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I (Marty Grant) am a 6th Great Grand Nephew of James Holmes Bryson.
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).
James Holmes Bryson was born ca 1740/50 in Mount Joy, Lancaster Co, PA. His tombstone says "1745", but this stone was placed well over 100 years after his death, and probably based on the 28 Nov 1745 birth date that was erroneously assigned to him by some earlier researcher. (That date is actually for another unrelated James Bryson). We do know from census analysis that James Holmes Bryson was born in the 1740's, but as far as I know, no one has narrowed it down any further, at least not with any primary documentation.
James was presumably named after his maternal Grandfather James Holmes who died in 1749 in Lancaster Co, PA. The name "James Holmes" was used a lot among the Bryson family, but this James Holmes Bryson was the first so named.
James H. Bryson is a son of William Bryson and Isabella Holmes, but there is no solid proof of that. However, I have no reason to doubt it being accurate. His name seems compelling proof that he was named for Isabella's father.
James's birth place is based on information proven about his siblings, and recorded in early family histories written about this family.
Samuel Bryson (brother to James) stated in his Revolutionary War Pension Application (10 May 1833 Wilson Co, TN) that he was 79 years old (in his 79th year) so he was born ca 1754. He also said he enlisted in Rowan Co, NC where he had moved from Lancaster Co, PA in his 15th year. After the war he moved to Pendleton County, SC where he lived 6 or 7 years. Then he moved to Buncombe Co, NC for 8 years, then to Wilson Co, TN where he now resides. This data parallels exactly (except for moving to TN) what we know about James Bryson, so it is reasonable to assume they were brothers.
In a Family record written before 1898 by Talitha Bryson Allen (granddaughter of James Holmes Bryson, she stated that James, Daniel and Andrew Bryson were brothers. She mentioned that the family came from the province of Ulster in Ireland to PA, and later settled in Anderson District, SC. She stated all three brothers served in the American Army during the Revolution.
Thomas Clingman Bryson wrote in another Family Record (written before 1940) that the brothers were James, William, Daniel, Andrew and John, and that they were sons of William Bryson and a Miss Holmes. They came from Ireland to Lancaster Co, PA then to SC and NC.
Another Family Record written by Frank L. Bryson (1890-?) mentioned all six brothers: John, Sam, Daniel, Andrew, James Holmes and William.
All of the above information was based on family tradition and interviews with family members. It seems to establish fairly well that William Bryson and Isabella Holmes were the parents of James Holmes Bryson, John Bryson, William M. Bryson, Andrew Bryson, Samuel Bryson, and Daniel H. Bryson. The data also seems to agree that the Brysons came from Ireland to Lancaster Co, PA then to Rowan Co, NC, later to SC and western NC.
So, family tradition shows us that James Holmes Bryson is a son of William Bryson and Isabella Holmes. Is there any other evidence of this? There is no direct evidence, as far as I know, but there is lots of circumstantial evidence. Here is what we know about James H. Bryson.
James was probably a teenager, or already of age when the family moved from Lancaster Co, PA to Back Creek in Rowan (now Iredell Co, NC) ca 1765. He left home around this time and made his way down into York District, SC where he married Sarah Countryman ca 1768. She was born ca 1750/55 in PA, daughter of Andrew Countryman and Elizabeth ---. In Oct 1797 Elizabeth Countryman (widow of Andrew) deeded a negro boy named "Sam" to her daughter Sarah Bryson, wife of James Bryson. (York Co, SC Deed Book E page 210)
The above deed proves that James Holmes Bryson's wife was "Sarah" and not "Isabella" Countryman as reported in some early family histories. Their tombstone lists "Isabella" also, but that was placed well over 100 years after their deaths, and based on faulty data. The only records I've found for her always list her as "Sarah", never "Isabella". I don't know much about the Countryman family (not my line), but Sarah's father Andrew Countryman was baptized 30 Apr 1732 at Kingston, NY and he died in SC in 1773 in what is now York County. His older sister Elizabeth Countryman (born 20 Sep 1716 West Camp, NY) is often reported as the wife of William Bryson (Sr) supposed father of William Bryson (who married Isabella Holmes). I have no verification of this. From what I can tell the Countryman family and Bryson family were never even in the same state until the 1760's, so I doubt this connection is accurate. James H. Bryson and Sarah Countryman marrying ca 1768 is the first (and only, as far as I know) connection between these two families.
