Bennett Bryan and Rachael Sheppard

Documents and Information
1773 Petition to build a Road by Bennet's new house
1774 Petition to build a Road by Bennet's new house
Deed #1 that refers to Bennett's Land
Deed #2 that refers to Bennett's Land
Cedar Creek Hundred Treason Trial 1779
Bennett Bryan's Will & Probate Records 1787
Bennett Bryan's Orphans Court Case File 1787-1791
Rachel Bryan's Probate Records 1791-1795
James Bryan's Revolutionary War Pension Application
James Bryan sells his land in 1795
Jonathan Bryan sells his land in 1795
Shepherd Bryan's Probate Records 1821-1823
Other Early Delaware Bryan Families
Bennett Bryan is believed to have been born abt. 1714-24, probably in Delaware. His wife, Rachel Sheppard is believed to have been born abt. 1720-30, also in Delaware. Bennett and Rachel eventually settled in the Cedar Creek Hundred, just south of Milford, DE where they farmed on 240 acres which they broke themselves. Bennett and his sons are referred to as Yeoman. One of the crops Bennett grew was corn. The yield the year of his death was 130 bushels.

As a frame of reference, although settled before by Swedes and Native Americans, Delaware was claimed by the English in 1664. About the time of Rachel's birth, in 1720, there were approximately sixty families and three hundred people living near Milford, which for a while became the county seat.

"The English claim in 1664 launched a 100 year dispute for control of Sussex County between the Duke of York, the Lords Baltimore, and William Penn. The dispute was finally settled in 1760, when two English geographers, James Mason and Jeremiah Dixon were hired to settle the land dispute. The result of their survey, the Mason-Dixon Line, was to become one of the most famous dividing lines in United States History."

Sussex County Delaware around the Revolution

I've been trying to build a vision of what life was like in Sussex county for Bennett and his family. Here is the basic picture that is emerging: The approximate population of Delaware around this time was 37,000. Sussex county was mostly rural. The farms there were bigger (many 400 acres), but the land was worth less than in Kent or New Castle counties. Lewes was the Sussex county seat. Philadelphia was the largest city and closest newspaper source.

"The soil was suitable for the raising of wheat and corn as well as fruits and vegetables, and most of the inhabitants engaged in farming. Surplus wheat and corn were forwarded in shallops up the Delaware River to the Brandywine Creek for grinding into flour and cornmeal, frequently for export to the West Indies along with salted meat and other provisions. Lumber and cypress shingles were among the exports of Sussex County." 1 p.6

"Religion was an important influence in determining men's attitude toward the American Revolution. Generally speaking, more loyalists were found among the Anglican members of that church than in any other denomination, while Presbyterians supported the American cause. Religiously the Anglicans had more members than any other denomination in the colony and were especially strong in Kent and Sussex Counties, but their services were not well attended, and only five clergymen were active. The Presbyterians were very strong in New Castle County because of the presence of numerous residents of Scotch-Irish background. Baptists, Catholics, and Lutherans had only one church apiece, while the Methodists had only begun circuit riding when the war began.1 p.7-8


It seems to me that many in the Anglican church felt that the Revolution was actually an Presbyterian plot to take over the country and impose their religion. In trying to place the Bryan family into this frame, we know that Bennett's grandson James Bryan, Jr. was married in a Baptist Church, but went on to found The Bryan Methodist Church in 1856 in Dawson, PA. There has been a strong Methodist tradition documented since 1856, but it may have begun much earlier.

Politics, local and international were invading people's lives. The crisis of the Stamp Act and Townshend Acts had been felt in Delaware as much as in the other colonies. As a result of Samual Adams' Boston Tea Party on December 16, 1773 - George III and the English Parliment passed legislation which became known as the "Intolerable Acts". The Acts started in March of 1774 with the Boston Port Act, then heated up in May with the Massachusetts Bay Regulating Act and Administration of Justice Act of May 20th. On the second Tuesday in May of 1774, Bennett presented his Petition to build a Road in Lewes.

