Husband: Needham BRYANT
Birthdate: Bef 1774
Birthplace: NC, VA, SC, or GA
Death date: 1830
Place of death: Jefferson Twp., Pike Co., IN
Father: BRYANT
Mother:
Other spouses:

Marriage date: 29 Mar 1810
Marriage place: Jasper Co., GA

Wife: Mary "Polly" Ann BRYANT
Birthdate: 1797
Birthplace: GA
Death date: Apr 1870
Place of death: in Patoka Twp., Pike Co., IN
Father: BRYANT
Mother:
Other spouses: Solomon BREWSTER, 10 Jan 1835 in Pike Co., IN

CHILDREN

Child No. 1: Nancy BRYANT
Birthdate: Abt 1812 in Jasper Co., GA
Spouses' names: Daniel RISLEY
Marriage date: 16 Mar 1831 in Pike Co., IN
Death date:

Child No. 2: Jesse BRYANT
Birthdate: 1815 Gibson Co., Indiana Territory
Spouses' names: Ellen SCOTT
Marriage date: 8 Feb 1836 in Warrick Co., IN
Death date: Abt 1843 in Jefferson Twp., Pike Co., IN

Child No. 3: James BRYANT
Birthdate: 1819 in Jefferson Twp., Pike Co., IN
Spouses' names: [1] Sarah GRYDER [2] Margaret SCOTT
Marriage date: [1] 5 Apr 1774 in Pike Co., IN (Divorced) [2] 21 Jul 1842 in Pike Co., IN
Death date: Bef 1910 in Pike Co., IN

Child No. 4: John BRYANT
Birthdate: Abt 1821 in Pike Co., IN
Spouses' names:
Marriage date:
Death date:

Child No. 5: Elizabeth BRYANT
Birthdate: Abt 1823 in Pike Co., IN
Spouses' names: Samuel CHAPMAN
Marriage date: 26 Nov in Pike Co., IN
Death date: 1852 in Knox Co., IN

Child No. 6: Mary Ann BRYANT
Birthdate: 1825 in Pike Co., IN
Spouses' names: [1] William FARRELL [2] George RISLEY
Marriage date: [1] 21 Jul 1842 in Pike Co., IN [2] 14 Sep 1848 in Pike Co., IN
Death date:

Child No. 7: Harrison BRYANT
Birthdate: 6 May 1828 in Pike Co., IN
Spouses' names: [1] Lucinda EVANS [2] Susan F. CARTER [3] Almarian HURT [4] Ella B. Fettinger
Marriage date: [1] 12 Jun 1856 Pike Co., IN [2] 22 Aug 1869 Pike Co., IN [3] 17 Mar 1887 Pike Co., IN [4] 24 Oct 1901 Pike Co., IN
Death date: 13 May 1910 in Gibson Co., IN

Child No. 8: William Thomas BRYANT
Birthdate: 1830 in Pike Co., IN
Spouses' names: Elizabeth BEE
Marriage date: 22 Jul 1848 in Pike Co., IN
Death date: Killed in Battle 11 Apr 1862 at Shiloh, Tennessee.
 
