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I (Marty Grant) am a 2nd cousin 7 times removed to Henderson Bryson.
Special thanks to Lawrence Wood (1937-1997), and Ethel Updike (1899-?) for their books on the Bryson family, including information on this particular branch of the family. Also special thanks to Betty Davis Barnard for data shared on this family.
Henderson Bryson was born ca 1816/17 (per 1850 census) in Haywood Co, NC (per 1850 census). I don't know who he may have been named for. There were several popular North Carolina politicians with the "Henderson" name making it a popular given name for children in this era. It is also possible that he was named for a local family friend or relative, though I don't know of any early Henderson - Bryson connections in Western North Carolina.
Henderson Bryson is a son of John Bryson (1769) and Jane Poston. This is noted in several sources including the Frank Bryson (1890) family write-up of the Bryson family. Henderson was named as a sibling in the estate records of his brother Andrew Bryson (1809-1884). An 1851 deed also proves that Henderson was an heir of John Bryson.
Henderson was apparently home with his parents for the 1820 census, aged "under 10" (born ca 1810/20).
He seems to have been home with his parents in 1830 also, aged 10-14 (born ca 1815/20).
Henderson Bryson married Caroline --- before ca 1837. I would normally say they probably married in Macon (where Henderson's parents were living), but no record was found, so they may have married on some other county, perhaps Buncombe County. Caroline was born 29 Jul 1820 (source?). There is some confusion about her maiden name. Ms. Updike stated that Caroline was also a Bryson, but did not offer any sources other than to say that some of the children's death certificates listed there mother as Caroline Bryson. (This is a common problem on death certificates from that era to list the mother's married name instead of maiden). Lawrence Wood included this same name in his book. He and I discussed this more than once, and he said he could not place Caroline within the Bryson family, and was reasonably sure she was not a Bryson by birth, but had no information on what her maiden name might actually be. Other researchers show that Caroline was a Davis, but I don't know what the evidence for this is. There were certainly plenty of Davis families in Buncombe County (where Caroline was born) and in Macon County.
On 15 Dec 1838, Henderson Bryson received a State Land Grant for 50 acres on Cullowhee Creek. (Macon Co, NC Deed Book C page 1169 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.)
They apparently spent the next several years moving back and forth between Macon County and Buncombe County, based on the birth places of their children. They were in Macon ca 1837, in Buncombe ca 1838, and back in Macon ca 1839.
On 10 Mar 1840, Henderson Bryson sold Andrew Bryson (his brother), his 50 acres on Cullowhee Creek. Both were listed as residents of Macon County. He signed with a mark. Witnesses were B. Kerby, and Samuel Bryson (brother). (Macon Co, NC Deed Book C page 1239)
By the 1840 census, they were back in Buncombe County again and listed there that year (in fact, they were the only Bryson family in Buncombe County in 1840). They were listed in the Southern Division of Buncombe near several Davis families, perhaps Caroline's relatives. Based on many of their neighbors (whom I am related to), I believe that the Henderson Bryson family was living on or near Upper Hominy Creek.
1840 census analysis (based on available evidence): (Explanation of this census)
1840 Buncombe Co, NC pg 156 Henderson Brison 1000100000000-2000100000000 Analysis: 1 Male(s) 20-29 (1810-1820) Henderson BRYSON (1816/17) s/o John & Jane 1 Male(s) 0-4 (1835-1840) George BRYSON (1839) son 1 Female(s) 20-29 (1810-1820) Carolina DAVIS Bryson (1820) wife 2 Female(s) 0-4 (1835-1840) Martha BRYSON (1836/37) daughter Isabella BRYSON (1838/39) daughter
Henderson and family were still in Buncombe ca 1843, but back to Macon ca 1845, apparently to remain.
On 14 Feb 1845, Henderson Bryson and Andrew Presley witnessed a deed from Osburn Tilly to Lewis Tilley. (Macon Co, NC Deed Book D page 1813)
On 10 Jan 1848, Daniel Woods made two deeds to Henderson Bryson. One for 50 acres on Cullowhee Creek, and another for 25 acres on Cullowhee at the mouth of Land Scull Branch. Both were witnessed by J. B. Allison (Henderson's brother-in-law), and John Wilson. (Macon Co, NC Deed Book F page 87, 88 from "Records of Macon County, N.C. 1849-1858 Deed Books F, G, H and I" Abstracted by Barbara Sears McRae, 1998. * Note: All deeds mentioned hereafter from books "F" through "I" are taken from this book.)
Henderson and family were listed on the 1850 census in Macon County.
