Andrew Bryson (c1752) and Agnes Nail of NC and SC

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        1 Sep 2008 Reformatted by Marty Grant.

Many thanks are owed to various researchers, but special thanks to: Ethel Updike (decd), Lawrence Wood (decd), Guy Davenport, Pat Spradley, Jim Wardley, Bill Lindsey, Sandra Fender, and many others (see the Bryson researcher page).

Andrew Bryson was born before 1755 (per 1800 census) or ca "1752" per other researchers (which I think is just a rough estimate), presumably in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania (since his brother Samuel Bryson (1754) stated he was from Lancaster County, PA). Several of the old Bryson family records (from the 1800's and early 1900's) state that this family lived in Lancaster Co, PA before coming to NC. None of Andrew's children lived long enough to be listed on the 1880 census, so I can't see what they listed for their parents birth places on that census.

Andrew Bryson is a son of William Bryson and Isabella Holmes. I have seen no direct proof of this, but several early family histories mention that Andrew was William's son, and these were written by folks who would have known personally, or in some cases via their own parents (so not too far removed from the source to be considered "Family tradition").

The earliest record by Talitha Bryson Allen (1811-1898) shows Andrew as a brother to her grandfather James Bryson. She would have probably known Andrew personally, since they lived at the same time. She also stated that Andrew married twice, and lived on Cullowhee Creek.  In the Bryson History by Thomas Clingman Bryson (1851-1940), he listed Andrew as a son of William Bryson and "Miss Holmes", but gave no other data on Andrew. The Bryson record by Albert Swain Bryson (1851-1900) lists Andrew as a son of William Bryson and "Miss Holmes", but gives no further data on Andrew, except that all the brothers were Revolutionary War soldiers.

None of the above is what I would call typical primary evidence (proving Andrew is son of William and Isabella), but it is good enough for me. For at least in Talitha Allen's case, she would have known Andrew personally, so should certainly be considered a primary source for information.

Andrew's parents left Lancaster Co, PA for Rowan Co, NC in the early 1760's, where William Bryson purchased land on Back Creek (now in Iredell Co, NC near town of Mooresville).

Andrew Bryson and all his brothers were reputed to have served during the Revolutionary War, and were said to be at the Battle of Kings Mountain. However, there is no proof that Andrew served. His son James N. Bryson (1795) applied for a Revolutionary War Pension in 1853 in right of his father, but was rejected for lack of proof of Andrew's service. On 26 May 1853, James N. Bryson of Gilmer Co, GA made an application for a Pension based on his father Andrew's Revolutionary War service. It was filed in Union Co, GA. I ordered a copy of this from the National Archives (Pension File # R1389):

Andrew Brysons Revolutionary Pension File (R1389)

Rejected

(Document in file)

State of Georgia )

County of Union )

Be it known that on this 26^th day of May in the A.D. 1853 before me the undersigned an acting Justice of the Peace within and for the County and State aforesaid, Personally appeared James N. Bryson, age 59 years a Resident of Gilmer County, in the State of Georgia. Who being by me cautioned and then sworn in due form of Law doth on his oath State that he is the Son and Heir of Andrew Bryson, deceased, who was a Revolutionary Soldier of the State of North Carolina and that he died at Cainey Fork Creek in North Carolina on or about the 5^th day of May in the A.D. 1835 and that his Mother named Nancy Bryson died on or about the -- day -- A.D. 1796 and that they were married in Iredell County in the State aforesaid on or about the 5^th day of April A.D. 1787 and that they Resided there about 36 years and that the Declarant now resides in Gilmer County in the State of Georgia and he furhter states that he heard his Father say that he was at the Battle of Kings Mountain, Cow Penns and others also at the Battle where General Gates was defeated and that he served under General Morgan and Gates and that his Father never applied for nor was on the Pension List.

And that furthermore the said James N. Bryson by these presents constitutes and appoints irrevocably W.R. Query of Stock Hill, Geo his true and Lawful Attorney to prosecute and demand from the United States Government any Pension Money or Land that he may have Right to as Son and Heir of the said Revolutionary Soldier as in Right of Law Custom or Equity he is or may be entitled to.

