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I (Marty Grant) am a 2nd cousin 7 times removed to Robert 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.
Robert Bryson was born 10 Apr 1813 (source?) in Haywood Co, NC.
Robert 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. Robert was named as a sibling in the estate records of his brother Andrew Bryson (1809-1884).
Robert was apparently home with his parents for the 1820 census, aged "under 10" (born ca 1810/20) in Haywood County.
He seems to have been home with his parents in 1830 also, aged 15-19 (born ca 1810/15) in Macon County.
On 16 Dec 1833, Robert Bryson obtained a marriage bond in Haywood County to marry Polly Cunningham daughter of George. Joseph Keener was bondsman. Mary Ann "Polly" Cunningham was born 12 Mar 1815 in Buncombe Co, NC, daughter of George Cunningham and Mary McCarty.
Robert Bryson was listed as a voter in the 1835 Congressional elections, having voted in Macon County, Cullowhee Precinct.
They were in Macon County for the 1840 census. He was just a few houses from his brother James H. Bryson (1808) and brother Andrew Bryson (1809) and near his father John Bryson.
1840 census analysis (based on available evidence): (Explanation of this census)
1840 Macon Co, NC pg 164 Robert Bryson 1100100000000-1000100000000 Analysis: 1 Male(s) 20-29 (1810-1820) Robert BRYSON (1813) s/o John & Jane 1 Male(s) 5-9 (1830-1835) William BRYSON (1833/34) son 1 Male(s) 0-4 (1835-1840) Francis BRYSON (1839/40) son 1 Female(s) 20-29 (1810-1820) Mary CUNNINGHAM Bryson (1815) wife 1 Female(s) 0-4 (1835-1840) Martha BRYSON (1835/36) daughter
During the 1840's, they moved back to Haywood County, or else lived so near the line, that no one was sure which county they were in.
On 10 Jan 1842, Robert Bryson purchased 80 acres on Cullowhee Creek from Baley Kerby. Witnesses were J. Keener and William Stalcup. (Macon Co, NC Deed Book C page 1448 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.)
On 20 Nov 1846, Robert Bryson of Macon, sold Lewis Tilley 50 acres on Cullowhee Creek. Witnesses were Andrew Presley and George W. Bryson (his nephew). (Macon Co, NC Deed Book E page 198)
On 20 Sep 1849, Robert Bryson received a State land grant of 80 acres on Cullowhee Creek, entered 30 Nov 1844. (Macon Co, NC Deed Book F page 9 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.)
Robert and family were listed on the 1850 census in Haywood County. They were not too far from his uncle Daniel G. Bryson (1787).
1850 HAYWOOD CO, NC Page 212 House/Family # 1110/1137 - Twp BRYSON ROBERT 38 M W FARMER 400 NC 1811/1812 BRYSON MARY 36 F W NC 1813/1814 BRYSON WILLIAM 16 M W NC 1833/1834 BRYSON MARTHA 14 F W NC 1835/1836 BRYSON FRANCIS 10 M W NC 1839/1840 BRYSON SAMUEL 8 M W NC 1841/1842 BRYSON JOHN 6 M W NC 1843/1844 BRYSON COALMAN 4 M W NC 1845/1846 BRYSON THADDEUS D 1 M W NC 1848/1849
On 11 Dec 1850, Robert Bryson received two state land grants. One was 25 acres on Cullowhee Cree, the other of 50 acres on Baleys Creek Branch of Cullowhee Creek. Both tracts were entered 30 Nov 1844. (Macon Co, NC Deed Book F page 289)
In 1851, Jackson County was formed from Haywood County, including the section where this family resided.
They were listed on the 1860 census in Jackson County.
1860 JACKSON CO, NC Page 322B House/Family # 620/ 620 -- Twp WEBSTER P.O. BRYSON R 47 M W FARMER 1125 805 NC 1812/1813 BRYSON M J 45 F W NC 1814/1815 BRYSON F N 18 M W FARMER NC 1841/1842 BRYSON S H 16 M W FARMER NC 1843/1844 BRYSON J S 14 M W NC 1845/1846 BRYSON C A 12 M W NC 1847/1848 BRYSON T G 10 M W NC 1849/1850 BRYSON M J 8 F W NC 1851/1852
Mary Ann Cunningham Bryson died on 9 Jul 1869 (source?) in Jackson Co, NC.