1850 MACON CO, NC Page 351B House/Family # 487/ 497 - TENNESSEE VALLEY Twp BRYSON HENDERSON 33 M W FARMER 200 HAYWOOD CO, NC 1816/1817 BRYSON CAROLINE 30 F W BUNCOMBE CO, NC 1819/1820 BRYSON MARTHA 13 F W MACON CO, NC 1836/1837 BRYSON ISABEL 11 F W BUNCOMBE CO, NC 1838/1839 BRYSON GEORGE 9 M W MACON CO, NC 1840/1841 BRYSON JOHN 7 M W BUNCOMBE CO, NC 1842/1843 BRYSON DAVID 5 M W MACON CO, NC 1844/1845 BRYSON ELIZABETH 2 F W MACON CO, NC 1847/1848 BRYSON HAMILTON 3 M W MACON CO, NC 1846/1847
On 11 Dec 1850, Henderson Bryson received three State Land Grants. One for 50 acres on Cullowhee Creek, another for 50 more acres, and the other for 25 acres, all on the same creek. (Macon Co, NC Deed Book F page 235, 245, 246)
In 1851, Jackson County was formed from Macon County, including the section where this family resided.
On 21 Oct 1851, Henry Wilson sold Henderson Bryson land (no acreage listed) on Cullowhee Creek. (Macon Co, NC Deed Book G page 78)
On 2 Dec 1851, Henderson Bryson received a State Land Grant of 75 acres on Ellijay Creek in Macon County. (Macon Co, NC Deed Book F page 381)
On 14 Sep 1852, Henry Plott sold Henderson Bryson of Macon 50 acres on Cullowhee Creek. (Perhaps Henderson was living on his Ellijay Creek land at this time, and not on Cullowhee in Jackson County). (Macon Co, NC Deed Book F page 467)
On 7 Oct 1852, T. B. G. Goodwin sold Henderson Bryson of Macon, land (no acreage listed) on Cullowhee Creek. Witnessed by Hosea Bumgarner and Thomas Wilson. (Macon Co, NC Deed Book G page 302)
Caroline Davis Bryson died sometime in the 1850's in Jackson County.
On 17 Oct 1854, Henderson Bryson sold Andrew Bryson (his brother) 75 acres on Ellijay Creek in Macon. Both men were listed as residents of Jackson County. Henderson signed with a mark. Witnesses were not listed. (Macon Co, NC Deed Book G page 794)
Henderson Bryson married ca 1857-1860 to Rutha Jane Mathis, widow of Lafayette C. Bryson (1829), who was Henderson's nephew (son of James H. Bryson 1808). I did not find a marriage record for them, but they probably married in Jackson County. (Thanks to Betty Barnard for sorting out this family connection). Rutha was born ca 1833/34 (per 1850 census) in Macon (now Jackson) Co, NC, daughter of Peter Mathis and Catherine ---.
They were listed on the 1860 census in Jackson just a few houses from his brother James H. Bryson. For some reason Rutha's children by her first marriage were not listed, though they were all under 10 years old and should have been around. Perhaps they were at home with Ruth and Henderson, but inadvertently left off of the census. I checked Rutha's parents in 1860, and her children were not listed with them either.
1860 JACKSON CO, NC Page 301B House/Family # 321/ 321 -- Twp WEBSTER P.O. BRYSON H 45 M W FARMER 1200 250 NC 1814/1815 BRYSON R J 25 F W NC 1834/1835 BRYSON J 23 F W NC 1836/1837 BRYSON G W 20 M W FARMER NC 1839/1840 BRYSON J M 18 M W NC 1841/1842 BRYSON D C 16 M W NC 1843/1844 BRYSON R H 13 M W NC 1846/1847 BRYSON C A 11 F W NC 1848/1849 BRYSON S J 9 F W NC 1850/1851
They were still in Jackson for the 1870 census, and listed in Cullowhee Township. They were near many other Brysons. Rutha's children from her first marriage were listed with them this time.
1870 JACKSON CO, NC Page 245B House/Family # 80/ 80--CULOWHE Twp WEBSTER P.O. BRYSON HENDERSON 55 M W FARMER 1000 200 NC 1814/1815 BRYSON RUTH J 37 F W NC 1832/1833 BRYSON JAMES P 18 M W NC 1851/1852 BRYSON MARGARET C 16 F W NC 1853/1854 BRYSON HUGH H 13 M W NC 1856/1857 BRYSON LAURA C 9 F W NC 1860/1861
They were listed on the 1880 census in Jackson County in Cullowhee Township living with the William W. Knight family (son-in-law). ** I don't have this entry typed up yet.