Hereby confirmed his said attorney Lawful acts in the premises.

In Testimony whereof he has hereunto set his hand and affixed my seal. The day and Year above written. (Signed) James N. Bryson (Seal). Attest: H.H. Walker, Mason McLeod J.P. (Seal)

Sworn to acknowledged and subscribed and before me and I further certify that I am not interested in the Claim Given under my hand and Seal the 26^th day of May A.D. 1853. (Signed) Mason McLeod, J.P. (Seal)

State of Georgia )

County of Union )

At the Same time and place before me Personally appeared James Bryson a resident of Gilmer County in the State aforesaid to me well known a credible and disinterested witness who being by me duly cautioned and then sworn in due form of Law, states on his oath and saith that he was Personally acquainted with Andrew Bryson and belives and that he always herad it said and it was Generally Believed by the community that the said Andrew Bryson was a Revolutionary Soldier and that James N. Bryson is the son and Heir and was always treated as such by the Said Revolutionary Soldier.

Sworn to acknowledged and subscribed to and before me this the 26^th day of May in the A.D. 1853. (Signed) James Bryson. (Signed) Mason McLeod, J.P. (Seal)

(Another document in file)

Pension Office

Aug 24, 1853

Sir,

The application of Bryson, Andrew Bryson, decd of GA has been examined and filed. No proof of service had been filed and the office is not in possession of any evidence in his favor. Application should be made to the comptroller of NC for evidence of service.

W.R. Query,

Stock Hill

GA

The data that James N. Bryson reported wasn't convincing, apparently, for the application was rejected. The marriage date he gave for Andrew was off by about 4 years, but he was correct about it being in Iredell County (though Iredell was still part of Rowan at the time). His statement that they resided "there about 36 years" is confusing. It seems to indicate they lived in Iredell for 36 years. He probably meant his father lived at "Cainey Fork Creek" for 36 years, which makes more sense. The above included an affidavit from another "James Bryson" of Gilmer County, Georgia who knew Andrew Bryson. That can only be James Bryson (1780), a first cousin of James N. Bryson. There was no other James old enough (and who lived in GA in 1853) who could have known Andrew Bryson.

On 17 Dec 1783 Andrew Bryson obtained a marriage bond in Rowan County to marry Agnes Naill. James Naill was the bondsman (possibly her brother or father). Agnes (also called "Nancy" which is a common nickname for "Agnes") was born ca 1760 (just a rough guess), either in North Carolina, or possibly in Pennsylvania (I have no evidence so far to pinpoint her birth place). I don't know who her parents were, but I would assume that James Naill was closely related, since he was bondsman for her marriage. The name "Naill" is one that has many alternate spellings, for example: Naill, Nail, Neal, Neale, etc. Some researchers have erroneously listed her as a "Neagle" (or similar spellings), which is incorrect.

In 1788, Iredell County was formed from Rowan, including the section where the Brysons resided.

By 1790, all of the Brysons in this family were in Pendleton District, South Carolina, and that includes Andrew. They may have made several stops along the way, though I've found no record of Andrew in any other county in the 1780's (other than Rowan). During the 1780's, some of his brothers were across the river in Lincoln County (now Catawba) just a few miles from the old home on Back Creek, and some of his brothers had been in South Carolina during that period as well. Based on the birth dates and places for Andrew's children, he was still in NC in 1789, but in SC by 1790.

Andrew Bryson was listed on the 1790 census in Ninety Six District, Pendleton County, SC.  He was listed between William Bryson (his father) and Daniel Bryson (his brother). All of his other brothers were listed in the same county but not very close to him. I don't know what part of Pendleton District this was, although Daniel owned land on "Willsons Creek". Perhaps Andrew was living on his brothers land. Wilson Creek is in present day Anderson County, SC (formed from Pendleton in 1826).

