The county record. [volume] (Kingstree, S.C.) 1885-1975, 1919-10-02
PROMINENT CITIZEN
DIES SUDDENLY
HON. W. D. BRYAN PASSED
AWAY AT HIS HOME AT TFAT,
EARLY MONDAY MORNING

one OF the best known ana most
substantial citizens of Williamsburg
county, died suddenly at his home at
Taft early Monday morning. Mr..
Bryan was born in Robson county,
North Carolina, May "a, 1859, and
came to Williamsburg county quite a
young man. Here he engaged in the
timber and crosstie business for a
number of years and accumulated
large holdings of real estate, mostly
in the community where he spent his
life. He was public spirited and iden-
titled himself with all matters of in
terest to his adopted county and its
people.
Mr.. Bryan was a man beloved and
respected by every one who knew
him. In religious, charitable and benev
olent work he was a benefactor, al
ways giving freely of his time and
means. He-was devoted husband,
a loving and indulgent father.
In 1906 and again in 1908 Mr..
Bryan was elected to the state leg
islature, having in 1908 received all
but 29 of the solid vote of the county.
For a number Of years he was post
master at Taft, afterwards changed
to Bryan. Until recent years he con-
Quoted extensive farming operations
and successful mercantile business.
Mr.. Bryan was twice married, his
first wife'being Miss Rebecca Brown.
To this union eleven children were
born, seven of whom died in infancy.
Mrs. B. A. Brown, of TAFT, Mrs. Nor
man Cook of Andrews, Mrs. Claude j.
Thompson of Kingstree, and w. D..
Bryan, Jr., of Taft are the four
children who survive him with his
second wife, who was Mrs. Frances
Spivy of Columbia, also two brothers,
Messrs. w. R. Bryan of Andrews and
James Bryan or Trio.
With his wife Mr.. Bryan returned
few days ago from trip to the
Northern resorts and he was thought
to be much improved in helath. Ear
ly Monday morning, however, Mrs.
Bryan awoke to find him in criti-
cal condition, and he died before me-
dical aid could be rendered.
He was a member of the Presby-
terian church and had been an Elder
in Union church for rs years.
Funeral services were held in this
church at $50 Tuesday afternoon in
the presence of one of the largest
gatherings ever assembled there,
people from all parts Of the county
and from adjoining counties, white
and colored were present to pay a
last sad tribute to the man they had
loved and honored.
The service was conducted by the
Rev. w. l. Sinnot, assisted by the
Rev. Mr.. Clark of Andrews, Rev. Mr..
Clark of Salters, and two other min
listers, whose names we did not learn.
Beautiful and appropriate music was
rendered by a special choir, and the
entire service was deeply impressive.
Among those from Kingstree who
assisted the regular choir were Mes
DANES L. w. Gilland, E. A. Nc
Dowell, W. S. Gilland, Miss Olive
Benton; Messrs. L. w. Gilland and
w. H. Carr.
Following the impressive funeral
service, the remains were laid to
rest in the family plot in Union
cemetery by the side of his wife,
who died June IL, 1904, and their
seven little children.
While the grave was being filled
the choir sang very sweetly several
selections from the hymnal. After
the benediction was pronounced the
newly made mound was covered with
numerous and beautiful floral de-
signs.