The fourth "Intolerable Act" was passed on June 2, 1774. This was the an amendment to the Quartering Act of 1765 which required the colonists to provide accommodation for British troops. The new legislation stated that the "soldiers were also to be supplied with fire, candles, vinegar, salt, bedding, cooking utensils, up to five pints of small beer or cider or half a pint of rum mixed with two pints of water per man."

On July 23, 1774 "freeholders of Sussex County assembled at the courthouse at Lewes to consider the 'critical situation' of American affairs....the meeting passed resolutions affirming their allegiance to George III but protesting the Boston Port Bill as unconstitutional."1 p.18 Delaware counties also raised money to help out the Bostonians.

As I've been researching, the one thing I've been struck by is the lack of tolerence for disent to the Patriot cause. I have come across numerous references to people who were threatened, or actually were tarred and feathered for speaking in favor of peaceful resolution with Britain. It also seems that mob violence was not unheard of. I've read of numerous cases where mobs siezed someone and pelted them with rotten eggs, or worse.

Around December 1774, Sussex County formed it's own Committee of Inspection and Observation who's mission was to "prevent illicit trade with England and watch for violations of freedom".1 p.18 Some of the cases I read about that were brought before this committee included people charged with selling tea, working and not fasting on July 20, the day the Continental Congress had declared should be a day of humility and prayer, and most commonly, making unpatriotic comments. A man named Daniel Varnum was made to apoligize for uttering "has as leif be under a tyrannical King as a tyrannical Commonwealth, especially if the d__d Presbyterians has the control of it."1 p.23 Sussex County's most prominent politician, Thomas Robinson was accused of saying that "taking up arms against the king was rebellion 'in the highest', that the cost of arming Americans was excessive, and that the king might as well give up his crown as to renounce the right to tax the colonies."1 p.24

I also learned that currency was a big deal. People were discouraged from using British money, the Continental Congress was printing their own. There was a lot of resistance to this on the local level and lots of counterfititng, which just added to the hesitation to accept this currency.

In May of 1776, Congress reccommended that the colonies form new governments and boot out any officials they thought were loyal to the King. This effectively forced the population to "choose sides" in a very definitive way. Although it is important to note that people often switched sides, or thought one way, yet served (usually by force), in the army of the other side. There was actually an insurrection by the people in Sussex County on June 12. The main causes were said to be local grievances and fear that if the government were changed, the people who supported the King would have their houses burned. I believe the petition opposing the creation of a new government was destroyed and that touched off the conflict. A settlement was eventually negotiated without any loss of life.

I found the following paragraph in "The Loyalists of Revolutionary Delaware" by Harold B. Hancock, p.51:
Some of the leaders of the insurrection were influential persons like Thomas Robinson, a member of the assembly, storekeeper, and large landowner; Boaz Manlove, county treasurer; Thomas Evans, innkeeper; and Sheriff Dorman Lofland. Others were large landowners like Pemberton Carlile, who owned 375 acres and had 7 slaves, and Nathaniel Hays, who possessed 780 acres and had 9 slaves. But the majority were farmers of very modest means, such as Edward Cary, who left no estate at his death in 1781; Dorman Lofland, the inventory of whose estate in 1788 totaled 241 pounds; Job Townsend, whose estate amounted to 189 pounds in 1793; and Luke Watson, with a farm of 210 acres, half of which was marshland.
This paragraph was significant to me because of the names mentioned. Pemberton Carlile was one of the petitioners to build the road by Bennet's house. Pemberton Carlile was also charged with treason the same time as Bennett. Thomas Evans, as Sheriff, had dealings with Shepherd Bryan in 1778. Nehemiah Cary was charged in the same action as Pemberton and Bennett. The Townsend farm was next to Bennett's and Lofland and Hays names appear on many of the family documents from this era.


At the time of Bennett's passing, in Oct. 1787, the family had the following children living: James, Shepherd, Jonathan, Charity, Mary, Rachel, Sarah, Rebeckah and Elizabeth Bryan, and Comfort Bryan Cordrey. We know that Comfort was married at the time, and that some of the children were still minors.

