Andrew Bryson (c1785) and Margaret White of Buncombe, Haywood, Macon and Cherokee Co, NC

Special thanks to Lawrence Wood (1937-1997), Ethel Updike (1899-?) and Albert Swain Bryson (1851-1900) for their various write-ups on this family. In his book, Lawrence Wood thanked Leona Bryson Porter (1881-1966) and Linda Gray for shared research on this branch of the family, so I'd like to thank them too.

First of all I should note that there were several men named "Andrew Bryson" in the same general area of Western NC in the early to mid 1800's. There is plenty of room for confusion as to which record pertains to which man. There were three men who should be noted here. First of all is the oldest: Andrew Bryson (c1752-1835), then the Andrew Bryson under study on this page (1785-1826), and then Andrew Bryson (1804-1828). These three lived in old Haywood and Macon County at the same times, so it is not always clear which one is being referenced in any particular record.

Andrew Bryson was born "1785" (per tombstone). This may be correct, though it is not clear when the tombstone was placed, perhaps many years after his death. His one and only census record (1820) gives his age as 26-44, or born ca 1775/1794. "1785" certainly fits in that range.

Andrew's birth place is not clear, though North Carolina seems the most likely. His parents were in Lincoln Co, NC (on Kennon Creek) in 1787, so it is possible that Andrew was born there. The 1880 census entry for Andrew's son James H. Bryson lists James' father as born in "NC" and mother born "GA". Georgia is correct for James' mother, so perhaps North Carolina is correct for Andrew. In contrast, however, Andrew's daughter Rachel's 1880 census entry lists both of her parents as born in South Carolina. Their is ample evidence proving that Andrew's wife was born in Georgia, so this entry is certainly suspect. Of Andrew's two other children (Samuel an Stephen) I don't have them in 1880, so I can't compare. For now I'm going to conclude (pending other evidence) that Andrew Bryson was born ca 1785 in Lincoln Co, NC on Kennon Creek. This is present day Catawba County, North Carolina. If his parents had not yet moved to Kennon Creek by 1785, then it seems Andrew was probably born in the Back Creek area of Rowan (now Iredell) County, or possibly even in South Carolina somewhere.

Andrew Bryson is a son of James Holmes Bryson (1740/50) and Sarah Countryman. I've seen no primary evidence proving this connection, but several early family histories (written in the 1800's) list this Andrew as James' son, and I see no reason to doubt it. He does fit there circumstantially as well. Ms. Updike listed him as a son of Andrew Sr (1752), but that is not correct.

It seems very likely that Andrew was named for his Uncle Andrew Bryson (1752) and for his grandfather Andrew Countryman.

Andrew's parents left Lincoln County between 1787 and 1790 and moved to Pendleton District, South Carolina.

Andrew would have been about 5 years old by the 1790 census, and was apparently home with his parents in Pendleton District, SC aged "under 16" (born ca 1774/90).

In the late 1790's, Andrew's parents moved to Buncombe County, North Carolina and settled near the French Broad River.

Andrew would have been about 15 years old by the time of the 1800 census. He seems to be listed with his parents for that census in the age 10-15 age group (born ca 1784/90)

In 1806, residents of Western Buncombe County made a petition requesting the formation of a new county (Haywood County), and Andrew Bryson Jr was one of the signers. This is most likely this Andrew, who would have been about 21 in 1806, so legally able to sign a petition. The new county was created in 1808, and many of the Buncombe County Brysons fell into the new county, or moved there shortly afterwards.

For the 1810 census, Andrew would have been about 25 years old. He seems to still have been home with his parents for that census (in Haywood County), listed in the 16-25 age group (born ca 1784/94).

For the War of 1812, Andrew Bryson of Haywood County enlisted as a soldier. I don't have the details of this record, but it seems to be this Andrew (1785) rather than his Uncle Andrew Bryson (1752) who would be far too old. None of the other Andrew Brysons were old enough to participate in the War of 1812, so it seems most likely to be this Andrew (1785).

