law doth make the following statement, supplemental to and in support of his declaration heretofore made, in order to obtain the benefits of the act of Congress of the 7th of June 1832. That the family and name of BRYAN was very numerous, widely connected and influential in his County, long before the Revolutionary War, and that it has so continued during the struggle for Independence, sharing largely in the support by their wealth and influence and that the same name and connection has continued thus distinguished nearly or quite up to this period though a great many have removed to distant parts and many have undergone a reverse of fortune. The county of Johnston was a large one, embracing several of the adjacent present ones. The BRYAN family was located thus in the county before and during the Revolutionary War. One part of them lived near the middle, one family in the extreme north, and now perhaps Wake County, and one in the extreme south, and and the lattr was the family and location of this declarant. His father was named LEWIS BRYAN and raised only three sons of the following names and in order of their ages ASA [BRYAN] who was born in the date of 1750, JOHN [BRYAN] was born in 1753, and WILLIAM [BRYAN], this deponent, who was born in 1760. The known distinction of this family in the time of the Revolution and up to this day, from branches of the other family before mentioned, was of Mill Creek. This the declarant states that all the three sons of his father did service and much service in the time of the Revolution in behalf of Freedom and Independence as he doubts not may appear of record. His brother JOHN was a man of social distinction in this County for many years before he removed to Georgia, where he died upwards of 30 years ago, and ASA a Captain in the Revolution died here upwards of 30 years ago, leaving the declarant the only living issue of his late father LEWIS. The declarant more over states on his oath, aforesaid, that he is now a man of age he stature and that before he was sixteen years of age he weighed 157lb, that was early aiding in behalf of his country, his whole family belonging to the Whigs or Patriots. That as heretofore stated in his formal declaration, aforesaid, he served in the militia of the state in the War of Revolution at different periods for nearly on quite 12 months. As well as his recollection now serves him his first regular service was under Captain JOHN WHITLEY, and HOOKS Lieutenant, he thinks in the year 1778. Drafted for five months sometime after the organization and equipment of the company, they were ordered and marched to South Carolina. They were in the Battle of Brier Creek, though this deponent was not in the battle. That after the discharge of Captain WHITLEY’s company, this declarant was often called out by superior officers, whose names he does not now distinctly remember, accept that Colonel NEEDHAM BRYAN was their county commandant, but that these services were of short, though frequent, periods and that he was regularly detailed on such service by proper officers. Page 5 of 38 ** PAGE BREAK ** War, Rev, Pension, William Bryan S6699 He has a distinct recollection of being called out on such service, he thinks under Captain RAIFORD, and marched some days down the Neuse River and encamped near GREEN’s ferry, then occupied by one THOMAS GREY, a lawyer, that he thinks this was in the great 1780 or 1781 year 1780. He knows it was in the latter part of the summer as they had to forage their horses on the soft corn from Mr. GREY’s field. He cannot remember now for what length he was then called out that he remembers he was always ready, young and headless. That after this he thinks in the year 1781 he was drafted for a tour of five months, he thinks, all together not certain, under Captain EDMUND GRIFFIN and that they were soon ordered to Wilmington in the state where they remained until the news of the capture of Cornwallis reached them, as stated in my first declaration. That on his return home he was paid only a part of what was promised in pay and subsistence, and the bounty and pay was subsequently allowed in certificates and often handed to, or drawn by, our officers. Again this declarant has no way of ascertaining the aggregate length of time of his services but thinks they must have embodied twelve months or more and were so estimated when his certificates were issued. This declarant states, on his oath, aforesaid, that there was another WILLIAM BRYAN, who has been dead some twenty years, belonging to the family in the north and Swift Creek of the county. That this declarant knew him well, they were near the same age and that he