Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File S. 6699, William Bryan, N.C.

SERVICE
NUMBER
16
Bryan, William
S. 6699
CONTENTS
harded

Report
32 5/6/01 N. Carolina William Bryan, dec d Johnston Co in the State of N. C. who was a Private in the Company commanded by Captain Whitley of the Regt, commanded by Col. Bryan in the Revolution time for 8 Months private N.C. Line June 13, 1804 Records corrected
Inscribed on the Roll of N. Carolina at the rate of 26 Dollars 66 Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831. and terminate 11th Feb. 1846, when he died
Certificate of Pension issued the 24th day of April, 1847 and sent to J. L. & W. H. Smith, Esq. Present
Arrears to the 4th of Pensionab. allowance ending Pay to Asa H. Janet Joseph, Eliza & Alice Bryan and Joanna Thornton only child of Revolutionary Claim, { Act June 7, 1832 }
Recorded by W. D. Rumphkin Clerk Book Ee Vol. 6 p. 47

Declaration
In order to obtain the benefit of the Act of Congress passed June the 7 th 1832.
State of North Carolina } Johnston County } §§
On this the 26 th day of April 1845 personally appeared before me a Justice of the peace and of the Court of Pleas and Quarter Sessions of said County, William Bryan of the County and State aforesaid now in his 85 th year of age, who being first duly sworn according to law, doth on his oath make the following Declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the Act of Congress passed the 7 th June 1832.
That he entered the service of the United States under the following named Officers and served in the Revolutionary War as herein stated. viz That in 1778 he was drafted for a five months tour under Captain John Whitley of this County and the Company marched to the South and were engaged in the battle of Oconee Creek, but that the declarant was not in said battle, that from the period of his being thus drafted under Capt Whitley, he continued to render military service under the orders of the Commanding Colonels of this County for more than twelve months in what was then called the "minute service" - That the names of the Colonels of that time were, Col. Arthur Bryan and Col. Needham Bryan - that this minute service

service was rendered to the orders of his two elder Brothers - Asa and John Bryan who were officers in the public service and acting in obedience to the orders and commands of some of the Colonels before named - that under such orders he was often out on scouting parties, in pursuit of Tories and enemies to the cause of independence, who were often concealed in different neighborhoods, - in the woods, and amongst evil disposed friends of theirs - that in this irregular minute service, he is unable to state the exact length of time, except generally as before said - that he has been out as long as ten days at a time on such - and very often a less number of days - That during these years - he aided at a dear rate of furnishing a man for the twelve months service - Military orders having been given that every fifteen men must furnish a man for a twelve months service or stand a draught for one of themselves - that as one of such a Class he did thus furnish a man jointly with the rest of the Class
The Declarant further states that in the fall of 1780, he thinks, he was again draughted as a Militia man under Captain Edmond Griffin - William Roberts Lieutenant. James Scott Ensign and himself as Sergeant, and so marched to Wilmington under Col. Nathaniel Bryan of this County - that he remained in service at Wilmington until the news reached there of the Capture of Lord Cornwallis
Wallace

Wallace at Little York, when soon afterwards, his Company was discharged without any Certificate of service, to return to their homes. That although he acted as Sergeant in this service - he never received a Commission as such. That Col Young was the Officer then in Command at Wilmington under Genl. Rutherford - who he thinks was absent from there then. - That whilst at Wilmington in said service, he had the small pox uncommonly severe and was much of the time confined - having nearly lost his life with it there.
The Declarant is not able at this remote period to say distinctly - the length of time, of his last draught under Capt Griffin, but he knows and remembers that he was only at Wilmington under said draught three months - and that if they were bound for a longer term - they were disbanded to go home on the news of the Capture of Genl Wallace, and were never afterwards called out. The Declarant states further that he has not before now made any formal application for a pension - for the reasons that he understood - that positive proof of service in the Army was necessary, and that he has not for years past known of any person living by whom such could be made, - and for the further reason that he has not until lately stood in want of the bounties of

