Descendants of John Bryson

Contributed by Cathey (Alexander) Green
©2000

Generation Number 1

1.      John1 Bryson was born Abt. 1690, and died Abt. October 1770 in Orange Co., VA. He married Ann Moss Abt. 1718 in Essex Co., VA, daughter of John Moss and Ann Moss. She died Aft. November 13, 1755 in Orange Co., VA.

Notes for John Bryson:
Will of John Bryson - Orange County Book 2 p. 424

In the name of God Amen I John Bryson of the Parish of Saint Thomas in Orange County being in health and sound memory, praised be to almighty God for the same but calling to mind the uncertainty of human life; do make and appoint this my last will and testament in writing as followeth- to wit- I give and bequeath my soul to God that gave it in hopes to receive the same again at the ressurection of the great day and my body to the earth to be buried in decent manner at the discretion of my executor hereafter named.

Item I give and bequeath to my son John Bryson all the Estate worldly Estate which I am possessed with paying my Daughter Mary Hackett five pounds currt money of Virginia on demand after my deceas'd.

Item. my will is that my estate after my Decease shall remain in my son John Bryson's hands there to remain without being sold or disposed of in any shape, paying my Lawful debts Item I do hereby appoint my beloved wife Ann Bryson and my son John Bryson to be my joint executors in this my last will and testament and I do hereby Disanul and void all other former wills and legacies whatsoever this 13th day of November and in the year of our Lord 1765.

John Bryson, Sr.

Signed sealed and delivered in the presence of
William Bell, Matthew Davis, Elexr (?) Steward
Probated 25 October 1770.

Children of John Bryson and Ann Moss are:
+2      i. John2 Bryson, born November 10, 1720 in Essex Co., VA; died August 1804 in SURRY CO., NC.
3      ii. Mary Bryson, born in Essex Co., VA. She married (----) Hackett Bef. November 13, 1755 in Orange Co., VA.

Generation Number 2

2.      John2 Bryson (John1) was born November 10, 1720 in Essex Co., VA, and died August 1804 in SURRY CO., NC. He married Margaret (?) Bryson. She was born Abt. 1725, and died April 1800 in SURRY CO., NC.

Notes for John Bryson:
Some or most of his childredn were born in Newbern, VA

Will of John Bryson, Surry Co., NC Book 3, page 84.
In the name of God Amen. I John Bryson, of the State of North Carolina, and the county of Surry, being weak in body but of sound and disposing mind and memory do make and declare this my last will and testament, in the following manner, that is to say:

First, I give and bequeath unto my daughter Anne Bryson the land and plantation whereon I now live to her and her heirs forever; - Also I give to my said daughter Anne my bay mare known by the name of Fanny with her colt, one bed and furniture, a waggon and gears, and a cow and calf.

Secondly, I give and bequeath unto my daughter Sarah Bryson fifty pounds Virginia Currency to raised out of my Estate, and one bed and furniture one horse commonly called buck and saddle, one cow and calf.

Thirdly, I give and bequeath unto my daughter Margaret Whitlock twenty pounds Virginia Currency to raised out of my estate.

Fourthly, I give and bequeath to my daughter Elizabeth Word twenty five pounds Virginia Currency to be raised out of my said Estate.

Lastly, my will and desire is that the remainder of my said estate by sold by my executors hereafter named and the produce therof be equally divided among my sons and daughters and that the children of my daughter Mary Cox deceased receive an equal part with one of my said children.

I herby appoint my sons, James and John Bryson and Thomas Whitlock my executors of this my last will and testament, hereby revoking all other wills heretofore made.

Signed sealed and acknowledged this eighth day of
September A.D. one thousand eight hundred and four in presents of
Alexander Bryson
Mallory Smith
Elizabeth Smith
          JOHN BRYSON
Proved Surry County NC February Session 1808

Children of John Bryson and Margaret Bryson are:
+4       i. James3 Bryson, born November 28, 1745 in Orange Co., VA; died September 03, 1835 in Sumner Co., Tn.
5       ii. Anne Bryson, born May 21, 1749 in Orange Co., VA.
6       iii. Jean Bryson, born June 19, 1751 in Orange Co., VA.
+7       iv. John Bryson, born December 05, 1753 in Orange Co., VA; died Aft. 1820 in Montgomery Co., VA.
8       v. Alexander Bryson, born May 30, 1756 in Orange Co., VA. He married Mary (--) Bef. 1795 in Surry Co., VA.
+9       vi. Mary Bryson, born May 23, 1758 in Orange Co., VA; died Bef. 1804 in SURRY CO., NC.
10       vii. Sarah Bryson, born May 18, 1761 in Orange Co., VA.
11       viii. Frances Bryson, born October 18, 1763 in Orange Co., VA.
12       ix. Margaret Bryson, born May 11, 1765 in Orange Co., VA; died in Montgomery Co., VA. She married Thomas Whitlock Bet. 1790 - 1800 in Surry Co., NC.
13       x. Elizabeth Bryson, born January 31, 1771 in SURRY CO., NC. She married (1) William Word; born 1772. She married (2) Samuel Forkner January 11, 1817.