thinks his said namesake did a tour of service in said war but he is confident that he was neither in Captain WHITLEY's nor Captain GRIFFIN's company nor in any commanded with this affiant, and that was the only WILLIAM of Johnston County who could have rendered military service in the war of the Revolution, besides and except this affiant. The declarant states that in regard to his age it is perhaps impossible now to obtain proof of it. That there was a family record of it, his father being a man of learning and education, but that the book he had has either been destroyed or carried to distant parts so that he cannot obtain any benefit from it. This declarant early obtained from it, or his parents, or from both, that he was born on the 3rd of August 1760. That he knows of no living person who could corroborate this witness unless it be NANCY HOBBY, now a very old woman in the adjoining County of Cumberland, but was long lived near the parents of this affiant, and the widow of my late brother ASA BRYAN (ANN BRYAN) who is near his own age and always lived near to him and who now lives also in Cumberland County but near to the Johnston line. This declarant would further state that his omission to a part assert his right, heretofore, has been mainly from his particular location, thus he lives in the extreme end of the county and what may be said to be an obscure vicinity, some miles from a post office in his county, and where there is not a newspaper taken in several miles of his reach in this county, and that since this affiant has lost his property and has become unable to go about. He sees, or has seen, but very few who were able to inform him rightly of the provision of Congress made for Revolutionary services, that in proof of this he has not been to this courthouse but once in many years, some six or seven years ago, and has long since before then that on one of these occasions he did apply to a lawyer to know if there was any chance to obtain anything from his country and that the lawyer told him that he thought not unless he had his certificates of discharge or could prove his services by some other person and that he knew of no one who could prove such. Page 6 of 38 ** PAGE BREAK ** War, Rev, Pension, William Bryan S6699 And this affiant may truly say, in addition and in conclusion, that he was not anxious to thrust himself upon the charity of his country, and to call upon her for aid and assistance, so long as his circumstances were easy, but that now and within a few years past, and more recently, his means have been almost all taken from him by debts of security, suits and otherwise, entirely unexpected by him once in his life and for a great period of his life. From these and foregoing causes this declarant is now compelled to ask the county provide the bounty provided by the country, which he hopes and prays may not be further withheld from on whose services in its behalf was never questioned by any person with whom he was acquainted. Sworn to and subscribed before me with his own proper hand. WILLIAM BRYAN JOHN Q. ADAMS justice of peace State of North Carolina Johnston County I, THOMAS BAGLEY, clerk of the court of pleas and quarter sessions for the county and state aforesaid, do hereby certify that JOHN Q. ADAMS Esquire whose name appears to the foregoing affidavit is now and was at the time of executing the same a member of our said special Court of please and quarter sessions and an acting Justice of the Peace for said County and that the signature reporting to be his is genuine and his own proper hand writing. Given under my hand and seal of office at Smithfield 17th of January 1846. THOMAS BAGLEY, Clerk Page 7 of 38 ** PAGE BREAK ** War, Rev, Pension, William Bryan S6699 January 5th 1939 Mr. J. D. TILLMAN Jr. 1924 34th Avenue Meridian, MS WILLIAM BRYAN S. 6699 Dear Sir: Reference is made to your letter in which you request the Revolutionary War record of WILLIAM BRYAN, pension claim S. 6699. The data which follow are found in the papers on file and that claim for pension based upon service in the Revolutionary War WILLIAM BRYANT. WILLIAM BRYAN, son of LEWIS BRYAN, was born August 3rd, 1760, the name of his mother is not shown. This branch of the Bryan family lived in the extreme southern part of Johnston County, North Carolina, on Mill Creek. WILLIAM’s brother, ASA BRYAN, was born in 1750 and his brother JOHN BRYAN was born in 1753. All three served in the Revolutionary War from North Carolina. While a resident of Mill Creek, North Carolina, WILLIAM BRYAN enlisted in 1778 and served five months as Private in Captain JOHN WHITLEY's North Carolina company. Following this service