of his country to her Revolutionary soldiers - but that now, he has lived to see his little property waste away and leave him, nearly dependent on the charity of his friends, and community
William Bryan
Sworn to and subscribed on the day and year above written before me.
W. D. Seams J.P.B.
State of North Carolina, I do hereby certify Johnston County. That I have been acquainted from my childhood with William Bryan as above and that he is of sound mind and memory and that from bodily weakness, great age and distance to the County town he is unable to attend the Court of this County with convenience I further certify that he is a man of Great Respectability and truth.. and full faith and credit may be given to all his Statements Given under my hand and seal this 26 a day of April 1845.
W. D. Seams J.P.B.

State of North Carolina
Johnston County
On this the 12 th day of December 1845 personally appeared before the subscriber an acting Justice of the Peace, in and for said County, William Bryan who having been duly sworn according to law, doth upon his oath make the following statement supplemental to, and in support of his declaration heretofore made, in order to obtain the benefits of the Act of Congress of the 7 th June 1832. That the family and name of Bryan was a very numerous, widely connected and influential, in this County long before the Revolutionary war, and that it so continued during the struggle for independence sharing largely in its support by their wealth and influence and that the same name and connection has continued thus distinguished nearly or quite up to this period though a great many have removed to distant parts and many have undergone a reverse of fortune. The County of Johnston was a large one embracing several of the adjacent present ones. The Bryan Family were located there in the County before and during the Revolutionary War. - One part of them lived near the middle, one family in the extreme North end now perhaps Wake County. and one in the extreme South end, and the latter was the family and location of this Declarant. His Father was named Lewis Bryan and raised only three sons of the following names and in this order of their ages viz Asa who was born in the date of 1750. - John who was born in 1753 -

and William (his Deponent) who was born in 1760 The predilection of his Family in the time of the Revolution, and up to this day, from branches of the other family, before mentioned - was "of Mile Creek "
This Deponent states, that all the three sons of his Father did service and much service in the time of the Revolution in behalf of freedom and independence as he doubts not may appear of record - his Brother John was a man of Official distinction in this County for many years before he removed to Georgia where he died upwards of thirty years ago, and Asa, a Captain in the Revolution, died here upwards of twenty years ago - leaving this Deponent the only living issue of his late Father Lewis
This Deponent moreover states on his oath aforesaid that he is now a man of large stature and that before he was sixteen years of age he weighed 157 lb that he was early aiding in behalf of his Country - his whole Family belonging to the Whigs or Patriots
That as heretofore stated in his formal de- claration aforesaid, he served in the Militia of this State in the war of the Revolution at different periods for nearly or quite twelve months as well as his recollection now serves him. His first re- gular service was under Captain John Whitley, he thinks in the year 1778. drafted for five months - Some time after the organization and equipment of the Company they were ordered and marched to South Carolina - They were in the Battle at Brier Creek Though this Deponent was not in the battle. That

That after the discharge of Capt. Whelley's company - This declarant was after called out by Superior Officers whose names he does not now distinctly remember - except that Col. Richard Bryan was their County Commandant. but that these services were of short though frequent periods and that he was regularly detailed on such services by proper Officers. He has a distinct recollection of being called out on such service, he thinks under Capt. Rainford and marched some days down the N. end River and encamped near Green's ferry - then occupied by one Thomas Gray (a Lawyer) - That he thinks this was in the year 1780. or 81. - he knows it was in the latter part of summer - as they had to forage their horses on the soft corn from Mr. Gray's field. He cannot remember now, for what length he was then called out - that he remembers he was always ready going and hardy - That after this - he thinks in the year 1781. he was drafted for a term of five months (he thinks, although not certain) under Capt. Edmore Griffin and they were soon ordered to Wilmington in this State, where they remained until the news of the Capture of Genl. Wallace reached there as stated in my first declaration - that on his return home he was paid only a part of what was promised in pay and subsistence, and the bounty and pay was subsequently allowed in Certificates and often handed to or drawn by our Officers. Again, This declarant has no way of ascertaining the aggregate length of time