On 14 Dec 1816 James Bryson Sr (Andrew's father) and Andrew Bryson Jr sold 33 1/2 acres to William Cathey in Haywood County. I'm not sure which William Cathey this is, as there were several. One of them was a nephew of James Bryson, that William Cathey (1782) was married to Elizabeth Bryson, daughter of Andrew Bryson (1752). (Haywood Co, NC Deed Book A page 466).

On 1 May 1817, Andrew Bryson obtained a marriage bond in Haywood County to marry Peggy White, daughter of Stephen White. Dillard Love was the bondsman. Margaret White was born ca 1792/93 (per 1850 census) in Elbert Co, GA (per 1860 census). "Peggy" is a common nickname for "Margaret". Her father's name is proven by her marriage bond.

Andrew was listed on the 1820 census in Haywood County. Unfortunately, this census was alphabetical, so I can't tell who their neighbors were, nor where they might have been living.

On 30 Dec 1825, Andrew Bryson Jr received a 147 acre state land grant on Sugar Town Creek in Haywood County (area became Macon County in 1828). They probably already lived on that tract of land a year or two before it was officially granted. (Haywood Co, NC Deed Book B page 308).

Andrew did not get to enjoy his new land for long, for he died on 19 Apr 1827 per his tombstone. He is buried at Sugar Fork Baptist Church Cemetery. His tombstone has "1827" as his death date, but this conflicts with his estate records. To further complicate matters, his first cousin Andrew Bryson (1804) died close to the same time (1828) and their Estate records are in one file at the state archives by mistake.

In the estate records, a document dated 27 Mar 1826 shows that William Bryson (1775/80) and Daniel Bryson (1787) (his brothers) were made Administrators of his estate. Note the date, which is one year and one month before Andrew's death date given on his tombstone. The next document was dated 26 Jun 1826 where William and Daniel Bryson, administrators, signed a guardian bond to be guardians to James Bryson, Samuel Bryson, Rachel Bryson and Stephen Bryson, minor children of Andrew Bryson, deceased. (Andrew Bryson, 1826, Haywood County, North Carolina Loose Estate Records, North Carolina Archives, Raleigh)

In 1828, Macon County was formed from the western portion of Haywood County, and included the Sugar Fork Creek area where the Andrew Bryson family resided.

On 1 Aug 1829, Peggy Bryson widow was received by letter into the First Baptist Church in Macon County. She was also listed on the 1830 membership list as Peggy Bryson (First Baptist Church Register, Microfilm copy at North Carolina Archives).

Margaret Bryson was listed as head of household on the 1830 census in Macon County. She was listed next to Daniel Bryson (1756), her late husband's Uncle. All four of her children were still apparently at home.

Peggy Bryson was listed on the 1831 membership list of the First Baptist Church. (First Baptist Church Register, Microfilm copy at North Carolina Archives).

Peggy Bryson was listed on the 1832 membership list of the First Baptist Church. (First Baptist Church Register, Microfilm copy at North Carolina Archives).

Peggy Bryson was listed on the 1833 membership list of the First Baptist Church. (First Baptist Church Register, Microfilm copy at North Carolina Archives).

Peggy Bryson was listed on the 1834 membership list of the First Baptist Church. (First Baptist Church Register, Microfilm copy at North Carolina Archives).

Peggy Bryson was listed on the 1835 membership list of the First Baptist Church. (First Baptist Church Register, Microfilm copy at North Carolina Archives).

On 24 Aug 1839, Margaret Bryson sold some land to Allison Clark Guy that she had purchased 28 Oct 1836 (didn't find that deed). James H. Bryson (her son) and M. Russel witnessed. (Macon Co, NC Deed Book C page 1470 from "Records of Old Macon County, N.C. 1829-1850" compiled by Barbara Sears McRae, 1991. * Note: All deeds mentioned hereafter from books "A" through "E" are taken from this book.)