I haven't researched the SC records closely enough yet to see where James lived in SC and for how long, but his oldest child (John W. Bryson) was born there ca 1769, and his youngest son (Samuel D. Bryson) was born there ca 1795. I don't think he lived in SC that entire period.
On 5 Mar 1787 William Bryson sold James Bryson 250 acres in Lincoln Co, NC on Kennon Creek "near Little Mountain". James probably didn't live here, for he sold it on 19 Apr 1787.
The 1790 census shows that James was in Ninety-Six District, Pendleton County (now Anderson County, SC) by then, residing in this group: William Bryson, John Bryson, Samuel Bryson, and James Bryson all next to each other (these are his brothers).
1790 census analysis (based on available evidence): (Explanation of this census)
1790 Ninety-Six District, Pendleton Co, SC pg 85 James Brison 2-4-4-0-0 Analysis: 2 Male(s) 16 and Up (before 1774) James Holmes BRYSON (1740/50) s/o William & Isabella John BRYSON (1768/69) son 4 Male(s) under 16 (1774/1790) William BRYSON (1775/80) son James BRYSON (1775/80) son Daniel G. BRYSON (1787) son Andrew BRYSON (1784/90) son 4 Female(s) any age (before 1790) Sarah COUNTRYMAN Bryson (1750/55) wife Elizabeth BRYSON (1775/80) daughter Sarah BRYSON (1780/90) daughter Margaret BRYSON (1784) daughter
On 6 Dec 1799, the State of North Carolina granted 100 acres on French Broad River to James Bryson. (Buncombe Co, NC Deed Book S1-6 page 237).
The 1800 census shows James Bryson in Buncombe County, NC. The listing was mostly alphabetical, so neighbors can't be easily determined:
1800 census analysis (based on available evidence): (Explanation of this census)
1800 Buncombe Co, NC pg 163 James Bryson 22201-10101-0-0 Analysis: 1 Male(s) 45 & up (before 1755) James Holmes BRYSON (1740/50) s/o William & Isabella 2 Male(s) 16-25 (1774-1784) William BRYSON (1775/80) son James BRYSON (1775/80) son 2 Male(s) 10-15 (1784-1790) Daniel G. BRYSON (1787) son Andrew BRYSON (1784/90) son 2 Male(s) 0-9 (1790-1800) Samuel Decatur BRYSON (1794/95) son Unknown Son? (1790/94) 1 Female(s) 45 & up (before 1755) Sarah COUNTRYMAN Bryson (1750/55) wife 1 Female(s) 16-25 (1774-1784) Margaret BRYSON (1784) daughter 1 Female(s) 0-9 (1790-1800) Unknown Daughter? (1790/94)
On 18 Mar 1806 James Bryson sold 194 acres on French Broad River to his brother William Bryson. (Buncombe Co, NC Deed Book A page 292).
I haven't exhausted the Buncombe County records pertaining to the Bryson family, so there is probably more to be found. In 1808 Haywood County was formed from Buncombe, and James either fell into this new county, or moved there. He was listed there on the 1810 census. This list was alphabetical, so no neighbors can be determined:
1810 census analysis (based on available evidence): (Explanation of this census)
1810 Haywood Co, NC pg 59 James Bryson 00401-20111 Analysis: 1 Male(s) 45 and up (bef 1765) James Holmes BRYSON (1740/50) s/o William & Isabella 4 Male(s) 16-25 (1784-1794) Daniel G. BRYSON (1787) son Andrew BRYSON (1784/90) son Samuel Decatur BRYSON (1794/95) son Unknown Son? (1790/94) --> gone by 1820 1 Female(s) 45 & up (before 1765) Sarah COUNTRYMAN Bryson (1750/55) wife 1 Female(s) 26-44 (1765-1784) Margaret BRYSON (1784) daughter 1 Female(s) 16-25 (1784-1794) Unknown Daughter? (1790/94) 2 Female(s) 0-9 (1800-1810) Elizabeth BRYSON (1800/10) d/o Margaret Cynthia BRYSON (1805/06) d/o Margaret
I haven't even looked into Haywood County records to see what is available for the Bryson's there. He was still in Haywood for the 1820 census. This list was also alphabetical, so no neighbors can be determined:
1820 census analysis (based on available evidence): (Explanation of this census)
1820 Haywood Co, NC pg 214 James Bryson Sr 000101-00001 Analysis: 1 Male(s) 45 & up (before 1775) James Holmes BRYSON (1740/50) s/o William & Isabella 1 Male(s) 18-25 (1794-1802) Samuel Decatur BRYSON (1794/95) son 1 Female(s) 45 & up (before 1775) Sarah COUNTRYMAN Bryson (1750/55) wife
James lived in the Sugar Fork area of Macon Co, NC later on, so he could have already been there, or moved there after Macon was formed in 1828. On 25 Sep 1829 he purchased 54 acres in Macon Co, NC from Ennis Shepherd. (Macon Co, NC Deed Book A page 1B).