time of his services, but thinks they must have embraced twelve months or more and were so estimated when his certificates were issued.
This declarant states on his oath aforesaid - that there was an other William Bryan who has been dead some twenty years belonging to the Family in the north end "Swift Creek" of the County - that this declarant knew him well - they were near the same age and that he thinks his said name also did a tour of service in said War - but he is confident that he was neither in Capt. Whitley's nor in Capt. Griffin's Company nor in any command under this Affiant - and that that was the only William of Johnston County who could have rendered military service in the War of the Revolution besides and except this Affiant.
The declarant states that in regard to his age it is probably impossible now to obtain proof of it - that there was a family record of it - his Father being a man learning and education, but that the Book has either been destroyed or carried to distant parts - so that he cannot obtain any benefit from it. This declarant early obtained from it or his Parents, or from both, that he was born on the 3 rd August 1760 - that he knows of no living person who could corroborate this evidence, unless it be Nancy Gobbs now a very old woman in the but who long since near the death of this Affiant adjoining County of Cumberland, and the Widow of my late Brother Asa Bryan (born Bryan), who is near his own age and always lived near to him.

and who now lives also in Cumberland County, but near to the Johnston line
This declarant would further state that his omission to assert his rights heretofore, has been mainly from his peculiar location - thus - he lives in the extreme end of the County in what may be said to be an obscure vicinity some 18 miles from a Post Office in his County and where there is not a News Paper taken in several miles of his reach in this County - and that since this Affiant has lost his property and has become unable to go about he sees, or has seen, but very few who were able to inform him rightly of the provisions of Congress made for revolutionary services - that in proof of this, he has not been to his Court here but once in many years some six or seven years ago, and as long (since then) before then - that on one of these occasions he did apply to a Lawyer to know if there was any chance to obtain any thing from his Country - and that the Lawyer told him - that he thought not unless he had his Certificates of discharge or could prove his services by some other person - and that he knew of no one who could prove such
And this Affiant may truly say in addition in conclusion - that he was not anxious to thrust himself upon the charity of his Country, and to call upon her for aid and assistance so long as his circumstances were easy - but that now and within a few years past and more recently, his means have been almost all taken from him, by debts

of security-chip and otherwise - entirely unexpected by him, once in his life, and for a great period of his life
From these and the foregoing causes this declarant is now compelled to ask the bounty provided by his country which he hopes and prays may not be further withheld from one whose services in its behalf was never questioned by any person with whom he was acquainted
Subscribed and sworn to before me with his own proper hand
John D. Adams
William Bryant
State of North Carolina Johnston County
I Thomas Bagley clerk of the Court of Pleas & Quarters Sessions for the County & State of aforesaid do hereby certify that John D. Adams Esq whose name is subscribed to the foregoing Affidavit is now and was at the time of signing the same a member of said Judicial Court of Pleas & Quarters Sessions & an acting Justice of the Peace for said County & that the signature purporting to be his is genuine & in his own proper hand written
Given under my hand & seal of office at Smithfield the 17th January 1846
Thos. Bagley
1846 Jan 17

State of North Carolina Shelton County
I Thomas Bagley clerk of the Court of Pleas & Quarter Sessions for the County & State aforesaid do hereby certify that John L. Mann Esq whose name subscribes to the foregoing Affidavit is now and was at the time of executing the same a Member of said Special Court of Pleas & Quarter Sessions & an acting Justice the Reare for said County & that the signature purporting to be his is genuine & in his own proper hand writing
Given under my hand & Seal of office at Smithfield The 17th January 1846
Thos. Bagley ok
John L. Mann
Thomas Bagley