The extracts of Bennett and Rachel's wills state the following:
Bennett Bryan, Will Made on 28, Oct. 1787, at Cedar Creek Hundred (Delaware).
Heirs: wife Rachel Bryan; sons James, Shepherd and Jonathan Bryan; daus. Charity, Mary, Rachel, Sarah, Rebeckah and Elizabeth Bryan, and Comfort Cordery.
Exec/Trus Name: son Shepherd Bryan
Wit Name: John Jester, Daniel Sturgis, William Poynter
Will Probate Date: 05 Nov 1787
Will Book A60, Liber D Page 243-246;folios 156-157

Some thoughts and notes on Bennett Bryan: By the inventory and cash in his estate, he seemed fairly successful as a yeoman, or farmer. I believe he was also fairly religious as evidenced by the fact that his first words in his will are to God, and he had a bible in his estate. Other things that I found interesting about his estate's inventory were that there were a number of Indian items. Also, Bennett could write, and we assume read if he owned a Bible. We know for a fact that at least James and Shepherd could read and write, I assume the rest of his children could too.

5/20/01
I recently found a reference on Ancestry.com to a Bennett Bryan born 175? in Delaware with Biographical Info on Rev.War Reference {813}:1300,1331 - I need to follow up on this.

Thoughts on Bennett Bryan's Name and possible connection to the Bennett family of Sussex County Delaware. I believe it is possible that Bennett Bryan's parents could have been Miss Bennett and Mr. Bryan. It occurrs to me that Bennett is an unusual first name in the region, and is also a known last name. Also, Bennett himself named one of his sons Shepperd Bryan - Shepperd being his wife's maiden name. So I know that Wife's Maiden Name, Husband's last name is a reasonable naming convention assumption.

POSSIBLE!! http://ftp.rootsweb.com/pub/usgenweb/sc/marriages/sc-b1800.txt
CD3_012 , BENNET , MARY , BRYAN , WM , Jan ,11 , 1735 ,SC Mar 1693-1842 , SC
11 JAN 1735 Saint Philip, Charleston, Charleston, South Carolina

CD3_012 , BENNET , MARY , GRAVES , JOSEPH , Apr ,29 , 1743 ,SC Mar 1693-1842 , SC

John Bennett (born abt 1660, Manoka, Somerset, Md, Married Feb 6, 1683 Md, died abt 1745-Cedar Creek, Sussex, DE) and his wife Sarah FURNIS (b: 20 Dec 1665 - abt. 1716 Cedar Creek, Sussex, DE) had the following daughters who may be possibles for Bennett Bryan's mother: Ann BENNETT (born abt 1687 Manoka, Somerset, Md), Sarah BENNETT (born abt 1691, Manoka, Somerset, Md), Hannah BENNETT (born abt 1697, Manoka, Somerset, Md). These were the sisters on Stephen Bennett who is referenced below in regard to the Webb family.

Need to look into Hill, J. Bennett. The Bennett Family of Sussex County, Delaware, 1680-1860, with Branches into the Warren, Shockley, and Other Families. Milford?: DE, 1970. LOCATION: Morris Library - Special Collections (Del CS71 .B469 1970)

Bryan, Bennett, Webb Connection In 1790, Shepperd Bryan and Sylvestor Webb were the bonded Administrators of Betty Bryan's Estate. (I suspect that this is Sheppherd's sister Elizabeth Bryan becasue a husband would not usually be a bonded administrator and she had husband or children mentioned). So we know that the Bryan and Webb families knew each other.

Also: "The Bennett Family of Sussex County, Delaware 1680-1860" by J. Bennett Hill pub. 1970 p.3 & p.6 state that Stephen Bennett made a will on August 23, 1751 which was witnessed by John Johnson, Benjamin Webb (b. 2 Oct 1761) and Magdalane Webb. In my experience, wills are usually wittnessed by close friends or neighbors, so I assume the Webb's were close in some way. In addition, Norwood Cooper who is researching the Jemima Bennett and Daniel Ponder line sent me information that Sylvestor Webb married Purnal Bennett's widow, Miriam Lofland probably sometime between 1786 and 1789.