He was listed on the 1830 census in Macon Co, NC. His son Samuel was listed near him:
1830 census analysis (based on available evidence): (Explanation of this census)
1830 Macon County, NC pg 9 James Bryson Sr 0000100000100-0000000001000 Analysis: 1 Male(s) 80-89 (1740-1750) James Holmes BRYSON (1740/50) s/o William & Isabella 1 Male(s) 20-29 (1800-1810) Son? Grand-son? * Not listed here in 1820 1 Female(s) 70-79 (1750-1760) Sarah COUNTRYMAN Bryson (1750/55) wife
It isn't known when James Bryson died. There were several James Bryson's mentioned in land deeds in the 1830's in Macon Co, NC. It isn't clear which, if any of them, is this James. His wife Sarah's death was reported as August 1833 in the Cowee Baptist Church records, assuming it was the same Sarah they were referring to. James was not listed on the 1840 census anywhere, and was most likely deceased by then. Some histories list his death date as 3 Sep 1835, but that is incorrect, that is another James Bryson, with whom his birth date was also mixed up.
James H. Bryson was supposedly a Revolutionary War Soldier, per the various family records, but no official record has been found.
No Will or informative Estate records were found for James H. Bryson. His children are named in a Family record written before 1898 by Talitha Bryson Allen (James Holmes Bryson's granddaughter). She was born in 1811, so it she was probably in her late teens when he died, so her word can be relied upon as accurate, give or take faulty memory due to old age. In her history she mentioned that James married "a daughter of Mrs Elizabeth Countryman who lived to the advanced age of 118 ..". This agrees with the York Co, SC deed of 1794 where Elizabeth Countryman gave a slave to her daughter Sarah, wife of James Bryson. Talitha listed the children of James H. Bryson and Miss Countryman as: John, William, James, Daniel, Andrew and Samuel for the sons, and the daughters Ibby who married an Armstrong in SC and remained there, and Peggy who married a Woods. Betsy who married a Gabby, and Sallie who married a Hicky first, then a Gross.
Her layout of the family has held up to very close scrutiny. These ten children (her father was Daniel Bryson) were well known to her, so we can rely on her word. Unfortunately, I haven't been able to find any other "official" records to prove this family, but I have no doubt that it is correct. Census records seem to show one son born 1790/94 who either left home or died in the 1810/1820 timeframe. Since he wasn't remembered by Talitha, perhaps he died, or left the area and was forgotten. Census records also show a possible daughter the same age (1790/94) who left home or died about the same time (1810/20).
Here are the children of James Holmes Bryson and Sarah Countryman. Each are fairly well documented in and of themselves, but none have been proven (by "official" records, anyway) as children of James and Sarah. But I am positive this list is accurate.
Margaret "Peggy" Bryson (1784)
Daniel Granderson Bryson (1787)
John Bryson was born ca 1768/69 in SC. He moved to western North Carolina when his parents did, and he later settled in what is now Jackson County, North Carolina. I have found no direct evidence that John was a son of James, but he was reported as such by Telitha Allen (1811-1898). One of John's grandsons said that John (1769) was a son of "William Bryson", a Revolutionary War Soldier. If that is true, then this John (1769) is not James H. Bryson's son, but probably his nephew instead. I'm not sure this is correct though. For now, I'm leaving John in this family.
John Bryson married Ann Land and Jane Poston.
See his own page for additional information.
Isabella Bryson was born ca 1770 in SC. "Ibby" remained in South Carolina when the rest of her siblings moved back into North Carolina.
She married John Armstrong prior to 1790 in Pendleton District, South Carolina
She died in 1835, and John in 1845. Ethel Updike is from this line. In her book on the family, she mistakenly listed Isabella as a sister of James Holmes Bryson instead of his daughter. Telitha Allen listed Ibby as a daughter of James, and I think she is probably correct.
