War Revolution WILLIAM BRYANT W. 5916 NC BRYANT WILLIAM 5916 BRYANT PATIENCE 2360 100 Page 1 of 48 ** PAGE BREAK ** War Revolution WILLIAM BRYANT W. 5916 Georgia PATIENCE BRYANT, widow of WILLIAM, died in 1828 in the State of North Carolina who was a musician in the company commanded by Captain ALLEN of the 2nd regiment in the North Carolina Continental line. … for 1 year as musician $44.00 … for 1 year as a private $40.00 Inscribed in the role of Georgia at the rate of $84 per annum to commence on the 4th day of March 1831 and end the 18th of December 1844. Certificate of pension issue the 22nd day of October 1851 and sent to THOMAS GREEN, present. Arrears to the 4th of semiannual allowance ending Revolutionary claim Act July 4th 1836 Recorded A. H. MACKLAND Clerk, Book D, Volume 2, Page 386 Page 2 of 48 ** PAGE BREAK ** War Revolution WILLIAM BRYANT W. 5916 PATIENCE BRYANT Georgia Act 4th July 1836 ==================== Declaration In order to obtain the benefit of the Third section of the act of Congress of July 4th 1836. State of Georgia Gwinnett County This 23rd day of March 1844 personally appeared before me, the subscribing Justice of the Inferior Court and for the county and state aforesaid, the same being a court of record, Mrs. PATIENCE BRYANT, a resident of said County and State, aged 88 years, and being first duly sworn according to law doth on her oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the pension made by the act of Congress preferred July 4th 1836. That she is widow of WILLIAM BRYANT of the county of Jackson and state aforesaid The Identical person who was a pensioner by law of the United States under the Act of Congress the 18th of March 1818 at the rate $96.00 per annum at Morgan County Georgia. That said WILLIAM BRYANT was a private in the war of the Revolution at the Virginia Continental line and for proof of his service she refers to the evidence by which he was pensioned. And this deponent further states that he, the aforesaid WILLIAM BRYANT, died on the 11th day of September 1828 in Jackson County Georgia And this deponent further declares she was married to the said WILLIAM BRYANT July 1780 in Nash County North Carolina by a Justice of the Peace, EDWARD MOORE, Esquire, in the said County and state aforesaid. That they resided in said County and State for the space of ___ years when they removed from thence to Morgan County were they resided until the winter of 1821 or 1822 and removed from there to Jackson County Georgia where her husband died on the 11th day of September 1828 aforesaid From Jackson County she this deponent removed of the county of Gwinnett, where she now resides. That she has no documentary evidence of their having been married as aforesaid the bonds of marriage having been published. That she has no record in her family bible. That she knows no person living who could testify of the fact, other than DIANAH YOUNG of Hall County Georgia. That she has remained a widow ever since the period of her husband's death. Page 3 of 48 ** PAGE BREAK ** War Revolution WILLIAM BRYANT W. 5916 All of which will more fully appear by reference to the proof hereunto annexed. PATIENCE BRYANT {her mark} Sworn to and subscribed the day and date above written before me, a Justice of the Inferior Court of Gwinnett County Georgia. I further certify that from bodily infirmity Mrs. PATIENCE BRYANT was unable to attend court. In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand this 23rd day of March 1841. JOHN C. WHITWORTH, J. P. Gwinnett County Georgia ==================== State of Georgia Gwinnett County Be it remembered that on the 23rd of March 1844 personally appeared before me, JOHN C. WHITWORTH a Justice of the Inferior Court of law, in and for the county aforesaid WILLIAM BRYANT a resident of said County and state aged 55 years who being first duly sworn according to law doth, on his oath, make the following statement. That before that the before described WILLIAM BRYANT died in Jackson County Georgia on the 11th day of September 1828 leaving PATIENCE BRYANT his widow and that she is still his widow and resides in Gwinnett County Georgia. WILLIAM BRYANT {his mark} Sworn to and subscribed on the day and date here unto written before me and I further certify that WILLIAM BRYANT is a reputable person this 23rd day of March 1844 JOHN C. WHITWORTH, J. P. Gwinnett County Georgia Page 4 of 48 ** PAGE BREAK ** War Revolution WILLIAM BRYANT W. 5916 State of Georgia Gwinnett County Be it known that on the 23rd day of March 1844 before -- JOHN C. WHITWORTH a Justice of the Inferior Court of law, in and for the county aforesaid personally appeared PETER E. MCMILLAN age -- years and John -- -- Could -- alen yara aged -- years who being first duly sworn according to law doth on their oath make the following statements That day became acquainted with the aforesaid WILLIAM BRYANT and PATIENCE BRYANT sometime -- the year 1822 and were eventually informed that they removed from Morgan County Georgia That they lived peaceably together -- man and wife and were reported -- such -- their reputed -- such -- their neighborhood where they have resided since their acquaintance with them and concur -- that opinion They further say that the -- said WILLIAM BRYANT died -- Jackson County Georgia leaving the aforesaid PATIENCE BRYANT -- his widow and that she -- still his widow and resides of the county of Gwinnett and the State of Georgia PETER E. MCMILLAN JOHN MAYNARD {his mark} Sworn to and subscribe the date first written above before -- further certify that misters Peter -- McMullen and JOHN MAYNARD mineya -- respectable persons and credible Witnesses this 23rd day of March 1844 JOHN C. WHITWORTH, J. P. Gwinnett County Georgia Page 5 of 48 ** PAGE BREAK ** War Revolution WILLIAM BRYANT W. 5916 State of Georgia Gwinnett County Inferior Court sitting for ordinary purposes the Declaration of Mrs. PATIENCE BRYANT for a pension under the Act of Congress of 4th of July 1836 duly certified by JOHN C. WHITWORTH a Justice of the Inferior Court of Gwinnett County on the 7th day of May 1844 having been submitted to the court it does appear his act and proceeding and and hand. Direct the clerk to endorse his approval of the papers. May 7th 1844 ATTEST RILEY S. BAKER, C. I. C. RICHARD D. WINN, J. P. C. SAMUEL C. DUNLAP, J. P. C. LEVI LOVELESS, J. P. C. ==================== Georgia Gwinnett County JOHN C. WHITWORTH an acting Justice of the said Court duly commissioned and legally qualified and that the foregoing signatures purporting to be his are genuine and that the foregoing are the original proceedings in the matter of Mrs. PATIENCE BRYANT the applicant for a pension under the Act of Congress of the 4th of July 1836 as presented to said Court by the Justice JOHN C. WHITWORTH and thus the foregoing is the original order of the said Court approving the the acts and proceedings of the Justice JOHN C. WHITWORTH. In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of said Court the 7th day of May 1844. RILEY S. BAKER, C. I. C. Page 6 of 48 ** PAGE BREAK ** War Revolution WILLIAM BRYANT W. 5916 State of Georgia Jackson County Be it known that on this 3rd day of November 1845 before me JOHN G. HOUSE a Justice of the Peace in and for the said County personally appeared JAMES BRYANT a resident of said County formerly a resident of Gwinnett County state aforesaid who being first duly sworn saith on oath that he was always understanding and verily believes the following statement is true viz: That he is the son of WILLIAM and PATIENCE BRYANT and was born in Nash County State of North Carolina on the 23rd day of July 1786 and that he had five sisters older than himself that died while small. That he has frequently heard his father late in his lifetime that he enlisted in Captain ALLEN's company and served in the war of the Revolution as musician and after serving something over a year returned home to Nash County North Carolina and hired his brother SAMUEL BRYANT to substitute and serve in his room for several months and that while his said brother SAMUEL was substituted in his room the said father WILLIAM BRYANT married PATIENCE STRICKLAND his said mother in the month of July 1780 in Nash County North Carolina and 14 months and 10 days after their marriage their first child was born. That according to his understanding his said father, WILLIAM BRYANT, returned to his company about the first of the year 1781 and faithfully served out his term of enlistment and returned home to Nash County after peace was made in 1783. That the month of November 1784 a second daughter was born which died on the 4th of December following, he has often heard his said mother of late years relate and that deponent was their next child and born on the day aforesaid according to his understanding and belief and that he has no record of his age. That he is the identical person who obtained a bounty warrant from the United States for the Revolutionary service of his deceased father, as aforesaid, through his attorney John Green, as one of the heirs of WILLIAM BRYANT who was a musician and private in the North Carolina line during the war of the Revolution. JAMES BRYANT {his mark} Sworn to and subscribed the day and year first named before me. In the presence of PETER E. MCMILLAN JOHN G. HOUSE, J. P. I