Person:James Bryan (41)

Disambiguation

NOT to be confused with James Bryans of nearby Botetourt County, Virginia that married Elizabeth Vinyard, daughter of Christian Vinyard. Some researchers have confused and combined the two James Bryan/Bryans into a single person. Records [Census, Wills, Revolutionary War Pension Files] clearly show they were two different persons with two different families. Additional research needed.

We know this James Bryan was likely married twice. His first marriage appears to have been to Mary Taylor, daughter of Isaac Taylor on 10 April 1794. [Montgomery County, VA Marriage Records]. His second marriage appears to have been to the widow Elizabeth Wilson on 23 March 1804. [Montgomery County, VA Marriage Records]. James Bryan's daughter Mary who married Samuel Wilson was born abt. 1801 according to census records, and this supports his prior marriage before his second marriage to Elizabeth Wilson.

Will Transcript

James Bryan's Will

In the name of God, amen, I James Bryan of Montgomery County and state of Virginia, being of sound mind and disposing memory thanks be to God for the same, and calling to mind the mortality of my boy, and knowing that it is appointed until all men once to die do make and ordain this my last will and testament, in the manner following to wit.

First of all, I give and recommend my soul unto the hands of God, as he gave it, and for my body I recommend it to the earth, to be buried in a Christian like manner, at the discretion of my friends, nothing doubting but at the general resurrection, I shall receive the same again by the mighty power of God: And as touching such worldly estate wherewith it has pleased God to bless me with in this life, I give devise and dispose of the same in the following manner and form.

It is my will and I do ordain that in the first place all my just debts and funeral charges be paid and satisfied.

Item It is my will and desire that my beloved wife Elizabeth shall have her support of the plantation whereon we now live together with the use of my two negroes Lewis and Violet, and all my stock of every kind, farming utensils, and all things necessary for the carrying on the farm, together with the household and Kitchen furniture, with the exception of two fields adjoining the house, where my daughter Mary now lives, which I leave for the support of her and her children, as long as my wife life, and at her death I direct that my plantation whereon I now live shall be equally divided between of my daughter Elizabeth and the children of my daughter Mary, to them and their heirs forever.

It is my will and intention that my daughter Mary shall have a support of the part devised to her children during her life, and if the children should fail to afford her such support, I direct my Executors to rent out that part of the plantation devised to her children for that purpose.

And if my daughter Elizabeth should die without lawfull issue, I direct that part of the plantation devised to her, be sold and the money equally divided between my lawful heirs.

Item I give and bequeath unto my son John, Seven hundred dollars, five hundred dollars of which he has received.

Item I direct that one hundred dollars, which has been or may be collected by John Peterman from Edwin J. Arness? shall be paid by the said Peterman to my daughter Mary for her benefit as she may at and in need for her support, and shall not be subject to the contract of her husband Samuell Wilson, nor go to the payment of any if his debts.

Item I give an bequeath unto my grandson James Wilson son of my daughter Mary, one horse, which has now has in possession, to him and his heirs forever.

Item I direct, and it is my will that after the death of my wife my negroes Lewis & Violet shall be hired to one of my children, provided the one that hires them agrees to pay the negroes each five dollars per year, and support them during their lives pay them __ should they live to be unable to subsist of themselves and us other pay is required of the person or persons which whom the negroes are lived, also after the death of my wife all my property on the plantation, except the household and kitchen furniture, I desire shall be sold and the proceeds equally divided amongst my grand children, the household and kitchen furniture devised to my wife to be disposed of as she may think proper at her decease.

Item I give and bequeath unto my daughter Jane one dollar in addition to what she has already received to her and her heirs forever.

Item I direct that after paying the legacies herein mentioned, my Executors pay to my wife and daughter Elizabeth for their support Two hundred dollars, and the balance of what money I may have in hand be equally divided between my grand children.

Lastly I do hereby ordain constitute and appoint John Peterman Executor to this my last will and testament hereby revoking all other of former wills by me made.

In Testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed my seal this twenty first day of June 1839.

[Signed] James Bryan [His Mark]

Signed acknowledged in presence of us, who have witnessed this at the request of the sd. James Bryan.

Wm. Vanstavernt?

George Earhart

At a Court held for Montgomery County the 5th day of August 1839

This last will and Testament of James Bryan deceased was presented in court, and proven by the oaths of William Vanstavern?, and George Earhart the witnesses thereto subscribed , and ordered to be recorded, and on the motion of John Peterman the Executor therein named, who has made oath thereto and with security entered into and acknowledged a bond in the penalty of Two thousand dollars, conditioned as the law directs a certificate is granted him for obtaining a probat of said will in due form.

Teste: R.D. Montague C.

1.   United States. 1820 U.S. Census Population Schedule. (National Archives Microfilm Publication M33).

   Name James Bryans
   Enumeration Date 7 Aug 1820
   Home in 1820 (City, County, State) Blacksburg, Montgomery, Virginia, USA
   Free White Persons - Males - 45 and over 1 [b. 1775 or before]
   Free White Persons - Females - 16 thru 25 2
   Free White Persons - Females - 45 and over 1 [b. 1775 or before]
   Slaves - Males - 26 thru 44 1
   Number of Persons - Engaged in Agriculture 2
   Free White Persons - Over 25 2
   Total Free White Persons 4
   Total Slaves 1
   Total All Persons - White, Slaves, Colored, Other 5