1790 census analysis (based on available evidence): (Explanation of this census)

1790 Ninety-Six District, Pendleton Co, SC pg 82 Andrew Brison 1-0-3-0-0

Analysis:

1 Male 16 and Up (before 1774)        Andrew BRYSON (c1752) 

3 Females no ages given (before 1790) Agnes NAIL Bryson wife

                                      Elizabeth BRYSON (1787) daughter

                                      Sarah BRYSON (1789) daughter

Agnes Naill Bryson died ca 1796, at least according to the statement made by their son James N. Bryson in 1853 (see above). I don't know if she died in South Carolina, or if they had already returned to Iredell County, NC by then.

At some point after ca 1795 Andrew took his family from Pendleton Dist, SC and moved back to Iredell Co, NC. They were apparently back in North Carolina by 1799 when the next child was born.

Sometime between 1796 and ca 1798, Andrew Bryson remarried. So far, I have not been able to find the name of his second wife. Also, I don't know if he married while still in SC, or after the return to NC. (South Carolina marriage records are non existent in this timeframe).

Andrew Bryson was listed on the 1800 census in Iredell County. It can probably be safely assumed he lived on Back Creek or somewhere near there. His first wife may have died there, if they returned before her death date. The 1800 census shows Andrew with a fairly large family. Some have suggested that it wasn't the same Andrew, and that is possible. All of his brothers in 1800 were either in Buncombe Co, NC or still in Pendleton Dist, SC. Why did he return to Iredell Co, NC? Did he own land in the area, or was Agnes' family still there, or did he inherit some land there from his parents or from his first wife's parents? I have not seen any applicable records yet. One thing is certain, Andrew was the only Bryson in Iredell in 1800. Unfortunately, this census was alphabetical, so I can't tell who their neighbors were, nor where they might have been living exactly (though Back Creek is assumed). Though it seems like it was alphabetical within each particular section, so some of the names might be of interest. In his section there were Byers (supposedly related to the Brysons, but no one knows how for sure), but no Naills, or other names that tie in with the Brysons. (There were some McGaugheys, and Postons, both names tie in with the Brysons later on in Western NC).

The "extra" people with them in 1800 could be his second wife's siblings perhaps, or boarders of some sort.

1800 census analysis (based on available evidence): (Explanation of this census)

1800 Iredell Co, NC pg 654 Andrew Brison 11211-32011

Analysis:

1 Male(s) 45 & up   (before 1755)     Andrew BRYSON (1752) s/o William & Isabella

1 Male(s) 26-44       (1755-1774)     Son? (1755/74) * Not with him in 1790 

2 Male(s) 16-25       (1774-1784)     Son? (1774/84) * Not with him in 1790

                                      Son? (1774/84) * Not with him in 1790

1 Male(s) 10-15       (1784-1790)     Son? (1784/90) * Not with him in 1790

1 Male(s) 0-9         (1790-1800)     James Nail BRYSON (1794/95) son

1 Female(s) 45 & up (before 1755)     Wife? Mother? Mother-in-law? (Bef 1755) 

1 Female(s) 26-44     (1755-1774)     Wife? Daughter? (1755/74) * Not in 1790

2 Female(s) 10-15     (1784-1790)     Elizabeth BRYSON (1787) daughter

                                      Sarah BRYSON (1789) daughter

3 Female(s) 0-9       (1790-1800)     Isabella BRYSON (1799/1800)

                                      Unknown Daughter?

                                      Unknown Daughter?

By 1806, Andrew Bryson was in Buncombe Co, NC, as that year he signed a Petition requesting the formation of a new county (Haywood). It is assumed that he lived there at that time. Haywood was created from Buncombe in 1808.  Andrew Bryson and "Andrew Bryson Jr" signed the petition. "Jr" was Andrew Bryson (1785), nephew of the elder Andrew.

Andrew Bryson was not found anywhere on the 1810 census, but it seems from other records that he was in Haywood Co, NC, for that same year on 25 Dec 1810 he was on a Jury in Haywood County Court (though it may have been the younger Andrew listed instead).