further certify that JAMES BRYANT is respectable person of strong recollection and generally very accurate in recollecting dates, although illiterate, that he personally known to me of doubted veracity. In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand this 8th day of November 1845. JOHN G. HOUSE, J. P. Page 7 of 48 ** PAGE BREAK ** War Revolution WILLIAM BRYANT W. 5916 State of Georgia Jackson County Before me, the subscriber, a Justice of the Peace in and for the said County, personally appeared WILLIAM BRYANT and being duly sworn saith that JAMES BRYANT foregoing affiant is his eldest brother, and the eldest reputed child of WILLIAM and PATIENCE BRYANT. He was the second child of the said WILLIAM and PATIENCE BRYANT and according to his understanding the deponent was born on the 21st day of December 1788. WILLIAM BRYANT {his mark} Sworn to and subscribed on the day and year mentioned the 3rd of November 1845, before me. I further certify that WILLIAM BRYANT is a man of truth and veracity. JOHN G. HOUSE, J. P. In the presence of PETER E. MCMILLAN ==================== State of Georgia JOHN J. MCCULLOCH Clerk of the Inferior court and of law in and for the county of Jackson do hereby certify that JOHN G. HOUSE is justice as above and that the foregoing signatures purporting to be his are genuine. In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and private seal, having no seal of office, this 4th day of November 1845. JOHN J. MCCULLOCH, Clerk {seal} ==================== State of Georgia I certify that JOHN J. MCCULLOCH is a clerk of the Inferior Court of Jackson County and that the above is his genuine signature, I believe, this 10th day of December 18th. NOEL COBB, M. C. Page 8 of 48 ** PAGE BREAK ** War Revolution WILLIAM BRYANT W. 5916 State of Georgia Hall County This the 11th day of October 1851 in open court personally appeared WILLIAM BRYANT and made oath in due form of law. That he is the son of WILLIAM BRYANT, deceased, who, the deponent alleges, from his earliest recollection understood he was a soldier of the war of the Revolution in the North Carolina Continental line or State Troops. That his father WILLIAM BRYANT died on October 1831 leaving as widow. deponent's mother, PATIENCE BRYANT, who survived him and remained his widow up to her death which occurred on the 18th day of December 1844. That she died leaving only four children, to wit: WILLIAM BRYANT; JAMES BRYANT; MARTHA BRYANT; and MARY O'BRYAN formerly MARY BRYANT. WILLIAM BRYANT {his mark} Sworn to and subscribed before me this day and date above written. JAMES ROBERTS, J. I. C GUILFORD G. THOMPSON, J. I. C EDWARD GOODE, J. I. C ==================== State of Georgia Hall County The undersigned justices of the Inferior Court of law Court of law, in and for the county aforesaid, do hereby certify that this factory evidence has been exhibited to said Court: That WILLIAM BRYANT died in October 1831 leaving a widow, PATIENCE BRYANT, who survived him and remained his widow up to the 18th day of December, it being the day of her death. That she died leaving only four children, to wit: WILLIAM BRYANT JAMES BRYANT MARTHA BRYANT and MARY O'BRYAN formerly MARY BRYANT. Given under our hands and seals this 11th day of October 1851. JAMES ROBERTS, J. I. C. GUILFORD G. THOMPSON, J. I. C. EDWARD GOODE, J. I. C. Page 9 of 48 ** PAGE BREAK ** War Revolution WILLIAM BRYANT W. 5916 State of Georgia Hall County WILLIAM P. SMITH, Clerk of the Inferior Court of law, in and for the county and state aforesaid, the same being a court of record do hereby certify: That JAMES ROBERTS, GUILFORD G. THOMPSON, and EDWARD GOODE, whose genuine signatures appear on the above certificate, are Judges of the said Court, duly commissioned and qualified. That full faith and credit should be given all their official acts as such. Given under my hand at the seal of said Court this 11th day of October 1851. WILLIAM P. SMITH, Clerk Page 10 of 48 ** PAGE BREAK ** War Revolution WILLIAM BRYANT W. 5916 Revolutionary War records section 525 Department of the interior Bureau of Pensions Washington Wf5916 Reply to your request ________, received ________ for a statement of military history for WILLIAM BRYANT a soldier of the Revolutionary War, you'll find below the desired information is contained in his widows application for pension on file in this bureau. +------------+-----------+----------+---------------+---------------+-------+ | DATES | LENGTH | RANK | OFFICERS UNDER WHOM SERVED | STATE | | ENLISTMENT | SERVICE | | CAPTAIN | COLONEL | | +------------+-----------+----------+---------------+---------------+-------+ | 1777 | end of | Private | ALLEN | | | | | war | Musician | | | | +------------+-----------+----------+---------------+---------------+-------+ Battles engaged: Residence of soldier: Enlistment: Date of application for pension: of March 23rd 1844 Residence date application: Gwinnett County Georgia Age date application: She was 88 years old Remarks: Married July 1780 in Nash County North Carolina PATIENCE STRICKLAND and died September 11th 1828 in Jackson County Georgia Children: JAMES born July 23rd 1786 in Nash County, North Carolina WILLIAM WARREN December 21st 1788 MARTHA and MARY whose name was O'BRYAN in 1851. His widow PATIENCE died December 18th 1844 and she named the above named children survived her. JAMES alleged he has two sisters, older than himself, who died when they were small. Brother SAMUEL BRYANT. Respectfully Commissioner Page 11 of 48 ** PAGE BREAK ** War Revolution WILLIAM BRYANT W. 5916 January 24th 1903 MISS MARY KAY PEARSON Ithaca, New York 1915 December 8th history MISS FLORRIE JARRELL ==================== 5916 Revolutionary widow, & c. File No. 5916 PATIENCE BRYANT, widow WILLIAM BRYANT private North Carolina line Act July 4th 17th 1836 Index: Vol. A. Page: 83 Page 12 of 48 ** PAGE BREAK ** War Revolution WILLIAM BRYANT W. 5916 State of Georgia Gwinnett County Be it known that the 13th day of January 1845 before me, ADAM POOL, a Justice of the Peace in and for the county aforesaid, personally appeared WILLIAM BRYANT a resident of said County and stated age 56 years who being first duly sworn according to law doth on his oath make the following statement: That he has always understood and believed that he is the son of WILLIAM BRYANT and PATIENCE BRYANT and was born in Nash County State of North Carolina on the 21st day of December 1788. And deponent further states that he has understood and believed that his father, the said WILLIAM BRYANT, was a musician in the war of the Revolution. And that he enlisted for the term 5 years or during the war and served in Captain ALLEN's company in the regiment of the North Carolina Continental Line of the United States Army. And deponent further states that the said WILLIAM BRYANT, his father died, in Jackson County, formerly, now Gwinnett County, Georgia, in the year 1828, leaving his mother, the said PATIENCE BRYANT, as his widow. And that she was first apprized, in the year 1842, that she was entitled to pension under the Act of Congress of the 4th of July 1836. And in order to procure her pension she would have to prove her identity and the services of her husband, the said WILLIAM BRYANT. And that his mother, the said PATIENCE BRYANT, was of the opinion that her husband, the said WILLIAM BRYANT, drew a pension as a resident of Morgan County, Georgia, and supposed that she could obtain documentary proof of his services from the clerk's office of said County, supposing that a copy of his declaration was on file in said office, but was advised to address the agent for paying pensions in Savannah, State of Georgia, of the subject and was informed, to this deponent's knowledge, from that source that WILLIAM BRYANT, of Morgan County, State of Georgia, was a pensioner of the United States on the role of the Georgia agency under the act of Congress the 18th of March 1818 at the rate of $96.00 per annum and was dropped under the Act of 1820, for services rendered at the Virginia Continental line of the United States Army. And that his declaration was on file and the pension office in Washington City. And that by referring to his declaration it would be satisfactory proof of his services of her husband, the said WILLIAM BRYANT. And that his mother, the said PATIENCE BRYANT, after receiving the above named information was confirmed of her opinion that her husband was a pensioner and in accordance with her belief made application for a pension under the Act of Congress of the 4th of July 18th and set forth in her declaration that she could prove her marriage by DIANAH YOUNG of Hall County State of Georgia. Page 13 of 48 ** PAGE BREAK ** War Revolution WILLIAM BRYANT W. 5916 That when she made the application to the said DIANAH YOUNG she was found to be from old age an incompetent witness. She then applied to ROBERT YOUNG, another old acquaintance, and was informed by him that her husband WILLIAM BRYANT was a musician in the North Carolina Continental line and service under Captain ALLEN in the 10th regiment, he had always understood and believed. That his mother, the said PATIENCE BRYANT, then recollected to have heard her husband, the said WILLIAM, relate that he served as musician under Captain ALLEN about 12 months from 1777 and was then reduced to private and