January 5, 1939.
Mr. J. D. Tillman, Jr. 1924 -34 Avenue Meridian, Mississippi.
BA-J/ILL William Bryan S. 6699
Dear Sir:
Reference is made to your letter in which you request the Revolutionary War record of William Bryan, pension claim, S. 6699.
The data which follow are found in the papers on file in that claim for pension, based upon service in the Revolutionary War of William Bryan.
William Bryan, son of Lewis Bryan, was born August 3, 1760; the name of his mother is not shown. This branch of the Bryan family lived in the extreme southern part of Johnston County, North Carolina, on Mill Creek. William's brother, Asa Bryan, was born in 1750 and his brother, John Bryan, was born in 1753. All three served in the Revolutionary War from North Carolina.
While a resident of Mill Creek, North Carolina, William Bryan enlisted in 1778 and served five months as private in Captain John Whitley's North Carolina company; following this service, he was called out at different times on short tours until about 1781 under Captains Raiford, Asa Bryan (his brother), John Bryan (his brother) whose rank was not stated, Colonels Arthur and Needham Bryan in the North Carolina troops. No relationship between these other officers with the surname Bryan and the family of this William Bryan was stated. William Bryan enlisted again in 1781, served as sergeant in Captain Almond Griffin's company, Colonel Needham Bryan's North Carolina regiment, stationed at Wilmington, North Carolina, this service between three and five months, and was discharged after the surrender of Cornwallis.
William Bryan applied April 26, 1845, for pension on account of his service in the Revolutionary War; he resided then a few miles from

his birthplace in Johnston County, North Carolina. The claim was allowed. The soldier died February 11, 1846.
The name of the wife of William Bryan and the date and place of his marriage are not shown. She did not survive him. The names of the children who survived this soldier were given as follow-Asa H. Bryan, Janet Bryan, Joseph Bryan, Eliza Bryan, Alice Bryan and Joanna (Johannah) Thornton.
In 1845, William Bryan's brothers, Asa and John, were both deceased; Ann, Asa's widow was living in 1845 in Cumberland County, near the Johnston County line. John Bryan had died in Georgia about thirty years previously.
Very truly yours,
A. D. HILLER, Executive Assistant to the Administrator.

State of North Carolina Johnston County.
I Thomas Bagley Clerk of the Court of Pleas & Quarter Sessions in and for the County aforesaid do hereby certify that satisfactory evidence has been exhibited at the Office of said Court to prove that William Bryan of Johnston County a Soldier of the Revolutionary War died on the 18 th day of February 1846 leaving no widow, but leaving the following named Children. to-wit Asa H. Bryan Janet Bryan, Johannah Thornton Joseph Bryan, Eliza Bryan & Alice Bryan who are the only living Children of said William Bryan deceased now known in these parts.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto subscribed my name and affixed the seal of said Court at Office in Smithfield on the 29 th day of March 1847.
Thomas Bagley Clerk By W. R. Lee Clerk

Wm. Bryan
Leah Blum
Declaration
Proof —
R. H. Saunders

Raleigh Aug 28. 65
Sir - I enclose the declaration & proofs in the case of William Bryan & the certificate of the Comptroller - which would be the pay for 12 months of petition & commission -
In the case of the widow of Capt. Asa Bryan - the allowance was only for six months - even that I have been favoured with a further certificate by the Comptroller - which should at least increase the allowance 75 or 80 per annum for a year -
These Bryans are among respect- able men & until recently have been men of property - their ruin being brought about as I understand by mismanagement -
J. L. Edwards Esq. Counsel
Respectfully R. M. Saunders

Sir
Washington City Oct 12 th 1846.
We have the honor to enclose additional testimony in the case of William Bryan or Bryant of North Carolina - a soldier of the Revolutionary War. It is a Certificate of the Comptroller of the State of North Carolina as to the amount paid to Capt Edmund Griffin, under whom in part, Bryan served.
We ask your early attention to this case.
Most respectfully Yours ob st Serv t
J. L. & A. M. Smith
J. L. Edwards Esq Com r Pensions.

Sir,
Washington D.C. 22 Dec 1846
Herewith you will receive additional evidence in the case of William Bryan under the act of 7 June 1832. from N Carolina. Joseph Adams is an important witness in this case, and the certificate of the Secretary of State is offered to show that he was a representative in the last legislature.
very resp,
J. L. A. Smith
Col S. L. Edwards. Comm of Pensions.