Rachel Shepherd Bryan

We are not sure when Rachel was born, we know that she died in 1791 and her son James Bryan was appointed her Executor (Rachel Bryan, Admin Name: James Bryan, Will Probate Date: 03 Feb 1791: Will Book A61 Page 6). Rachel married Bennett Bryan and had 10 children living in 1787, three of whom were considered Minors (under 21 for males, 18 for females). It is interesting to note that I read a reference to a local Sheperd family who were known as Quakers.

When Bennett died, he left one third of his land to Rachel, his "beloved wife" to reside on for the rest of her life. This land would then pass to their son James. I expect that life would have become much harder for Rachel after Bennett's death. Her oldest son Shepherd Bryan was the Executor of Bennett's will which meant that he now controlled her income.

In the Third Administration Acct of the Estate of Bennett Bryan, Rachel is listed as due (not paid), the sum of 19,,1,,1 as the Widow's Third of the Estate. Later in the document it also states that Shepherd, as the "Accountant" took an amount equal to "half of the appraised value of 76 Bushels of Corn at 21 per Buchel". The yield in 1787, the year Bennett died was 130 Bushels. It is also important to note that the Revolutionary War and a long drought had decimated the local economy, and this was the only time in Delaware history when the State lost population. Many people moved west in hopes of a better life.

In the Administrators Account dated Sept. 9, 1789 there is a listing under the Payments section that says "By the Amount of goods delivered to the Widow at the Appraisment as a legacy" but the amount is XXXed out, it looks like she did not actually receive anything at that time.

In 1790, Rachel traveled to Lewes to the Orphan's Court to comply with the Order for Annual Valuation of Jonathan Bryan Land. At this time, she was still Jonathan's guardian and handling his affairs. Jonathan's land was appraised at having a yearly income of 7 pounds, which also had to pay for upkeep of the fences on the land.

As a parent, she would also have had to deal with the emotional strain of her children's disputes over how Bennett's estate was handled. `In November of 1790, Rachel's daughter Betty (Elizabeth) asked the Orphan's Court to make Shepherd settle up with her and the other Heirs, unfortuately Betty died within days of this request. Rachel died just a few months later. After Rachel's death there were numerous "call the Sheriff" incidents documented, most involved Shepherd.

Comfort Bryan

Comfort Bryan was born about 1740-1749 in DE and married Thomas Cordrey II in 1767 - Milford, Dele, Milleu Area. Thomas Cordrey was born abt 1729 in Missipillico Hun, Kent, Delaware to Thomas Cordray and Ester Davis in Milford, Sussex County, Delaware. The family moved to Cumberland, MD around 1768. Comfort and Thomas had 9 known children. Jacob Cordray, Thomas Cordray III (b. abt 1762 Cumberland, MD), Isaac Cordray (b. 1768), Noble Cordrey (b. 1770), Elizabeth Cordray ( 1772-1841) "who m. her 2nd cousin, Noble (of Tom d. 1829)" see Note, Nathan Cordrey (b. 1774 m. Dorcas Ayers), Shepherd Cordray (b. 1778 or 1775 - 1855 m. Eliz. Veiles c. 1806), Bennett Cordray (b. 1780), and another child. Note: "Descendants of Benjamin Cowdrey" CS71, C794, T988, 1995 Del. Archives states that "Shepperd Cordray moved to PA, thence to OH;" and adds "Mary Cordray (m. 1796)". This source also states that Tom lived near Farmington, DE and that he was in OH by 1810 and remarried, wife's name unknown.

In 1787, Comfort was the only daughter called by her married name in her father's Will. He listed her second, but she was the first to receive 20 pounds to be paid by her brothers within two years of his death. I believe that she, with the other heirs was due (not paid), the sum of 3,,16,,2 5/4 in 1788 as stated in Third Administration Acct of the Estate of Bennett Bryan. Also included with Bennett's Estate file was an Administrators Account dated Sept. 9, 1789 and there is a payment to Comfort Cordray of 5 Pounds - there is also a later listing for "By Cash paid Thomas Cordery ___ account ____ receipt 1Pound 3 shillings.