served to the end of the war as private and was entitled land Bounty, which he had never received for his services at the North Carolina line. That his mother, the said PATIENCE, being convinced that she had made a false declaration applied to the clerk's office of Morgan County Georgia for information and was informed that her husband was a pensioner of said County from the year 1816 to the year 1819 when he was dropped or removed from said County. That his mother, the said PATIENCE, then made a second declaration describing her husband, the said WILLIAM BRYANT, deceased, services from her best recollection and belief and proffered the same to THOMAS GREEN Esquire of Richmond with instructions to him to withdraw her first declaration and file her last, which she supposed he could do, making the necessary explanation before her first declaration was acted upon and filed. WILLIAM BRYANT {his mark} Sworn to and subscribed on the day and year first written before. I further certify that WILLIAM BRYANT the affiant is a reputable person. In presence of PETER E. MCMILLAN SALATHILL HAYS ADAM POOL, J. P. Page 14 of 48 ** PAGE BREAK ** War Revolution WILLIAM BRYANT W. 5916 State of Georgia Gwinnett County Be it known that on the third day of January 1845 before me, ADAM POOL, a Justice of the Peace in and for the said county aforesaid, personally appeared PETER E. MCMILLAN Esquire, a resident of Jackson County State of Georgia who being duly sworn deposit and saith that he became acquainted with WILLIAM BRYANT, deponent, and PATIENCE BRYANT, immediately after they removed to and settled in Jackson County Georgia which was, he believes, in the year 1821 or 1822. and that he has frequently heard the said WILLIAM assert that he was a soldier in the ware of the revolution and that he was generally as such so far as deponent knows. And that he, deponent, was called on for a certificate of acquaintance when she made application for a pension under the under the Act of Congress of the 4th of July 1836. And was personally present when she made her first declaration for a pension under said act and believes that foregoing statement of WILLIAM BRYANT, her son, is a faithful explanation why she claimed her husband WILLIAM BRYANT is the identical person who was a pensioner of the United States under the Act of Congress of March 1848 at Morgan County, State of Georgia. PETER E. MCMILLAN Sworn to and subscribed on the day and year above written, before me. I further certify that PETER E. MCMILLAN is a reputable person and a credible witness. The 15th day of July 1845 ADAM POOL ==================== State of Georgia Gwinnett County RILEY S. BAKER, Clerk of the Inferior court and for the county aforesaid certify that ADAM POOL, an acting Justice of the Peace for the county aforesaid duly commissioned and legally qualified and that the foregoing signatures purporting to be his are genuine. Given under my hand and seal of office this 16th day of January 1845. RILEY S. BAKER, C. I. C. Page 15 of 48 ** PAGE BREAK ** War Revolution WILLIAM BRYANT W. 5916 Georgia Gwinnett County Inferior Court setting for ordinary purposes January term 1845 Present The Honorable RICHARD D. WINN, D. N. PITTMAN and JOHN C. WHITWORTH, justices. It is hereby ordered to be certified that the following facts have been proffered to said court satisfactorily viz. That WILLIAM BRYANT who, it is said, was a soldier of the war of the Revolution at the North Carolina Continental line, died in said County and State of the ___ day of ___ in 1828 intestate leaving his children, WILLIAM BRYANT, JAMES BRYANT, MARY BRYANT, and MARTHA BRYANT, the only surviving heirs according the statutes of Georgia. ==================== Georgia Gwinnett County High SAMUEL F. ALEXANDER, Clerk of the Court of ordinary for said County, to certify that the above order was issued by said court and ordered to be entered on the minutes of said court and in testimony thereof I have here on to set my hand and seal of office this 13th day of January 1845. SAMUEL F. ALEXANDER, C. C. O. ==================== Know all men by these presents that we, WILLIAM BRYANT and JAMES BRYANT of the county of Jackson and State of Georgia and MARY BRYANT and MARTHA BRYANT of the county of Gwinnett and State of Georgia do hereby constitute and appoint THOMAS GREEN of Richmond Virginia our true and lawful attorney in fact with power of substitution to ask and receive from the Secretary of War of the United States a warrant for the land Bounty due in right of the services of WILLIAM BRYANT in the North Carolina Continental line of the army of the revolution and to deposit said warrant in the General Land Office at Washington for land script which he is authorized to receive, sell, and assign. As witness our hands and seals 13th day of January 1845. WILLIAM BRYANT {seal {his mark}} JAMES BRYANT {seal {his mark}} MARY BRYANT {seal her mark} MARTHA BRYANT {seal her mark} Signed, sealed, and delivered in the presence of PETER E. MCMILLAN SALATHILL HAYS ADAM POOL Page 16 of 48 ** PAGE BREAK ** War Revolution WILLIAM BRYANT W. 5916 ==================== State of Georgia Gwinnett County This day personally appeared before me, the subscriber, a Justice of the Peace in and for the county aforesaid, WILLIAM BRYANT, JAMES BRYANT, MARY BRYANT, and MARTHA BRYANT the signers and sealers of the foregoing power of attorney and acknowledged the same to be their act and deed for the purposes therein named, being duly sworn according to law, states that he has been informed: That his father, the said WILLIAM BRYANT, deceased, was an enlisted soldier for the period of 5 years, or during the war of the revolution, in the North Carolina Continental line. The name of the regiment and corp is not known. That he faithfully served out the period of his enlistment. That he never at any time during his life as an affiant believes received a warrant from the United States for the Bounty Land due him, neither did he ever transfer or assign his right to the same to any manner whatsoever. This affiant knows that he has never received or transferred or assigned his right to the same in any manner whatsoever and that he is not believe that either of the other heirs have done so. WILLIAM BRYANT {his mark} Sworn to and subscribed and acknowledged before me this 13th day of January 1845. A. POOL, J. P. in presence of PETER E. MCMILLAN SALATHILL HAYS ==================== State of Georgia Gwinnett County I, RILEY S. BAKER, Clerk of the Inferior Court in and for the county of four said, certify that ADAM POOL is a acting Justice of the Peace for said County duly commissioned and legally qualified and that the foregoing signatures purporting to be his are genuine. Given under my hand and seal of office this 13th day of January 1845 RILEY S. BAKER, C. I. C. Page 17 of 48 ** PAGE BREAK ** War Revolution WILLIAM BRYANT W. 5916 PATIENCE BRYANT Georgia Jas? 1836 MR. COLE I presume W. TRIPLETT September 16th 1851 examined by T. LUMPKIN September 17th 1851 ==================== State of Georgia Gwinnett County Be it known that on the 6th day of October 1844 before me JOHN C. WHITWORTH a Justice of the Inferior Court in aforesaid County personally appeared ROBERT YOUNG a resident of Hall County Georgia aged 76 years past who being first duly sworn according to law doth on his oath make the following statement. That he, this deponent, was well acquainted with Mr. WILLIAM and Mrs. PATIENCE BRYANT in Nash County North Carolina and in the State of South Carolina and Georgia. That he first became acquainted with them in the year 1784 when they removed near where this deponent’s father then resided in Nash County. That they live together peaceably as man and wife and were reputed as such in their neighborhood from and before his first acquaintance with them. And sometime prior to the close of the Year 1784 their second child was born. And further this deponent states that the said WILLIAM BRYANT was reputed to have been a soldier in the war of the revolution and that this deponent has a distinct recollection of the said WILLIAM BRYANT's reputation as a musician in the war of the revolution and was informed by said WILLIAM and other creditable witnesses that he enlisted and served under Captain ALLEN as a musician in the North Carolina Continental line. And this deponent further states that he is incredibly informed that the said WILLIAM BRYANT died in Jackson County, formerly now Gwinnett County Georgia, leaving PATIENCE BRYANT as his widow. ROBERT YOUNG {his mark} sworn to and subscribed on the day and date above written before me and I further certify that Mr. ROBERT YOUNG is personally known to me and is a respectable person and credible witness. This sixth day of October 1844 JOHN C. WHITWORTH, J. J. C. of Gwinnett County Georgia Done in the presence of SAMUEL YOUNG Page 18 of 48 ** PAGE BREAK ** War Revolution WILLIAM BRYANT W. 5916 State of Georgia Gwinnett County Before me, JOHN C. WHITWORTH, Justice of the Inferior Court of the said County, personally appeared WILLIAM BRYANT Jr. and sayeth on oath: That WILLIAM BRYANT Sr. died in Jackson County, Georgia on the __ day of __ 1828 leaving PATIENCE BRYANT as his widow. That she is still his widow. And that the aforesaid PATIENCE and WILLIAM BRYANT Sr. formerly resided in the State of North