State of North Carolina
Office of Secretary of State
I William Hill Secretary of State in and for the State of North Carolina, do hereby certify, that Jesse Adams of Johnston County, was one of the Representatives from said County in the last legislature of this State.
Given under my hand this 21 st October 1846.
W. Hill Secretary of State

North Carolina
Cumberland County
I John McLaurin Clerk of the Court of Pleas and Quarter Sessions of said County do hereby certify that James Hodges Esq whose name in his proper hand writing appears to the foregoing affidavit of Anna Hobbey his own Certificate was at that date an acting Justice of the Peace in and for said County duly commissioned and sworn and that full credit is due to his official acts.
In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of said Court at office this 10th day of January 1840
J McLaurin

Wahigh N.C.
Comptrollers office
I William W. Collins Comptroller of Public Accounts in and for the State of North Carolina do hereby certify that Capt Edmund Griffin of Johnston County was allowed by the Auditors of Newbern District Four Hundred and Seventy Two Pounds Ten Shillings ($472.10) being Pay Roll of 44 Men officers inclusive, for service in February 1782 as will be seen on the book No. 3 of Bound Book page 146. (Book titled Comptrollers office Newbern) given under my hand and Seal this 9 th March 1846.
Wm. Collins Compt.

Sir
Washington. Apr. 3 d . 1847.
We have the honor to enclose a Certificate of the Court of Johnston County N.C. in the case of the heirs of William Bryan, a pri- soner.
Most respectfully Yours Obediently.
J. S. Edwards Esq. Com r of Pensions.
J. L. & A. H. Smith

Sir
Washington Jan. 30 th 1847
We herewith send additional evidence in the case of Wm Bryan of R.C. whose application is under of the 7 th June 1832. Mr. MacBlane and Mr. Saunders, whose testimony accompanies this, are Members of the Legislature of the State and we hope that the proof in the case is now made out.
We ask for your early attention to this matter.
With great respect, Yours & S r .
Y. L. H. A. H. Smith
J. L. Edwards Esq. Com te Pensions.

Raleigh N.C. 5 th Jan y . 1847.
John M c Leod of Johnston County N.C. now at Raleigh, maketh oath regarding his knowledge of the Character and Standing of William Doz n (revolutionary) of Johnston County My acquaintance with said William Doz n com- menced thirty years ago - or upwards - he was then a man of sixty years or more. From 1820 to 1824 I was annually a member of the Legislature and in one or two of those years, two I think, the said William Doz n was also a candidate with me and others. In canvassing the County he was known and called by his usual distinction "Revolutionary" and he seldom, if ever, failed to address himself as such to the people as an old soldier - with a rehearsal of his sufferings - and hardships endured in the revolutionary war - I never heard it then or since questioned or doubted, but that he did good service in that war - such was the reputation of his whole family - of whom there were several Brothers. At the time here spoken of he was a man of substance and of undoubted truth - since then his whole property has failed away
J c M c Leod
I were to and subscribed before me this the 5 th day of January 1847 Wm. D a Haywood J.P.

State of North Carolina Wake County
I hereby certify that I am personally acquainted and have been for many years with Col John McLoud who has made the foregoing statement and that he is a gentleman of the highest respectability for truth and integrity and full faith and credit may be given to his statements of every kind given under my hand and seal this the 5 th day of January, 1847-
Wm Dallas Haywood
State of North Carolina of Wake county ( I Jas T Marriott Clerk of the court of Pleas & Quarters Sessions for the county of Wake do certify that Wm Dallas Haywood whose name appears to the foregoing is an acting Justice of the Pleas in & for said county & that the signatures purporting to be his are genuine
In Testimony whereof I hereunto affix the seal of said court & subscribe my name at office in Raleigh the 16 th day of Jany AD 1847
Jas T. Marriott Clk By M. H. Wright Clk

State of North Carolina
Office of Secretary of State
I William Hill Secretary of State, do hereby certify, that John M c Leod Esq r . whose deposition appears on the first page of this sheet of paper, was a representative in the Legislature of this State from the county of Johnston, as by him stated in his said Deposition
Given under my hand this 23 rd day of January (1847)
W. Hill Secretary of State