According to Ms. Updike, Henderson Bryson died ca 1889 in Towns Co, GA after being bitten by a snake. I don't know if they had moved down there, or if he was down visiting his siblings who lived in that county.
Henderson Bryson and Caroline Davis had 8 children as proven by the various census records. Henderson and Rutha had 1 child together, and she had 3 from her first marriage. Lawrence Wood showed a third marriage to Lettie Mathis with 6 children, but I haven't confirmed this. It has been suggested that they were not married, and that the children were born out of wedlock. I don't know if this is correct or not. More research is needed.
Persons researching this family (click here for data on how to get on or off of this list):
1. Henderson1 Bryson, born 1816/17 in Haywood Co, NC; died aft 1880 in Jackson Co, NC, son of John Bryson and Jane Poston. He married (1) in 1830/36 in Macon Co, NC (now Jackson Co, NC) Caroline Davis, born 29 Jul 1820 in Buncombe Co, NC; died 1851/60 in Jackson Co, NC; (2) in 1857/60 in Jackson Co, NC Rutha Jane Mathis, born 1833/34 in Macon Co, NC; died aft 1880 in Jackson Co, NC, daughter of Peter Mathis Jr and Catherine (---); (3) Not married Lettie Mathis.
Children of Henderson Bryson and Caroline Davis were as follows:
+ 2 i Martha Emaline2 Bryson, born 1836/37 in Macon Co, NC (now Jackson Co, NC). She married Andrew Jackson Wilson.
+ 3 ii Isabell2 Bryson, born 1838/39 in Buncombe Co, NC; died 17 Feb 1908 in Jackson Co, NC. She married Levi J Mathis.
+ 4 iii George Washington2 Bryson Pvt, born 24 Jul 1839 in Macon Co, NC (now Jackson Co, NC); died 18 Jan 1907 in Jackson Co, NC. He married (1) Dorcas Jane Frizzell; (2) Mary Eleanor McCall.
+ 5 iv John M2 Bryson, born 1842/43 in Buncombe Co, NC; died in Macon Co, NC. He married Sarah Ann Haskett.
+ 6 v David Coleman2 Bryson, born 29 Dec 1842 in Macon Co, NC (now Jackson Co, NC); died 11 Nov 1915 in Jackson Co, NC. He married Vianna J Ford.
7 vi Robert Hamilton2 Bryson, born 1846/47 in Macon Co, NC (now Jackson Co, NC); died aft 1860 in Jackson Co, NC.
+ 8 vii Elizabeth Atheline2 Bryson, born 30 Jul 1848 in Macon Co, NC (now Jackson Co, NC); died 28 Jun 1937 in Jackson Co, NC. She married William Walker Knight.
+ 9 viii Sarah Jane2 Bryson, born 15 May 1851 in Jackson Co, NC; died 28 May 1925 in Jackson Co, NC. She married Samuel Parris.
Children of Henderson Bryson and Rutha Jane Mathis were as follows:
10 i Laura C2 Bryson, born 1860/61 in Jackson Co, NC. She married Thad Smith.
Children of Henderson Bryson and Lettie Mathis were as follows:
11 i Thad2 Bryson, born in Jackson Co, NC.
12 ii Elbert2 Bryson, born in Jackson Co, NC.
13 iii Harvey2 Bryson, born in Jackson Co, NC.
14 iv Columbus2 Bryson, born in Jackson Co, NC.
15 v Sarah2 Bryson, born in Jackson Co, NC.
16 vi Ellen2 Bryson, born in Jackson Co, NC.
Generation 2
2. Martha Emaline2 Bryson (Henderson1), born 1836/37 in Macon Co, NC (now Jackson Co, NC). She married on 24 Jan 1858 in Jackson Co, NC Andrew Jackson Wilson, died bef 1880 in Jackson Co, NC.
Children of Martha Emaline Bryson and Andrew Jackson Wilson were as follows:
+ 17 i Martha3 Wilson, born 8 Nov 1859 in Jackson Co, NC; died 9 Oct 1897. She married Hansel Howell Taylor.
18 ii Olive Jane3 Wilson, born 1861/62 in Jackson Co, NC.
19 iii Ella3 Wilson, born 1864/65 in Jackson Co, NC.
20 iv Daniel B3 Wilson, born 1869/70 in Jackson Co, NC.
3. Isabell2 Bryson (Henderson1), born 1838/39 in Buncombe Co, NC; died 17 Feb 1908 in Jackson Co, NC. She married in 1860/66 in Jackson Co, NC Levi J Mathis, born 15 Feb 1837 in NC; died 14 Oct 1912 in Jackson Co, NC.