Talitha Bryson Allen stated that Andrew Bryson lived on Cullowhee Creek, though his own son James stated he lived on Caney Fork. Both of those creeks join the Tuckaseegee River about 3 miles apart, though Cullowhee is on the south side, and Caney Fork on the north. Where the Cullowhee joins the River is the "Cullowhee" community, and where Caney Fork joins is "East Laport" community. I don't know precisely where Andrew lived, but these two creeks are not too far apart where they join the river. Of course they get further apart as you go further upstream of either one. Both are within present day Jackson County.

Mrs. Bryson died sometime between the birth of daughter Nancy Bryson in 1811 and 1817, for by then Andrew had a new wife (though Talitha Allen only mentioned two wives). He married Sally ---, a woman who was either full, or part Cherokee. They aren't known to have had any children, but under the Cherokee Treaty of 1817, Andrew Bryson received a Reservation of 640 acres, in right of his wife (meaning she was entitled by blood, not him) "near the Nar ford on Tuckaseedge". This was dated 9 Aug 1817. This land was roughly in the area of the community of East Laport in modern Jackson Co, NC where Caney Fork empties into the Tuckasegee River. At that time it was in Haywood County. Now it is quite possible that "Sally" was not his 3rd wife, but his second, though that would make her the mother of Isabella (1799), Andrew (1804) and Nancy (1811), and as far as I know, those branches of the family never claimed Indian blood. It seems she is the 3rd wife.

According to his son James, Andrew Bryson died in 1835, however, I have not been able to locate him on the 1820 or 1830 census. My theory on why Andrew was "missing" in 1820 and 1830 has to due with his Cherokee wife. Haywood County at that time had a large Cherokee Indian population, and the census takers were not supposed to include them on the Federal Census. Andrew apparently lived in the midst of them, and the census taker probably avoided the entire area. That may not be the case, but it is the best explanation I can think of why Andrew was not found in 1820 or 1830. Another possibility is that he actually died well before 1835 and that James was mistaken about when his father died (though that seems hard to accept).

Andrew Bryson died on 5 May 1835 (per his son James) in the Caney Fork Creek area of Haywood County (now Jackson County), North Carolina.

I don't know when Sally died, for I've not been able to find any information on her.

There were no estate records for Andrew Bryson in Haywood County. His son Andrew died in 1828, and his nephew Andrew Bryson (1785) died in 1826. The two younger Andrew's had a combined Estate record in Haywood County, but I saw no papers in there that might actually refer to the elder Andrew.

I have not yet found any record of what happened to Andrew Bryson's 640 acres of "Reservation". I do know that many of these Indian Reservations of 1817 were later stolen away in fraudulent land deals, but I don't know what happened to Andrew's land. It may have reverted to the Government on Andrews death.

The area where Andrew Bryson Sr lived and died became Jackson County in 1851.

An interesting footnote to the Cherokee connection is that in 1908, James Bryson (1828), his brother Samuel Bryson (1823), and one of their sisters filed an Indian Claim (recorded in the book "Cherokee by Blood") for benefits based on Andrew Bryson's wife being Indian. James and Samuel (residents of Cherokee Co, NC)  were not descendants of Andrew. They were sons of John Bryson (1787) and Margaret Ingram, who was a son of John Bryson (bef 1755) and Jane Malone who was a brother of Andrew. They (Samuel and James) claimed their father's father's brother Andrew Bryson was married to an Indian, and that they died without children, and that they being their grand nephews and grand niece were the proper heirs. Obviously this claim was rejected, since they were not related to the wife of Andrew Bryson. However, it does make for interesting reading. It ignores the fact that Andrew did have 6 children by two previous wives. Perhaps James and Samuel weren't aware of those children, or were just trying to get away with something. It does show that members of the family were aware of the 3rd wife of Andrew, even if Talitha Bryson Allen might not have mentioned it. (This Indian marriage might have been a cause for a split in the family, for such a thing was probably scandalous to some).