I was unable to locate Margaret Bryson on the 1840 census. She was not listed as a head of household. Her oldest son James H. Bryson was listed as head of household in Cherokee County, but he had no females living with him. Margaret's son Samuel was listed in Macon County, but had no female Margaret's age with him. Margaret's daughter Rachel Bryson Moore was listed in Macon also, and she had no female Margaret's age with her. Her youngest son Stephen was not listed, but someone his age was with James H. Bryson in Cherokee, and it is probably him. I would suggest that Margaret was living with one of these children, but just not enumerated for some reason. A deed dated 1840 (see below) states that Margaret lived on Sugar Town Fork at that time.

On 16 Sep 1840, Samuel Bryson (Margaret's son) deeded 50 acres to John Phillips. The land was described as bounding that of widow Margaret Bryson, and that the land he was selling was heired to him by Andrew Bryson, deceased, and that it is the "said land Margaret Bryson now lives on" on the South side of Sugartown Fork. (Macon Co, NC Deed Book C page 1464)

On 21 Jan 1848, Margaret Bryson of Cherokee Co, NC deeded James H. Bryson (her son) 1/3 of the estate of Andrew Bryson, reserving her life estate to the land for her natural life as widow of Andrew Bryson. Witnesses were A. T. Davidson and J. H. Collett. (Macon Co, NC Deed Book E page 307)

On 28 Jan 1848 Margaret Bryson deeded something to James H. Bryson for $20, being a quit claim to a tract she purchased in 1836. Witnesses were J. H. Collett and A. T. Davidson. (Macon Co, NC Deed Book E page 307)

Margaret was listed with her son James and family on the 1850 census in Cherokee in the Town of Murphy. Margaret's apparent sister Charity White was living with them.

Margaret and her sister Charity were still in Cherokee for the 1860 census, and listed in Beaverdam Township near many other Brysons.

I did not find Margaret on the 1870 census, so it seems likely she died in the 1860's in Cherokee County. She has a stone at Sugar Fork (in Macon County) with her husband, but it is not clear if she was buried there or not since she died in Cherokee County. The tombstone has her name and a birth year, but no death date.

Children

Andrew Bryson and Margaret White had four children as proven by several sources, including his Estate records.

James Holmes Bryson was born 28 Jun 1818 (1819 per tombstone) in Haywood County, NC. He is a proven son of Andrew and Margaret. He was apparently named for his grandfather James Holmes Bryson (1740/50).

James married Cornelia Siler in 1848 and moved to Cherokee County for awhile, later returning to Macon, then later in life back to Cherokee. See their own page for additional information.

Samuel Bryson was born 18 Sep 1819 in Haywood County, NC. He is a proven son of Andrew and Margaret. He was probably named for his Uncle Samuel D. Bryson (c1795)

Samuel married Sarah Moore in 1839 and moved to Cherokee County for awhile, then moving on to Texas. See their own page for additional information.

Rachel Bryson was born ca 1822/23 in Haywood County, NC. She is a proven daughter of Andrew and Margaret. I don't know who she might have been named for (if anyone), perhaps someone on her mother's side of the family.

Rachel married Isaac Moore in 1839 and moved to Cherokee County. See their own page for additional information.

Stephen Bryson was born ca 1820/25 in Haywood County, NC. He is a proven son of Andrew and Margaret. He was probably named for his grandfather Stephen White.

Stephen was apparently home with his mother for the 1830 census, age 5-9 (born ca 1820/25). He may have been living with his brother James for the 1840 census, age 15-19 (born ca 1820/25).

On 13 Mar 1848 Samuel Bryson, Isaac Moore and wife Rachel, and Stephen Bryson, all of Cherokee County, sold to James H. Bryson, of Cherokee County, for $1000, their interest in 147 acres purchased by Andrew Bryson, deceased, on Sugartown Fork of Tennessee River, which descended to them as heirs (the list of heirs also included James H. Bryson). Witnesses were S. W. Davidson and John J. Rose. (Macon Co, NC Deed Book E page 324)

The above deed is the last record I have for Stephen Bryson. He was not listed (as far as I can find) on the 1850 census in North Carolina. I have a notation that he may have gone to Texas. I did not find him in Texas in 1850 (from the census index) either. Due to lack of other information, I can only assume that Stephen Bryson died sometime between 1848 and 1850.

