Person:William Breland (1)

aka William Breeland/Breeler/Breelo/Brealer Moved from Beaufort District, SC, to Old Barnwell District, SC, in 1810.

A monument standing in the River's Bridge Memorial Park (site of a Civil War battle) reads: "Breland came here from Bavaraia, G.Y. 1776" Reverse side reads: "William Breland 1753-1825*, Wife 1755-1820*, William Breland Jr. 1777-1845, Wife 1778-1849, Abram Breland 1795-1852, Rosanah Breland 1825-1847" (*Likely in error, these two death dates were transposed)

Battle fought at River's Bridge Feb 1865: Outnumbered Confederate forces held up the advance of General Sherman's Union troops for two days. Trenches and breastworks from which the Confederates defended the Salkahatchie River crossing are preserved here. Was headquarters for the 12th SC Infantry.

Land of the River's Bridge Park were owned by William Breland, John D. Jenny Varn (son of Nancy Varn) and Mary Ann Elizabeth Varn Breland (wife of Abraham Breland). Mary was only child of Hannah R. Varn, inheriting 420 acres on Three-Mile Creek waters of "Saltketchee". Surveyed by Wade Hampton Miley, grandson of J. H. Varn and Ann Varn. Daniel Varn and wife Margaret were members of Christian Church which stood here before Sherman burned it down. While it was burning, Daniel Varn rescued the bible from within. Monument placed by the Confederate Memorial Association.