Generation Number 3

4.      James3 Bryson (John2, John1) was born November 28, 1745 in Orange Co., VA, and died September 03, 1835 in Sumner Co., Tn. He married Catherine (--) Bef. 1770 in NC. She was born Bef. 1755, and died Bet. 1800 - 1810 in NC.

Notes for James Bryson:
Buried at Bethpage, TN
Revolutionary War Veteran
Places of residence- Surry Co., NC, Wythe Co., VA-1822-Sumner Co., TN

Children of James Bryson and Catherine (--) are:
14       i. Abner4 Bryson, born January 23, 1770 in Rowan Co., NC. He married Nancy Whitlock Bet. 1790 - 1800 in Surry Co., NC; born 1777 in Montgomery Co., VA; died Aft. January 22, 1824 in Cumberland Co., KY.
15       ii. Leah Bryson, born March 30, 1772 in SURRY CO., NC; died September 29, 1794 in SURRY CO., NC.
16       iii. Susannah Bryson, born May 18, 1773 in SURRY CO., NC; died July 22, 1840 in Sumner Co., Tn. She married James Hanna; born 1765 in Sumner Co., Tn.

Notes for Susannah Bryson:
Buried at Bethpage Cemetery, Sumner Co., TN
17       iv. Ruben Bryson, born June 15, 1775 in SURRY CO., NC.
+18       v. James Bryson, born October 06, 1777 in SURRY CO., NC; died 1852 in Maury Co., TN.
+19       vi. Peter Bryson, born February 11, 1780 in Surry Co., North Carolina; died June 25, 1855 in Sumner Co., Tn.
+20       vii. John Fielding Bryson, born October 29, 1782 in SURRY CO., NC; died November 12, 1849 in Benton Co., IA.
21       viii. Warner Bryson, born December 02, 1784 in SURRY CO., NC.

Notes for Warner Bryson:
Lived in Surry Co., NC. in 1814 (letter)
22       ix. Nathaniel Bryson, born July 17, 1787 in SURRY CO., NC.
23       x. Sarah Bryson, born January 19, 1790 in SURRY CO., NC; died October 03, 1821 in Sumner Co., Tn.

Notes for Sarah Bryson:
Buried at Bethpage Cemetery, Sumner Co., Tn (unmarried ?)
24       xi. William Bryson, born March 19, 1792 in SURRY CO., NC; died in Sumner Co., Tn.

7.      John3 Bryson (John2, John1) was born December 05, 1753 in Orange Co., VA, and died Aft. 1820 in Montgomery Co., VA. He married Esther Joyce, daughter of Alexander Joyce. She was born August 20, 1754, and died March 20, 1812 in SURRY CO., NC.

Children of John Bryson and Esther Joyce are:
25       i. Olive4 Bryson, born in SURRY CO., NC. She married James Harvey August 05, 1814 in Surry Co., NC.
26       ii. Nancy Bryson, born in SURRY CO., NC. She married William Spargur July 06, 1817 in Surry Co., NC.

9.      Mary3 Bryson (John2, John1) was born May 23, 1758 in Orange Co., VA, and died Bef. 1804 in SURRY CO., NC. She married John Cox February 06, 1782 in Orange Co., VA. He was born Bef. 1766, and died 1840 in Roane Co., Tn.

Child of Mary Bryson and John Cox is:
27       i. Alexander4 Cox, born 1784 in SURRY CO., NC.

Generation Number 4

18.       James4 Bryson (James3, John2, John1) was born October 06, 1777 in SURRY CO., NC, and died 1852 in Maury Co., TN. He married Anne Doherty March 11, 1799 in Mecklinburg Co., NC. She died 1854 in Maury Co., TN.

Children of James Bryson and Anne Doherty are:
28       i. Elam5 Bryson.
29       ii. James McRee Bryson, died 1847 in Maury Co., TN. He married Jane H. Matthews.

19.      Peter4 Bryson (James3, John2, John1) was born February 11, 1780 in Surry Co., North Carolina, and died June 25, 1855 in Sumner Co., Tn. He married Jane Gillespie August 01, 1809 in Sumner Co., TN, daughter of George Gillespie and Mary Graham. She was born May 28, 1789, and died September 22, 1843 in sumner CO., TN.