Carolina, Nash County, thence they removed to South Carolina from thence to Georgia, Morgan County, from thence to Jackson County formerly, Now Gwinnett County, Georgia. WILLIAM BRYANT Jr. {his mark} Sworn to and subscribe before me the 6th day of October 1844. JOHN C. WHITWORTH, J. I. C. Gwinnett County Georgia ==================== State of Georgia Gwinnett County Be it known that on the 6th day of October 1844 before me, JOHN C. WHITWORTH, a Justice of the Inferior Court Forsyth County, personally appeared PETER E. MCMILLAN and JOHN MAYNARD and being first duly sworn according to law doth on their Oaths make the following statement. That they became acquainted with WILLIAM and PATIENCE BRYANT about the year 18 21 or 1822 when they removed to the county of Jackson formerly, Now Gwinnett,. That the said WILLIAM BRYANT was reputed to have been a soldier in the war of the Revolution and drew land as such in the said land lottery of Georgia in conformity with the statutes of the said state they further say that the aforesaid WILLIAM BRYANT died on the __ day of __ 1828 leaving PATIENCE BRYANT, the applicant, as his widow and that she still is his widow. PETER E. MCMILLAN JOHN MAYNARD {his mark} sworn to and subscribed on the day and date above written before me. And I further certify that Mr. PETER E. MCMILLAN and JOHN MAYNARD are respectable persons and credible Witnesses. This 6 October 1844 JOHN C. WHITWORTH, J. J. C. Gwinnett County Georgia Page 19 of 48 ** PAGE BREAK ** War Revolution WILLIAM BRYANT W. 5916 State of Georgia Hall County Be it known that on the 25th day of July 1851 before me A. CLEGHORN, Justice of the Peace in aforesaid County, personally appeared CHARITY CHYLE resident of said County aged 82 years, a person whose statements are entitled to full credit, and after being duly sworn according to law makes the following statements. That she was born in the State of North Carolina, Nash County, in 1769. That she was raised in the immediate neighborhood of WILLIAM BRYANT and PATIENCE STRICKLAND. While she was quite small she thinks 10 or 12 years old she distinctly recollects of her father's coming home one day and telling her mother that WILLIAM BRYANT and PATIENCE STRICKLAND were married. That she never heard there said marriage questioned or contradicted. This deponent further States that the said WILLIAM and PATIENCE BRYANT resided near to her father's and that when she, this deponent, was about 16 or 17 years old, she was often at the house of said BRYANT's and that they had to or three children and were living together peaceably as husband and wife. She further states that when 18 years of age she removed to Georgia with her father's family and was married to John and Chyle when she was 19 years old. That she knew little of the said WILLIAM and BRYANT and PATIENCE BRYANT after coming to Georgia until they, the said BRYANT's, also moved to Georgia. That she then saw them frequently and knows that they lived peaceably together as husband and wife until the death of the said WILLIAM BRYANT. That she never heard anyone express a doubt but that the said WILLIAM and PATIENCE BRYANT were legally married as above stated. CHARITY CHYLE {her mark} sworn to And subscribe before me this 25th day of July 1851 A. CLEGHORN, J. P. attest ALLEN BLAKE Page 20 of 48 ** PAGE BREAK ** War Revolution WILLIAM BRYANT W. 5916 State of Georgia Hall County I, WILLIAM SITTON, Clerk of the Inferior Court in and for the county and state aforesaid to hear by certify that A. CLEGHORN is an acting Justice of the Peace Within aforesaid County and State duly commissioned and qualified and legally authorized to administer Oaths and that his signature above written is genuine. Given under my hand and seal of office at Gainesville on this 8th day of August A. D. 1851 WILLIAM SITTON, C. I. C. ==================== Honorable D. P. King March 3, 1849 letter Honorable D. King May 21st 1849 letter to Honorable D. P. King June 14th 1849 ==================== The Examiner will please answer early PATIENCE BRYANT WILLIAM Georgia A. D. 1836 ==================== to THOMAS GREEN October 5th 1844 same 14th 1845 ==================== December 18th 1845 PATIENCE BRYANT J. L. EDWARDS Commissioner of Pensions ==================== Washington DC December 18th 1845 Sir, I herein enclose further evidence in the case of Mrs. PATIENCE BRYANT of Georgia, widow of WILLIAM BRYANT for whose services she applied for a pension under the law of for July 1836. It is believed that these affidavits of her sons, JAMES and WILLIAM, when veracity is vouched for will prove conclusive in the case and her certificate issued at once. Her claim has been long-standing and the old lady prays ever yours very respectfully your obedient servant Nathan seake Honorable J. L. EDWARDS Commissioner of Pensions Page 21 of 48 ** PAGE BREAK ** War Revolution WILLIAM BRYANT W. 5916 Pension Office September 26th 1851 Sir, Under the instructions of the Secretary of interior I have carefully reexamine the case of PATIENCE BRYANT, widow of WILLIAM of Georgia, under the act of for July 1836, but can find nothing in it to authorize this department to grant a pension. It appears that an 1844 Mrs. BRYANT made a declaration in which she set forth that she is the widow of WILLIAM BRYANT, of Georgia, who was a pensioner under the act of 1818 at $96 per annum. for services rendered in the war of the Revolution, in the Virginia Continental line. Upon examination of her claim this was ascertained to be false. Subsequently, about 8 months afterwards, she made a supplemental declaration in which she avers that she is the widow of WILLIAM BRYANT who is a musician and private in the North Carolina Continental line from 1777 to 1785, the close of the war, for the service of the soldier who performed this duty these heirs have obtained a Bounty Land from this office, but this is not at all conclusive that the WILLIAM BRYANT of the North Carolina line was the husband of PATIENCE BRYANT. She claims to have been married in Nash County North Carolina in July 1780. This, then, must have been while he was in the service and there is nothing to show that his regiment was ever located in that vicinity or that he ever was absent from his regiment nor indeed does she, in either of her declarations, speak of having married her husband while he was in the service. An event of that kind would not likely have been forgotten by her. She no doubt married a WILLIAM BRYANT who has performed some service in the Revolutionary War, but it is very evident from all of the facts in the case that this was not the man. WILLIAM BRYANT is by no means an uncommon name, and there may have been half a dozen of them belonging to the regular army and militia of North Carolina, but, without the clearest evidence of identity no claim can be allowed. Very respectfully your obedient servant JOHN WILSON for commissioner THOMAS LUMPKIN, Esquire present Page 22 of 48 ** PAGE BREAK ** War Revolution WILLIAM BRYANT W. 5916 Washington DC September 28th 1851 Sir I have the honor to enclosed herewith Mr. Wilson the chief clerk's letter of the 26th instant in reply to my communication with the Honorable Secretary of the Department of the Interior calling up the case of Mrs. PATIENCE BRYANT of Georgia, widow of WILLIAM BRYANT, act 4th July 1836 and in accordance with your suggestion respectfully ??? to the summary manner in which my clients application has been treated by the examiner, who acted upon it, I do not complain even at the discourteous language used toward her, accusing her of having asserted a false claim. I desire now to call your attention, in as brief a manner as possible, to a few of the main points in the case which my memory serves me, to do by hasty examination of the papers. It is very true that the first application, made in March or April 1844, Mrs. BRYANT is made to say that she is the widow of WILLIAM BRYANT who was a pensioner under the act of 1818 at $96 per annum for services rendered in the Virginia Continental line. This error was fully explained in the subsequent declaration made in October 1844. Her Advanced age 85 years has a consequent ignorance to her husband in his lifetime being in the receipt of a pension or not should not prove fatal to all her hopes of ever obtaining the gratuity granted by a magnanimous and grateful county for valuable services rendered by her deceased husband, WILLIAM BRYANT. The papers and affidavits of MCMILLAN and others will sustain her evidentiary statements and, I trust, satisfy you that it was an error of the head and not the heart. She asserts in the subsequent declaration that her husband was a musician and served in the North Carolina line. In the examination of the subsequent claim she was required some 8 months before the proof could be supplied to produce record evidence of her husband's service. It was at last found and obtained by Mr. THOMAS GREEN who wrote to the secretary of State of North Carolina, see Mr. WILLIAM Hills certificate dated June 1845. This same WILLIAM BRYANT is found to have been entitled to land. His heirs are admitted to have applied for and receive the same. They are also admitted to be the children of Mrs. PATIENCE BRYANT, my client. This is of itself conclusive proof as to the service and identity and has always been