 
Documentation:
Notes:
* Needham's birth year was determined from the 1820 Federal Census of Pike Co., Indiana. This census was taken in 1821 and Needham was listed as being over the age of 45. Thus, 1821-45=1776, was used to establish his approximate year of birth.
* There is a record in existance that says Needham was born in Ireland; however, this is not to reliable because it is hearsay evidence. This evidence came from the death certificate of his son, Harrison, who died at Gibson Co., Indiana, 13 May 1910. The information on the certificate was probably supplied by one of Harrison's children or his third wife. Furthermore, Harrison was only two years old when his father died. I have attempted to verify this by searching the IGI files of the Church of the Latter Day Saints. These files are extensive; yet, they do not contain all records of the British Isles. No where did I find the name, Needham Bryant, listed among the records of the British Isles. This does not mean to say, he wasn't born there; however, it makes me question an Ireland birthplace as fact. I have no doubt he was of Irish heritage and his parents, or grandparents, were born there.
* The 1820 Census records have a place where foreign-born and not naturalized are recorded. There were many Pike Co. people listed as being foreign-born & not naturalized; however, Needham's records do not indicate this; therefore, if he was foreign-born, he must have been naturalized before coming to Pike Co.
* The second record concerning a Needham is found in Jefferson Co., Georgia, in 1801. At the time, he was a single man, over 21, and paid a poll tax. Other Bryants listed on the 1801 tax lists of Jefferson Co. were Benjamin Bryan who paid 5 poll taxes, had 42 slaves, owned 1217 acres on Duhart Creek and land in Greene Co. The 1217 acres was originally granted to Grey & Paulette. (This may be a clue because a William Bryant, born 1747 in North Carlina, married Elizabeth Grey.) Others there in 1801 were: Thomas Briant, a single man over 21; John Bryan, Jr., a single man over 21; John Briant, who lived on 247 acres Boggy Gut and owned other land in Montgomery Co. adjacent to land granted J. Brian. Also, a Jonathan Bryant owned 17 acres adjacent to Joel Darcy, Polk & Bryants. The survey of this plat shows John & Jesse Busson as chain carriers. Records show a Benjamin Bryan paying taxes on 1,103 acres & 45 slaves in 1803 and a William Briant shows up in 1805.
* Needham apparently left Jefferson Co. about 1806 (last paid poll tax in 1805.) We next find him in the newly created Pulaski Co. in 1808, a single man over 21; but my researcher noticed she had failed to record whether or not he paid taxes on property or poll. She promised to correct this with her next letter. I'm eager to find out, because I think this is our Needham and whether, or not, he paid a poll might change my direction of research. She never did reply.
* Others living in the same district of Pulaski Co., (Capt. Dyke's District), were: Moses Bryan 410 acres on Reedy Creek; Needham Bryan ??? acres on Gum Swamp and 7 slaves; Jesse Bryan 75 acres on Gum Swamp; (Needham Bryan came next - mentioned above); Willis Bryan 1 poll; Stephen Bryan 1 poll; William Bryan 202 1/2 acres on Gum Swamp adjacent to Bryan, 1 poll and 3 slaves. (It is interesting to note that our Needham's widow, Mary "Polly" Ann, named one of her BREWSTER sons Willis. She could well be a daughter of the WILLIS BRYAN listed above. Perhaps it was here that they first met.)
* Others living in Pulaski Co. in 1808, but in different districts, are as follows: CAPTAIN BRYAN'S DISTRICT - No Bryan(t) listed, but there was a Needham STEPHENS. CAPT. WALDEN'S DISTRICT - John Bryant 435 acres, 3 slaves and 1 poll; James Bryant 202 1/2 acres and 1 poll. CAPT. CLARK'S DISTRICT - Phileman Bryan 202 1/2 acres on Limestone Creek adjacent Dunn. CAPT. LESTER'S DISTRICT - Edward Bryan 12 negros and 1 poll. CAPT. (illegible) DISTRICT - John Bryant 1 poll (he also paid 1 poll for John Kelly; Sarah O. Bryant 202 1/2 acres on Gum Swamp adjacent to Hester.