Comfort and her mother had children about the same ages. Comfort died in Cumberland, MD. around 1800, Thomas died in Tuscarawas County, Ohio on 15 Jun, 1832.

Text file of Comfort's descendents (Sorry, I can't figure out who I got this from to give credit - I also cannot answer questions about it becasue I didn't do the research - but it is a really helpful starting point.)

James Bryan

According to his Revolutionary War Pension Record, James Bryan was born April 12, 1764 in Sussex County, Delaware. He enrolled for Revolutionary War service at age 15 near Milford, DE. James Bryan apprears on the 1790 Sussex County Tax list and Federal Population Schedule (DES1a481343 and DES1a481385), as living in the Cedar Creek Hundred. We also know from numerous documents that James could at least write his name.

In his father's will, James was left a third of Bennett's land, but it was to be his Mother's first for the remainder of her life. I found a record that James as one of the 10 Heirs of Bennett was due (not paid), the sum of 3,,16,,2 5/4 in 1788 as stated in Third Administration Acct of the Estate of Bennett Bryan.

I believe James was the middle son because he was appointed guardian for his brother Jonathan by the Orphan's Court on November 9, 1787. We know that he was an executor of his mother's estate. The estate took over four years to settle. As executor, James had a number of Judgements against him including one on August 29, 1792 when he had "one bed and 6 chairs" seized by the tax collector. Records also indicate that James and Shepherd had a dispute over Rachel's estate. A receipt in the estate shows that James paid Shepherd in full on Oct. 21, 1795. On Oct 23, 1795, Rachel Bryan's estate was finally settled. James' Rev. War pension record states that he moved to Fort Cumberland, MD in 1795. This is consistent with the following Sussex Co. Deed (Bk. P 15, pp 609-611 Oct. 29, 1795), James Bryan of Ced. Crk. Hd., carpenter, and Nancy, his wife, to Phebe Massey of Mispillion Hd., selling the 1/3 of the land he inherited from his father. Read this entire deed.

We know James eventually had at least 7 children who survived into adulthood, but it has been difficult to document his marriages. Family lore, as recorded by William Holmes Bryan states that "It is said, it may be rumor, that James Sr., was twice married before he moved to Maryland or Pennsylvania."

The Delaware land records indicate that in 1795, his wife's name was Nancy. This means that Nancy is the mother of at least James, Jr. and Nathaniel Bryan. These are the only of James' children we have birthdates for.

This new information would mean that records of a James Bryan marrying an Isabella Jones on Aug, 2, 1792 in Great Choptand Parish, Dorchester Co. MD, and a Hannah Sample who married a James Bryan on Aug. 5, 1794 in Frederick Co. Va. would definetly NOT be our James Bryan. It is possible that the marriage of a James Bryan and Sally Mc Cleary on Jun 2, 1810 in Allegany County, MD was our James, although he would have been 50 years old at this time and we know that there was at least one other James Bryan, if not two others in the MD area then.

In 1831 when he was living near Uniontown, PA, a land deed says he was married to a Sarah Bryan. We have found a record of a Sarah Smith who married a James Bryan on Sept. 27, 1825 in Harrison, VA. It is not known if this is our James and Sarah or not, my current guess is that it is not.

Read More About James Bryan and his Revolutionary War service.

Shepherd Bryan

Shepherd was tried for treason along with his father in 1777. Shepherd was an administrator of his father Bennett Bryan's estate in 1787. I found a will for a Betsy Bryan with an Admin Name of Sheppard Bryan, Probate date 02, Sept 1794 (A60, page 248). I believe this was Shepherd's sister because there is also an Orphan's Court document dated November 6, 1790 in the Orphan's Court that was titled Betty Bryan vs Shepherd Bryan.