regarded to be such in your office. The marriage, I regard, as being fully proven to have taken place prior to his leaving the service. Without naming several persons who testify on this point I beg leave to name the testimony of ROBERT YOUNG, who swears that he became acquainted with them in 1784. He states that they were living as man and wife and also swears their second child was born prior to the close of the war. Page 23 of 48 ** PAGE BREAK ** War Revolution WILLIAM BRYANT W. 5916 I respectfully submit this case to your favorable consideration and only claim for it that share of charity in it s investigation that is that its merits deserve. I have the honor to be, very respectfully your obedient servant THOMAS LUMPKIN Honorable J. E. HEATH, Commissioner of Pensions Page 24 of 48 ** PAGE BREAK ** War Revolution WILLIAM BRYANT W. 5916 September 23rd 1851 Washington DC September 18th 1851 THOMAS LUMPKIN appeals from the decision of the late Commissioner of Pensions in the case of PATIENCE BRYANT. Refer to the commissioner of Pensions for re-examination Department into September 22nd 1851 ==================== Washington DC September 18th 1851 Sir I have the honor to state that having filed in the pension office authority to examine the papers in the case of Mrs. PATIENCE BRYANT of Georgia, widow of WILLIAM BRYANT, act 4th of July 1836, and having done so in the most particular manner, pro and con, I had decided to state, in detail, the merits of this case for your consideration, but I shall forbear so doing and respectfully ask that the case may be re-examined upon this, my appeal, from the former decision of Colonel J. S. Edwards, late Commissioner of Pensions. I beg leave to call the attention of the pension Bureau, when the case is called up, to the explanatory statements of WILLIAM BRYANT, the son age 56 years in January 1845. Respecting his mother's error in the in having stated in her first declaration made in March 1844 that her husband drew a pension under the Act of 1818, this statement is clearly sustained by other facts in this case. I also invite the attention of the examiner to Mr. THOMAS GREEN's two letters of the 4th of April 1845 and the 15th of June 1845 summing up the merits of the case. I have also the honor to enclose, herewith, Colonel W. M. VARNUM's letter and an additional affidavit respecting the marriage all of which is most respective respectfully submitted. I have the honor to be Very respectfully your obedient servant THOMAS LUMPKIN Honorable A. H. H. STUART Secretary of the Department of the interior [Alexander Hugh Holmes Stuart] Page 25 of 48 ** PAGE BREAK ** War Revolution WILLIAM BRYANT W. 5916 June 4th 1845 WILLIAM BRYANT Washington 4th of June 1845 Colonel J. L. EDWARDS Sir enclosures is a certificate of WILLIAM HILL dated second June 1845 that WILLIAM BRYANT a musician in the North Carolina Continental line and Captain ALLEN's company 2nd regiment the? 1777 for the war and that he was a? Soldier 1778 received a land warrant for $640 Acres. This makes the evidence as his widow claim complete? Very Respectfully yours ==================== March 7th 1846 PATIENCE BRYANT ==================== Colonel J. L. EDWARDS Washington Received 2nd of March 1846 Sir I send enclosed this affidavit of JOHN BARKER of Alabama dated 14th of May 1845. Also of JOHN BROWN of Reuben County Alabama dated 17th January 1846 and of EPHRAIM BARKER of the same state dated 15th January 1846 to sustain the application of PATIENCE BRYANT, widow of WILLIAM, to a pension under the Act of 4 July 1836. Her children, as his heirs at law, received last year the US land bounty, thus his services and her identity are admitted. The only question is as to the time of their marriage. He was known to have been an actual service to the end of the war. Was she married before that time? The evidence heretofore filed was considered hardly sufficient. This, now sent, I hope will turn the scale of Justice. I am your obedient servant THOMAS GREEN Page 26 of 48 ** PAGE BREAK ** War Revolution WILLIAM BRYANT W. 5916 State of Georgia Gwinnett County Know all men by these presents that I, WILLIAM BRYANT, son of WILLIAM BRYANT deceased, who was a Revolutionary Soldier, and PATIENCE BRYANT, also deceased, who was the widow of said deceased WILLIAM BRYANT, who said widow in her lifetime made application for a pension for the services of said WILLIAM BRYANT, under Act of Congress 1836, or 1835, but owing to the stringent requirements of the commissioner of Pensions failed to obtain it. I do therefore constitute and appoint THOMAS LUMPKIN, of Washington City, my true and lawful attorney for me, in my name and stead, to examine into the declaration of my deceased mother and all papers and proofs on file in the pension office in regards to the claim and ascertain why she was not allowed a pension. Hereby ratifying and confirming all that my said attorney may lawfully do by virtue of these presents. WILLIAM BRYANT {seal, his mark} Given under my hand and seal this 30th day of August 1851 Signed sealed and delivered in the presence of JOHN CAIN, Sr. ADAM POOL, J. P. ==================== State of Georgia Lumpkin County On this, the 2nd day of September 1851, before me, the undersigned a notary public in and for the said County duly authorized by law to administer oaths, personally appeared AMZI RUDOLPH, a person whose statements are entitled to full credit and after being duly sworn, according to law, states that he was present and saw WILLIAM BRYANT make {his mark} to the foregoing and within power of attorney for the purposes there and mentioned. A. RUDOLPH Sworn tuned subscribe before me the day above written WILLIAM A. VARNUM, Notary public Given under my hand the 2nd day of September 1851 Page 27 of 48 ** PAGE BREAK ** War Revolution WILLIAM BRYANT W. 5916 Washington 18th June 1845 Colonel J. L. EDWARDS Commissioner Sir, Allow me, with the highest feelings of respect, to ask a ??? of your letter of the 14th of June suspending the claim of PATIENCE BRYANT under an act of 4th July 1836. It is a curious case, curious in the extraordinary evidences. But the final explanations are triumphant and complete and I rather exude a sympathy for the applicant in her lucky escape from the consequences of her blameless mistakes, made on the authority of the pension office of Georgia. When ??? recollections at the testimony of her neighbor, she mad an inaccurate statement of the facts in the case which your ??? examined in my presence. Yet, as they did not show WILLIAM BRYANT had ever been a musician during his first year service, as she alleged, I was required to produce the certificate from the secretary of State of North Carolina. I thought at the time it was a hard measure to exact such precise identity but complied with the order and the certificate when it came was so wonderfully exact and coincident with every statement of the applicant to its minutest details as evidently to ??? Instead of aiding the case by creating the impression that the record must have been examined before the declaration was drawn. Of course I cannot say this was not the case, but this I can say, I think from all I do know about it that the chances are at least a million to a unit that no such examination ever was made. With this unfavorable impression the case is taken up and she is now required to explain how it is that she could have been married to a soldier in the middle of the war (July 1780) at a point, Nash County, distant from the operations of his regiment. I think this requisition is a hard one, as, in the first place many, thousand soldiers were probably married in the midst of the war, very few of whom have in all probability been required to give any such declarations, and, if the history of the country to show that regiment was not in Nash County in July 1780, (which, I think, is rather taken for granted, rather than proved) yet for any one of the Thousand causes that might be assigned a part of the regiment, or a few individuals of it, might very probably have been stationed there. And when the services and identity are so fully proved it does seem to me that the only question remaining is was he married before the end of the war as the husband shown in to have been in service at that time. She swears to the date of the marriage July of 80 in Nash County and that her husband continued to the end of War, and that after his Services ended, they remained in Nash County years then removed so that he has no family and no documentary proof. Page 28 of 48 ** PAGE BREAK ** War Revolution WILLIAM BRYANT W. 5916 ROBERT YOUNG swears he knew them in 1784 as husband and wife in Nash County and that their second child was born that year that he had a distinct recollection of the BRYANT's informing him he had been a musician and Captain ALLEN's company. This statement gives weight to the affidavit, as we were forced to produce, the record from North Carolina which confirmed the witness statement precisely. This precise accuracy of the witness on the other points of this statement entitles him to reliance or ?? every regard to the date of the marriage and the birth of the second child in 1784. It will be born in mind that Mrs. BRYANT under statements from the pension office had stated that her husband services differently but this witness