State of North Carolina
House Commons
January 2 nd 1867
I Ashley Sanders do hereby Certify that my acquaintance with William Bryan who has applied for a pension as a Soldier of the Revolutionary War, commenced at an early period of my life, In the year 1825 or 6 or nearly as I can remember he was a candidate in the County of Georgetown for a seat in the Legislature and during the declining canvass before the people, I heard him make several public speeches, and he invariably referred to his Revolutionary services as entitling him to the suffrages of his fellow citizens, No one at that time or subsequently ever doubted these services, as his character before and since was above reproach, and the public sentiments in his favour was always increased by the recollection of the important services rendered to have been rendered by him during the Revolutionary War,
I do further certify that the public esteem in which the character of Mr Bryan was always held, has never to my certain knowledge been forfeited or diminished,
The fact of his not applying until recently for the bounty due him from his country, should not argue against the validity of his claims, as it is a well known fact by many of his country men, and to which I can bear

testimony, that his circumstances (from being tolerable good), were some years since materially impaired if not wholly ruined by debts coming on him by being security &c.
And although I have never seen his dictation or state- ment of his services in the War of the Revolution, yet for his general good character for truth and veracity, I am well convinced that no false statement has been made by him, Given under my hand and seal
A. Saunders
State of North Carolina
Office of Secretary of State.
I William Hill Secretary of State in and for the State of North Carolina, do hereby certify that Ashley San- ders Esq. whose signature appears above, is a mem- ber of the Legislature of this State from the County of Johnston
Given under my hand this 23 rd day of January 1847
Wm Hill Secretary of State

Fuligh N.C.
Compt Office
I William Collins Comptroller of Public Accts in and for the State of North Carolina do hereby Certify that the name of William Bryan appears of record in my office as having had issued the following Special Certificates in his favor (viz) One For Twenty Pounds five Shillings ($20.50) see Book No 23 page 49 which Certificate was paid into this office by the Sheriff of Johnston County, One other Certificate issued in his favor for Ten Pounds see Book No 23 page 32 and one other Certificate for Eleven Pounds fourteen Shillings ($11.14) see Book No 3 page 5 given under my hand and seal this 2 day of June A.D. 1845
Wm Collins Compt
x 4 mo 17 1/2 v 3 mo 22 1/2 o 4 - 11 1/2

Payment to be made at Waynesville by John Huske, Agent for paying pension- ers, in the Agency of N. C.
Recorded in the Pension Office, in Book E Vol- ume 6, Page 47 by H. R. Camp Clerk.

WAR DEPARTMENT.
Revolutionary Claims.
I certify that, in conformity with the law of the United States, of the 7 th June, 1832, William Bryan, deceased, late of North Carolina, who was a Private in the Revolution, is entitled to receive twenty five dollars and sixty six cents per Annum, Commencing on the 14 th March, 1831, and terminating on the 14 th February, 1846, the day on which he died. The amount is due and payable to Issa H. Bryan, Janet Bryan, Joseph Bryan, Eliza Bryan, and Alice Bryan, and Joanna Thornton only surviving Children.
Given at the War Office of the United States, this 24 th day of April one thousand eight hundred and forty-Seven-
Secretary of War.
Examined and } Countersigned. } S
Commissioner of Pensions.

78. Capt Whitley drafted - 80 81. " Raiford 81. Griffin drafted
S.C. battle of Briar Creek 5th Neuse River Wilmington 31st 5th

37093. Wm. Bryan M. Ne.
Rel to Wm P. Saunders
Sept 29. 1845
Same May 1 st 1846.
to J. L. & A. T. Smith Oct. 24. 46
same 31 st Dec. 1846.
same July 22/47.