Researcher List

Persons researching this family (click here for data on how to get on or off of this list):

1. Andrew¹ Bryson , born 1785 in Lincoln Co, NC (now Catawba Co, NC); died 1826 in Haywood Co, NC (now Macon Co, NC); buried in Sugar Fork Cem, Macon Co, NC, son of James Holmes Bryson and Sarah Countryman . He married on 1 May 1817 in Haywood Co, NC Margaret White , born 1792/93 in Elbert Co, GA; died 1860/70 in Cherokee Co, NC; buried in Sugar Fork Cem, Macon Co, NC, daughter of Stephen White and Eleanor Ferguson .

Children of Andrew Bryson and Margaret White were as follows:

+ 2 i James Holmes² Bryson , born 28 Jun 1818 in Haywood Co, NC; died 5 Jul 1897 in Cherokee Co, NC; buried in Valleytown Cem, Cherokee Co, NC. He married Cornelia A Siler .

+ 3 ii Samuel² Bryson , born 16 Sep 1819 in Haywood Co, NC; died in Rusk Co, TX. He married Sarah Moore .

+ 4 iii Rachel² Bryson , born 1822/23 in Haywood Co, NC; died aft 1880 in Cherokee Co, NC. She married Isaac N Moore .

5 iv Stephen² Bryson , born 1820/25 in Haywood Co, NC; died 1848/50 in Cherokee Co, NC.

Generation 2

2. James Holmes² Bryson (Andrew¹), born 28 Jun 1818 in Haywood Co, NC; died 5 Jul 1897 in Cherokee Co, NC; buried in Valleytown Cem, Cherokee Co, NC. He married on 13 Dec 1848 in Macon Co, NC Cornelia A Siler , born 4 Aug 1830 in Macon Co, NC; died 19 Mar 1900 in Cherokee Co, NC; buried in Valleytown Cem, Cherokee Co, NC, daughter of William Siler and Althia Swain .

Children of James Holmes Bryson and Cornelia A Siler were as follows:

+ 6 i William Andrew³ Bryson , born 21 Mar 1850 in Cherokee Co, NC; died in Cherokee Co, NC. He married (1) Frances Amanda Cooper ; (2) Caroline Harrison .

+ 7 ii Albert Swain³ Bryson , born 30 Dec 1851 in Cherokee Co, NC; died 5 Jul 1900. He married Leona L Lyle .

8 iii Samuel Edward³ Bryson , born 1 Mar 1853 in Cherokee Co, NC; died 15 Jun 1929 in Cherokee Co, NC. He married on 17 Dec 1902 in Macon Co, NC Julia Christy , born 23 Nov 1866 in Iredell Co, NC.

+ 9 iv Margaret A Eva³ Bryson , born 24 Jun 1855 in Cherokee Co, NC. She married ? (---) .

+ 10 v M Ellen Siler³ Bryson , born 28 Oct 1856 in Cherokee Co, NC. She married Leander Oliver .

11 vi Adeline Antoinette W³ Bryson , born 4 Jun 1858 in Cherokee Co, NC; died 11 Aug 1895.

+ 12 vii Cora Irene Lee³ Bryson , born 13 Jun 1863 in Cherokee Co, NC; died 19 Mar 1948. She married Thomas J Christy .

+ 13 viii Harriett Holmes³ Bryson , born 1 Dec 1870 in Cherokee Co, NC. She married Matthew L Knight .

3. Samuel² Bryson (Andrew¹), born 16 Sep 1819 in Haywood Co, NC; died in Rusk Co, TX. He married on 27 Feb 1839 in Macon Co, NC Sarah Moore , born 1822/23 in Haywood Co, NC; died in TX, daughter of Abner Senter Moore and Annie Cook .

Children of Samuel Bryson and Sarah Moore were as follows:

14 i Abner³ Bryson , born 1839/40 in Macon Co, NC.

15 ii Margaret A³ Bryson , born 1841/42 in Macon Co, NC.

16 iii Priscilla C³ Bryson , born 1845/46 in Macon Co, NC.