1.      Elizabeth Bryson (1787-1872)

2.      Sarah Bryson (1789-1880)

3.      James Nail Bryson (c1795-after 1870)

4.      Isabella Bryson (1799-1863)

5.      Andrew Bryson (Jr) (1804-1828)

6.      Nancy Bryson (1811-1887)

I have seen no direct evidence that Elizabeth Bryson is a daughter of Andrew Bryson, but a grandchild of theirs reported that her father was Andrew. She also fits circumstantially. Solid evidence would be nice though. She did name her oldest child "Andrew".

Her parents moved to Pendleton Dist, SC by 1790, and Elizabeth undoubtedly went with them. She would have been about 3 years old by the time of the 1790 census, and does seem to be home with her parents then. No ages were given for females on that census, but Andrew had 3 of them, probably his wife and daughters Elizabeth (1787) and Sarah (1789).

By 1800, Andrew and family had returned to Iredell County, NC and were listed on the census there that year. Elizabeth would have been about 13 years old for that census, and Andrew did have two daughters age 10-15 (born ca 1784/90).

Right after 1800, Andrew Bryson joined his siblings in the Buncombe (later Haywood, now Jackson) County, North Carolina area. Elizabeth went with them of course.

Sometime before ca 1808, Elizabeth Bryson married William Cathey (1782) in Haywood County. For some reason, their marriage date is not recorded in their bible, or else it was on a page I do not have.

See their page for additional information.

I have seen no direct evidence that Sarah Bryson is a daughter of Andrew Bryson, but she fits circumstantially. Solid evidence would be nice though. She did name her oldest child "Nancy N." (perhaps "Nancy Nail" after her mother?)

Sarah's parents moved to Pendleton Dist, SC by 1790, and Sarah undoubtedly went with them. She would have been about 1 year old or less by the time of the 1790 census, and does seem to be home with her parents then. No ages were given for females on that census, but Andrew had 3 of them, probably his wife and daughters Elizabeth (1787) and Sarah (1789).

By 1800, Andrew and family had returned to Iredell County, NC and were listed on the census there that year. Sarah would have been about 11 years old for that census, and Andrew did have two daughters age 10-15 (born ca 1784/90).

Right after 1800, Andrew Bryson joined his siblings in the Buncombe (later Haywood, now Jackson) County, North Carolina area. Sarah went with them of course.

Sometime before ca 1809, Sarah Bryson married James Cathey (1784) (brother of William Bryson who married Sarah's sister Elizabeth) in Haywood County.

See their page for additional information.

See his own page for additional information.

She undoubtedly came to Haywood County with her parents just after 1800. She was probably home with her parents for the 1810 census, but unfortunately I have not found her parents on that census.

On 30 --- 1815 (month obscured), John Mann obtained a marriage bond in Haywood County to marry Eby Bryson daughter of Andrew. Heder Watson was bondsman. John Mann was born 9 Aug 1793 (source?) in North Carolina, son of William Mann and Isabella Neal.

Apparently John Mann and Isabella moved to Kentucky briefly ca 1819 or so. I found several John Mann's listed on the 1820 census there, so I don't know which one is them.

By ca 1825 they had returned to NC, settling somewhere in Haywood County.

They were listed on the 1830 census in Haywood County. They were listed between Joseph Morrow and Nancy Matthews. No Brysons were listed too nearby.

1830 census analysis (based on available evidence): (Explanation of this census)

1830 Haywood Co, NC pg 362 John Mann 0200010000000-0120010000000

Analysis:

1 Male(s) 30-39        (1790-1800)    John MANN (1793)

2 Male(s) 5-9          (1820-1825)    William B. MANN (1822) son

                                      Andrew MANN (1825) son

1 Female(s) 30-39      (1790-1800)    Isabella BRYSON Mann (1799) wife

2 Female(s) 10-14      (1815-1820)    Mary MANN (1815) daughter > m 1835

                                      Elizabeth MANN (c1819) daughter

1 Female(s) 5-9        (1820-1825)    Sarah MANN (c1820) daughter > m 1837

They were still in Haywood for the 1840 census.  They were next door to E. G. Morrow and Bannister Turner. No Brysons were too nearby.