corrected her and the records verify his recollection. She is brought to a recollection of the question stated of the case by him amends her declaration accordingly, there being no second evidence, the proving the both of the second child and 1784 where the marriage must have been prior to the middle of 1783. Her other witness, DIANAH YOUNG [DIANA YOUNG], who was at the wedding, is [mentally unable]. She has no other proof I can get none and the coincidences do not satisfactorily establish her claims? Your obedient servant THOMAS GREEN Page 29 of 48 ** PAGE BREAK ** War Revolution WILLIAM BRYANT W. 5916 Pension Office September 29th 1851 Sir According to your request I have examined the case of PATIENCE BRYANT claiming a pension, under the act of July 4th 1836, and I am of the opinion that the claim should be allowed. A good deal of misconception appeared to have crept into the case, owing to an erroneous statement made by PATIENCE BRYANT in the first declaration, in which she asserted that her husband had been a soldier in the Continental line of Virginia when in fact, it would seem, his services were in the Continental line of North Carolina. The error and her statement appears to have been rectified by a witness who swears that he served in the North Carolina, and not in Virginia, line. Her children as the heirs of her husband, WILLIAM BRYANT, who served as a musician private in the North Carolina line applied to this office in 1845 and obtained the land warrant to which their father was entitled. In addition to this, the secretary of State of North Carolina certifies that WILLIAM BRYANT a musician and said line in Captain ALLEN's company of the 2nd regiment, entered the service in 1777 for the term of the war and was a private soldier in June 1778 A land warrant, for his services, was issued the 12th of March 1785 for 640 Acres. Mr. GORDON, at the head of the bounty land office, informed me that there was but one WILLIAM BRYANT returned, as enlisted to the land and that it was satisfactorily ascertained that the soldier, in when right of present parties claim, was the man. It is in evidence, by parole testimony, that in 1784 BRYANT and wife lived together and were recognized as such and that they had two children. This would seem to establish the date of the marriage to the year 1780 and which it was alleged to have taken place. The date of the death of PATIENCE BRYANT should be certified, under the seal of a court of record, and also the names and ages of the children who survived her, that we may know to whom the certificate should issue. Very respectfully your obedient servant F. H. DAVIDGE J. HEATH, Esquire Commissioner of Pensions Page 30 of 48 ** PAGE BREAK ** War Revolution WILLIAM BRYANT W. 5916 1853 April 27th Honorable ALEXANDER STEPHENS December 29th 1855 ==================== Declaration In order to obtain the benefit of the third section of the act of Congress of the 4th of July 1836 State of Georgia Gwinnett County on this the sixth day of October 1844 personally appeared before me and the subscriber a Justice of the Inferior court and in for the county of forest head the same being a court of record, this is PATIENCE BRYANT a resident of said County and state aged 88 years who being first dually sworn according to law on her oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the provision made by the act of the Congress passed July 4th 1836. That she is the widow of WILLIAM BRYANT who was a private soldier in the war Revolution in the North Carolina Continental line. That the said WILLIAM BRYANT enlisted as a musician and Captain ALLEN's company of the 2nd regiment in the year 1777 for and during the war and was made a private in the year 1778. That he served about 12 months as a musician and to the end of the war as a private. That she, the deponent, is unable to give a definite. Of his Services only as above stated. That she knows of no person living who could testify to the fact of the services rendered as a forehead and that she has no documentary evidence of the same. And this deponent further states that the said WILLIAM BRYANT died in 1828 in Gwinnett County Georgia. And this deponent further declares that she was legally married to the said WILLIAM BRYANT on July 170080 in Nash County North Carolina by a Justice of the Peace named EDWARD MOORE. That after the said WILLIAM BRYANT's term of service expired they resided in Nash County for the space of? Years and then removed from thence to South Carolina and from vents to Georgia, Morgan County, were they resided until the year 1820 and removed from thence to Jackson County, formerly, Now Gwinnett County Georgia where her husband died on the day of forehead. That she has no documentary evidence in her possession of there having been buried as a forested having no family register who could testify to that fact other than Diana Young of Hall County Georgia. That she has remained a widow ever since the. Of her husband's death and is still a widow of the aforesaid WILLIAM BRYANT. Page 31 of 48 ** PAGE BREAK ** War Revolution WILLIAM BRYANT W. 5916 All of which will more fully appear reference to proof hereunto annexed. PATIENCE BRYANT {her mark} Sworn to and subscribed on the day and date first written before me, a Justice of the Inferior Court of Gwinnett County, and I further certify that from bodily infirmity this is PATIENCE BRYANT is unable to attend court. In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand this 6th day of October 1844. JOHN C. WHITWORTH, J. J. C. Gwinnett County Georgia Page 32 of 48 ** PAGE BREAK ** War Revolution WILLIAM BRYANT W. 5916 Of no use See later Affidavit of 6th October 1844 I do not see why I need the above is as I can find no other affidavit ==================== State of Georgia Hall County Be it known that on the 16th day of June 1844 before me, JOHN ORR, a Justice of the Peace in aforesaid County, personally ROBERT YOUNG a resident of said Court and state aged 75 years past who being first duly sworn according to law doth on his oath make the following statement. That he was acquainted with WILLIAM BRYANT who was reputed to have been a soldier in the war of the revolution and PATIENCE BRYANT in Nash County North Carolina. That the first recollection that he this opponent has of them was in the year 1783 or 4 when they removed and resided in sight or near where this deponents father resided. That they lived together, peaceably, as man and wife from and before his first recollection of them and were reputed as such and generally reputed to have been legally married and he concurs in that opinion. And this opponent further States that he has seen the said WILLIAM BRYANT since he was resided in Georgia and was informed by him that he, the said WILLIAM, then resided in Morgan County Georgia. That he has not seen PATIENCE BRYANT since he, this deponent, removed from the State of North Carolina, but is credibly informed that she now lives in Georgia, Gwinnett County, and has resided there for several years past. ROBERT YOUNG {his mark} Attest JOHN H. KILGEN Sworn to and subscribed on the day and date above written before me, a Justice of the Peace in and for the county of Hall. And I further certify that Mr. ROBERT YOUNG, the declarant, is a reputable person and a credible witness. 1844. JOHN ORR, J. P. Page 33 of 48 ** PAGE BREAK ** War Revolution WILLIAM BRYANT W. 5916 State of Georgia Hall County I, JOHN N. MURRAY, Clerk of the Inferior Court in for the county aforesaid, certify that JOHN ORR is an acting Justice of the Peace in aforesaid County, duly commissioned and legally qualified and that the foregoing signatures, purporting to be his, are genuine. In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my seal of office and subscribe to my name this the 17th day of June 1844. JOHN N. MURRAY, Clerk ==================== April 14th 1853 honorable Commissioner of Pensions Dear Sir, I address you concerning the pension claim of Mrs. PATIENCE BRYANT, formerly PATIENCE STRICKLAND. The claim was first gotten up by myself and JOHN H. KILGORE, as agent for the widow, in her lifetime. We procured from the records of North Carolina sufficient to obtain her husband's land bounty. We then procured from the State of Alabama the testimony of JOHN BARKER and EPHRAIM BARKER and JOHN BROWN, all of Benton County Alabama. Mr. KILGORE, with these witnesses, was aiming to establish the marriage but as yet has not done so. The witnesses signing with Mr. KILGORE and myself intended to strengthen that evidence by proving the strength of his mind and memory of the evidence. The heirs of the BRYANT's were living on my Plantation at that time. Some time one of the BRYANT's was decoyed into Hall County, and in a fit of intoxication, signed some instrument, as I am informed, for BRYANT's unlearned and imprudent. There is a company concerned in it five of their names, of three of them, VARNUM, RUDOLPH an WATSON. The BRYANT's have received some small amount of money. I have ascertained the company has a friend at Washington. I write this not with the expectation of getting money, but to give my help to the government, if it is defrauded for. I cannot think the pension office would refuse Mr. KILGORE and myself the pension we had honestly earned, if had gave it to others who had not. And