John Bryson and Esther Joyce of Surry Co, NC

I (Marty Grant) am not related to John Bryson as far as I know, but I am very interested in this family.

John Bryson was born 5 Dec 1753 in Virginia, probably in Orange County. He is a proven son of John and Margaret Bryson of VA and Surry Co, NC. His name and birth date were recorded in his brother James Bryson's Family Bible. No other information about John's family is given though.

John Bryson (often referred to as John "Jr" to distinguish him from his father John) was a Captain during the American Revolution. I don't have these records yet, so can't give any details.

The John Bryson family came to Surry Co, NC before 1780 and settled in the north part of the County, north of the Yadkin River and near Ararat (a.k.a. Tararat) River and Lovings Creek.

John Bryson married Esther Joyce ca 1771. She was a daughter of Alexander Joyce, as proven by her obituary (included below).

On 19 Sep 1783 William Hall of Montgomery Co, VA sold John Bryson Junr 150 acres on both sides of Lovings Creek, middle fork of Ararat River for 100 pounds. Witnesses were Collins Hamton and James Gittens. (Surry Co, NC Deed Book C page 45 from Surry County, North Carolina Abstracts Deeds Books A, B and C 1770-1778 by Mrs. W. O. Absher.). (Note: This book can be purchased from Amazon.com)

On 8 Feb 1785 John Douglas sold John Bryson 2 1/2 acres on East Side of Loving Creek for 5 pounds. Though the deed doesn't specify "Jr", I'm not totally sure this is John Jr, but we know he had land on Lovings Creek, and in this deed was described as land bordering said Bryson. When this deed was proven in court (see below) it was listed as John Bryson Senr (Surry Co, NC Deed Book C page 258 from Surry County, North Carolina Abstracts Deeds Books A, B and C 1770-1778 by Mrs. W. O. Absher.). (Note: This book can be purchased from Amazon.com)

On or about 16 Apr 1785 John Bryson Junr, Christopher Rowles and Andrew Joyce witnessed a deed. The main part of the deed is missing, and they are listed on the same page with another deed from Stephen Clayton to Hugh Dennum. (Surry Co, NC Deed Book C page 264 from Surry County, North Carolina Abstracts Deeds Books A, B and C 1770-1778 by Mrs. W. O. Absher.). (Note: This book can be purchased from Amazon.com)

On some date in 1785 (before 11 May) John Douglas and wife Martha sold 150 acres to John Bryson Junr for 100 pounds. The land was where Douglas "now lives". Witnesses were James Maxwell, David Apling and William Burris. (Surry Co, NC Deed Book C page 398 from Surry County, North Carolina Abstracts Deeds Books A, B and C 1770-1778 by Mrs. W. O. Absher.). (Note: This book can be purchased from Amazon.com)

On 11 May 1785, in Surry Court, the deed from John Douglas to John Brison Senr was proven by Douglas. (This is for the deed dated 8 Feb 1785). (Surry County, North Carolina Court Minutes Volume I & II, 1767-1789 by Mrs. W. O. Absher). (Note: This book can be purchased from Amazon.com)

On the same date (11 May 1785), a deed from John Brison Junr to John Brison was proven in court by oath of John Brison Junr. I did not find this deed in the deed records, so I'm not sure what it was for. (Surry County, North Carolina Court Minutes Volume I & II, 1767-1789 by Mrs. W. O. Absher). (Note: This book can be purchased from Amazon.com)

On 9 May 1786 The deed from John Doug (sic) and wife Marthy to John Bryson Junr was proven in court by oath of William Burris. The deed was from John and Martha Douglas. (Surry County, North Carolina Court Minutes Volume I & II, 1767-1789 by Mrs. W. O. Absher). (Note: This book can be purchased from Amazon.com)

On 17 Nov 1786, it was ordered in Surry Court, that John Bryson attend next Court (2nd Monday in February) as a juror. This record did not specify "Jr" or "Sr". (Surry County, North Carolina Court Minutes Volume I & II, 1767-1789 by Mrs. W. O. Absher). (Note: This book can be purchased from Amazon.com)

On 17 Nov 1786, John Bryson was listed as a Juror. (Surry County, North Carolina Court Minutes Volume I & II, 1767-1789 by Mrs. W. O. Absher). (Note: This book can be purchased from Amazon.com)

On 10 May 1787 John Bryson Junr and Thomas Hudspeth witnessed a deed between Richard Laurance to James Laurance for land on both sides of Renfro Creek, East Fork of Tarrarat River. (Surry Co, NC Deed Book D page 116 from Surry County, North Carolina Deeds Books D, E and F 1779-1797 by Mrs. W. O. Absher.). (Note: This book can be purchased from Amazon.com)

On 15 Nov 1787, John Bryson was listed on a Surry County Jury (might be Sr or Jr, no way to be sure). Surry County, North Carolina Court Minutes Volume I & II, 1767-1789 by Mrs. W. O. Absher). (Note: This book can be purchased from Amazon.com)