Dave Bryan in Delaware was able to find the following listing in the 5 volume Delaware Archives Military series: Sheppard--Sept. 30, 1782, Nehemiah Tilton certified that Samuel Owens brought to me for commitment, Sheppard Bryan, a Delaware soldier, captured at Dames Quarter, Somerset County, Maryland, 118 miles from Dover Gaol, the place of confinement, where he is now committed. (On back) I have received by hand of Samuel Owens, signed Shadrack Howell, for James Miller, gaoler. Nov. 13, 1782 at Dover, received of Capt. James Moore, 3 pounds for apprehending Shappard Bryan, a deserter from the Delaware Regt., and the sum of 2 pounds 19 shillings at six pence per mile from Dames Quarter, Somerset County, State of Maryland, computed to be 118 miles from this place. Samuel Owens. He must have been found innocent, since he is still in service at a later date. Dec. 28, 1783, muster roll, Delaware Regt. inspection at Philadelphia (includes) Sheppard Bryan. His name is also on an undated Return of Delaware troops under Captain Jaquett.

Shepherd Bryan apprears on the 1790 Sussex County Tax list and Federal Population Schedule (DES1a482240), as living in the Cedar Creek Hundred. Shepherd Brian also appears on the 1800, and 1810 Census. He was a head of household with a least one woman and a few children living with him - indicating that he was married.
1800 Males 1 (10-15 yrs) 1 (26-44 yrs) Females 2 (16-25)
1810 Males 1(under 10) 1 (15-25) 2 (?)


Shepherd Bryan died late in 1821 in Sussex County, Delaware. His estate was handled by Thomas May who also handled the Orphan's Court process for their neighbor Davis. It was valued at 111.59 1/2 dollars. Read the complete documents in Shepherd Bryan's Probate File.

I believe that Shepherd, with the other heirs was due, but not paid the sum of 3,,16,,2 5/4 in 1788 as stated in Third Administration Acct of the Estate of Bennett Bryan, Shepherd also received 1 pound Cash and 3,,6,,0 which constituted half of the appraised value of that year's corn as Administrator.

Jonathan Bryan

In 1787, Jonathan was still a minor when his father Bennett died and left him one third of his land. He also left Jonathan a 45 pound debt to pay his sisters within two years. In the annual valuation of his land for the Orphans Court on 27th day of Aug. 1790, the Freeholders who assessed it described it as being fenced, without orchards, and at least partially uncleared. The land's only building was "a small Log House". They assessed the land to be worth the sum of seven Pounds per annum which would make it hard for him to pay his sisters.

Jonathan, with the other heirs was due but did not receive the sum of 3,,16,,2 5/4 in 1788 as stated in Third Administration Acct of the Estate of Bennett Bryan.

Jonathan Bryan apprears on the 1790 Sussex County Tax list and Federal Population Schedule (DES1a481789 and DES1a481791), as living in the Cedar Creek Hundred.

Another Jonathan Bryan in/near Cedar Creek HD
Highly unlikely the Rev. War reference below is our Jonathan because he was still under 21 in 1787 per Bennett's will. Dave Bryan in DE found the following reference in the 5 volume Delaware Archives Military series: Jonathan Bryan--muster roll of Capt. Nathan Adams Company and Delaware Regt. of Continental Troops, commanded by Col. John Haslet, in barracks at Dover, April 12, 1776, (includes) Pvt. Johathan Bryan (sick in quarters); his enlistment date Jan. 15, '76.

I also believe the following does not refer to our Jonathan becasue I found the record where Jonathan sold his third of the land he inherited from Bennett in 1795. This sale took place within days of his mother's estate being settled and his brother James' sale of his third of the land. We know that James moved to Cumberland Md and their sister Comfort was also there. I wonder if Jonathan also joined them.

Although, I also found a will with a probate date of 23 March 1789 for a Jonathan Bryan in Sussex County, Will Made Date 07, Feb 1789, Heirs: dau Ann Bryan, no exec'r. Wit Name Milby Simpler and William Matthews. (Will Book A60, Liber D, Page 248;folio 219). I also found a will of Jonathan Bryan, who was administered by Comfort Bryan (although our Comfort was already married to Cordrey at this date), with a Probate of 1789 (A60, page 249) the extract says it mentions Betsy Craig, minor of John Craig, John, Mary, Sarah, Lydia, David, and William Craig.

