John Bryson and Margaret --- 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 10 Nov 1720, possibly in Virginia, or perhaps elsewhere, such as Pennsylvania. He is a proven son of John and Ann Bryson of Essex and Orange Co, VA. His name and birth date were recorded in his son James Bryson's Family Bible. Here is the pertinent part of the record, see James page for the entire record:

John Bryson was referred to as John "Jr" in early records to distinguish him from his father John, though after his father's death (in 1770), he was referred to as John "Sr" to distinguish himself from his son John Bryson Jr.

John Bryson married Margaret --- prior to 1745, presumably in Orange Co, VA.

John's father John Bryson made his Will in 1755 in Orange Co, VA and it was proven in 1770. He named his son "John Bryson" and also named John as one of his Executors. (Orange Co, VA Will Book 2 page 424).

John Bryson (1720) probably left records in Virginia in the pre 1780 timeframe, but I have not yet searched for them.

The John Bryson (1720) 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. There may be some overlap in the records listed below, as some may belong to John's son John Jr.

On 11 Jul 1784 John Bryson Senr (and Reuben Dodson) witnessed a deed from Edwin Smith to John Farmer for land on North Fork of Crooked Creek. (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 "Sr" or "Jr", 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 11 May 1785, in Surry Court, a deed from John Douglas to John Brison Senr was proven by Douglas. (This is for the deed dated 8 Feb 1785, but that original doesn't list "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 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 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 (listed as "Senr" on the Court record) 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 16 May 1787, in Surry Court, John Bryson Senr proved the deed between Richard Laurance and wife Isobell to James Laurance. The deed record listed John Bryson "Junr" as witness. (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 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 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 24 Dec 1792 John Bryson Senr received a 50 acre land grant on Lovings Creek adjoining "his former line". (Surry Co, NC Deed Book E page 93 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 Sr probably left many other Deed and Court records in Surry Co, NC, but I don't have them at present.

Apparently, Margaret, wife of John, died between 1800 and 1804. She was not mentioned in his Will.

On 8 Sep 1804, John Bryson Sr made his Will in Surry Co, NC. He named his daughters Ann Bryson and Sarah Bryson, Margaret Whitlock and Elizabeth Word, and also named "children of daughter Mary Cox". He mentioned his sons, but didn't list their names. He named his sons James Bryson, John Bryson and Thomas Whitlock as Executors. Witnesses included Alexander Bryson, Mallory Smith and Elizabeth Smith. (Surry Co, NC Will Book 3 page 84).

John Bryson died sometime between 8 Sep 1804 and 1808 for in 1808 his Estate was filed in Surry Co, NC. He has a Loose Estate File at the North Carolina Archives, but I have not looked at it yet.

Children

John Bryson Sr and Margaret had 10 children as shown by the James Bryson family record. John's Will of 1804 confirms seven of these by name.

James Bryson was born 28 Nov 1745 in Virginia, probably Orange County. He is named in the James (or Peter) Bryson Family Bible as a son of John and Margaret Bryson. He is also named in John Bryson's Will of 1804 as his son. James married Catherine ---. See his own page for additional information.

Anne Bryson was born 21 May 1749 in Virginia, probably Orange County. She is named in the James (or Peter) Bryson Family Bible as a child of John and Margaret Bryson. She is also named in John Bryson's Will of 1804 as his daughter.

Anne was apparently home with her parents for the 1786, 1790 and 1800 census. She apparently never married. For the 1810 census, it seems that she might be with her single sister Sarah Bryson in Surry Co, NC.

On 7 Dec 1815, Ann Bryson sold a Negro boy named "Tom" to Alexander Bryson (her brother). She signed with a mark. A witness to the deed was Archibald Bryson (perhaps a nephew?). (Surry Co, NC Deed Book N page 433, thanks to Florence Bryson for sharing this with me).

Anne Bryson was listed on the 1820 census in Surry Co, NC as head of household. She was listed as "Nancy" which is a common nickname for Anne (and visa versa). I believe her sister Sarah was with her, as well as a younger girl, who might be a niece or something.

I don't have any additional record of Anne Bryson. She may have died in Surry after 1820, or perhaps moved to KY or TN where many of her relatives had gone by then.

Jean Bryson was born 19 Jun 1751 in Virginia, probably Orange County. She is named in the James (or Peter) Bryson Family Bible as a child of John and Margaret Bryson. She was not named in John Bryson's Will of 1804, so she may have died before then.

John Bryson was born 5 Dec 1753 in Virginia, probably Orange County. He is named in the James (or Peter) Bryson Family Bible as a child of John and Margaret Bryson. He is also named in John Bryson's Will of 1804 as his son.

John Bryson married Esther Joyce before ca 1771. See his own page for additional information.