Children of Isabell Bryson and Levi J Mathis were as follows:
21 i Joseph F3 Mathis, born 15 Sep 1866 in Jackson Co, NC; died 25 Nov 1930 in Jackson Co, NC. He married Rebecca (---).
22 ii Carolina M3 Mathis, born 1867/68 in Jackson Co, NC.
23 iii Martha Bethine3 Mathis, born 1870/71 in Jackson Co, NC.
24 iv Relias B3 Mathis, born 1871/72 in Jackson Co, NC.
25 v George C3 Mathis, born 1874/75 in Jackson Co, NC.
26 vi Callie A3 Mathis, born 1876/77 in Jackson Co, NC.
27 vii Sophia A3 Mathis, born 1879/80 in Jackson Co, NC.
4. George Washington2 Bryson Pvt (Henderson1), born 24 Jul 1839 in Macon Co, NC (now Jackson Co, NC); died 18 Jan 1907 in Jackson Co, NC. He married (1) in 1860/65 in Jackson Co, NC Dorcas Jane Frizzell, born 18 Dec 1843 in Macon Co, NC (now Jackson Co, NC); died 15 Oct 1882 in Jackson Co, NC, daughter of Jason Frizzell and Margaret Gribble; (2) on 7 Dec 1884 in Jackson Co, NC Mary Eleanor McCall, born Apr 1858 in Jackson Co, NC; died 17 May 1922 in Jackson Co, NC, daughter of William L McCall and Talitha Cora Bryson.
Children of George Washington Bryson Pvt and Dorcas Jane Frizzell were as follows:
28 i Sarah Lucinda3 Bryson, born 1864/65 in Jackson Co, NC. She married on 11 Oct 1888 in Jackson Co, NC L Jackson Franks.
29 ii William Coleman3 Bryson, born 1866/67 in Jackson Co, NC. He married on 16 Jun 1888 in Jackson Co, NC Cumile Holland.
30 iii James Robert3 Bryson, born 1868/69 in Jackson Co, NC. He married on 21 Dec 1899 in Jackson Co, NC Mary Nancy Fowler, born 1880 in Jackson Co, NC, daughter of Zachariah Taylor Fowler and Lucinda A Bryson.
31 iv Columbus "Lum"3 Bryson, born 1870/71 in Jackson Co, NC.
32 v John B3 Bryson, born 12 Jan 1875 in Jackson Co, NC. He married on 13 Jan 1895 in Jackson Co, NC Myra Buchanan.
33 vi Oat3 Bryson, born abt 1877 in Jackson Co, NC; died Child in Jackson Co, NC.
34 vii Wesley D3 Bryson, born 1878/79 in Jackson Co, NC.
35 viii Samuel F3 Bryson, born 1881 in Jackson Co, NC. He married on 16 Jan 1916 in Jackson Co, NC Susie Hooper.
Children of George Washington Bryson Pvt and Mary Eleanor McCall were as follows:
36 i Mary Effie3 Bryson, born 1891 in Jackson Co, NC. She married on 26 Dec 1909 in Jackson Co, NC Jack Robinson.
37 ii Ollie Jane3 Bryson, born 25 Dec 1892 in Jackson Co, NC. She married in Jackson Co, NC Percy Bryson.
38 iii Elizabeth3 Bryson, born 13 Jul 1895 in Jackson Co, NC. She married on 9 Aug 1914 in Jackson Co, NC Napolean Baxter Long.
39 iv Dewey Anderson3 Bryson, born 1899 in Jackson Co, NC. He married on 17 Jan 1920 in Jackson Co, NC Winifred Reed.
5. John M2 Bryson (Henderson1), born 1842/43 in Buncombe Co, NC; died in Macon Co, NC. He married on 13 Feb 1874 in Macon Co, NC Sarah Ann Haskett, born 1858 in NC, daughter of W H Haskett Rev.
Children of John M Bryson and Sarah Ann Haskett were as follows:
40 i William Henderson3 Bryson, born 1874/75 in Macon Co, NC. He married on 23 Jan 1898 in Macon Co, NC Ida Nola Adams, born 1878 in Macon Co, NC, daughter of Marion Adams and Sarah Moore.
41 ii V D3 Bryson, born 1876/77 in Macon Co, NC.
42 iii Dovie C3 Bryson, born Mar 1879 in Macon Co, NC. She married on 27 Oct 1907 in Macon Co, NC Frank Key.
43 iv June Abelee3 Bryson, born 1885 in Macon Co, NC. He married in Macon Co, NC Lydia Cordelia Buchanan, born 1894 in Jackson Co, NC.