State of North Carolina
Cumberland County
This day the 15 th day of Decem r . 1845 personally appeared before me an acting justice of the Peace in and for said County Anna Hobbs who being duly sworn according to law, deposeth and saith that she is now in her ninety seventh, or eighth year - that she was born in the date of 1748 in the County of Johnston and State aforesaid and in the southern end of said County - that she was married to her husband Ruben Hobbs in the date of 1770 and then lived a neighbor to Lewis Bryan of Mill Creek in the County of Johnston aforesaid - that she well knew all the family of the said Lewis Bryan, who had, and raised three sons named Asa, the eldest son, and who was near the same age of this deponent. - The next son was named John, who was high Sheriff of said County and Surveyor. The next was William who is now living within two or three miles of where he was born - and not more than five miles from where I now live though in different Counties - This deponent further saith that the aforesaid William Bryan is ten or twelve years younger than she is herself - and that she has no doubt but the said William, is the only living child of his said Parents - This deponent further saith that she well remembers that the aforesaid sons of Lewis

Devis Bryan were all out in service in the Revolution- ary war - that this, she only knows from being a neigh- -bor to them, and knowing, therefrom, that they were off months at a time under Officers in the service The Deponent further saith that she has a distinct recollection when William Bryan (hereafter described) returned home from service at Wilmington, and that he was badly marked with small pox, which he had while then absent under Captain Griffin, who Capt. Griffin though she never saw, (that she remembers) still she remembers him well, by name and service. She further saith that there can be no doubt but the said Wil- iam Bryan of Mill Creek, who is now, as she understands, applying for a pension - is the identical William who did service as afore- -said in the revolutionary war.
I certify that I live within three miles of Anna Hobbey who depureth as above before me - that I have not a doubt of her being 85 yrs of age and I know her well to have an astonishing mind and memory - for both Burn to be as good as they ever were I have no doubt of the truth of the foregoing Deposition Given under my hand at date above James Hodges Jp

37093
Wm Bryan deed N. C.
Act. of June '32
Wm Bryan
adms
Shropshire
$2666 to 11 Feb
1846 when he died -
To Asa H. Janet - Joseph - Eliza - Patience Bryan & Joanna Thornton only children
J. C. & A. S. Smith
Present

State of North Carolina } I Peter Lee am now in Johnston County } my 74 th year of age and Certify that I was raised in the same neighborhood with William Bryan that I have known him all my days and believe that he was a soldier in the Revolutionary War and that he has been so reputed and believed since that period
Sworn and subscribed to the 29 th day of April 1845 before me. Peter Lee
Wid D Adams Off
State of North Carolina } I Depe Adams Johnston County } (a minister of the Gospel) Residing now and was born and raised in this neighborhood where William Bryan has lived from my earliest recollection that I am myself in my 60 th year of age that I have always been well acquainted with him and believe him to be as old as he states in the above declaration (Viz) Eighty four years of age that he has always been reputed and believed in his neighborhood to have rendered service in the Revolution
Sworn to and subscribed before me this the 2 nd day of May AD 1845
Wid D Adams Off
Depe Adams

State of North Carolina } I do hereby certify Johnston County. } That Ipe Adams who has signed the foregoing certificate is a minister of the gospel residing in the County of Johnston and the neighborhood of William Bryan whom name is to the foregoing declaration that said Adams has been for many years as well as the last Representative in the State Legislature from this County and that he is a worthy creditable man and that his statements are entitled to all credit. and I also certify that Peter Lee is a resident of the County of Sampson but within less than a mile of the Johnston line and in the immediate neighborhood of William Bryan as aforesaid and that he is also a worthy and creditable man and that his statements are entitled to all credit given under my hand and here this 2 nd day of May A.D. 1845
Wm D Adams J.P.B
Wm D Adams

State of North Carolina Johnston County
I Thomas Bagley Clerk of the Court of Pleas & Quarter Sessions for said County do hereby certify that John L Adams whose name appears to the foregoing Affidavits & Certificate is an Acting Justice of the Peace in & for said County and a member of our Special Court for said and that the signature purporting to be his is genuine. Given under my hand and Seal office June 4 th of June 1845 Thos. Bagley Clerk

1932 - Jan. 20 - Hist. to Mrs. John N.
Pharr - Ill.
1939 - Jan. 5 - Hist. to J. D. Tillman Jr. Ill.
Rev. John
6699
INVALID.
File No. 6699
William Bryan
Miss. Rev. Miss.
Act: June 1st 1932
Index: — Vol. 8 , Page 44
[Arrangement of 1870.]