Alexander Bryson was born 30 May 1756 in Virginia, probably Orange County. He is named in the James (or Peter) Bryson Family Bible as a child of John and Margaret Bryson. He is also named in John Bryson's Will of 1804 as a witness to the Will, but not specifically named as his son.

Alexander Bryson married Mary --- before 1790 in Surry Co, NC. See his own page for additional information.

Mary Bryson was born 23 May 1758 in Virginia, probably Orange County. She is named in the James (or Peter) Bryson Family Bible as a child of John and Margaret Bryson. She is also named in John Bryson's Will of 1804 as his daughter "Mary Cox", though she was apparently deceased at that time, as John left to her children and not to her.

Mary Bryson married John Cox on 6 Feb 1782 in Orange Co, VA. They came to Surry Co, NC shortly afterwards. John Cox was listed on the 1786 and 1790 census in Surry Co, NC. I have not done much research on this line, even though I am also a Cox researcher (see my Cox Family web pages). I don't think my Cox line is related to this family, but it is a possibility.

At some point after 1790, but before 1804, Mary Bryson Cox died. John Cox later moved to Roane Co, TN where he died ca 1840.

Sarah Bryson was born 18 May 1761 in Virginia, probably Orange County. She is named in the James (or Peter) Bryson Family Bible as a child of John and Margaret Bryson. She is also named in John Bryson's Will of 1804 as his daughter "Sarah Bryson".

It seems as though Sarah never married. She was apparently home with her parents for the 1786, 1790 and 1800 census in Surry Co, NC. By 1810, she was listed as head of household in Surry Co, NC. Though the ages don't align perfectly, I think her sister Anne seemed to be with her then.

Sarah was not listed on the 1820 census, but her sister Anne was (as "Nancy"), and she had someone Sarah's age residing with her, and I feel sure it was her.

Frances Bryson was born 18 Oct 1763 in Virginia, probably Orange County. She is named in the James (or Peter) Bryson Family Bible as a child of John and Margaret Bryson. Since the name is spelled with an "e", I've assumed this is a girl, as that was the normal spelling.

On 12 Nov 1794 a Francis Bryson witnessed a deed between Patrick Coyle of Bedford Co, VA to John Bryson Jr. Archibald Bryson also witnessed. I don't know if this was Frances Bryson or a man of the same name. The spelling with an "i" is usually the masculine form of the name. (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)

Margaret Bryson was born 11 May 1765 in Virginia, probably Orange County. She is named in the James (or Peter) Bryson Family Bible as a child of John and Margaret Bryson. She is also named in John Bryson's Will of 1804 as his daughter "Margaret Whitlock".

John Bryson named his "sons James Bryson, John Bryson and Thomas Whitlock" as his executors, so it is an assumption that Thomas Whitlock was the husband of Margaret.

Elizabeth Bryson was born 31 Jan 1771 in Virginia, probably Orange County. She is named in the James (or Peter) Bryson Family Bible as a child of John and Margaret Bryson. She is also named in John Bryson's Will of 1804 as his daughter "Elizabeth Word".

I have that Elizabeth married William Word, and later married Samuel Forkner in 1817. I'm not sure what my sources are for either of these, so I'll have to check.

Researcher List

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

1. John¹ Bryson , born 10 Nov 1720 in Essex Co, VA; died 1804/08 in Surry Co, NC, son of John Bryson and Ann Moss . He married bef 1745 in Orange Co, VA Margaret (---) , born abt 1725; died 1800/04 in Surry Co, NC.

Children of John Bryson and Margaret (---) were as follows:

+ 2 i James² Bryson , born 28 Nov 1745 in Orange Co, VA; died 3 Sep 1835 in Sumner Co, TN. He married Catherine (---) .

3 ii Nancy Ann² Bryson , born 21 May 1749 in Orange Co, VA.

4 iii Jean² Bryson , born 19 Jun 1751 in Orange Co, VA.

+ 5 iv John² Bryson (Captain) , born 5 Dec 1753 in Orange Co, VA; died aft 1822 in Montgomery Co, VA. He married Esther Joyce .

6 v Alexander² Bryson , born 30 May 1756 in Orange Co, VA; died aft 7 Feb 1815 in Surry Co, NC. He married bef 1790 in Surry Co, NC Mary (---) .

+ 7 vi Mary² Bryson , born 23 May 1758 in Orange Co, VA; died bef 1804 in Surry Co, NC. She married John Cox .

8 vii Sarah² Bryson , born 18 May 1761 in Orange Co, VA.

9 viii Frances² Bryson , born 18 Oct 1763 in Orange Co, VA.

10 ix Margaret² Bryson , born 11 May 1765 in Orange Co, VA; died in Montgomery Co, VA. She married in 1790/1800 in Surry Co, NC Thomas Whitlock .