he was called out different times on short tours until about 1781, under Captains RAIFORD, ASA BRYAN, his Brother, JOHN BRYAN, his brother whose ranked was not stated, Colonels ARTHUR [BRYAN] and NEEDHAM BRYAN in the North Carolina troops. No relationship between these officers with the surname Bryan and the family of this WILLIAM BRYAN were stated. WILLIAM BRYAN enlisted again in 1781, served as a sergeant and Captain AFMOND GRIFFIN's company, Colonel NEEDHAM BRYAN's North Carolina regiment, stationed at Wilmington, North Carolina. This service between three and five months, and was discharged after the surrender of CORNWALLIS. WILLIAM BRYAN applied April 26th, 1845, for a pension on account of his service in the Revolutionary War you retired than a few miles from his birthplace in Johnston County, North Carolina. The claim was allowed. The soldier died February 11th 1846. The name of the wife of WILLIAM BRYAN and the date and place of his marriage are not shown. She did not survive him. The name of the children who survived the soldier were given as follows ASA H. BRYAN, JANET BRYAN, JOSEPH BRYAN, ELIZA BRYAN, ALICE BRYAN and JOANNA [JOANNAH] THORNTON. In 1845, WILLIAM BRYAN's brother brothers ASA and JOHN were both deceased. ANN, ASA’s widow was living in 1845 in Cumberland County, are the Johnston County Line. JOHN BRYAN had died in Georgia about 30 years previously. Very truly yours A. D. HILLER Executive assistant To the administrator. Page 8 of 38 ** PAGE BREAK ** War, Rev, Pension, William Bryan S6699 State of North Carolina Johnston County I THOMAS BAGLEY Clerk of Court of pleas and quarter sessions in and for the county of horse head to hereby certify that satisfactory evidence has been exhibited at the office of said Court to prove that WILLIAM BRYAN of Johnston County a soldier of the Revolutionary War died on the 11th day of February 1846 leaving no Widow, but leaving the following following named children to Whit ASA H. BRYAN, JANET BRYAN, JOHANNAH THORNTON, JOSEPH BRYAN, ELIZA BRYAN, and ALICE BRYAN who are the only living children of said WILLIAM BRYAN deceased now known in these parts. In testimony whereof I have hereunto subscribed my name and a fixed the Seal of said court at office in Smithfield on the 29th day of March 1847. THOMAS BAGLEY Clerk By W. R. LEE Deputy Clerk Page 9 of 38 ** PAGE BREAK ** War, Rev, Pension, William Bryan S6699 not legible #18 Page 10 of 38 ** PAGE BREAK ** War, Rev, Pension, William Bryan S6699 Washington City October 12th 1846 Sir We have the honor to enclose additional testimony in the case of WILLIAM BRYAN or BRYANT of North Carolina, a soldier of the Revolutionary War. It is a certificate of the comptroller of the state of North Carolina as to the amount paid to Captain EDMOND GRIFFIN under whom, in part, BRYAN served. We ask that your early attention to this case. Most respectfully your obedient servant. T. L. & A. THO. SMITH Col. J. L. EDWARDS Commissioner of Pensions Page 11 of 38 ** PAGE BREAK ** War, Rev, Pension, William Bryan S6699 Washington DC 22nd of December 1846 Sir Herewith you will receive additional evidence in the case of WILLIAM BRYAN, under the Act of the 7th of June 1832, from North Carolina. JESSE WILLIAMS is an important witness in this case and the certificate of the secretary of state is offered to show that he was a representative in the last legislature. Very respectfully your obedient servant T. L. & A. THO. SMITH Col. J. L. EDWARDS Commissioner of Pensions Page 12 of 38 ** PAGE BREAK ** War, Rev, Pension, William Bryan S6699 State of North Carolina Office of Secretary of State I, WILLIAM HILL, Secretary of State in and for the state of North Carolina, do hereby certify, that JESSE ADAMS of Johnston County, was one of the representatives from said county in the last legislature of this state. Given under my hand this 21st October 1846 WILLIAM HILL, Secretary of State Page 13 of 38 ** PAGE BREAK ** War, Rev, Pension, William Bryan S6699 North Carolina Cumberland County I JOHN MCLAURIN, Clerk of the Court of pleas and quarter sessions of said County, do hereby certify that JAMES HODGES has Esquire, whose name in his proper handwriting appears to the foregoing affidavit of ANNA HOBBY his own certificate was at that date and acting Justice of the Peace in and for said County duly commissioned and sworn and that full credit is due to his official Acts. In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and I fixed the skill of my said County at office this 10th day of January 1846. J. MCLAURIN Page 14 of 38 ** PAGE BREAK ** War, Rev, Pension, William Bryan S6699 Raleigh North Carolina Comptroller's office I WILLIAM