The rest of the information I have on this family is from Updike and Wood. I have not done any research on them myself.
Elizabeth Bryson was born ca 1775/80 (per census analysis), probably in South Carolina, or possibly in North Carolina somewhere. Telitha Bryson Allen listed Elizabeth ("Betsy") as a child of James Holmes Bryson. I've not seen any primary proof of this, nor any reason to doubt that she belongs here.
She was apparently home with her parents for the 1790 census (no ages given, but she was probably one of the four females with James that year).
She married Jonathan Gabby ca 1795 in Pendleton Dist, SC. He was born ca 1774/75 (per 1850 census) in North Carolina (per 1850 census), I don't know what county. His 1850 census entry (in Macon County, NC) does not give his county of birth, just the state. I don't know who his parents were, but Ethel Updike intimated that he was a son of Robert Gabby. Over the years, the name "Gabby" evolved into "Gibby".
I did not find them on the 1800 census. There was a "Jonathan Gibbs" listed in Pendleton District. This may be them, for "Gabby" and "Gibby" are sometimes misread as "Gibbs" (though this entry clearly says "Gibbs"). There are too many people in this household, so this could mean that: a) This is not Jonathan Gabby, or: b) Some of his siblings or other relatives were living with them.
1800 census analysis (based on available evidence): (Explanation of this census)
1800 Pendleton Dist, SC pg 164 Jonathan Gibbs 11010-32110-0-0 Analysis: 1 Male(s) 26-44 (1755-1774) Jonathan GABBY (1774/75) 1 Male(s) 10-15 (1784-1790) Brother? Nephew? (1784/90) --> gone by 1810 1 Male(s) 0-9 (1790-1800) Robert GABBY (1794/95) son 1 Female(s) 26-44 (1755-1774) Sister? Mother? (1755/74) --> gone by 1810 1 Female(s) 16-25 (1774-1784) Elizabeth BRYSON Gabby (1775/80) wife 2 Female(s) 10-15 (1784-1790) Sister? Niece? (1784/90) --> gone by 1810 Sister? Niece? (1784/90) --> gone by 1810 3 Female(s) 0-9 (1790-1800) Daughter? (1794/1800) Daughter? (1794/1800)
By ca 1804, the family moved into what is now Haywood County, North Carolina (then still part of Buncombe County) and joined the rest of Elizabeth's Bryson kin in that area.
They were listed on the 1810 census in Haywood County, North Carolina. Unfortunately, this census was alphabetical, so I can't tell who their neighbors were, nor where they might have been living. Those "extra" folks from 1800 were no longer with them.
1810 census analysis (based on available evidence): (Explanation of this census)
1810 Haywood Co, NC pg 63 Jonathan Gabby 41010-02010 Analysis: 1 Male(s) 26-44 (1765-1784) Jonathan GABBY (1774/75) 1 Male(s) 10-15 (1794-1800) Robert GABBY (1794/95) son --> gone by 1820 4 Male(s) 0-9 (1800-1810) Samuel GABBY (c1800) son --> gone by 1820 Joseph GABBY (c1803) son Daniel GABBY (1804/05) son Andrew J. GABBY (1805/06) son 1 Female(s) 26-44 (1765-1784) Elizabeth BRYSON Gabby (1775/80) wife 2 Female(s) 10-15 (1794-1800) Daughter? (1794/1800) --> gone by 1820 Daughter? (1794/1800) --> gone by 1820
They were still in Haywood for the 1820 census. Unfortunately, this census was alphabetical, so I can't tell who their neighbors were, nor where they might have been living. The enumerations in this census are hard to reconcile with the known family data. There was also a second listing for Jonathan Gabby that did not have any enumerations.
1820 census analysis (based on available evidence): (Explanation of this census)
1820 Haywood Co, NC pg 220 Jonathan Gabby 221101-10010 Analysis: 1 Male(s) 45 & up (before 1775) Jonathan GABBY (1774/75) 1 Male(s) 16-25 (1794-1804) Joseph GABBY (c1803) son --> gone by 1830 1 Male(s) 16-17 (1802-1804) * 2 Male(s) 10-15 (1804-1810) Daniel GABBY (1804/05) son --> gone by 1830 Andrew J. GABBY (1805/06) son --> gone by 1830 2 Male(s) 0-9 (1810-1820) Son? (1810/20) --> gone by 1830 Son? (1810/15) 1 Female(s) 26-44 (1775-1794) Elizabeth BRYSON Gabby (1775/80) wife 1 Female(s) 0-9 (1810-1820) Daughter? (1810/15)
In 1828, Macon County was formed from western Haywood County. The Gabby's either already lived in that section, or they moved there in 1820's. I think they moved there after 1828 though, but am not sure of this. In either event, they were in Macon County for the 1830 census. They were next door to Elizabeth's parents, and next to her brother Samuel Bryson.