* Our next record of this Needham Bryant is in Jasper Co. in 1810 when he was married. A copy of this marriage record is in the author's files.
* LIFE IN JASPER COUNTY, GA On 1 Nov 1812 two slaves, Joe & Alce, owned by Isaac Foreman ran away from Foreman's place and evidently went to Needham for protection. Needham harbored them until 1 Feb 1813, despite Foreman's efforts to recover them. On 9 May 1814 Isaac Foreman brought suit against Needham Bryant for $1000 in damages. By that time, I suspect, Needham, along with other members of his family, had commenced the westward journey. Their route was probably into Tennesee, then Kentucky, ending their journey to Gibson Co., Indiana Territory by the summer of 1815 when he attended an estate sale.
* As mentioned earlier Needham married 24. Mary "Polly" Ann BRYANT 29 Mar 1810 in Jasper County, Georgia.
* In Aug 1991, while searching the Family History Files of the Church of Jesus Christ Latter-Day Saints, I found a Needham Bryant, born 1772 as a son of Lewis & Nancy (Hinton) Bryant of Johnston Co., North Carolina. This was entered in Batch #: 8709608, Sheet #: 94. The source of this information is Source Call #: 1396328. For the past few years, I have nearly ruled out Michael BRYANT of Bertie Co., North Carolina as father of Needham. The only other possibility Isee at this time is he might be the same Needham BRYANT, born 1772 inJohnston Co., North Carolina, to Jesse Lewis BRYANT and his wife, Nancy HINTON of that county. The only documentation for this was discovered in Aug 1991 while searching the Family History Files of the Church of JesusChrist of Later-Day Saints. This was entered in Batch #: 8709608, Sheet#: 94. Source Call for this information is #: 1396328. To date, thisappears to be the best possibility as being the correct parent. Several other known BRYANTS from Johnston County also ended up in Jefferson Co.,Georgia, about the same time as my great-great grandfather, Needham BRYANT.
* In August 1991, while searching the Family History Files of The Church of Jesus Christ Latter Day Saints, I found Needham BRYANT born 1772 as a son of Lewis and Nancy (Hinton) BRYANT of Johnston Co., North Carolina. (Batch #8709608, Sheet #94, Source Call #1396328.
* !RESIDENCES: The first appearance of Needham BRYANT in Indiana was uncovered by Mr. William MARSHALL, a practicing attorney, of OaklandCity, Gibson Co., Indiana. "Bill" is a descendant of Needham and an active genealogist.
* On 12 Sep 1989 Bill sent a copy of an abstract of the administration of the Page COLEMAN estate sale held 2 Sep 1815 in Gibson Co., Indiana Territory, which the Gibson County Historical Society published in its newsletter. One of the buyers listed was Nedom BRYANT. Although the given name, was incorrectly spelled, it establishes the fact that Needham BRYANT was in the area by 2 Sep 1815. No earlier records exist. Bill examined the original records which the Gibson Co., Clerk keeps in a cabinet in the rear of his office as the pages are so old, they crumble in your hands.
* !BIRTH: The 1820 Census records show Needham to be over the age of 45.This census was taken in 1820, thus 1820-45=1775. In the terminology ofthe census for that time, Needham would be born before 1775. A copy ofthis census taken from the original copy found on page 302 follows:
* Needham BRYANT born before 1775 a female born 1794-1804 (This is Mary "Polly" Ann BRYANT, born in Georgia.) a female born 1810-1820 a male born 1810-1820 (This is Jesse BRYANT, born in Gibson Co., Indiana.) a male born 1810-1820 (This is James BRYANT, born in Pike Co., Indiana.)
* !DEATH-CENSUS-SPOUSE-CHILDREN The 1830 Census revealed Needham's spouse as now the head of the household. This led to the presumption that Needham had died previous to taking of the census; however, no record concerning administration of his estate has ever been found in PikeCounty. All efforts to find such record have been without reward. Also, there is no record of Needham ever owning any real estate in Pike County.