On 16 Feb 1788, a road crew was ordered to view the road from Jno Bryson's on Little Fork Mitchells River the nearest way into Fishers Gap Road. I don't know which John Bryson was being referred to. The people on the road crew were undoubtedly his neighbors though: Richard Murphy, John Williams, Moses Williams, Joseph Laswell, Ben Scott, Zadock Riggs, Iram Riggs, William Stewart, Samuel Riggs, Silas Riggs, Peter Murphy and John Bean. (Surry County, North Carolina Court Minutes Volume I & II, 1767-1789 by Mrs. W. O. Absher). (Note: This book can be purchased from Amazon.com)

On 16 May 1788, John Bryson was listed on a Surry County Jury. Don't know if Sr or Jr though. (Surry County, North Carolina Court Minutes Volume I & II, 1767-1789 by Mrs. W. O. Absher). (Note: This book can be purchased from Amazon.com)

On 16 May 1788, a Return of County Insolvents for 1788 was returned. In Captain Willis' District, Reziah Jarvis, Collector, noted John Bryson as an Insolvent (unpaid taxes) for 200 acres and 1 poll. I don't know if this referred to Sr or Jr. (Surry County, North Carolina Court Minutes Volume I & II, 1767-1789 by Mrs. W. O. Absher). (Note: This book can be purchased from Amazon.com)

On 17 May 1788, in Surry Court, John Brison (John Sr) Assignee (of whom?) brought suit against Jacob McCraw. John Brison Junr was a witness for plaintiff, and proved 180 miles and 7 days of attendance on his behalf. (Surry County, North Carolina Court Minutes Volume I & II, 1767-1789 by Mrs. W. O. Absher). (Note: This book can be purchased from Amazon.com)

On 12 Aug 1788, John Bryson was listed on a Surry County Jury. Don't know if Sr or Jr though. (Surry County, North Carolina Court Minutes Volume I & II, 1767-1789 by Mrs. W. O. Absher). (Note: This book can be purchased from Amazon.com)

On 14 Aug 1788, John Bryson was listed on a Surry County Jury. Don't know if Sr or Jr though. (Surry County, North Carolina Court Minutes Volume I & II, 1767-1789 by Mrs. W. O. Absher). (Note: This book can be purchased from Amazon.com)

On the 2nd Wednesday of November, 1788, John Brison was listed on two Surry County Juries. Don't know if Sr or Jr though. (Surry County, North Carolina Court Minutes Volume I & II, 1767-1789 by Mrs. W. O. Absher). (Note: This book can be purchased from Amazon.com)

On the same date (2nd Wednesday, Nov 1788), John Brison (Sr) brought suit against John Douglass. John Brison Junr was a witness for the plaintiff and proved 300 miles and 10 days attendance on his behalf. (Surry County, North Carolina Court Minutes Volume I & II, 1767-1789 by Mrs. W. O. Absher). (Note: This book can be purchased from Amazon.com)

On 20 Jan 1789, James and Catherine Bryson sold 380 acres to William Hill for 100 pounds. Land was on Fishers River, south side of Main River. Witnesses were John Bryson Jr (brother) and Thomas Hill. (Surry Co, NC Deed Book D page 404 from Surry County, North Carolina Deeds Books D, E and F 1779-1797 by Mrs. W. O. Absher.). (Note: This book can be purchased from Amazon.com)

On the 2nd Thursday of February 1789, a deed from James Bryson (John's brother) and wife to William Hill was proven in court by John Bryson Junr. (Surry County, North Carolina Court Minutes Volume I & II, 1767-1789 by Mrs. W. O. Absher). (Note: This book can be purchased from Amazon.com)

On 16 May 1789 John Bryson was one of several men ordered to appear as Jurors at the next County Court at the Court House in Richmond on the 2nd Monday of August. Don't know if this was Jr or Sr though. (Surry County, North Carolina Court Minutes Volume I & II, 1767-1789 by Mrs. W. O. Absher). (Note: This book can be purchased from Amazon.com)

On 12 Nov 1789, John Bryson was appointed overseer of the road, in place of Charles Smith. Don't know if this was Sr or Jr. (Surry County, North Carolina Court Minutes Volume I & II, 1767-1789 by Mrs. W. O. Absher). (Note: This book can be purchased from Amazon.com)

On 20 Dec 1791, John Bryson received a State Land Grant for 50 acres on Lovings Creek, adjoining "Bryson's former survey". I don't know if this was for Jr or Sr. (Surry Co, NC Deed Book F page 62 from Surry County, North Carolina Deeds Books D, E and F 1779-1797 by Mrs. W. O. Absher.). (Note: This book can be purchased from Amazon.com)