44 v Fannie Elizabeth3 Bryson, born 25 Jan 1887 in Macon Co, NC.
45 vi William "Bill"3 Bryson, born 1889 in Macon Co, NC. He married in Macon Co, NC Elmina Williams.
46 vii Annie3 Bryson, born 1892 in Macon Co, NC. She married on 12 Jul 1914 in Macon Co, NC R R Mashburn, born 1889.
47 viii Lou3 Bryson, born 1895 in Macon Co, NC.
6. David Coleman2 Bryson (Henderson1), born 29 Dec 1842 in Macon Co, NC (now Jackson Co, NC); died 11 Nov 1915 in Jackson Co, NC. He married in 1860/69 in Jackson Co, NC Vianna J Ford, born 25 May 1851 in Jackson Co, NC; died 24 Oct 1913 in Jackson Co, NC.
Children of David Coleman Bryson and Vianna J Ford were as follows:
48 i Andrew Coleman3 Bryson, born 18 Oct 1869 in Jackson Co, NC. He married on 15 Apr 1894 in Jackson Co, NC Etta Stewart, born abt 1872 in Jackson Co, NC.
49 ii Horatio H3 Bryson, born 1871/72 in Jackson Co, NC. He married in Jackson Co, NC Trillie Plott.
50 iii Jonathan Hoyle3 Bryson, born 1873/74 in Jackson Co, NC. He married on 15 Oct 1900 in Jackson Co, NC Beulah Wilson.
51 iv William Osburn3 Bryson, born 1876/77 in Jackson Co, NC. He married in Jackson Co, NC Lula Swanson.
52 v Glenn3 Bryson, born 1885 in Jackson Co, NC. He married on 10 Oct 1909 in Jackson Co, NC Sadie Taylor, born 9 Jan 1891; died 2 May 1964.
53 vi Vann R3 Bryson, born 1893 in Jackson Co, NC. He married on 18 May 1924 in Jackson Co, NC Nellie Evitte, born 1900.
8. Elizabeth Atheline2 Bryson (Henderson1), born 30 Jul 1848 in Macon Co, NC (now Jackson Co, NC); died 28 Jun 1937 in Jackson Co, NC. She married in 1860/69 in Jackson Co, NC William Walker Knight, born 30 Apr 1847; died 1 Apr 1885 in Jackson Co, NC.
Children of Elizabeth Atheline Bryson and William Walker Knight were as follows:
54 i Lugenia Ella3 Knight, born 14 May 1869 in Jackson Co, NC; died Mar 1948.
55 ii Ira Caldony3 Knight, born 24 Jun 1872 in Jackson Co, NC; died 6 Apr 1874 in Jackson Co, NC.
56 iii John Wilburn3 Knight, born 10 Aug 1875 in Jackson Co, NC; died in Spanish-American, War.
57 iv Robert Monroe3 Knight, born 3 Jun 1877 in Jackson Co, NC; died 1960.
58 v Mary Frances3 Knight, born 5 Dec 1878 in Jackson Co, NC; died 17 Dec 1918 in Jackson Co, NC.
59 vi Charles Lloyd3 Knight, born 1 Apr 1879 in Jackson Co, NC.
60 vii Wiley Ray3 Knight, born 28 May 1884 in Jackson Co, NC; died 13 Jun 1939.
61 viii Minnie Mae3 Knight, born 28 May 1884 in Jackson Co, NC. She married on 15 Feb 1906 in Jackson Co, NC Robert Milton Bryson, born 23 Feb 1880 in Jackson Co, NC, son of John Franklin Bryson and Rachel Magdaline Shuler.
9. Sarah Jane2 Bryson (Henderson1), born 15 May 1851 in Jackson Co, NC; died 28 May 1925 in Jackson Co, NC. She married on 29 Jan 1874 in Jackson Co, NC Samuel Parris, born 6 Aug 1851 in NC; died 4 Feb 1921 in Jackson Co, NC.
Children of Sarah Jane Bryson and Samuel Parris were as follows:
62 i Martha E3 Parris, born 1874/75 in Jackson Co, NC.
63 ii Delillah Candas3 Parris, born 9 Aug 1877 in Jackson Co, NC; died 23 Oct 1900 in Jackson Co, NC.
64 iii John B3 Parris, born 1878/79 in Jackson Co, NC.
65 iv Alice3 Parris, born in Jackson Co, NC.
66 v Rebecca3 Parris, born in Jackson Co, NC.
67 vi Fannie3 Parris, born in Jackson Co, NC.
68 vii Caroline3 Parris, born in Jackson Co, NC.
69 viii Lizzie3 Parris, born in Jackson Co, NC.
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