T. COLLINS Comptroller of Public Accounts in and for the state of North Carolina do hereby certify that Captain EDMUND GRIFFIN of Johnston County was allowed by the auditors of Newbern District 472 pounds 10 Shillings, being payroll of 44 men, officers inclusive, for service in February 1782, as will be seen on Record No. 37 Bound Book Page 146 (Book Titled Comptroller's Office Kingston.) Given under my hand and seal this 9th of March 1846. WILLIAM T. COLLINS, Comptroller Page 15 of 38 ** PAGE BREAK ** War, Rev, Pension, William Bryan S6699 Washington April 3rd 1847 Sir We have the honor to enclose a certificate of the court of Johnston County North Carolina in the case of the heirs of WILLIAM BRYAN a pensioner. Most respectfully your obedient servant, T. L. & A. THO. SMITH Col. J. L. EDWARDS Commissioner of Pensions Page 16 of 38 ** PAGE BREAK ** War, Rev, Pension, William Bryan S6699 Washington January 30th 1847 Sir, We herewith send additional evidence in the case of WILLIAM BRYAN of North Carolina whose application is under of the 7th of June 1832. Mr. MACCLOUD and Mr. SANDERS whose testimony accompanies this are members of the legislature of the state and we hope that the proof in the case is now made out. We asked for your early attention to this matter. With great respect your obedient servant T. L. & A. THO. SMITH Col. J. L. EDWARDS Commissioner of Pensions Page 17 of 38 ** PAGE BREAK ** War, Rev, Pension, William Bryan S6699 Raleigh North Carolina 5th January 1847 JOHN MCCLOUD of Johnston County North Carolina, now at Raleigh, maketh oath regarding his knowledge of the character and standing of WILLIAM BRYAN (Revolutionary) of Johnston County. My acquaintance was said WILLIAM BRYAN commenced 30 years ago, or upwards, he was a man of 60 years or more from 1820 to 1824. I was annually a member of the legislature and in one or two of those years, two I think, said WILLIAM BRYAN was also a candidate with me and others. In canvassing the county he was known and called by his usual distinction, “revolutionary”, and he seldom, if ever, failed to address himself as such to the people as an old soldier with a rehearsal of his sufferings and hardships endured in the Revolutionary War. I never heard it then, or since, questioned or doubted but that he did good service in that war, such was the reputation of his whole family of whom there were several brothers. At the time have spoken of he was a man of some substance and of undoubted truth. Since then his whole property has frittered away. JOHN MCCLOUD sworn to and subscribed before me this the 5th day of January 1847. WILLIAM DALLAS HAYWOOD, JP Page 18 of 38 ** PAGE BREAK ** War, Rev, Pension, William Bryan S6699 State of North Carolina Wake County I hereby certify that I am personally acquainted and have been for many years with Colonel JOHN MCCLOUD, who has made the foregoing statement, and that is he is a gentleman of the highest respectability. For truth and integrity and full faith and credit may be given to his statements of every kind. Given under my hand and seal this the 5th day of January 1847. WILLIAM DALLAS HAYWOOD Justice of the Peace State of North Carolina Wake County I JAMES T. MAMON Clerk of the Court of pleas and quarter sessions for the county of wake do certify that WILLIAM DALLAS HAYWOOD whose name appears in the foregoing is an acting Justice of the Peace in and for said County and that the signatures purporting to be his are genuine. And testimony whereof I have hereunto affixed the Seal of the said court and subscribed my name at office in Raleigh the 16th day of January 8th 1847 JAMES T. MAMON W. H. HIGH Page 19 of 38 ** PAGE BREAK ** War, Rev, Pension, William Bryan S6699 State of North Carolina office of Secretary of State I WILLIAM HILL Secretary of State do hereby certify that JOHN MCLEOD Esquire whose just deposition appears on the first page of this sheet of paper was a representative in the legislature of this state from the county of Johnston as by him stated in his said deposition. Given under my hand this 23rd day of January 1847 W. HILL Secretary of State Page 20 of 38 ** PAGE BREAK ** War, Rev, Pension, William Bryan S6699 State of North Carolina House Commons January 2nd 1847 I ASHLEY SANDERS do hereby certify that my acquaintance with WILLIAM BRYAN who has applied for a pension as a soldier of the Revolutionary War commenced at an early period of my life in the year 1825, or as nearly as I can remember. He was a candidate in the county of Johnson for a seat in the legislature and during the xxx canvas before the people I heard him make several public speeches and he invariably referred to his revolutionary