1840 census analysis (based on available evidence): (Explanation of this census)

1840 Haywood Co, NC pg 128 John Man 0020101000000-1110100100000

Analysis:

1 Male(s) 40-49        (1790-1800)    John MANN (1793)

1 Male(s) 20-29        (1810-1820)    William B. MANN (1822) son > m 1842

2 Male(s) 10-14        (1825-1830)    Andrew MANN (1825) son > m 1844

                                      Son? (1825/30) not in 1830 > gone by 1850

1 Female(s) 50-59      (1780-1790)    Isabella BRYSON Mann (1799) wife

1 Female(s) 20-29      (1810-1820)    Elizabeth MANN (c1820) dau. > m ca 1843

1 Female(s) 10-14      (1825-1830)    Isabella MANN (1829) daughter > m by 1845

1 Female(s) 5-9        (1830-1835)    Nancy Ann MANN (1831) daughter > m 1849

1 Female(s) 0-4        (1835-1840)    Margaret MANN (1834) daughter

They were still in Haywood County for the 1850 census, near several members of the Cathey family. John's widowed mother was living with them.

1850 census abstract: (Explanation of this census)

(Note: The dates at the end of each line are not part of the original census, but are approximate birth years based on age)

1850 HAYWOOD CO, NC Page 173   House/Family #  576/ 593  -  Twp

MAN JOHN              46 M W MILLER                     NC           1803/1804

MAN ISABELLA          50 F W                            NC           1799/1800

MAN MARGARET          15 F W                            NC           1834/1835

MAN ISABELLA          77 F W                            NC           1772/1773

They were still in Haywood for the 1860 census, listed between two of their children, now married.

1860 census abstract: (Explanation of this census)

(Note: The dates at the end of each line are not part of the original census, but are approximate birth years based on age)

1860 HAYWOOD CO, NC Page 282   House/Family #   18/  18 --  Twp  FORKS OF PIGEON P.O.

MANN JOHN             66 M W FARMER             100   150 SC         1793/1794

MANN ISABELLA         50 F W DOMESTIC                     NC         1809/1810

SMITH SARY Wid        38 F W                              NC         1821/1822

SMITH ELIZABETH       13 F W                              NC         1846/1847

SMITH SARY             4 F W                              NC         1855/1856

According to some source, Isabella Bryson Mann died on 21 Jun 1863, however this can't be true, for she was still alive and listed on the 1870 census in Haywood County.

1870 census abstract: (Explanation of this census)

(Note: The dates at the end of each line are not part of the original census, but are approximate birth years based on age)

1870 HAYWOOD CO, NC Page 209B  House/Family #  141/ 142--FORKS OF PIGEON Twp FORKS OF PIGEON P.O.

MANN JOHN             77 M W FARMER                           NC     1792/1793

MANN IBBY             72 F W KEEPING HOUSE                    NC     1797/1798

MANN ANDREW           45 M W FARM LABORER                     NC     1824/1825

MANN SALLIE           45 F W                                  NC     1824/1825

MANN ARMINTA          13 F W                                  NC     1856/1857

MANN JAMES            10 M W                                  NC     1859/1860

MANN DAVID             8 M W                                  NC     1861/1862

MANN ANDREW            4 M W                                  NC     1865/1866

Isabella Bryson Mann apparently died sometime in the 1870's in Haywood County.

John Mann was listed on the 1880 census with grandson Bryson Reece in Haywood County, Pigeon Township: Bryson Reece 28, Farmer, NC-NC-NC; Malinda M. 22 wife; John Mann 87 grandfather, married, born NC-//-//; Sarah Reece, 73 grand mother, widowed, SC-//-//.

John Mann died sometime after 1880.

I have a list of children for John and Isabella as provided by others, only a few of which are proven, as far as I can tell.