On 3 Mar 1870, Robert Cunningham married Judith Ensley in Jackson County. She was a daughter of William Ensley and Judith Lackey. According to Updike, she had previously been married to Judson Plott who died during the Civil War. If that is true, then why did her marriage record give her surname as "Ensley"? The 5 year old child with them in 1870 also had the "Ensley" surname. Something doesn't add up here. I could not find a marriage record for Judson Plott and Judith Ensley (nor any Mr. Ensley or Mr. Plott to a "Judith"). I did find a marriage record (1888) for Robert H. Plott, age 22, and this does match up with Robert H. Ensley, Judith's son. I'm confused about this "previous marriage" for Judith. She was an Ensley by birth, as shown by the 1850 census (home with her parents in Haywood Co, NC). Was her son born out of wedlock, with Mr. Plott as the father? More research is needed. Robert was listed as "Ensley" in 1870, but "Plott" in later records.
They were in Jackson County for the 1870 census, and listed in Scotts Creek Township. They were near many other Brysons.
1870 JACKSON CO, NC Page 292 House/Family # 34/ 35--SCOTTS CREEK (2) Twp CALERS MILL P.O. BRYSON ROBERT 57 M W FARMER m Nov 1000 223 NC 1812/1813 BRYSON JUDAH 27 F W NC 1842/1843 ENSLEY ROBERT H 5 M W NC 1864/1865
They were listed on the 1880 census in Jackson County in Scotts Creek Township. ** I don't have this entry typed up yet.
Robert Bryson died on 21 Aug 1887. Judith Ensley Bryson died on 14 Aug 1922.
Robert Bryson and Mary Ann Cunningham had 8 children as proven by the various census records, and one more listed (apparently) in a Family Bible. Robert and Judith Ensley had 4 children as shown by the 1880 census. She had a son (Robert H. Plott) from a previous marriage or relationship.
Persons researching this family (click here for data on how to get on or off of this list):
1. Robert1 Bryson, born 10 Apr 1813 in Haywood Co, NC; died 21 Aug 1887 in Jackson Co, NC, son of John Bryson and Jane Poston. He married (1) on 17 Dec 1833 in Haywood Co, NC (now Jackson Co, NC) Mary Ann "Polly" Cunningham, born 12 Mar 1815 in Buncombe Co, NC; died 9 Jul 1869 in Jackson Co, NC, daughter of George Cunningham and Mary McCarty; (2) on 3 Mar 1870 in Jackson Co, NC Judith Ensley, born 27 Dec 1840 in Haywood Co, NC (now Jackson Co, NC); died 14 Aug 1922, daughter of William Ensley and Julia E Lackey.
Children of Robert Bryson and Mary Ann "Polly" Cunningham were as follows:
2 i William2 Bryson, born 1833/34 in Macon Co, NC (now Jackson Co, NC); died aft 1850 in Jackson Co, NC.
3 ii Martha Louise2 Bryson, born 1835/36 in Macon Co, NC (now Jackson Co, NC). She married in 1850/60 in Jackson Co, NC A T Wilson.
+ 4 iii Francis Marion2 Bryson, born 23 Jun 1841 in Macon Co, NC (now Jackson Co, NC); died 8 Nov 1918 in Jackson Co, NC. He married Frances Caroline Ensley.
+ 5 iv Samuel Hilman2 Bryson, born 1841/42 in Macon Co, NC (now Jackson Co, NC); died 1904 in Jackson Co, NC. He married (1) Sina M Crawford; (2) Julia Ann Plott.
+ 6 v John Shannon2 Bryson, born 1843/44 in Macon Co, NC (now Jackson Co, NC); died 13 Apr 1901 in Jackson Co, NC. He married Olive Mariah Crawford.
+ 7 vi Coleman Alexander2 Bryson, born 7 Dec 1847 in Macon Co, NC (now Jackson Co, NC); died 7 Feb 1926 in Jackson Co, NC. He married Olif Jane Henson.
+ 8 vii Thaddeus Grant2 Bryson, born 7 Dec 1847 in Macon Co, NC (now Jackson Co, NC); died 6 Sep 1931 in Jackson Co, NC. He married Hannah Ensley.
+ 9 viii Margaret Jane2 Bryson, born 1851/52 in Jackson Co, NC. She married William Seaborn Snider.
10 ix George Hamilton2 Bryson, born abt 1854 in Jackson Co, NC; died Child in Jackson Co, NC.
Children of Robert Bryson and Judith Ensley were as follows:
+ 11 i Amos Beamon2 Bryson, born 25 Jan 1871 in Jackson Co, NC; died 23 Jun 1952 in Jackson Co, NC; buried in Balsam Baptist Cem, Jackson Co, NC. He married (1) Harriett C Crawford; (2) Laura Morrow.
+ 12 ii Hebron Lee2 Bryson, born 7 Oct 1872 in Jackson Co, NC. He married O Clarissa Crawford.
