My Genealogy Hound

J. W. BRYAN, an enterprising farmer of Wilson County, Tenn., was born in Halifax County, Va., March 7, 1822, and is one of a family of ten children of Richard and Mary (Brown) Bryan. The father was a native of the “Old Dominion,” born in 1792, and was married about 1818, and came to Tennessee in 1826. He was a soldier in the war of 1812 and died June 30, 1855. The mother was born in the same State as her husband in 1800, and died March 27, 1884. Our subject’s early educational advantages were limited. July 15, 1849, he wedded Unity, daughter of John H. and Elizabeth Bryant. She was born in May, 1821, and died December 15, 1855, leaving three children, one now living, Samuel H. In 1846 Mr. Bryan became a soldier in the Mexican war, enlisting in Company B, First Tennessee Cavalry, and was under Gen. Scott in the bombardment of Vera Cruz for twenty-six days. He returned home in 1847 and resumed tilling his farm of 120 acres, which he had purchased in 1845. April 29, 1856, he married Margaret C., daughter of Thomas and Elizabeth (Carr) Turner. Mrs. Bryan was born in Sumner County, November 8, 1838. They have eight children: Sarah A., Tennessee, Mary, Alice, Thomas M., Hugh B., Ervin and Zula. To his first purchase of land he has added to until he at one time owned 700 acres, but now owns about 530 acres of valuable farming land. He has been exceptionally prosperous and has given his children good educations, and is himself well posted on all the topics of the day. He is a Democrat and cast his first presidential vote for Henry Clay. He and his wife belong to the Missionary Baptist Church.