services as entitling him to the suffrage's of his fellow citizens. No one at that time, or subsequently, ever doubted these services, or his character, before and since was above reproach and the public sentiment in his favor was always increased by the recollection of the important services believed to have been rendered by him during the Revolutionary War. I do further certify that the public esteem in which the character of WILLIAM BRYAN was always held has never to my certain knowledge been forfeited or diminished. The fact of his not applying, until recently, for the bounty due him from his country should no bargain against the validity of his should not argue against the validity of his claims as it is well known fact by many of this county men and which I can bear testimony that is circumstances from being tolerable good were some years since materially impaired if not wholly ruined by debts coming on him by being security & c. and although I have never seen his declaration or statement of his services in the war of the Revolution, yet for his general good character for truth and veracity I am well convinced that no false statements have been made by him. Given under my hand and seal A. SANDERS State of North Carolina Office of the Secretary of State I WILLIAM HILL Secretary of State in in for the state of North Carolina do hereby certify that ASHLEY SANDERS Esquire whose signature appears above is a member of the legislature of the state from the county of Johnston. Given under my hand this 23rd day of January 1847 WILLIAM HILL secretary Page 21 of 38 ** PAGE BREAK ** War, Rev, Pension, William Bryan S6699 Raleigh North Carolina Comptroller's office I WILLIAM F. COLLINS Comptroller of Public Accounts in and for the state of North Carolina do hereby certify that the name of WILLIAM BRYAN appears of record and my office as having had issued the following specid certificates in his favor viz: One for twenty pounds five shillings see book number 23 page 47 which certificate was paid into this office by the sheriff of Johnson County; and other certificates issued in his favor for ten pounds see book number to page 32; and one other certificate for eleven pounds fourteen shillings see book number 3 page 5. Given under my hand and seal the second day of June A. D. 1845 WILLIAM COLLINS comptroller Page 22 of 38 ** PAGE BREAK ** War, Rev, Pension, William Bryan S6699 Payment to be made at Fayetteville by John Haske agent for paying pensioners in the agency of N. C. Recorded in the pension office in Book E volume 6 Page 47 by H. Samp, Clerk Page 23 of 38 ** PAGE BREAK ** War, Rev, Pension, William Bryan S6699 War department Revolutionary claims I certify that in Conformity with the law of the United States of the 7th of June 1832. WILLIAM BRYAN, deceased, late of North Carolina who was a private in the revolution is entitled to receive Bounty $25.66 per annum commencing on the 4th of March 1831 and terminating on the 11th of February 1846, the day on which he died. The amount is due and payable to ASA H. BRYAN, JANET BRYAN, JOSEPH BRYAN, ELIZA BRYAN and ALICE BRYAN and JOANNA THORNTON only surviving children. Given at the war Office of the United States this 26th day of April 1847. Secretary of War Commissioner of Pensions Page 24 of 38 ** PAGE BREAK ** War, Rev, Pension, William Bryan S6699 1778 Captain WHITLEY drafted South Carolina Battle of Brier Creek 5 months 1781 Captain RAIFORD Neuse River 1781 GRIFFIN drafted Wilmington 5 months Page 25 of 38 ** PAGE BREAK ** War, Rev, Pension, William Bryan S6699 37093 William Bryan North Carolina Sent to the honorable a Sanders September 29th 1845 Same May 11th 1846 T. L. & A. THO. SMITH October 24th 1846 Same 31st December 1846 Same February 22nd 1847 Page 26 of 38 ** PAGE BREAK ** War, Rev, Pension, William Bryan S6699 North Carolina Cumberland County This day the 15th of December 1845 personally appeared before me, an acting Justice of the Peace in and for the said County, ANNA HOBBY, being duly sworn according to law deposeth: That she is now in her 97th or 98th year; That she was born in the date of 1748 in the county of Johnston and state aforesaid, and in the southern end of said county. That she was married to her husband RUBEN HOBBY in the date of 1770 and then lived a neighbor to LEWIS BRYAN of Mill Creek in the county of Johnson, aforesaid. That she well knew all of the family of the said LEWIS BRYAN, who had, and raised three sons named ASA, the eldest son, and who was near the same age of this deponent; the next son was named JOHN, who was high Sheriff of said County and surveyor; the next was WILLIAM who is now living within two