+ 13 iii Theodore Davidson2 Bryson, born 18 Feb 1875 in Jackson Co, NC. He married (1) Hattie Fisher; (2) Eva Sumerow.
+ 14 iv Fannie Josephine2 Bryson, born 11 Aug 1878 in Jackson Co, NC. She married John Morrow.
Generation 2
4. Francis Marion2 Bryson (Robert1), born 23 Jun 1841 in Macon Co, NC (now Jackson Co, NC); died 8 Nov 1918 in Jackson Co, NC. He married on 15 Oct 1863 in Jackson Co, NC Frances Caroline Ensley, born 12 Apr 1846 in Haywood Co, NC (now Jackson Co, NC); died 29 May 1919 in Jackson Co, NC, daughter of William Ensley and Julia E Lackey.
Children of Francis Marion Bryson and Frances Caroline Ensley were as follows:
15 i Thomas Clingman3 Bryson, born 25 Jul 1865 in Jackson Co, NC. He married on 3 Dec 1889 in Jackson Co, NC Loreany Palestine Henson.
+ 16 ii John B3 Bryson, born 10 May 1867 in Jackson Co, NC; died 5 Dec 1918 in Jackson Co, NC. He married Mary Magdalena Brooks.
17 iii Robert Lee3 Bryson, born 1870 in Jackson Co, NC.
5. Samuel Hilman2 Bryson (Robert1), born 1841/42 in Macon Co, NC (now Jackson Co, NC); died 1904 in Jackson Co, NC. He married (1) on 4 Apr 1864 in Jackson Co, NC Sina M Crawford, born 1846/47 in Haywood Co, NC (now Jackson Co, NC); died 1877/79 in Jackson Co, NC, daughter of William R Crawford and Olif Virginia (---); (2) on 7 Dec 1879 in Jackson Co, NC Julia Ann Plott, born 6 Feb 1845 in Haywood Co, NC (now Jackson Co, NC); died 17 Jan 1925, daughter of John Plott and Louisa Avaline Reeves.
Children of Samuel Hilman Bryson and Sina M Crawford were as follows:
18 i William R3 Bryson, born 1865/66 in Jackson Co, NC. He married on 30 Dec 1886 in Jackson Co, NC Laura Parris, daughter of J M Parris.
19 ii Martin Aurelius3 Bryson, born 1867/68 in Jackson Co, NC; died 23 Feb 1887 in Jackson Co, NC.
+ 20 iii Aaron Columbus3 Bryson Rev, born 5 May 1870 in Jackson Co, NC. He married Lydia Margaret Hall.
21 iv Avery M3 Bryson, born 1872/73 in Jackson Co, NC. He married (1) on 16 Jul 1897 in Jackson Co, NC Julia E Norman, born 1878; (2) on 21 Dec 1901 in Jackson Co, NC Maggie Fisher.
22 v Martha Jane3 Bryson, born 1876/77 in Jackson Co, NC. She married (1) on 13 Nov 1894 in Jackson Co, NC Horace M West, born 1856 in Madison Co, NC; (2) Walter Crook; (3) (---) Bumgarner.
6. John Shannon2 Bryson (Robert1), born 1843/44 in Macon Co, NC (now Jackson Co, NC); died 13 Apr 1901 in Jackson Co, NC. He married bef 1869 in Jackson Co, NC Olive Mariah Crawford, born 1852/53 in Jackson Co, NC, daughter of William R Crawford and Olif Virginia (---).
Children of John Shannon Bryson and Olive Mariah Crawford were as follows:
23 i Sullivan Beauregard3 Bryson, born Mar 1869 in Jackson Co, NC. He married on 24 Jan 1891 in Jackson Co, NC Lula L Hall, born 26 Aug 1873; died 29 Nov 1951, daughter of James T Hall and Minerva Welch.
24 ii Mary Varina3 Bryson, born 1871/72 in Jackson Co, NC. She married on 22 Dec 1888 in Jackson Co, NC Thomas E Snipes.
25 iii Elbert W3 Bryson, born 8 Jul 1875 in Jackson Co, NC; died 6 Jun 1907. He married in Jackson Co, NC Nancy Cook.
26 iv Phillip Tilden3 Bryson, born 18 Oct 1877 in Jackson Co, NC; died 3 Nov 1907. He married on 28 Nov 1897 in Jackson Co, NC Ida Warren.
27 v Sina3 Bryson, born 1878/79 in Jackson Co, NC. She married on 30 Apr 1900 in Jackson Co, NC Samuel C Franklin.
28 vi Etta3 Bryson, born 1882 in Jackson Co, NC. She married in Jackson Co, NC Robert Hall.