17 iv James³ Bryson , born 1847/48 in Cherokee Co, NC.

18 v Lavina³ Bryson , born 1850 in Cherokee Co, NC.

19 vi Sarah Jane³ Bryson , born 27 May 1855 in Sherman, Grayson Co, TX; died 22 Dec 1943 in Rusk Co, TX. She married William Anderson .

4. Rachel² Bryson (Andrew¹), born 1822/23 in Haywood Co, NC; died aft 1880 in Cherokee Co, NC. She married on 29 Jan 1839 in Macon Co, NC Isaac N Moore , born 4 Apr 1809 in Buncombe Co, NC; died aft 1880 in Cherokee Co, NC, son of John Parker Moore and Millie Redmond .

Children of Rachel Bryson and Isaac N Moore were as follows:

20 i Andrew J³ Moore , born 1839/40 in Macon Co, NC.

+ 21 ii Malissa A³ Moore , born 1841/42 in Macon Co, NC. She married (1) (---) Evans ; (2) William Noah Dockery .

22 iii Margaret A³ Moore , born 1844/45 in Macon Co, NC. She married on 23 Jul 1871 in Cherokee Co, NC Andrew Judsen W Evans , born 1831/32 in Monroe Co, TN, son of John B Evans and Mary "Polly" Miller .

+ 23 iv Sarah A³ Moore , born 1846/47 in Cherokee Co, NC. She married John B Evans .

24 v Stephen B³ Moore , born 1851/52 in Cherokee Co, NC.

25 vi Mary Emily³ Moore , born 1853/54 in Cherokee Co, NC.

26 vii John³ Moore , born 1860 in Cherokee Co, NC; died 1860/70 in Cherokee Co, NC.

Generation 3

6. William Andrew³ Bryson (James Holmes², Andrew¹), born 21 Mar 1850 in Cherokee Co, NC; died in Cherokee Co, NC. He married (1) on 26 Dec 1883 in Cherokee Co, NC Frances Amanda Cooper , born 8 Aug 1859 in Cherokee Co, NC; died 27 Nov 1907 in Cherokee Co, NC; buried in Harshaw Methodist, Murphy, Cherokee Co, NC, daughter of James Warner Cooper and Emily Isabella Henry ; (2) aft 1907 in Cherokee Co, NC Caroline Harrison .

Children of William Andrew Bryson and Frances Amanda Cooper were as follows:

27 i Lillian⁴ Bryson , born 19 Jun 1887 in Cherokee Co, NC.

28 ii Beryl⁴ Bryson , born 1890 in Cherokee Co, NC.

7. Albert Swain³ Bryson (James Holmes², Andrew¹), born 30 Dec 1851 in Cherokee Co, NC; died 5 Jul 1900. He married on 20 Jan 1875 in Macon Co, NC Leona L Lyle , born 21 Dec 1854 in Macon Co, NC; died 9 Feb 1934 in Tuscon, AZ, daughter of John M Lyle Dr and Laura A Siler .

Children of Albert Swain Bryson and Leona L Lyle were as follows:

29 i Laura Amelia⁴ Bryson , born 21 Oct 1875 in Macon Co, NC. She married Henry G Robertson .

30 ii Albert Swain⁴ Bryson , born 4 Jun 1877 in Macon Co, NC; died 28 Oct 1877 in Macon Co, NC.

31 iii Jean Paul⁴ Bryson , born 19 Aug 1878 in Macon Co, NC; died 9 Jun 1907 in Macon Co, NC.

+ 32 iv Leona Cornelia⁴ Bryson , born 8 May 1881 in Macon Co, NC; died 12 Nov 1966. She married Thomas William Porter .

33 v Margaret French⁴ Bryson , born 11 Nov 1882 in Macon Co, NC; died 14 May 1963 in Phoenix, AZ.

34 vi Albert Swain⁴ Bryson , born 29 Nov 1884 in Macon Co, NC; died 4 Mar 1885 in Macon Co, NC.