or three miles of where he was born, and not more than five miles from where I now live, though in a different County. The deponent further saith that the aforesaid WILLIAM BRYAN is ten or twelve years younger than she is herself, and that she has no doubt but the said WILLIAM is the only living child of his said parents. This deponent further saith that she well remembers that the aforesaid sons of LEWIS BRYAN were all out in service and the Revolutionary War, that this she only knows from being a neighbor to them and knowing therefore that they were off months at a time under officers in the service. The deponent further says that she has a distinct recollection when WILLIAM BRYAN heretofore described returned home from service at Wilmington that he was badly marked with smallpox, which he had while then absent under Captain GRIFFIN, who Captain Griffin, though she never saw, that she remembers still she remembers him well by name and service. She further says that there can be no doubt but the said WILLIAM BRYAN of Mill Creek, who is now, as she understands, applying for a pension, is the identical WILLIAM who did Service as aforesaid in the Revolutionary War. Sworn to and subscribed before me JAMES HODGES Justice of the Peace ANNA HOBBY {her x mark} Page 27 of 38 ** PAGE BREAK ** War, Rev, Pension, William Bryan S6699 I certify that I live within three miles of ANNA HOBBY who deposeth as above the for me. That I have not a doubt of her being as old as she is, I have known her well to have astonishing mind and memory for both seem to be as good as they ever were. I have no doubt of the truth of the foregoing deposition. Given under my hand, date above JAMES HODGES Justice of the Peace Page 28 of 38 ** PAGE BREAK ** War, Rev, Pension, William Bryan S6699 WILLIAM BRYAN Deceased North Carolina Act 7th of June 1832 Bryan administrator 8 months private $26.66 to 11th of February 1846 when he died To ASA H., JANET, JOSEPH, ELIZA, and ALICE BRYAN, and JOANNA THORNTON; only children T. L. & A. THO. SMITH, present Page 29 of 38 ** PAGE BREAK ** War, Rev, Pension, William Bryan S6699 State of North Carolina Johnston County I, PETER LEE, am now in my 74th year of age and certify that I was raised in the same neighbor with WILLIAM BRYAN. That I have known him all ways and believe that he was a soldier in the Revolutionary War and that he has been so reputed and believed since that period. PETER LEE Sworn to and subscribed to the 29th day of April, 1845 before me. JOHN Q. ADAMS, JP State of North Carolina Johnston County I JESSE ADAMS, a minister of the gospel residing now and was born and raised in this neighborhood where WILLIAM BRYAN has lived from my earliest recollection. That I am myself in my 60th year of age. That I have always been well acquainted with him and believe him to be as old as he states in the above declaration, viz, 84 years of age. That he as always been reputed and believed in this neighborhood to have rendered service in the Revolution. JESSE ADAMS Sworn to and subscribed before me this the 2nd day of May A. D. 1845. JOHN Q. ADAMS, JP Page 30 of 38 ** PAGE BREAK ** War, Rev, Pension, William Bryan S6699 State of North Carolina Johnston County I do hereby certify that JESSE ADAMS, who has signed the foregoing certificate is a minister of the gospel residing in the county of Johnston and the neighborhood of WILLIAM BRYAN, whose name is to the foregoing declaration . That said ADAMS has been, for many years, as well as the last representative in the state legislature from this county, and that he is a worthy, credible man and that his statement is entitled to all credit. And I also certify that PETER LEE is a resident of the county of Sampson, but within less than a mile of the Johnston line, and in the immediate neighborhood of WILLIAM BRYAN, as aforesaid, and that he is also a worthy and credible man and that his statements are entitled to all credit. Given under my hand and seal this 2nd day of May, A. D. 1845. JOHN Q. ADAMS, JP Page 31 of 38 ** PAGE BREAK ** War, Rev, Pension, William Bryan S6699 State of North Carolina Johnston County I, THOMAS BAGLEY, clerk of the court of pleas and quarter sessions for the county and state aforesaid, do hereby certify that JOHN Q. ADAMS whose name appears to the foregoing affidavit and certificate is an acting Justice of the Peace for said County and a member of our special court for said and that the signature purporting to be his is genuine. Given under my hand and seal of office June 4th of June 1845. THOMAS BAGLEY, Clerk Page 32 of 38 ** PAGE BREAK ** War, Rev, Pension, William Bryan S6699 1932 Jan 20 History to MRS. JOHN N. PHARR, Ill. 