Notes for Peter Bryson:
Peter moved to Sumner Co., TN prior to 1809
Buried at Hopewell Church Cemetery-3 1/10 miles north of Castalian Springs on Rock Spring Road; then 4/10 miles north on Old Hopewell Road.( between Castalian Springs and Bethpage, TN). Came to Sumner Co., Tn in or before 1809

These extracts were copied by Lady Bryson (grandaughter of Peter Bryson) Nov. 1922. The original letters were put together with some business papers, in a belt, and for safe keeping during the stormiest periods of the Civil War, Mrs. Green B. Harris ("Polly" Mary Graham Bryson Harris) wore the belt next her body.

Notes for Jane Gillespie:
Buried at Old Hopewell Church Cemetery, 3 1/10 miles north of Castalian Springs, Tn on Rock Springs Rd., then 4/10 miles north on Old Hopewell Rd. to cemetery.

Children of Peter Bryson and Jane Gillespie are:
+30       i. James Madison5 Bryson, born March 12, 1811 in Sumner Co., Tn; died July 21, 1884 in Sumner CO., TN.
+31       ii. Mary Graham Bryson, born January 13, 1813 in Sumner Co., Tn; died September 27, 1892.
32       iii. George Gillespie Bryson, born August 06, 1815 in Sumner Co., Tn; died September 09, 1834 in Sumner Co., Tn.

Notes for George Gillespie Bryson:
Buried at Hopewell Church Cemetery-3 1/10 miles north of Castalian Springs on Rock Spring Road; then 4/10 miles north on Old Hopewell Road.( between Castalian Springs and Bethpage, TN). One record shows that he died Sept. 9, 1834. (?)

20.      John Fielding4 Bryson (James3, John2, John1) was born October 29, 1782 in SURRY CO., NC, and died November 12, 1849 in Benton Co., IA. He married Elizabeth Sparger Bet. 1810 - 1816 in Surry Co., NC. She was born November 22, 1794 in SURRY CO., NC, and died March 12, 1868 in Benton Co., IA.

Notes for John Fielding Bryson:
Fielding Bryson moved to Iowa before the war.

Children of John Bryson and Elizabeth Sparger are:
33       i. Lucinda5 Bryson, born 1816.
34       ii. Charlotte Bryson, born 1817.
35       iii. Lewis Bryson, born 1819.
36       iv. John Bryson, born 1821.
37       v. William Bryson, born 1823.
38       vi. Joseph Bryson, born 1825.
39       vii. Susan Bryson, born 1827.
40       viii. Malvina Bryson, born 1829.
41       ix. Henry Franklin Bryson, born 1833.
42       x. Mary Eliza Bryson, born 1836.

Notes for Mary Eliza Bryson:
Lived in Iowa
43       xi. Nathaniel Bryson, born 1838.

Notes for Nathaniel Bryson:
Lived in Montana

Generation Number 5

30.      James Madison5 Bryson (Peter4, James3, John2, John1) was born March 12, 1811 in Sumner Co., Tn, and died July 21, 1884 in Sumner CO., TN. He married Harriett Motherel Hodge January 16, 1839 in Sumner Co., TN, daughter of Robert Hodge. She was born February 01, 1819, and died June 20, 1877.

Notes for James Madison Bryson:
Some records show death as July 20 not 21, buried at Gallatin Cemetery, Section B, Row 11, Gallatin, TN.

Originally buried at Old Shiloh Church graveyard, located a few hundred yuards off the Hartsville Highway, one and one-half miles from Gallatin, Tn

Notes for Harriett Motherel Hodge:
Buried on Old Shiloh Cemetery then moved to Gallatin Cemetery.

Children of James Bryson and Harriett Hodge are:
44       i. Jane6 Bryson, born April 06, 1840 in Sumner Co., Tn; died November 03, 1842.

Notes for Jane Bryson:
Buried at Old Hopewell Church Cemetery, 3 1/10 miles north of Castalian Springs on Rock Spring road, then 4/10 miles north on Old Hopewell Road. (between Castalian Springs and Bethpage, TN)
+45       ii. George Gillespie Bryson, born March 06, 1843 in Sumner Co., Tn; died October 07, 1907 in Sumner CO., TN.
+46       iii. Annie Robb Bryson, born September 18, 1845 in Sumner Co., Tn; died July 30, 1930 in Sumner Co., Tn.
47       iv. Robert Hodge Bryson, born September 09, 1847 in Sumner Co., Tn; died January 30, 1925 in Sumner CO., TN.