35 vii Frank Lyle⁴ Bryson , born 25 Nov 1890 in Macon Co, NC.

9. Margaret A Eva³ Bryson (James Holmes², Andrew¹), born 24 Jun 1855 in Cherokee Co, NC. She married Not married ? (---) .

Children of Margaret A Eva Bryson and ? (---) were as follows:

36 i Lois⁴ Bryson , born 17 Jul 1878. She married in Jun 1900 William Aldrich .

10. M Ellen Siler³ Bryson (James Holmes², Andrew¹), born 28 Oct 1856 in Cherokee Co, NC. She married on 26 Oct 1871 in Macon Co, NC Leander Oliver .

Children of M Ellen Siler Bryson and Leander Oliver were as follows:

37 i William Holmes⁴ Oliver , born 2 Jan 1876. He married Sadie Fisher .

38 ii Charles L⁴ Oliver , born 29 May 1877.

39 iii Mary Laura⁴ Oliver , born 20 Aug 1879. She married Theodore Corpening .

40 iv Florence⁴ Oliver , born 19 Feb 1884. She married Andy Angel .

41 v Hugh W⁴ Oliver , born 16 Dec 1885.

42 vi Annie⁴ Oliver , born 5 May 1889.

43 vii Fred S⁴ Oliver , born 23 May 1891.

44 viii Adelia⁴ Oliver .

45 ix Eugene⁴ Oliver , born 23 Feb 1900. He married Mary Eagle .

12. Cora Irene Lee³ Bryson (James Holmes², Andrew¹), born 13 Jun 1863 in Cherokee Co, NC; died 19 Mar 1948. She married on 23 Oct 1888 in Macon Co, NC Thomas J Christy , son of John Christy and Aurelia Roberts .

Children of Cora Irene Lee Bryson and Thomas J Christy were as follows:

46 i Cornelia⁴ Christy , born 25 Jul 1889.

47 ii John⁴ Christy , born 10 Apr 1891.

48 iii Harold⁴ Christy , born 10 Apr 1893.

49 iv Ralph⁴ Christy , born 17 Jun 1898.

50 v Aurelia⁴ Christy , born 3 Jun 1900.

51 vi Gladys⁴ Christy , born 9 Jul 1902.

52 vii Ellen S⁴ Christy , born 20 Aug 1904.

53 viii William R⁴ Christy , born 30 Dec 1906.

13. Harriett Holmes³ Bryson (James Holmes², Andrew¹), born 1 Dec 1870 in Cherokee Co, NC. She married on 6 Nov 1895 in Cherokee Co, NC Matthew L Knight .

Children of Harriett Holmes Bryson and Matthew L Knight were as follows:

54 i Kenneth⁴ Knight , born 30 Sep 1896.

55 ii James T⁴ Knight , born 8 Sep 1899.

21. Malissa A³ Moore (Rachel² Bryson, Andrew¹), born 1841/42 in Macon Co, NC. She married (1) in 1860/67 in Cherokee Co, NC (---) Evans , died 1860/67; (2) on 2 Dec 1867 in Cherokee Co, NC William Noah Dockery , born 1833/34 in NC, son of Thomas Dockery and Mahala (---) .

Children of Malissa A Moore and William Noah Dockery were as follows:

56 i James⁴ Dockery , born 1866/67 in Cherokee Co, NC.

57 ii Noah⁴ Dockery , born 1867/68 in Cherokee Co, NC.

58 iii John⁴ Dockery , born Nov 1869 in Cherokee Co, NC.

23. Sarah A³ Moore (Rachel² Bryson, Andrew¹), born 1846/47 in Cherokee Co, NC. She married on 26 Dec 1868 in Cherokee Co, NC John B Evans , born 1845/46 in Monroe Co, TN, son of John B Evans and Mary "Polly" Miller .

Children of Sarah A Moore and John B Evans were as follows:

59 i Andrew⁴ Evans , born 1868/69 in Cherokee Co, NC.

Andrew Bryson (c1785) and Margaret White of Buncombe, Haywood, Macon and Cherokee Co, NC

Children

Researcher List

Register Report