I also know that the witnesses were all dead, but VARNUM and his crowd had anything to do with it, and the claimant. Also I have had business with the war department and pension office and have been treated both politely and promptly. I refer you to Judge “HILLYER” from the 6th Congressional Georgia in Congress and also Governor COBB. My aim is only detect fraud, both the judge and governor are personal friends of mine. Your obedient servant Page 34 of 48 ** PAGE BREAK ** War Revolution WILLIAM BRYANT W. 5916 Please be so kind as to answer PETER E. MCMILLAN Direct to Mulberry post office Jackson County Georgia ==================== State of Alabama Benton County I MATTHEW M. HOUSTON Clerk of the county court of said County of Benton and State of Alabama to hereby certify that JOHN C. BARKER whose name is subscribed to the foregoing affidavit is and was at the time of signing the same and acting Justice of the Peace in and for Benton County do they qualified to act as such that all his official acts are entitled to full faith and credit and that the signature reporting to be his is genuine. Given under my hand and seal of office at office in Jacksonville this 15th day of May in the year of Our Lord 1845. M. M. HOUSTON, Clerk ==================== State of Alabama Benton County I JAMES L. LEWIS, judge the county court of Benton County to certify that M. M. HOUSTON whose name is subscribed to the forgoing certificate is a clerk of the county court of said County that the certificate made by him is in Du form of law and the signature is genuine, that full faith and credit is due all His official acts. Given under my hand and seal this 15th day of May A. D. 1845 JAMES L. LEWIS {seal} Judge County Court Benton County Page 35 of 48 ** PAGE BREAK ** War Revolution WILLIAM BRYANT W. 5916 State of Alabama Benton County Be it known that on this 14th day of May 1845 before me, JOHN BARKER, Justice of the Peace in and four County and State of forested personally appeared JOHN BARKER Sr., aged 73 years, resident of the county and State aforesaid and first being duly sworn according to law saith upon oath That he was a resident of Nash County in the State of North Carolina and was personally acquainted with PATIENCE STRICKLAND and was a resident of the same place. I was not a witness to her marriage but I learned that she was married to WILLIAM BRYANT about the year 1781 or so, and said County and state he further say from the lapse of time and consequently loss of memory he is unable to state the date of the marriage more definite than a ???; I was well acquainted with WILLIAM BRYANT and PATIENCE BRYANT, the wife of WILLIAM BRYANT. I have been at their house different times spent several days with them. They moved from North Carolina to South Carolina and from thence to Georgia. I further state that I have never heard it disputed but that but what she was his lawful wife. I never heard of either having any other companion. I know that they lived together as man and wife. JOHN BARKER {his mark} Sworn to and subscribed on the day and year above written before me. And I further certify that JOHN BARKER, the affiant, is personally known to me and he is respectable citizen, a resident as stated, and is a respectable and credible witness. Given under my hand and seal this 14th day of May 1845. JOHN C. BARKER, J. P. {seal} Page 36 of 48 ** PAGE BREAK ** War Revolution WILLIAM BRYANT W. 5916 April 9th 1845 PATIENCE BRYANT July 4th 1836 J. L. EDWARDS Commissioner of Pensions Washington City, DC ==================== Richmond 4th of April 1845 Colonel J. L. Edward Commissioner of Pensions Sir, Enclosed is the application for PATIENCE BRYANT, widow of WILLIAM, for a pension under the act of the 4th of July 1836. This is a curious case there were two WILLIAM BRYANT's one of the Virginia and the other of the North Carolina line. Both moved to the same County in Georgia. Both were pensioners one of the United States, the other of said County from the county. Both died and the widows of each claimed that her husband was the US pensioner. It turns out, see the affidavit of WILLIAM BRYANT for the explanation, that the US pensions was not this lady, PATIENCE’s husband, but he was the musician and soldier in Captain ALLEN's company, North Carolina line, until the end of the war. He may possibly, in 1780, have terminated his service as a musician and then have reenlisted for the war. Your letter to me of 5th of October last referring to her erroneous declaration claiming to be the widow of the wrong WILLIAM BRYANT, says he left the service in 1780 but that must, I presume, have been the Virginia WILLIAM BRYANT. The voluminous papers now sent seem to me to explain the whole case and to show that this lady is entitled as she claims. I am your obedient servant THOMAS GREEN Page 37 of 48 ** PAGE BREAK ** War Revolution WILLIAM BRYANT W. 5916 November 24th, 1845 PATIENCE BRYANT ==================== Richmond 22nd November 1845 Colonel J. L. Edward Commissioner of Pensions Sir, Enclosed is the certificate of FRANCIS M. TAYLOR, Clerk of Nash County North Carolina, dated 16th November 1845 that there is no evidence of record to his office of the marriage of WILLIAM and PATIENCE BRYANT. This lets in the affidavit of witness and circumstantial evidence of the fact. I send it, to sustain the application of PATIENCE BRYANT of Georgia, widow of WILLIAM, for a pension under the act of 1836. Her children have recently received us bounty land. So that the only question is as to the date of the marriage. Service and identity being sufficient ly proved also the Airship of the children. I am your obedient servant, THOMAS GREEN Page 38 of 48 ** PAGE BREAK ** War Revolution WILLIAM BRYANT W. 5916 State of Alabama Benton County Be it known that on the 17th day of January 1848 personally appeared before me, WILLIAM H. PRESNELL, a Justice of the Peace in aforesaid County, JOHN BROWN, of said County and State. Now as deponent believes, and is satisfied in his own mind in his 80th year, and sayeth on oath that he formerly resided in Nash County, State of North Carolina, and was acquainted with WILLIAM BRYANT, who he understood was a soldier in the war of the Revolution and served forth fully in the cause of Independence, knows nothing of the company or regiment to which the said WILLIAM belonged. Deponent knew the said WILLIAM, knew he was called “Raccoon” WILLIAM or “Drummer” WILLIAM, PATIENCE STRICKLAND, or he believes so from the circumstances of his hearing of the wedding night, afterward understood that they were lawfully married, never heard it disputed but that they always lived peaceably together as man and wife. Deponent is satisfied that their marriage must have taken place while he was in his 16th year or before. Deponent has no doubt in his mind but that they were lawfully married. Sworn to and subscribed before me the day and year above written. JOHN BROWN {his mark} WILLIAM H. PRESNELL, J. P. I further certify that I am acquainted with JOHN BROWN, a resident of said County and state, and believe he is a man of intelligence and respectability and would as soon believe him on his oath as any man. And I believe his recollection to be as good as any man of his age or more, and think, from what I know of him, his station, statements to be correct. WILLIAM H. PRESNELL ==================== State of Alabama Benton County I W. M. HOUSTON, Clerk of the county court of said County to hereby certify that WILLIAM H. PRESNELL, whose name is subscribed to the foregoing certificates, is now and was, at the time of signing, the same an acting Justice of the Peace and then for Benton County. That all of his official acts are entitled to full faith and credit. Given under my hand and seal of office at office in Jacksonville this 19th day of January in the year of Our Lord 18 46. W. M. HOUSTON, Clerk Page 39 of 48 ** PAGE BREAK ** War Revolution WILLIAM BRYANT W. 5916 State of Alabama Benton County Be it known on this 15th day of January 1846 before me, WILLIAM H. PRESNELL, a Justice of the Peace in and for aforesaid county, personally appeared EPHRAIM BARKER a resident of said County and state aged 71 years past, who being first duly sworn according to law sayeth on oath that he formerly knew WILLIAM BRYANT who resided in Nash County North Carolina, formerly in the town at time of the Revolutionary War as he has always understood by his father JESSE BARKER together with himself they resided in Nash County State of North Carolina and has always understood that he was a faithful Soldier in the cause of Independence in Captain ALLEN's company of enlisted soldiers in the time of the Revolutionary War and was lawfully married to PATIENCE BRYANT, formerly PATIENCE STRICKLAND, of Nash County State of North Carolina as he has always understood by his father, who was personally present at the marriage. He does not know to what regiment he belonged to being too young to be in the service of the United States and this deponent further States that he is clearly satisfied in his own mind that WILLIAM BRYANT and PATIENCE BRYANT, his wife, was lawfully married previous to the year 1780. And this deponent is satisfied that he is correct from the age of thence their children and the other circumstances that comes under his own knowledge for he is certain