29 vii Robert3 Bryson, born 1884 in Jackson Co, NC. He married in Jackson Co, NC Mae Grant.
30 viii Irma3 Bryson, born 1886 in Jackson Co, NC.
31 ix Mattie3 Bryson, born 31 Oct 1892 in Jackson Co, NC. She married on 25 May 1909 in Jackson Co, NC Thad D Smith.
32 x Thela3 Bryson, born 1892 in Jackson Co, NC. She married on 29 Oct 1911 in Jackson Co, NC James Pangle.
33 xi Theo Edna3 Bryson, born 17 Oct 1893 in Jackson Co, NC.
34 xii Clingman3 Bryson, born 1895 in Jackson Co, NC. He married in Jackson Co, NC Annie (---).
7. Coleman Alexander2 Bryson (Robert1), born 7 Dec 1847 in Macon Co, NC (now Jackson Co, NC); died 7 Feb 1926 in Jackson Co, NC. He married on 9 Feb 1869 in Jackson Co, NC Olif Jane Henson, born 25 May 1854 in NC; died 28 Jul 1916 in Jackson Co, NC, daughter of Thomas M Henson and Mary E Crawford.
Children of Coleman Alexander Bryson and Olif Jane Henson were as follows:
35 i Martha Magdalene3 Bryson, born 1872/73 in Jackson Co, NC. She married on 26 Feb 1891 in Jackson Co, NC Wilson W Ensley.
36 ii Mary Jane3 Bryson, born 13 Nov 1873 in Jackson Co, NC; died 20 May 1923 in Jackson Co, NC. She married on 5 Dec 1889 in Jackson Co, NC John Bascom Queen, born 1864 in Jackson Co, NC, son of Samuel Houston Queen and Dorcas E Fisher.
37 iii Lettie Emaline3 Bryson, born 1875/76 in Jackson Co, NC. She married on 6 Oct 1895 in Jackson Co, NC Manley Parris, born 1872 in Jackson Co, NC.
38 iv Hester3 Bryson, born abt 1877 in Jackson Co, NC; died Child in Jackson Co, NC.
39 v Fannie Maybelle3 Bryson, born 1878/79 in Jackson Co, NC. She married (1) on 22 Nov 1904 in Jackson Co, NC Dock W Ensley, born 1872; (2) in Jackson Co, NC John Pannell.
40 vi Dock E3 Bryson, born 1881 in Jackson Co, NC. He married (1) on 25 Dec 1904 in Jackson Co, NC Sarah McHan; (2) on 28 Jun 1927 in Jackson Co, NC Fern Capps, born 1899; (3) in Jackson Co, NC Lona Green.
41 vii T Carter3 Bryson, born 1885 in Jackson Co, NC. He married on 14 Aug 1916 in Jackson Co, NC Cordelia Rabb.
8. Thaddeus Grant2 Bryson (Robert1), born 7 Dec 1847 in Macon Co, NC (now Jackson Co, NC); died 6 Sep 1931 in Jackson Co, NC. He married on 17 Jan 1869 in Jackson Co, NC Hannah Ensley, born 1849 in Haywood Co, NC (now Jackson Co, NC); died 29 Mar 1924 in Jackson Co, NC, daughter of William Ensley and Cressie Parris.
Children of Thaddeus Grant Bryson and Hannah Ensley were as follows:
+ 42 i William Estes3 Bryson, born 20 Nov 1869 in Jackson Co, NC; died 18 Dec 1952 in Jackson Co, NC; buried in Old Field Cem, Beta, Jackson Co, NC. He married Maybelle Queen.
43 ii Nelson3 Bryson, born 15 Apr 1870 in Jackson Co, NC; died Sep 1910 in Lyman, WA. He married on 26 Jan 1901 in Jackson Co, NC Margaret Henson.
44 iii Laura Candis3 Bryson, born 9 Oct 1872 in Jackson Co, NC. She married (1) in 1899 in Jackson Co, NC John Bean; (2) in 1915 in Jackson Co, NC Robert W Powell.
45 iv Golman3 Bryson, born 18 Jun 1874 in Jackson Co, NC; died in Hamilton, WA. He married on 13 Mar 1898 in Jackson Co, NC Diana Ward.
46 v Zebulon Vance3 Bryson, born 22 Feb 1876 in Jackson Co, NC; died 3 Oct 1961. He married on 4 Jan 1900 in Jackson Co, NC Rosie Allen.
47 vi Julia T3 Bryson, born 6 Jun 1878 in Jackson Co, NC. She married on 6 Mar 1898 in Jackson Co, NC Lorenzo W Crawford.