11 x Elizabeth² Bryson , born 31 Jan 1771 in Surry Co, NC. She married (1) in 1790/1800 in Surry Co, NC William Word , born 1772; (2) on 11 Jan 1817 Samuel Forkner .

Generation 2

2. James² Bryson (John¹), born 28 Nov 1745 in Orange Co, VA; died 3 Sep 1835 in Sumner Co, TN. He married bef 1770 in NC Catherine (---) , born bef 1755; died 1800/10 in Surry Co, NC.

Children of James Bryson and Catherine (---) were as follows:

12 i Abner³ Bryson , born 23 Jan 1770 in Rowan Co, NC. He married in 1790/1800 in Surry Co, NC Nancy Whitlock , born 1777 in Montgomery Co, VA; died aft 22 Jan 1824 in Cumberland Co, KY, daughter of Thomas Whitlock .

13 ii Leah³ Bryson , born 30 Mar 1772 in Surry Co, NC; died 29 Sep 1794 in Surry Co, NC.

14 iii Susannah³ Bryson , born 18 May 1773 in Surry Co, NC; died 1840 in Sumner Co, TN. She married James Hanna , born 1765; died 1833 in Sumner Co, TN.

15 iv Reuben³ Bryson , born 15 Jun 1775 in Surry Co, NC; died 25 Jun 1858 in Clinton Co, KY.

+ 16 v James³ Bryson , born 6 Oct 1777 in Surry Co, NC; died 1852 in Maury Co, TN. He married Anne Doherty .

+ 17 vi Peter³ Bryson , born 11 Feb 1780 in Surry Co, NC; died 25 Jun 1855 in Gallatin, Sumner Co, TN. He married Jane Gillespie .

18 vii John Fielding³ Bryson , born 29 Oct 1782 in Surry Co, NC; died 12 Nov 1849 in Benton Co, IA. He married aft 1810 in Surry Co, NC Elizabeth Spargur , born 22 Nov 1794 in Surry Co, NC; died 12 Mar 1868 in Benton Co, IA.

19 viii Warner³ Bryson , born 2 Dec 1784 in Surry Co, NC.

20 ix Nathaniel³ Bryson , born 17 Jul 1787 in Surry Co, NC.

21 x Sarah³ Bryson , born 19 Jan 1790 in Surry Co, NC; died 3 Oct 1821 in Sumner Co, TN.

22 xi William³ Bryson , born 19 Mar 1792 in Surry Co, NC; died in Sumner Co, TN.

5. John² Bryson (Captain) (John¹), born 5 Dec 1753 in Orange Co, VA; died aft 1822 in Montgomery Co, VA. 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:

24 ii Archibald³ Bryson , born bef 1773 in Surry Co, NC.

25 iii Olive³ Bryson , born in Surry Co, NC. She married on 5 Aug 1814 in Surry Co, NC James Harvey .

26 iv Nancy³ Bryson , born in Surry Co, NC. She married on 6 Jul 1817 in Surry Co, NC William Spargur .

7. Mary² Bryson (John¹), born 23 May 1758 in Orange Co, VA; died bef 1804 in Surry Co, NC. She married on 6 Feb 1782 in Orange Co, VA John Cox , born bef 1766; died 1840 in Roane Co, TN.

Children of Mary Bryson and John Cox were as follows:

27 i Alexander³ Cox , born 1784 in Surry Co, NC.

Generation 3

16. James³ Bryson (James², John¹), born 6 Oct 1777 in Surry Co, NC; died 1852 in Maury Co, TN. He married on 11 Mar 1799 in Mecklenburg Co, NC Anne Doherty , died 1854 in Maury Co, TN.

Children of James Bryson and Anne Doherty were as follows:

28 i Elam⁴ Bryson .

29 ii James McRee⁴ Bryson , died 1847 in Maury Co, TN.

17. Peter³ Bryson (James², John¹), born 11 Feb 1780 in Surry Co, NC; died 25 Jun 1855 in Gallatin, Sumner Co, TN. He married on 1 Aug 1809 in Sumner Co, TN Jane Gillespie , born 28 May 1789; died 22 Sep 1843 in Gallatin, Sumner Co, TN.

Children of Peter Bryson and Jane Gillespie were as follows:

30 i James Maddison⁴ Bryson , born 12 Mar 1811 in Sumner Co, TN.

31 ii Mary Graym⁴ Bryson , born 13 Jan 1813 in Sumner Co, TN.

32 iii George Gillespie⁴ Bryson , born 6 Aug 1815 in Sumner Co, TN.

John Bryson (1720) and Margaret --- of Surry Co, NC

Children

Researcher List

Register Report