their third child must be 59 years of age who is now alive and from all reasonable conclusions and information of his own father he is certain he is correct. Sworn to and subscribed before me the day and year above written. EPHRAIM BARKER {his mark} WILLIAM H. PRESNELL, J. P. I certify that EPHRAIM BARKER a resident of said County and state and is known to me as a man of intelligence and respectability and I consider him a respectable witness and Worthy of consider confidence and would believe him on his oath sworn has any man as soon as any man from what I see and consider of his recollection. This January 16th 1849. WILLIAM H. PRESNELL ==================== State of Alabama Benton County I W. M. HOUSTON, CLERK, Clerk of the county court of the said County to hear by certify that WILLIAM H. For now whose name appears described to the foregoing certificates is and was at the time of signing the same an acting Justice of the Peace in aforesaid County, duly qualified to as such that all his official acts are entitled to Full Faith and Credit. Given under my hand and seal of office at office in Johnsonville? This 19th day of January in the year of Our Lord 1846. W. M. HOUSTON, Clerk Page 40 of 48 ** PAGE BREAK ** War Revolution WILLIAM BRYANT W. 5916 WILLIAM BRYANT No. 2360 THOMAS GREEN, Esquire Richmond Virginia ==================== Richmond fourth of April 1845 Colonel J. L. EDWARDS Commissioner of Pensions Sir enclosed as the application of The Heirs of WILLIAM BRYANT for a US land Bounty as a soldier of the North Carolina line for the war. It seems there were two WILLIAM BRYANT's, one from Virginia and the other from North Carolina. Both moved to Georgia, same county, and died. Pensioner the one of the US and the other of the county This led to confusion and application of each for a pension. The affidavit of WILLIAM BRYANT, the son, dated the 13th of January 1845, and this day sent with the application of PATIENCE BRYANT for a pension, will explain the whole affair. I have no doubt this is the identical North Carolina soldier. I am your obedient servant, THOMAS GREEN Page 41 of 48 ** PAGE BREAK ** War Revolution WILLIAM BRYANT W. 5916 State of Georgia Gwinnett County October the 9th 1844 Special Court the Declaration of Mrs. PATIENCE BRYANT for a pension under the act of Congress of the 4th of July 1836 dually certified by JOHN C. WHITWORTH, a Justice of the Inferior Court of Gwinnett County, on the 6th day of October 1844 having been submitted to the court it does approve his acts and proceedings and hereby directs the clerk to endorse this approval in on the papers? Attest JOHN C. WHITWORTH, J. I. C. D. N. Pittman, J. I. C. LEVI LOVELESS, J. I. C. RILEY S. BAKER, Clerk ==================== State of Georgia Gwinnett County I, RILEY S. BAKER, Clerk of the Inferior Court of said County, certify that JOHN C. WHITWORTH is an acting justice of said court and that the foregoing signatures purporting to be his our genuine. I further certify that the foregoing is the original proceedings of the said declarant as submitted to the said court and that the foregoing is the original order of the said Court. In testimony whereof I have hereunto affixed my hand and seal of office this 9th day of October 1844 RILEY S. BAKER, C. I. C. ==================== State of North Carolina Office of Secretary of State I, WILLIAM WILL, Secretary of State, in and for the State of North Carolina, to hereby certify that it appears, from the muster rolls of the Continental line of this state and the Revolutionary War, that WILLIAM BRYANT, a musician in Captain ALLEN's company of the 2nd regiment, entered the service on the ___ 1777 for the term of the war that he was a private soldier in June 1778. A land warrant for his services was issued 12th of March 1785 for 640 acres. Given unto my hand this 2nd day of June 1845. WILLIAM Hill, Secretary of State Page 42 of 48 ** PAGE BREAK ** War Revolution WILLIAM BRYANT W. 5916 Dahlanegn September 2nd 1851 Mr. THOMAS LUMPKIN Dear sir You will find enclosed a power of attorney from WILLIAM BRYANT, for you, to examine into his mother's papers on file in the pension office this case must be a good one as WILLIAM BRYANT, deceased, served in the Continental line of North Carolina. His children obtained a bounty warrant for his services in the Revolutionary War by referring to the land office. You may get some light on this claim by the proof made to enable them to get bounty land. Please inform me what additional proof will be required in this case. Respectfully your obedience service servant, W. M. VARNUM Washington City, DC ps. I send you proof of the marriage of WILLIAM and PATIENCE BRYANT with the proof on file I presume will complete the testimony in this case. I have written to Nash County, North Carolina, to get a certificate of marriage if any exists on the records. W. M. V. Page 43 of 48 ** PAGE BREAK ** War Revolution WILLIAM BRYANT W. 5916 Richmond 7th July 1845 Colonel J. L. EDWARDS Commissioner of Pensions Sir On the 4th of April I enclosed to you that application for US land bounty of the heirs of WILLIAM BRYANT, of North Carolina. His widow, at the same time, applied for a pension. Yours of the 14th of June rejects or suspends the latter because because the proof of the date of the marriage was not satisfactory. But the evidence of service is complete, it was thought so before the certificate of the secretary of State of North Carolina was applied for upon requisition from the your office. When it did arrive it was found in a ??? manner to correspond with the statements of the family. If the claim be allowed, please to let the warrant be filed for secretary and drop a line. Your obedient servant, THOMAS GREEN ==================== State of North Carolina Nash County I FRANCIS M. TAYLOR, Clerk of the Court of Pleas and Quarter sessions, for the county aforesaid, do hereby certify that I have made diligent search for the marriage bond of WILLIAM BRYANT and PATIENCE BRYANT and find no evidence of record of any such marriage or bond. In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of said court at office in Nashville 16th of November 8th. A. D. 1845 FRANCIS M. TAYLOR, C. C. C. Page 44 of 48 ** PAGE BREAK ** War Revolution WILLIAM BRYANT W. 5916 6211 PATIENCE BRYANT, Georgia, Act 4th of July 1836 1 year musician $44 1 year private $40 total $84 commence March 4th 1831 end December 18th 1844 WILLIAM BRYANT JAMES BRYANT MARTHA BRYANT MARY O'BRYAN T. LUMPKIN, Washington Page 45 of 48 ** PAGE BREAK ** War Revolution WILLIAM BRYANT W. 5916 114 East Mill Street Ithaca New York January 19th 1903 Honorable E. F. WARE, Commissioner of Pensions Dear sir Will you kindly give me a statement of the military records of two men who are pensioners for the Revolutionary service. WILLIAM BRYANT of Edgefield District, South Carolina, was placed on the role March 24th, 1819 and I desire also to know also where he was born if his application States he served in North Carolina, probably. WILLIAM MATTHEWSON of Broome County, New York was placed on the role April 12th, 1833 for service in Rhode Island. His widow Tabitha was placed on the role and December 1835 Thanking you in advance for any information you may be able to give. I am truly yours, MISS MARY K. PEARSON ==================== Quitman, Georgia November 29th 1915 Commissioner of Pensions Washington, DC Dear sir if the following widows of revolutionary soldiers drew pensions as such, please give me all the information contained therein. MARGARETTE PENDERGRASS living in Captain holidays District, No. 242, Jackson County Georgia 1832 PATIENCE BRYANT, living in Captain WITHERSPOON's District, No. 243, Jackson County Georgia 1832 Thanking you in advance for the above information, I am very respectfully MISS FLORRIE JARRELL Page 46 of 48 ** PAGE BREAK ** War Revolution WILLIAM BRYANT W. 5916 Honorable ALEXANDER H. STEPHENS House of Representatives December 29 pension office December 29th 1855 Sir I have the honor to return the letter of Mr. ELISHA KING and to inform you the on the 22nd of October 1851 a certificate of pension was issued for the benefit of WILLIAM BRYANT, JAMES BRYANT, MARTHA BRYANT, and MARY O'BRYAN as the children of PATIENCE BRYANT of Georgia who was the widow of WILLIAM. The certificate was for $84.00 a year to commence running the 4th of March 1831 and end the 18th of December 1844 when she died. THOMAS LUMPKIN Esquire of the city was the agent to whom the certificate was sent. Honorable ALEXANDER STEPHENS House of Representatives ==================== North Carolina BRYANT WILLIAM ANNE ELLEN the above noted soldiers widow was pensioned as former widow of JAMES EATON North Carolina and South Carolina widow's number 18663 see that claim. Page 47 of 48 ** PAGE BREAK ** War Revolution WILLIAM BRYANT W. 5916 ###### # # ##### ####### # # ##### ####### # # # # ## ## # # # ## # # # # # ## ## # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # ###### # # # # #### ##### # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # ## ### # # # # # # ###### # # ##### ####### # # ### ##### ####### # # Transcribed from original documents by Brent R. BRYANT & Martha M. BRYANT. 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. BRYANT Martha M. BRYANT BrianMitchellGenealogy@gmail.com Page 48 of 48 ** PAGE BREAK **