9. Margaret Jane2 Bryson (Robert1), born 1851/52 in Jackson Co, NC. She married in 1860/69 in Jackson Co, NC William Seaborn Snider, born 1846/47 in Haywood Co, NC (now Jackson Co, NC), son of George Snider and Margaret (---).
Children of Margaret Jane Bryson and William Seaborn Snider were as follows:
48 i George H3 Snider, born 1868/69 in Jackson Co, NC.
49 ii Robert L3 Snider, born 1871/72 in Jackson Co, NC.
50 iii William L3 Snider, born 18745 in Jackson Co, NC.
51 iv Odus K3 Snider, born 1877/78 in Jackson Co, NC.
52 v Nora3 Snider, born in Jackson Co, NC.
53 vi Corene3 Snider, born in Jackson Co, NC.
11. Amos Beamon2 Bryson (Robert1), born 25 Jan 1871 in Jackson Co, NC; died 23 Jun 1952 in Jackson Co, NC; buried in Balsam Baptist Cem, Jackson Co, NC. He married (1) on 24 Aug 1892 in Jackson Co, NC Harriett C Crawford, born 23 Dec 1875 in Jackson Co, NC; died 16 Sep 1897 in Jackson Co, NC; (2) in 1897/99 in Jackson Co, NC Laura Morrow, born 17 Dec 1872; died 6 Dec 1955 in Jackson Co, NC; buried in Balsam Baptist Cem, Jackson Co, NC.
Children of Amos Beamon Bryson and Laura Morrow were as follows:
54 i Hettie Earline3 Bryson, born 28 Dec 1899 in Jackson Co, NC. She married in Jackson Co, NC (---) Cooper.
55 ii Maymie Mae3 Bryson, born 15 Dec 1900 in Jackson Co, NC. She married in Jackson Co, NC Joseph Queen.
56 iii Roy3 Bryson, born 1902 in Jackson Co, NC. He married on 9 Nov 1924 in Jackson Co, NC Bertha Crawford.
57 iv Annie Laura3 Bryson, born abt 1904 in Jackson Co, NC. She married in Jackson Co, NC (---) Hoxit.
58 v Evelyn Julia3 Bryson, born 24 Nov 1909 in Jackson Co, NC. She married in Jackson Co, NC Lawrence Hooper.
12. Hebron Lee2 Bryson (Robert1), born 7 Oct 1872 in Jackson Co, NC. He married on 24 Oct 1892 in Jackson Co, NC O Clarissa Crawford.
Children of Hebron Lee Bryson and O Clarissa Crawford were as follows:
59 i George R3 Bryson, born 1892 in Jackson Co, NC. He married on 25 Jan 1919 in Jackson Co, NC Ethel A Christy.
60 ii Walter Ervin3 Bryson, born 5 Sep 1897 in Jackson Co, NC. He married on 8 Dec 1921 in Jackson Co, NC Lillie Arrington.
61 iii Mary3 Bryson, born 1900 in Jackson Co, NC. She married on 23 Dec 1915 in Jackson Co, NC Bascom Queen, born 1895.
62 iv Alice3 Bryson, born 1902 in Jackson Co, NC. She married in Jackson Co, NC Horace MaHaffey.
63 v Dellie3 Bryson, born abt 1904 in Jackson Co, NC. She married in Jackson Co, NC Edward Cogdill.
64 vi Dessie3 Bryson, born in Jackson Co, NC. She married in Jackson Co, NC Robert Davis.
13. Theodore Davidson2 Bryson (Robert1), born 18 Feb 1875 in Jackson Co, NC. He married (1) on 14 Feb 1907 in Jackson Co, NC Hattie Fisher; (2) on 26 Dec 1947 in Jackson Co, NC Eva Sumerow.
Children of Theodore Davidson Bryson and Hattie Fisher were as follows:
65 i Irvin3 Bryson, born 7 Oct 1908 in Jackson Co, NC; died 7 Oct 1908 in Jackson Co, NC.
66 ii Nellie3 Bryson, born in Jackson Co, NC.
67 iii Elmer3 Bryson, born 17 Jan 1913 in Jackson Co, NC; died Jun 1930.
68 iv Charles3 Bryson, born in Jackson Co, NC.
14. Fannie Josephine2 Bryson (Robert1), born 11 Aug 1878 in Jackson Co, NC. She married in Jackson Co, NC John Morrow.
Children of Fannie Josephine Bryson and John Morrow were as follows:
69 i Robert3 Morrow, born in Jackson Co, NC.
+ 70 ii George A3 Morrow, born in Jackson Co, NC. He married Nelly Grant.
71 iii Nettie3 Morrow, born in Jackson Co, NC.
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