1830 census analysis (based on available evidence): (Explanation of this census)
1830 Macon Co, NC pg 8 Jonathan Gabbey 0001000100000-0001000100000 Analysis: 1 Male(s) 50-59 (1770-1780) Jonathan GABBY (1774/75) 1 Male(s) 15-19 (1810-1815) Son? (1810/15) 1 Female(s) 50-59 (1770-1780) Elizabeth BRYSON Gabby (1775/80) wife 1 Female(s) 15-19 (1810-1815) Daughter? (1810/15)
Elizabeth Bryson Gabby died on 5 May 1837 (source?) in Macon County, North Carolina.
I was unable to locate Jonathan Gabby on the 1840 census. He was probably living in either Macon or Haywood County, or possibly in north Georgia with one of his children.
By 1850, Jonathan was (back?) in Macon County. His son Daniel and an apparent grandson (Jonathan) was living with him. I'm not sure where they were living exactly, but the few neighbors I recognized were those that lived in what later became Swain County.
1850 MACON CO, NC Page 365B House/Family # 663/ 678 TENNESSEE VALLEY Twp GABBY JONATHAN 75 M W LABORER NC 1774/1775 GABBY DANIEL 45 M W LABORER HAYWOOD CO, NC 1804/1805 GABBY JONATHAN 20 M W GA 1829/1830
I was unable to find Jonathan Gabby on the 1860 census, so he may have died in the 1850's, probably in Macon County.
Ethel Updike only listed three children for Jonathan Gibby and Elizabeth Bryson, while Lawrence Wood had a larger list. I've not seen any definitive proof for these children, but the list does seem reasonable based on what little evidence I've been able to find. Several of their children remained in the Macon County area, while some went to Habersham Co, GA.
William Bryson was born ca 1775/80 probably in SC. I've seen no direct evidence that he was James's son, but he probably was.
He married Elizabeth Turner ca 1801 in Buncombe Co, NC. They were listed on the 1810 and 1820 census in Haywood Co, NC, and 1830 census in Macon Co, NC. William died in 1837 in Macon Co, NC. His wife Elizabeth was still alive as late as 1844, but died between then and 1850 in Macon Co, NC.
See their own page for additional information.
James Bryson was born ca 1780 in NC (per the 1850 census) or possibly in SC. He married Rebecca Poston ca 1800/10 in Buncombe Co, NC. They were listed on the 1810 census in Buncombe Co, NC. 1820 in Haywood Co, NC. 1830 in Macon Co, NC. Around 1839 James and family moved to Habersham Co, GA where they were listed on the 1840 census. He was listed on the 1850 census in Gordon Co, GA, and to Whitfield Co, GA by 1860.
See their own page for additional information.
Sarah Bryson was born ca 1780/84 (per census analysis), either in SC or NC. She was apparently home with her parents for the 1790 census (no ages given, but she was probably one of the four females with James that year).
According to Telitha Bryson Allen, Sarah Bryson married a Mr. Hickey as her first husband. I have not yet found a record of his given name. They married sometime in the 1790's, either in SC or after the family moved to Buncombe Co, NC. Looking at the 1790 census, I find no "Hickey" (or "Hicky") families listed in South Carolina, nor in North Carolina. In fact, the only Hickeys I found that year were in northern states.
By 1800, most of the Brysons had moved to Buncombe Co, NC (now Haywood Co, NC), and but I found no Hickey families listed there in 1800. Based on the birth place of their daughter Margaret (1797) as "Haywood", I would have expected to find them in Buncombe Co, NC for the 1800 census, but they were not listed there. It is entirely possible that they were in Buncombe, but: a) were missed by the census taker. b) were living with another family, or c) were listed, but with the wrong last name.