• Mary Mann (1815) proven by her 1835 marriage bond, lists her father as "John"
• Elizabeth Mann (c1820) - don't know proof.
• Sarah Mann (c1822) proven by living with parents in 1860
• William B. Mann (1822), not proven, but named children "John" and "Isabella".
• James Mann - no proof
• Andrew Mann (1825) living with parents in 1870.
• Isabell Mann (c1829) - not proven, but her names seems a strong clue.
• Nancy Mann (1831) - not proven, but named children "John" and "Isabella".
• Margaret C. Mann (1834). Proven, home in 1850.
• David Mann (no data).

Andrew (Jr) married Lucinda --- ca 1825 in Haywood Co, NC. Her maiden name isn't known.

See their own page for additional information.

I have not seen any direct proof that Nancy is a child of Andrew Bryson, but I think she belongs here. The main piece of circumstantial evidence is that the bondsman for her marriage (1826) was William Cathey, who was married to Elizabeth Bryson, Nancy's presumed sister. (Though it should be noted that there was more than one William Cathey in Haywood County in 1826 who was "of age"). Secondly, Nancy's oldest son was named "Andrew". Thirdly, they lived very close to three other children of Andrew Bryson (as of the 1830 census). Fourth, Mary Paxton (1850), a granddaughter of Isabella Bryson (1799) (Nancy's presumed sister) was living with Nancy in 1870, and if Isabella and Nancy are sisters (as I believe), that would make Mary Paxton a grand niece of Nancy. None of this is conclusive, but it all points toward Andrew for her father.  It would be nice if some solid evidence could be located regarding Nancy's parentage.

Nancy would have presumably been home with her parents in 1820, aged "under 10" (born ca 1810/20). There were only a couple of Brysons in Haywood that year with a daughter that age. James Bryson (c1780). He is an unlikely candidate, for this daughter was still apparently with him in 1830 (and Nancy was married by then). John Bryson (1769) had two daughters that age, though they are already identified. Daniel G. Bryson (1787) had two daughters that age, but both are identified. William Bryson (1775/80) had 3 girls that age, though his heirs were named in an 1844 deed, and no "Nancy" among them. James N. Bryson (c1795) had one daughter that age, but he didn't marry until 1813, so it seems unlikely Nancy is his daughter. John Bryson (1787) had one daughter that age, but she is identified. Of those listed above, only William Bryson (1775/80) seems likely. However it should be noted that Andrew Bryson (1752) (whom I'm sure is her father) was not listed on the 1820 census for some reason.

On 22 Jun 1826, William Hooper obtained a marriage bond to marry Nancy Bryson. William Cathey (her brother-in-law, presumably) was the bondsman. William Hooper was born 2 May 1807 (per tombstone), son of Absalom Hooper and Sarah Silers (source?).

They were listed on the 1830 census in Haywood County just a couple of houses from brothers-in-law William Cathey and James Cathey and James N. Bryson (1795). Also nearby was Michael Long who was married to a granddaughter of James H. Bryson (1740/50).

1830 census analysis (based on available evidence): (Explanation of this census)

1830 Haywood Co, NC pg 364 William Hooper 1000100000000-0000100000000

Analysis:

1 Male(s) 20-29        (1800-1810)    William HOOPER (1806)

1 Male(s) 0-4          (1825-1830)    Andrew D. HOOPER (1828) son

1 Female(s) 20-29      (1800-1810)    Nancy BRYSON Hooper (1811) wife

They were still in Haywood for the 1840 census. They were not listed near any of the Brysons this time (Two of Nancy's siblings had left Haywood by 1840, Elizabeth to Union Co, GA; Sarah to neighboring Macon Co, NC; leaving Nancy, and Isabella still in Haywood, brother Andrew Jr having died before then).

1840 census analysis (based on available evidence): (Explanation of this census)

1840 Haywood Co, NC pg 122 William Hooper 0110010000000-1110100000000

Analysis:

1 Male(s) 30-39        (1800-1810)    William HOOPER (1806)

1 Male(s) 10-14        (1825-1830)    Andrew D. HOOPER (1828) son

1 Male(s) 5-9          (1830-1835)    John HOOPER (1832) son

1 Female(s) 20-29      (1810-1820)    Nancy BRYSON Hooper (1811) wife

1 Female(s) 10-14      (1825-1830)    Sarah HOOPER (1830) daughter

1 Female(s) 5-9        (1830-1835)    Elizabeth HOOPER (1830) daughter

1 Female(s) 0-4        (1835-1840)    Mary Ann HOOPER (1836) daughter

They were still in Haywood for the 1850 census. Michael Long (neighbor in 1830) was still a couple of houses away.  William's widowed mother was living with them. Her age was either "78" or "98", I couldn't tell which.