10/5/00 Received wills from DE Archives. Analysis to follow.

Question: When was his land sold, and by whom?

Charity Bryan

In Bennett Bryan's will of October 28, 1787, she is listed as Charity Bryan while her sister Comfort whom we know was already married was addressed by her married name Comfort Cordray, so I believe she was unmarried as of this date. Bennett left Charity 10 pounds to be paid by her brothers within two years of his death. Note: all the other sisters were left 20 pounds - it is not clear why. Charity, as one of the ten heirs to Bennett's estate was due, but not paid the sum of 3,,16,,2 5/4 in 1788 as stated in Third Administration Acct of the Estate of Bennett Bryan. I found the following entry on a Court ordered account of Bennett's Estate dated Septemer 9, 1789 - "Paid Charity Bryan as her Account Receipt with Probate - 16,,9,,7. This is somewhat perplexing to me because Charity was specifically left 10 Pounds and this seems like more. Especially when you consider that she is one of the few sisters who I could find a record of receiving anything. Nothing more known at this time.

Elizabeth Bryan

Elizabeth was called Betty Bryan. I believe that she, with the other heirs was due, but not paid the sum of 3,,16,,2 5/4 in 1788 as stated in Third Administration Acct of the Estate of Bennett Bryan. Betty Bryan died unmarried around November 1-10, 1790. She was referenced in a court document dated November 6, 1790 in the Orphan's Court that was titled Betty Bryan vs Shepherd Bryan which basically told Shepherd to settle up the estate. Unfortuantely she died before Shepherd made it to court on December 7, 1790. Shepherd was eventually appointed Administrator of her estate listed below. The estate was valued at under 9 pounds, so it is likely that she died before she got her money.

10/5/00 Received Estate File from DE Archives. Analysis follows.
Shepherd Bryan and Sylvestor Webb were bonded Adiminstrators of the estate of Betty Bryan on November 10, 1790. Occupations of both Shepperd and Sylvestor are Yeoman. They were bonded "in the sum of 500 pounds of lawful money". Their job was to make " a true and perfect inventory of all and f(s)ingular the goods, chattels, and credits which were of the f(s)aid deceaf(s)ed, at his death, which have, or f(s)shall come to the hands of poffeffion (possession) of him the f(s)aid Shepherd Bryan." and they had to have completed the task by February 10, 1791.

The inventory was dated December 31, 1791. Items included in the inventory and their values as near as I can make out are listed below.

Waring Aprial (Clothes) 2 : 13 : 6
Old Bed Quilt and Sheet 1 : 0 : 0
1 Small Cark and some Crockery Ware 0 : 3 : 9 or 5
Some Old Cupper Waise 0 : 1 : 6
1 Iron Kittle and small Hammon 0 : 5 : 0
Old Bed and Blad 0 : 1 : 0
1 Old Pine Table 0 : 2 : 6
Cash 0 : 1 : 3
Total 4 : 8 : 6


The next record dates from September 2, 1794. This is the Administrative Account of Betsy Bryan's estate showing how much the accountant charged, funeral expenses etc. Her estate overview was 8 pounds 7 shillings and 3 pence.

Mary Bryan

In Bennett Bryan's will of October 28, 1787, she is listed as Mary Bryan while her sister Comfort whom we know was already married was addressed by her married name Comfort Cordray, so I believe she was unmarried as of this date. She is listed fourth in his list of daughters, so I believe she was not one of the two minor daughters he mentions in his will. Bennett left Mary 20 pounds to be paid by her brothers within two years of his death. I have not found any record of that this money was ever paid to her.

I believe that Mary, with the other heirs was due, but not paid the sum of 3,,16,,2 5/4 in 1788 as stated in Third Administration Acct of the Estate of Bennett Bryan. Nothing more known at this time.