On 12 Nov 1794 Patrick Coyle of Bedford Co, VA sold 50 acres to John Bryson Junr for 50 pounds, land on both sides of Lovings Creek. Witnesses were Christopher Rowles, Francis Bryson (John's son? or his sister named Frances?) and Archibald Bryson (John's son?) (Surry Co, NC Deed Book F page 315 from Surry County, North Carolina Deeds Books D, E and F 1779-1797 by Mrs. W. O. Absher.). (Note: This book can be purchased from Amazon.com)

On 23 Feb 1795, John Bryson Junr and Thomas A. Word and John Creed witnessed a deed from Alexander Bryson (his brother) and wife Mary to Edwin Hickman for 98 1/2 acres on Middle Fork of Tarrarat River. (Surry Co, NC Deed Book F page 266 from Surry County, North Carolina Deeds Books D, E and F 1779-1797 by Mrs. W. O. Absher.). (Note: This book can be purchased from Amazon.com)

John Bryson Jr probably left many other Deed and Court records in Surry Co, NC, but I don't have them at present.

On 8 Sep 1804, John's father John Bryson made his Will in Surry Co, NC, and he named his sons James Bryson, John Bryson and Thomas Whitlock as Executors. (Surry Co, NC Will Book 3 page 84).

John Bryson was listed on the 1810 census in Surry Co, NC. He no longer used "Jr" as his father was dead by then.

Esther Joyce Bryson, wife of John, died on 20 Mar 1812. Her obituary reported her death date, and stated Mrs. Esther Bryson was wife of Mr. John Bryson, and daughter of Alexander Joyce. Her age was given as 57 years and 7 months. She died leaving a husband, and 12 children, 5 sons and 7 daughters. (From Abstracts of Vital Records from Raleigh, NC Newspapers 1799-1819 Vol I by Louis Smathers Neal, 1979 page 626)

I did not find John Bryson on the 1820 census, at least not in Surry Co, NC. There was a John Bryson listed in Montgomery Co, VA that year, and that might be him.

Children

John Bryson Jr and Esther Joyce had 12 children, 5 sons and 7 daughters, as proven by Esther's obituary, and the census records also agree with this. Census records also show two additional daughters, though these might have died prior to their mother. Unfortunately, I have no proof for any of these children's names. There are two girls who married in the 1810-1820 timeframe, that I feel belong to John and Esther, but I don't know enough about them to be sure: Olive Bryson married James Harvey in 1814, and Nancy Bryson married William Spargur in 1817. These two are probably John's children.

Unknown Son (c1774/84) an apparent son this age was with John Bryson Jr for the 1786, 1790 and 1800 census. He was gone by 1810. I don't know who this was, but one suspect is Archibald Bryson who witnessed a 1794 deed of John Bryson Jr's. See his own page for more information on him.

Unknown Daughter (c1774/84) an apparent daughter this age was with John Bryson Jr for the 1786, 1790, 1800 and 1810 census. I don't know who this was.

Unknown Son (c1784/86) an apparent son this age was with John Bryson Jr for the 1786, 1790 and 1800 census. He was gone by 1810. I don't know who this was.

Unknown Daughter (c1786/90) an apparent daughter this age was with John Bryson Jr in 1790. I assume she was born ca 1786/90 since she was not with them in 1786. She was gone by 1800. I don't know who this might have been. I doubt she could have married by 1800 as she would have been too young. She probably had died young.

Unknown Daughter (c1786/90) an apparent daughter this age was with John Bryson Jr in 1790. I assume she was born ca 1786/90 since she was not with them in 1786. She was still home in 1800 and 1810. I don't know who she might have been.

Unknown Daughter (c1790/94) an apparent daughter this age was with John Bryson Jr in 1800 and 1810. I don't know who she might have been.

Unknown Son (c1794/1800) an apparent son this age was with John Bryson Jr in 1800 and 1810. I don't know who he might have been.

Unknown Daughter (c1794/1800) an apparent daughter this age was with John Bryson Jr in 1800 and 1810. I don't know who she might have been.

Unknown Son (c1800/10) an apparent son this age was with John Bryson Jr in 1810. I don't know who he might have been.

Unknown Daughter (c1800/10) an apparent daughter this age was with John Bryson Jr in 1810. I don't know who she might have been.

Researcher List

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

1. John¹ Bryson (Captain) , born 5 Dec 1753 in Orange Co, VA; died aft 1822 in Montgomery Co, VA, son of John Bryson and Margaret (---) . He married bef 1771 Esther Joyce , born 20 Aug 1754; died 20 Mar 1812 in Surry Co, NC, daughter of Alexander Joyce .

Children of John Bryson (Captain) and Esther Joyce were as follows:

3 ii Archibald² Bryson , born bef 1773 in Surry Co, NC.

4 iii Olive² Bryson , born in Surry Co, NC. She married on 5 Aug 1814 in Surry Co, NC James Harvey .

5 iv Nancy² Bryson , born in Surry Co, NC. She married on 6 Jul 1817 in Surry Co, NC William Spargur .

John Bryson (1753) and Esther Joyce of Surry Co, NC

Children

Researcher List

Register Report