Weeks, La.
Nov. 30 - 1931
Director of Pensions, Washington - D. C.
Dear Sir -
I am asking the Revolutionary war record of one, William Bryan. He is described as being of Johnston County North Carolina; and his wife was Elizabeth Smith. Do the pension records include his name?
Any information you might give me, will be deeply appreciated -
Cordially,
Mr. John N. Pharr -

Mrs. Fish
DEMENT PRINTING COMPANY
Lithographers
PRINTERS • BINDERS • ENGRAVERS • OFFICE SUPPLIES
SIXTH STREET AT TWENTY-FIRST AVENUE MERIDIAN, MISS.
Nov. 19, 1938
WE SELL EVERYTHING FOR THE OFFICE
G.F METAL DESKS ALUMINUM CHAIRS FILING CABINETS
DE LUXE LOOSE LEAF LEDGERS AND DEVICES
CREDIT DEPARTMENT J. D. TILLMAN, JR., MANAGER
Veterans Administration, Washington, D. C.
Gentlemen:
My great grandfather William Bryan lived in Johnston County, North Carolina and I understand you have on file pension application and papers covering pension #S-6699 of William Bryan. Will appreciate very much if you will send me transcript of the record.
Yours respectfully,
J. D. Tillman, Jr., 1924 - 34 Ave., Meridian, Miss.
JDT:M

January 20, 1932.
BA-J/ILL
Mrs. John N. Pharr
Weeks, Louisiana.
Dear Madam:
Reference is made to your letter relative to William Bryan, a soldier of the Revolutionary War.
The data furnished herein are obtained from the papers on file in pension claim, S. 6699, based upon the service of William Bryan and is the record of the only soldier of that name of Johnston County, North Carolina, found on the Revolutionary War records of this office.
William Bryan was born August 3, 1760 and was the son of Lewis Bryan who lived in the southern extremity of Johnston County, North Carolina, on Mill Creek.
While living at that place, William Bryan enlisted in 1778 and served five months as private in Captain John Whitley's North Carolina Company. From the expiration of this service until sometime in 1780 or 1781, he belonged to the "minute service", serving on short tours of ten days or less, whenever called upon, exact length of service not given, and was with the North Carolina troops under Captains Baiford, and John Bryan (soldier's brother), and John Bryan (soldier's brother), who served as an officer, rank not given), and Colonel Needham Bryan (no relationship to soldier stated). He next enlisted in 1781 as sergeant in Captain Edmund Griffin's Company, in Colonel Needham Bryan's North Carolina Regiment, and was discharged soon after the capture of Cornwallis at Yorktown, having served at least three months.
He applied for pension April 26, 1845, while a resident of Johnston County, North Carolina. The claim was allowed.
In December, 1845, it was stated that William Bryan of Mill Creek was living within two or three miles of his birthplace.
He died February 11, 1846 and was survived by the following children: Asa H. Bryan, Janet Bryan, Joseph Bryan, Eliza Bryan, Alice

Bryan and Joanna or Johannah Thornton.
The name of soldier's wife was not given and she did not survive him.
The soldier stated in 1845 that his father reared only three sons; Asa who was born in 1750 and died in Johnston County, North Carolina "upwards of twenty years ago", leaving a widow, Ann Bryan who then lived in Cumberland County, North Carolina; John who was born in 1753 and died in Georgia "upwards of thirty years ago"; and himself, William Bryan.
Very truly yours,
A. D. HILLER, Assistant to Administrator.
In 1845, the soldier referred to two other Bryan families living in Johnston Co. N.C. - one living in middle part of Co. + the other in extreme north. He stated that another William Bryan, who served during Rev., belonged to family in northern part + was deceased.