I don't know which is the case, but Mr. Hickey died sometime between 1800 and 1810, for Sarah was listed on the 1810 census as an apparent widow. She was listed in Haywood County in 1810 (as were her parents and siblings). Unfortunately, this census was alphabetical, so I can't tell who their neighbors were, nor where they might have been living exactly. Sarah seems to have four children at this time.
1810 census analysis (based on available evidence): (Explanation of this census)
1810 Haywood Co, NC pg 64 Sarah Hickey 20000-20010 Analysis: 2 Male(s) 0-9 (1800-1810) Son? (1800/10) --> gone by 1820 John HICKEY (1804/10) 1 Female(s) 26-44 (1765-1784) Sarah BRYSON Hickey (1780/84) 2 Female(s) 0-9 (1800-1810) Margaret HICKEY (1797) daughter --> gone by 1820 Daughter? (1800/10) --> gone by 1820
Sometime in the 1810's, Sarah Bryson Hickey married Thomas Gross, presumably in Haywood Co, NC (no marriage record found). He was a widower also, but I don't know his first wife's name. Thomas was born ca 1750/60, so he was much older than Sarah.
They were listed on the 1820 census in Haywood County, but unfortunately, this census was alphabetical, so I can't tell who their neighbors were, nor where they might have been living.
1820 census analysis (based on available evidence): (Explanation of this census)
1820 Haywood Co, NC pg 220 Thomas Gross 210001-20010 Analysis: 1 Male(s) 45 & up (before 1775) Thomas GROSS (1750/60) 1 Male(s) 10-15 (1804-1810) John HICKEY (1804/10) stepson 2 Male(s) 0-9 (1810-1820) Son? (1810/15) George W. BRYSON (c1819) son 1 Female(s) 26-44 (1775-1794) Sarah BRYSON Gross (1780/84) wife 2 Female(s) 0-9 (1810-1820) Daughter? (1810/15) Elizabeth GROSS (1819/20) daughter
In 1828, Macon County was formed from western Haywood County. The Gross family either already lived in that section, or they moved there in 1820's.
They were listed on the 1830 census in Macon County just a few houses from Sarah's parents and several siblings.
1830 census analysis (based on available evidence): (Explanation of this census)
1830 Macon Co, NC pg 9 Thomas Groce 1011100000000-0010100001000 Analysis: 1 Male(s) 70-79 (1750-1760) Thomas GROSS (1750/60) 1 Male(s) 20-29 (1800-1810) Son? (1800/10) 1 Male(s) 15-19 (1810-1815) Son? (1810/15) 1 Male(s) 10-14 (1815-1820) George GROSS (c1819) son 1 Female(s) 40-49 (1780-1790) Sarah BRYSON Gross (1780/84) wife 1 Female(s) 15-19 (1810-1815) Daughter? (1810/15) 1 Female(s) 10-14 (1815-1820) Elizabeth GROSS (1819/20) daughter
I was unable to locate Thomas Gross on the 1840 census. He was probably still in Macon County though, for he reportedly died there on 24 Sep 1840 (source?). I would suspect that at his advanced age in 1840, he and Sarah were living with some of their married children that year.
I did not find Sarah Bryson Gross on the 1850 census, so she too may have died in the 1840's (or before).
Census records seem to show several children for Sarah by her two husbands, but no primary source has been located naming them. Lawrence Wood only listed four of them in his book (and Updike only listed one). More research is needed to identify all of Sarah's children. Currently I show (with no direct proof for any): John Hickey, Margaret Hickey, George Gross and Elizabeth Gross.
Margaret "Peggy" Bryson was born 11 Apr 1784 (source?) either in South Carolina or North Carolina. She died before the 1850 census, but many of her children were listed on the 1880 census (which showed the parents places of birth also). Some of her children listed their mother's birth place as SC, while others listed NC. I can't be sure based on this contradictory evidence.
She was apparently home with her parents for the 1790 census (no ages given, but she was probably one of the four females with James that year). She was apparently with them still in 1800 (age 16-25, born ca 1774/84), and still with them in 1810 (age 26-44, born ca 1765/84).
Margaret had at least two daughters in the 1800-1810 timeframe, both born out of wedlock. Lawrence Wood told me that one of them was reputed to be a child of a Mr. Cathey, but we don't know which one as there were several Catheys in the area. The Buncombe or early Haywood County Court records may have data on this subject. I have not looked for it yet.
Some time before ca 1812, she married Henry Wood. Henry was a widower, his first wife was Ann York. He was born ca 1765/70 either in TN or VA (probably VA). (Henry can be found listed on the 1800 and 1810 census in Buncombe Co, NC).