Notes for Robert Hodge Bryson:
Some records show birth as the 8th not 9th. Buried at Gallatin Cemetery, Section B, Row 11, Gallatin, TN

From Goodspeed Histories of Sumner Co.
Robert Bryson, a substantial farmer and stock dealer living in the First District of Sumner Co., is a son of James M. and Harriet M. (Hodge) Bryson. He was born in Sumner County in 1847 and was the third of a family of four children, viz.: George G., Anna R. (wife of Richard Alexander), our subject, and Lady. The father was of Scotch-Irish ancestry, born in Sumner County in 1811, and was a son of Peter and Jane (?Jean) Gillespie Bryson. Peter Bryson was a native of North Carolina and moved to Sumner County, when quite young, where he married and engaged in farming and blacksmithing until his death. James M. was raised at home, receiving few educational advantages, but through his own efforts acquired a great deal of general information. He married in January 1839, and settled in the First District, where he lived until his death in July 1884. He was entirely a self-made man, and one of fine character. He was captin of the militia during the general muster, and a volunteer in the Seminole war. The mother was born near Gallatin, Tn., in 1819 and died in June, 1877. Both parents were members of the Old School Presbyterian Church, and highly esteemed in the coummunity. Our subject was raised at home and educated at Rural Academy, and has given his time to farming and stock raising; he lives at the old homestead, owning 215 acres of productive land, well improved, seven miles northeast of Gallatin. Mr. Bryson is a man of energy and good business habits. His first presidential vote was cast for H. Seymour in 1868, and he has always been an active Democrat, and is an influential member of the Old School Presbyterian Church.

Buried in the Gallatin Cemetery (Sumner Co., Tn)

48       v. Lady Bryson, born September 12, 1852 in Sumner Co., Tn; died July 01, 1932 in Sumner Co., Tn.

Notes for Lady Bryson:
Buried at Gallatin Cemetery, Section B, Row 11, Gallatin, TN

31.      Mary Graham5 Bryson (Peter4, James3, John2, John1) was born January 13, 1813 in Sumner Co., Tn, and died September 27, 1892. She married Greenberry B. Harris December 29, 1829. He was born December 13, 1807, and died September 01, 1880.

Notes for Mary Graham Bryson:
also known as "Polly"

Notes for Greenberry B. Harris:
Buried at Stewart Cemetery (Sumner Co., TN ?)

Children of Mary Bryson and Greenberry Harris are:
49       i. James Overton6 Harris, born October 03, 1830; died March 28, 1883. He married Amanda Crenshaw.
50       ii. Tyree Bryson Harris, born February 27, 1832. He married Lucy S. Dickenson November 25, 1857.
51       iii. Mary Jane Harris, born January 02, 1834; died July 24, 1868. She married William M. Stewart February 21, 1854.
52       iv. Rachel Malvina Josephine Harris, born November 30, 1835. She married William B. Brown December 23, 1856.
53       v. Emily Leonora Harris, born November 06, 1837. She married Reuben D. Dickenson January 21, 1858.
54       vi. George Gillespie Bryson Harris, born February 26, 1840. He married Bettie Hanna.
55       vii. John Branham Harris, born August 30, 1844. He married Amanda Brown.
56       viii. Elizabeth Green Harris, born March 08, 1848. She married Charles H. Brown.
57       ix. Russell Curtis Harris, born July 22, 1853. He married (1) Bettie Sarver Norris January 18, 1882. He married (2) Belmont Gillespie February 02, 1895.

Generation Number 6
45.       George Gillespie6 Bryson (James Madison5, Peter4, James3, John2, John1) was born March 06, 1843 in Sumner Co., Tn, and died October 07, 1907 in Sumner CO., TN. He married Mary E. Ford May 28, 1874 in Sumner Co., TN. She was born February 23, 1853 in Marshall, TX, and died February 15, 1890 in Sumner CO., TN.

Notes for George Gillespie Bryson:
Buried at Gallatin Cemetery, (Section B, Row 6), Gallatin, TN

Notes for Mary E. Ford:
Buried in Gallatin Cemetery, (Section B, Row 6), Gallatin, Tn

Children of George Bryson and Mary Ford are:
58       i. James M.7 Bryson, born 1875 in Sumner Co., Tn; died 1896.
59       ii. Francis Barrett Bryson, born 1876 in Sumner Co., Tn; died 1939.

Notes for Francis Barrett Bryson:
Apparently known as Barrett Lived in Seattle, WA
60       iii. George Gillespie Bryson, Jr., born 1878 in Sumner Co., Tn.