* We do know for a fact, Needham's wife, Mary "Polly" Ann BRYANT married a neighbor, Solomon BREWSTER 18 Jan 1835 as recorded in the Pike Co.,Indiana, Marriage Records, Book 1, page 15. Since there is no divorce record, one can safely assume that Needham Bryant died previous to 1835.The bigger question is, WHERE did he die? Did he die in Indiana about1830? Did he die while on a trip back to North Carolina, or Georgia?
* The 1830 Census shows the following my comments are enclosed in brackets:
Polly BRYANT born 1790-1800 (This is widow, Mary "Polly" Ann BRYANT)
a female born 1810-1815 (This is Nancy BRYANT)
a male born 1815-1820 (This is Jesse BRYANT)
a male born 1815-1820 (This is James BRYANT, my great grandfather.)
a male born 1820-1825 (This is John BRYANT)
a female born 1820-1825 (This is Elizabeth BRYANT)
a female born 1825-1830 (This is Mary "Polly" Ann BRYANT)
a male born 1825-1830 (This is Harrison BRYANT, Bill Marshall's ancestor,)
a male born 1825-1830 (This is William Thomas BRYANT)
* !MARRIAGE: Needham's daughter, Nancy BRYANT, married Daniel RISLEY 16 Mar1831 at Pike Co., Indiana, (Pike Co., Indiana Marriage Records, book 1, page 41).
* !MARRIAGE: Needham's widow, Mary "Polly" Ann BRYANT married (2) Solomon BREWSTER 18 Jan 1835 at Pike Co., Indiana, (Pike Co., Indiana Marriage Records, book 1, page 56).
* !MARRIAGE: Needham's son, Jesse BRYANT, married Ellen SCOTT 8 Feb 1836 at Warrick Co., Indiana. (I failed to copy the book and page of this record;however, it can be found in the office of the County Clerk of Warrick County.)
* !MARRIAGE: Needham's daughter, Elizabeth BRYANT, married Samuel CHAPMAN 26 Nov 1839 at Pike Co., Indiana, (Pike Co., Indiana Marriage Records, book 1, page 84).
* !CENSUS: The 1840 Census of Pike Co., Indiana, shows my great grandfather, James BRYANT, living by himself. His brother, Jesse BRYANTshows his wife and two female children. Needham's widow, now remarried is listed as follows:
Solomon BREWSTER born 1800-1810
a female born 1780-1800 (This is Mary "Polly" Ann BRYANT, widow of Needham).
a male born 1820-1825 (This is Needham's son, John BRYANT).
a female born 1825-1830 (This is Needham's daughter, Mary Ann BRYANT).
a male born 1830-1835 (This is Needham's son, Harrison BRYANT).
a male born 1830-1835 (This is Needham's son, William Thomas BRYANT).
* !MARRIAGE: Needham's daughter, Mary Ann BRYANT married William FERRELL 14 Oct 1840 at Pike Co., Indiana. (Pike Co., Indiana Marriage Records, book1, page 91).
* !MARRIAGE: Needham's son, James BRYANT, married Margaret SCOTT, 21 July 1842 at Pike Co., Indiana. (Pike Co., Indiana Marriage Records, book 2, page 7. She was a half-sister to Ellen SCOTT who married his brother, Jesse BRYANT).
* !MARRIAGE: Needham's daughter, Nancy (BRYANT) RISLEY, married (2) Henry A. CHAPMAN 28 Aug 1844 at Pike Co., Indiana. (Pike Co., Indiana MarriageRecords, book 2, page 115. Evidently, her first husband, Daniel RISLEY was deceased).
* !MARRIAGE: Needham's last born, William Thomas BRYANT, married Elizabeth BEE 22 Jul 1848 at Pike Co., Indiana. (Pike Co., Indiana Marriage Records, book 3, page 24).
* !MARRIAGE: Needham's daughter, Mary Ann (BRYANT) FARRELL, married (2) George RISLEY, 14 Sep 1848. (Pike Co., Indiana Marriage Records, book 3,page 27. Evidently, her first husband, William FARRELL was deceased).
* !CENSUS: The 1850 Census of Pike Co. Indiana, shows my great grandfather,James BRYANT, living in Monroe Township. I notice there is a location nearby, called Bryant's Chapel. This chapel, more specifically was located in Township 2 South, Range 7 West, in Section 16. Research reveals this church was named for my great grandpa, James BRYANT who was one of its founders. Needham's widow, now remarried to Solomon BREWSTER was living in Patoka Township on a farm about a mile north of Winslow, Pike Co., Indiana. Their 1850 Census Record is as follows:
Solomon BREWSTER born 1809 in Kentucky
Polly BRYANT born 1797 in Georgia
Harrison BRYANT born 1832 in Indiana (The age is wrong, but is Needham's son).
Willis BREWSTER born 1835 in Indiana (child of Mary Ann BRYANT & Solomon).
Albert BREWSTER born 1837 in Indiana (child of Mary Ann BRYANT & Solomon).