For the 1820 census, Henry Wood was listed in Haywood Co, NC. Unfortunately, this census was alphabetical, so I can't tell who their neighbors were, nor where they might have been living.
1820 census analysis (based on available evidence): (Explanation of this census)
1820 Haywood Co, NC pg 219 Henry Woods 210001-12101 Analysis: 1 Male(s) 45 & up (before 1775) Henry WOOD (1765/70) 1 Male(s) 10-15 (1804-1810) Son? (1804/10) --> gone by 1830 2 Male(s) 0-9 (1810-1820) Son? (1815/20) Andrew J. WOOD (1816) son 1 Female(s) 45 & up (before 1775) Margaret BRYSON Wood (1784) wife 1 Female(s) 16-25 (1794-1804) Daughter? (1794/1804) --> gone by 1830 2 Female(s) 10-15 (1804-1810) Cynthia BRYSON (1805/06) step-daughter Elizabeth BRYSON (1808/09) step-daughter 1 Female(s) 0-9 (1810-1820) Dorcas WOOD (1812) daughter
By 1830, they were in Macon Co, NC (created in 1828). I don't know if they lived there already or moved there in the 1820's. They were next door to Margaret's cousin Jonathan Bryson (1798).
1830 census analysis (based on available evidence): (Explanation of this census)
1830 Macon Co, NC pg 11 Henry Woods 0311000010000-0010001000000 Analysis: 1 Male(s) 60-69 (1760-1770) Henry WOOD (1765/70) 1 Male(s) 15-19 (1810-1815) Andrew J. WOOD (1816) son --> m 1839 1 Male(s) 10-14 (1815-1820) Son? (1815/20) 3 Male(s) 5-9 (1820-1825) Son? (1820/25) James Bryson WOOD (1821/22) son --> m 1839 William Perry WOOD (1822) son --> m 1838 1 Female(s) 40-49 (1780-1790) Margaret BRYSON Wood (1784) wife 1 Female(s) 10-14 (1815-1820) Artemisia WOOD (1819/20) daughter --> m 1837
They were back in Haywood for the 1840 census, but not close to any of the Brysons listed there that year.
1840 census analysis (based on available evidence): (Explanation of this census)
1840 Haywood Co, NC pg 120 Henry Woods 0001100100000-0010001000000 Analysis: 1 Male(s) 50-59 (1780-1790) Henry WOOD (1765/70) 1 Male(s) 20-29 (1810-1820) Son? (1815/20) 1 Male(s) 15-19 (1820-1825) Son? (1820/25) 1 Female(s) 40-49 (1790-1800) Margaret BRYSON Wood (1784) wife 1 Female(s) 10-14 (1825-1830) Daughter? (1825/30) * Not in 1830
Henry Wood died in the 1840/50 timeframe in Haywood Co, NC (now Jackson Co, NC). Margaret Bryson Wood died on 16 Jan 1847 (source?) in Haywood (now Jackson) Co, NC.
I have a list of children for Henry Wood, though I may have some mixed up as to which wife they belonged to.
Andrew Bryson was born ca 1785 in SC. He married Margaret White on or about 1 May 1817 (date of marriage bond) in Haywood Co, NC.
See their own page for additional information.
Daniel Granderson Bryson was born 23 May 1787 in NC (or SC). He married Artie Virginia Dillard on 3 Aug 1810 in Haywood Co, NC. He was listed on the 1820, 1830, 1840 and 1850 Haywood Co, NC census. They lived in the area that became Jackson Co, NC in 1851 and were listed in Jackson in 1860. I don't have them in 1870, but in 1880 Daniel was residing with his son T.D. Bryson in Swain Co, NC. Artie died in 1875. Daniel in 1880. These are the parents of Talitha Bryson Allen who wrote the earliest known history of the family (pre 1898).
See his own page for additional information.
Samuel Decater Bryson was born ca 1795 in SC. He married Rebecca Caylor on 28 Dec 1820 in Haywood Co, NC. They were listed on the 1830 and 1840 census in Macon Co, NC. Samuel died January 1850, and is listed on the 1850 census Mortality Schedule in Macon Co, NC. His wife Rebecca is on the 1850 and 1860 census in Macon Co, NC.
See his own page for additional information.
Persons researching this family (click here for data on how to get on or off of this list):
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