Notes for George Gillespie Bryson, Jr.:
Lived in Henderson, KY
61       iv. Luther Ford Bryson, born April 29, 1881 in Sumner Co., Tn; died May 07, 1932. He married Sadie Outlaw in Nashville, TN.
+62       v. Harriett Hodge Bryson, born March 07, 1882 in Sumner Co., Tn; died March 31, 1933 in Florence AL.
63       vi. Robert Hodge Bryson, born 1883 in Sumner Co., Tn.

Notes for Robert Hodge Bryson:
Lived in Hattisburg, Mississippi
64       vii. Richard Alexander Bryson, born 1886 in Sumner Co., Tn. He married Isabel K. Grant.

Notes for Richard Alexander Bryson:
Lived in Nashville, TN
65       viii. William F. Bryson, born June 06, 1887 in Sumner Co., Tn; died September 19, 1887 in Sumner CO., TN.

Notes for William F. Bryson:
Buried at Gallatin Cemetery, (section B, Row 6), Gallatin, TN
Sometimes shown as Willie F. Bryson-died in infancy
66       ix. Tandy Arnold Bryson, born 1888 in Sumner Co., Tn. He married Ruth Freeman in Troy, NY.

Notes for Tandy Arnold Bryson:
Lived in Troy, NY

46.      Annie Robb6 Bryson (James Madison5, Peter4, James3, John2, John1) was born September 18, 1845 in Sumner Co., Tn, and died July 30, 1930 in Sumner Co., Tn. She married Richard Alexander December 22, 1870 in Sumner Co., TN, son of James Alexander and Susan Mitchell. He was born August 21, 1843, and died May 10, 1888 in Sumner CO., TN.

Notes for Annie Robb Bryson:
Buried at Gallatin Cemetery, Section B, Row 11, Gallatin, TN

Notes for Richard Alexander:
Originally buried at Old Shiloh Church
Buried at Gallatin Cemetery, Section B, Row 11, Gallatin, TN
Mother, Susan Mitchell, died in childbirth, was raised by aunt-Mrs. J. A. Mentlo (who died April 3, 1895)
Richard Alexander went by the sirname of Mentlo until he was grown. Purchased "Parker Place" May 23, 1878 with James M. Bryson (?? from another family member)

Children of Annie Bryson and Richard Alexander are:
67       I. James Bryson7 Alexander, born October 14, 1871 in sumner CO., TN/Tennessee; died October 18, 1909 in sumner CO., TN.

Notes for James Bryson Alexander:
Buried at Gallatin Cemetery, Section B, Row 11, Gallatin, TN
68       ii. Richard Hodge Alexander, born 1877; died 1958 in Sumner CO., TN. He married Bettie Peyton; born 1892; died 1972 in Sumner CO., TN.

Notes for Richard Hodge Alexander:
Buried at Gallatin Cemetery, (Section B, Row 11), Gallatin, Tn
+69       iii. William Mitchell Alexander, born October 23, 1888; died August 27, 1963 in Sumner CO., TN.

Generation Number 7

62.      Harriett Hodge7 Bryson (George Gillespie6, James Madison5, Peter4, James3, John2, John1) was born March 07, 1882 in Sumner Co., Tn, and died March 31, 1933 in Florence AL. She married Walker McLaughlin Sloan December 16, 1909 in Sumner Co., TN.

Children of Harriett Bryson and Walker Sloan are:
70       i.Bryson8 Sloan.
71       ii. Walker Sloan, Jr.
72       iii. James Sloan.
73       iv. Allen Sloan.

69.      William Mitchell7 Alexander (Annie Robb6 Bryson, James Madison5, Peter4, James3, John2, John1) was born October 23, 1888, and died August 27, 1963 in Sumner CO., TN. He married Sadie Rhea Thuss, daughter of Julius Thuss and Estelle Mustaine. She was born September 25, 1888, and died May 21, 1956 in Sumner CO., TN.

Notes for William Mitchell Alexander:
Buried at Gallatin Cemetery, (Section B, Row 11), Gallatin, Tn

Notes for Sadie Rhea Thuss:
Buried at Gallatin Cemetery, (Section B, Row 11), Gallatin, TN

Children of William Alexander and Sadie Thuss are:
+74       i. William Richard8 Alexander, born June 19, 1913; died July 20, 1971 in sumner CO., TN.
+75       ii. James Thuss Alexander, born June 14, 1916 in Sumner Co., TN; died July 1984 in Davidson Co., TN.
+76       iii. Robert Bryson Alexander, born March 01, 1919.


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