Rachel Bryan

In Bennett Bryan's will of October 28, 1787, she is listed as Rachel Bryan while her sister Comfort whom we know was already married was addressed by her married name Comfort Cordray, so I believe she was unmarried as of this date. Rachel is listed fifth in his list of 7 daughters, so I believe it is less likely she was one of the two minor daughters he mentions in his will. Bennett left Rachel 20 pounds to be paid by her brothers within two years of his death. I have not found any record of that this money was ever paid to her. I believe that Rachel, with the other heirs was due, but not paid the sum of 3,,16,,2 5/4 in 1788 as stated in Third Administration Acct of the Estate of Bennett Bryan.

Documents in her mother's estate indicate that Rachel had a dispute with her brother Shepherd over corn to feed her "Creatirs". Shepherd actually called the Sheriff and had her charged. Read the Account. This would further indicate that Rachel was unmarried as of Aug. 3 1791.

We know that Rachel's sister Comfort was living in Cumberland, MD and that her brother James also moved there in 1795. I found a marriage record for a Rachel Brien who married William Michael on Feb. 14, 1797 (Source: Marriage Records 1791-1865, Allegany County, MD Clerk of Circut Court). There is every possiblility that Rachel went to MD with James, especially if she was destitute (need to check census).

1790 Frederick Md Census shows William Michael with 1 Free White male over 16, 3 Free white males under 16, and 3 free white females living with him. Note: The entry before his is for an Andrew Michael. This sheds no light on the theory.

Additional Research on William Michael: William Michael, (b. abt 1767 Frederick, MD) was the son of Philip Michaels, Sr. (abt 1740- 1818 Allegany, MD) and wife Mary. The record also estimates Rachel's birth at 1776. (Source: LDS) I also found another marriage for a William Michael in Allegany County, Md Spouse: POTTER, SARAH Marriage Date: 5 Oct 1812. Need to check to see if this is the same man, if so, it is likely Rachel passed before 1812. William Michael appears on the Allegany County, Md Census for for 1820-1860 but this would not help us find Rachel. (Federal Census - MD, Alleganey County Census, District 4: 1820 p.13, 1830 p.32, 1840 p.57, 1850 p.125, 1860 p.295) Nothing more known at this time.

Sarah Bryan

In Bennett Bryan's will of October 28, 1787, she is listed as Sarah Bryan while her sister Comfort whom we know was already married was addressed by her married name Comfort Cordray, so I believe she was unmarried as of this date. Sarah is listed sixth in his list of 7 daughters, so it is likely she was one of the two minor daughters Bennett mentions in his will. Bennett left Sarah 20 pounds to be paid by her brothers within two years of his death. I have not found any record of that this money was ever paid to her. Sarah, with the other heirs was due, but not paid the sum of 3,,16,,2 5/4 in 1788 as stated in Third Administration Acct of the Estate of Bennett Bryan. I don't know if that counted as part of the 20 Pounds she was owed, or if it was the residual of the estate that was supposed to be split among Bennett's Heirs. Nothing more known at this time.

Rebeckah Bryan

In Bennett Bryan's will of October 28, 1787, she is listed as Rebeckah Bryan while her sister Comfort whom we know was already married was addressed by her married name Comfort Cordray, so I believe she was unmarried as of this date. Rebeckah was listed last in Bennett's will so I believe she was one of the minor daughters he was referring to which means that she was under 18 in 1787. And since there there was at least one other minor daughter, I assume she could not have been over 16 which would make her birth somewhere between the years 1787 and 1771. Bennett left Rebeckah 20 pounds to be paid by her brothers within two years of his death. I have not found any record of that this money was ever paid to her. I believe that Rebeckah, with the other heirs was due, but not paid the sum of 3,,16,,2 5/4 in 1788 as stated in Third Administration Acct of the Estate of Bennett Bryan. Nothing more known at this time.

[TREE] [ NEXT - (James Bryan, Sr.) ] [PREVIOUS] [HOME PAGE]

Brought to you by Karen Wunderlich Stezowski. Visit other sites I've designed from my Home Page