1939 Jan 5 History to J. D. TILLMAN, JR., Ill. Rev War 6699 INVALID File No. 6699 WILLIAM BRYAN Pri. Rev. War Act June 7th, 1832 Index: Vol A, Page 44 Page 33 of 38 ** PAGE BREAK ** War, Rev, Pension, William Bryan S6699 Weeks, LA November 30, 1931 Director of Pensions, Washington, DC Dear Sirs, I am seeking the Revolutionary War record of one WILLIAM BRYAN. He is described as being of Johnston County, North Carolina; and his wife was ELIZABETH SMITH. Do the pension records include his name? Any information you might give me, will be deeply appreciated. Cordially, Mrs. JOHN N. PHARR Received December 4, 1931 Page 34 of 38 ** PAGE BREAK ** War, Rev, Pension, William Bryan S6699 DEMENT PRINTING COMPANY Lithographers PRINTERS * BINDERS * ENGRAGERS * OFFICE SUPPLIES WE SELL EVERYTHING FOR THE OFFICE G. F. METAL DESKS DE LUX ALUMINUM CHAIRS LOOSE LEAF LEDGERS FILING CABINETS AND DEVICES Meridian, MS November 19, 1938 Credit Department J. D. TILLMAN, JR., Manager Veterans Administration Washington, DC My great-grandfather, WILLIAM BRYAN, lived in Johnston County, North Carolina, and I understand you have on file pension application and papers covering pension #S- 6699 of WILLIAM BRYAN. Will appreciate very much if you will send me transcript of the record. Yours respectfully, J. D. TILLMAN, JR. 1924 34th Avenue Meridian, Miss Page 35 of 38 ** PAGE BREAK ** War, Rev, Pension, William Bryan S6699 January 20th 1932 Mrs. JOHN W. PHARR Weeks, Louisiana Dear madam: Reference is made to your letter relative to William Bryan, a soldier of the Revolutionary War. The data furnished herein is obtained from the papers on file in pension claim, S. 6699, based on the service of WILLIAM BRYAN and the record of the is the record of the only soldier that name of Johnston County North Carolina found in the Revolutionary War records of this office. WILLIAM BRYAN was born August 3rd 1760 and was the son of LEWIS BRYAN who lived in the southern extremity of Johnston County, North Carolina, on Mill Creek. While living at that place, WILLIAM BRYAN and listed in 1778 and served five months as private in Captain JOHN WHITLEY's North Carolina company. From the expiration of this service until sometime in 1780 or 1781, he belonged to the “minute service”, serving on short tours of 10 days or less, whenever called upon, exact length of service not given, and was with the North Carolina troops under Captain RAIFORD and ASA BRYAN (soldiers brother), and JOHN BRYAN (soldiers brother), who served as an officer, rank not given, and Colonel NEEDHAM BRYAN (no relationship to the soldier was stated). He next enlisted in 1781 as sergeant and Captain EDMUND GRIFFIN's company, in Colonel NEEDHAM BRYAN's North Carolina regiment, and was discharged soon after the capture of Cornwallis in Yorktown, having served at least three months. He applied for a pension April 26th, 1845, well it resident of Johnston County, North Carolina. The claim was allowed. In December, 1845, it was stated that WILLIAM BRYAN of Mill Creek was living within two or three miles of his birthplace. He died February 11th, 1846 and was survived by the following children: ASA H. BRYAN, JANET BRYAN, JOSEPH BRYAN, ELIZA BRYAN, ALICE BRYAN and JOANNA [JOANNAH] THORNTON. The name of the Soldier's wife was not given and she did not survive him. Page 36 of 38 ** PAGE BREAK ** War, Rev, Pension, William Bryan S6699 The soldier stated in 1845 that is Father raised only three sons: ASA who was born in 1750 and died in Johnston County, North Carolina, “upwards of 20 years ago”, leaving a widow, ANN BRYAN, who then lived in Cumberland County North Carolina; JOHN who was born in 1753 and died in Georgia “upwards of 30 years ago”; and himself, WILLIAM BRYAN. Very truly yours, A. D. Hiller, Assistant to the administrator In 1845, the soldier referred to two other Bryan families living in Johnston County, North Carolina, one living in the middle part of the county and the other in the extreme North. He stated that another WILLIAM BRYAN, who served during the revolution, belonged to family in the northern part was deceased. Page 37 of 38 ** PAGE BREAK ** War, Rev, Pension, William Bryan S6699 ###### # # ##### ####### # # ##### ####### # # # # ## ## # # # ## # # # # # ## ## # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # ###### # # # # #### ##### # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # ## ### # # # # # # ###### # # ##### ####### # # ### ##### ####### # # Transcribed from original documents by Brent R. Bryan & Martha M. Bryan. 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. Bryan Martha M. Bryan BrianMitchellGenealogy@gmail.com Page 38 of 38 ** PAGE BREAK **