1850 census abstract: (Explanation of this census)

(Note: The dates at the end of each line are not part of the original census, but are approximate birth years based on age)

1850 HAYWOOD CO, NC Page 182B  House/Family #  762/ 783  -  Twp

HOOPER WILLIAM        44 M W FARMER                     NC           1805/1806

HOOPER NANCY          38 F W                            NC           1811/1812

HOOPER ANDREW         21 M W                            NC           1828/1829

HOOPER SARAH          19 F W                            NC           1830/1831

HOOPER ELIZABETH      17 F W                            NC           1832/1833

HOOPER JOHN           16 M W                            NC           1833/1834

HOOPER MARY           14 F W                            NC           1835/1836

HOOPER WILLIAM         9 M W                            NC           1840/1841

HOOPER JAMES           7 M W                            NC           1842/1843

HOOPER ISABELLA        5 F W                            NC           1844/1845

HOOPER JOSEPH          3 M W                            NC           1846/1847

HOOPER LAURA           0 F W 5/12                       NC           1849/1850

HOOPER SARAH          78 F W                            NC           1771/1772

In 1851, Jackson County was formed from portions of Macon and Haywood, including the area where the Hoopers lived.

They were listed on the 1860 census in Jackson County.

1860 census abstract: (Explanation of this census)

(Note: The dates at the end of each line are not part of the original census, but are approximate birth years based on age)

1860 JACKSON CO, NC Page 293B  House/Family #  218/ 218 --  Twp  WEBSTER P.O.

HOOPER WILLIAM        53 M W FARMER            3000  2500 NC         1806/1807

HOOPER N              49 F W                              NC         1810/1811

HOOPER W W            19 M W FARMER                       NC         1840/1841

HOOPER J M            17 M W FARMER                       NC         1842/1843

HOOPER J A            15 F W                              NC         1844/1845

HOOPER J H            13 M W                              NC         1846/1847

HOOPER L A            10 F W                              NC         1849/1850

HOOPER T H             7 M W                              NC         1852/1853

HOOPER W B             5 M W                              NC         1854/1855

They were still in Jackson for the 1870 census, in Caney Fork Township. M. Paxton (Mary Paxton, I think) was with them. She is a granddaughter of Nancy's sister Isabella Bryson Mann, so a grand niece of Nancy.

1870 census abstract: (Explanation of this census)

(Note: The dates at the end of each line are not part of the original census, but are approximate birth years based on age)

1870 JACKSON CO, NC Page 222   House/Family #   13/  13--CANEY FORK Twp EAST LAPORT P.O.

HOOPER WILLIAM        63 M W FARMER                2600  1000 NC     1806/1807

HOOPER NANCY          59 F W                                  NC     1810/1811

HOOPER L A            20 F W                                  NC     1849/1850

HOOPER T W            17 M W                                  NC     1852/1853

HOOPER W B            15 M W                                  NC     1854/1855

LONG A C              18 M W WORKS ON FARM                    NC     1851/1852

PAXTON M              20 F W LIVES IN FAMILY                  NC     1849/1850

Nancy Bryson Hooper died on 11 Jul 1877 (per tombstone), and is buried at the Hooper Cemetery in Jackson County at East LaPorte on Caney Fork (thanks to Bob Bumgarner and Ralph Hooper for this info).

William was listed in Jackson County on the 1880 census: Wm Hooper 73 father, widowed, Farmer, NC-NC-NC; Laura 30 dau; Thomas H. 27 son; W. B. 25 son.

William Hooper died on 31 Oct 1893 and is buried at the Hooper Cemetery.

• See the Bryson Family Researchers List