Jason BREWSTER born 1842 in Indiana (child of Mary Ann Bryant & Solomon).
Redman BREWSTER born 1842 in Indiana (child of Mary Ann Bryant & Solomon).
* This above record was the first found to reveal her true date and place of birth. A further investigation of the death certificate of her son, Albert BREWSTER was born 8 Jun 1838, died 13 Apr 1906, being 67 years, 10 months and 5 days old. O. W. Brenton was undertaker and burial was in Winslow. Solomon BREWSTER was shown as father and was born in Kentucky. There is a blank for the first name of his mother, but her maiden name was BRYANT and she was born in Georgia. Also, the Record of marriages in Pike Co., Indiana, Harrison BRYANT's marrige shows his mother's maiden name to be Polly BRYANT.
* This was the first revelation of her maiden name and led me to search Georgia records for marriages: !MARRIAGE: Taken from a certified true and correct copy sent to me by Ruth H. JONES, Probate Court Clerk, Jasper Co., Georgia, 26 Mar 1991 that reads as follows:
* "In Obedience with the above marriage license I Do hereby certify that I have Joined in the holy state of matrimony Needham Bryant and Polly Bryant given under my hand this 29th day of March 1810. Richard Carter J.P. John Collier C.C.O." (I have a copy on file. At first this disturbed me because this would mean that Mary "Polly" Ann BRYANT was only 13 yearsold and Needham was about 34-35 years old and apparently his first marriage. I checked Georgia's laws of this period and discovered a female was considered an adult after reaching the age of 12 years).
* !Notes: It took nearly 40 years of digging through all types of recordsin the Indiana records of Gibson, Knox and Pike Counties; every county in Georgia, South Carolina and North Carolina. We did this by working backwards in time. Our search now took us into the state of Georgia. I hired a professional researcher, Mrs. Mae Ruth Green, 369 Meadowbrook Drive N.E., Atlanta, GA 30342 on 9 Mar 1991. I instructed her to make a thorough search for Needham BRYANT and his wife, Polly BRYANT.
* Mrs. Green confirmed the marriage in Jasper Co., Georgia and uncovered a suit filed by Isaac FOREMAN, against Needham BRYANT, 14 May 1814 in the Jasper Co., Georgia Superior Court.
* "On 1 Nov 1812 two slaves, Joe & Alce, owned by Isaac Foreman ran away from Foreman's place and evidently went to Needham for protection. Needham harbored them until 1 Feb 1813, despite Foreman's efforts to recover them. On 9 May 1814 Isaac Foreman brought suit against Needham Bryant for $1000 in damages. The case was heard by a jury in August 1814.The jury found in favor of FOREMAN, but only awarded him $200 with court costs."
* Later, in 1815, Needham BRYANT arrives with his wife and one child inGibson Co., Indiana Territory.
* Mrs. Green told me, "all census records before 1820 in Georgia were burned by the British so we have to depend on the Tax lists and 1805 Land Lottery list a great deal. Fortunately, everyone who registered for the lottery was listed along with the county they lived at the time. Married men were entitled to 2 chances (draws) and single men of age 21 or older got 1 draw."
* She went on to report, "Jasper County was not formed until 1807 at which time Jasper, Morgan, Jones and Putnam were formed from Baldwin County,which was formed in 1803 from the Indian Cessions and was, until that time, Indian Territory."
* Mrs. Green continued, "I am telling you all of this so you will know that the western movement in Georgia began about 1803/4 when the registration began for the 1805 drawings. On that lottery, NEEDHAM BRYANT of Burke County (formed 1777) had 2 draws; therefore, he was married and not this Needham.
* "In Jefferson County (formed about 1796) one NEEDHAM BRYANT, a single man with 1 draw." (He drew a blank- hence, he got no land. It is possible this is my Needham.)
* !RESIDENCES: The later, Needham BRYANT, in my opinion could be my ancestor, so I'll follow his records in Jefferson County as follows:
* !PLACE: Needham BRYANT, a single man first appears paying a poll tax in1801. Other BRYANTS in Jefferson County in 1801 are: Benjamin BRYAN whopaid 5 poll taxes, had 42 slaves, owned 1217 acres on Duhart Creek and land in Greene Co., Georgia. The 1217 acres was originally granted to GREY & PAULETTE (I can prove this Benjamin BRYAN to had previously lived in Johnston Co., North Carolina). Others there were: Thomas BRIANT, a single man over 21; John BRYAN Jr., a single man over 21; John BRIANT, who lived on 247 acres on Boggy Gut and owned land in Montgomery Co.,Georgia, adjacent to land granted J. BRIAN. Also, Jonathan BRYANT owned 17 acres adjacent to Joel DARCY, POLK, & BRYANTS. Records show BenjaminBRYAN paying taxes on 1,103 acres and 45 slaves in 1803 and a William BRIANT shows up in 1805.
* !PLACE: Needham BRYANT, a single man appears paying a poll tax in 1802.
* !PLACE: Needham BRYANT, a single man appears paying a poll tax in 1803.
* !PLACE: Needham BRYANT, a single man appears paying a poll tax in 1805.
* !PLACE: Needham BRYANT, a single man got 1 draw in land lottery & drewblank.
* !RESIDENCE: The next record found by our researcher, shows Needham BRYANTstill a single man, paying a poll tax in the newly created Pulaski County in 1808. (There are many other BRYANTS living in the same district.) The single Needham is no longer there after 1808.
Notes:
It appears to me that my great-great grandfather may be the same Needham BRYANT (above) who came down into Jefferson Co., Georgia, from Johnson Co., North Carolina. Apparently he last paid a poll tax at Jefferson County in 1805. We next found him in the newly created Pulaski Co., Georgia, in 1808, a single man over 21; BUT MY RESEARCHER TOLD ME SHE FAILED TO RECORD WHETHER, OR NOT, NEEDHAM PAID TAXES OF PROPERTY OR POLL. SHE PROMISED, BUT FAILED TO GET BACK AND CHECK THIS ERROR OF OMISSION.... BUT NEVER DID!!!!! PERSONALLY, I FEEL A RECHECK OF THIS MIGHT YIELD OTHER LEADS TO FOLLOW.
* Others living in Pulaski County in 1808, but in different districts are: In Captain DYKE'S District:
Moses BRYAN 410 acres on Reedy Creek
Needham BRYAN ??? acres on Gun Swamp and 7 slaves
Jesse BRYAN 75 acres on Gun Swamp
Needham BRYAN (mentioned above comes next)
Willis BRYAN 1 poll (Notes: Mary "Polly" Ann BRYANT, my great-great grandmother named a child by her 2nd husband... Willis BREWSTER....Could this be her father????)
Stephen BRYAN one poll
William BRYAN 202 1/2 acres on Gum Swamp adjacent to BRYAN 1 poll and 3 slaves.
* In Captain BRYAN'S District Nobody by the surname BRYAN but there was a Needham STEPHENS
* In Captain WALDEN'S District: John BRYANT 435 acres, 3 slaves and 1 poll James BRYANT 202 1/2 acres and 1 poll
* In Captain John CLARK'S District: Phileman BRYAN 202 1/2 acres on Limestone Creek adjacent DUNN
* In Captain LESTER"S District: Edward BRYAN 12 negros and 1 poll
* In Captain (illegible) District: John BRYANT 1 poll & he also paid 1 poll for John KELLY Sarah O. BRYANT 202 1/2 acres on Gun Swamp adjacent to HESTER (I thinkSarah is a widow of an older Needham BRYANT.
* The next record found for Needham BRYANT was his marriage in JASPER COUNTY as follows: !RESIDENCE: Needham BRYANT records first start with his marriage 29 Mar1810. The next record there shows him as a buyer at the William HILL estate in Sep 1810. Isaac FOREMAN was also a buyer.
* !RESIDENCE: On 1 Nov two slaves owned by Isaac FOREMAN, ran away from FOREMAN and sought protection from Needham BRYANT. Needham took them in and refused to return them to FOREMAN until 1 Feb 1813. This led to FOREMAN binging suit against Needham as mentioned above.
* !CENSUS: 1820 Census of Jasper Co., Georgia shows Needham is no longer there. Of course he isn't! He removed to Gibson Co., Indiana Territory mentioned earlier. When Pike Co., Indiana was formed in 1816, Needham's residence was within the bounds of that new county and was still there when the census was taken for this particular year.
* Issac FOREMAN also had a brother, William FOREMAN, Jr. who appears in Jefferson Co., Georgia about the same time Needham BRYANT shows up. I've since found evidence that Issac Foreman came from South Carolina and died about 1835 in Alabama.