Elizabeth Bryan, daughter of James and Mary, was born August 11, 1831, on the farm near Uniontown, Pa., and died in May 23, 1918, at age 87. She is buried beside her husband in the cemetery at Rowville, Erie Co., Pa., not far from North East, Pa. The original document is very difficult to read here, these place names might be spelled wrong.
Elizabeth Bryan
Alexander was the son of Samuel and Jennie (nee Donaldson) Henderson, she being the second wife of Samuel Henderson, who with his brother Stuart came from Dublin, Ireland, about the year 1806. After a short stay in Fayette County, Pa., not far from Uniontown, Pa. (Uniontown is the County Seat of Fayette Co.), the two brothers migrated to the Township, Erie County, Pa., near North East, Pa., and bought a tract of land of 484 1/2 acres for a small sum of money. Perhaps Samuel alone bought the land or came into full possession of it later.
It is believed that some of Samuel's relatives and friends remained in Fayette County after he migrated to Erie County, for it is known that he returned there to see friends and relatives and to transact some business on several occasions. In making these visits he is supposed to have taken with his son Alexander we in the natural course of social events met and married Miss Elizabeth Bryan, whose home was then in Fayette County, near Uniontown, Pa.
Alexander was a master farmer of his day. He had to do practically all the improvements on his land which were necessary for a well improved farm-home. He built his house, his barn, various other buildings, cleared his land, dug a well, and so on. Later in life when his children grew up to their maturity he divided his large farm into smaller farms and gave to each of his sons, perhaps also to his daughters, a farm as their start in life. Some of the buildings of Alexander's original farm are still standing, silent reminders of his thrift and perseverance. Besides the worldly cares that fell to him and his wife Elizabeth, prayer and faith in God and Church (Methodist) duties were never neglected.
To the union of Alexander J. and Elizabeth (nee Bryan) Henderson were born the following children: James A. Martin E. Isabel, Alma Ettie, Mary R., Minnie Maria, Sadie J. Rillie Birdena, Grace Allen, Ada Bertha, and Harley Herbert.
Great Aunt Jane Bryan Seiler recalls going to visit Elizabeth and family in Erie. She remembered that they lived next to the Church and they had a huge grape farm, many vineyards. She said the grapes were delicious and a special treat.
The Daily Courier (Connellsville, Pennsylvania) May 29, 1919
Mrs. Elizabeth Henderson. Word has been received in Dawson of the death of Mrs. Elizabeth Henderson, 88 years old, which occurred at her home at Northeast, Pa., following an illness due to the infirmaties of old age. The deceased, whos maiden name was Miss Elizabeth Bryan was born and reared at Bryan, Lower Tyrone township, her parents being among the first settlers there. Virtually all her married life was spent in Northeast. A family of grown children and one brother, James Bryan of Illinois, survive. Mrs. Henderson was a sister of the late Mrs. John R. Smith, an Aunt of Mrs. A. A. Wetherell of this city, Misses Edna and Margaret Smith, Mrs. E. E. Brallier, James, Elmer, and Walter Smith all of Dawson. She was widley known in and about Dawson.
James A. Henderson, son of Elizabeth, was born March 1, 1856, and died June 23, 1934, in his eightieth year. James met and married Miss Ella Hairsine, August 13, 1884. To this union were born one son named Arthur, who had the parental love to a high degree. James and wife were each brought up in the love and faith of God and with a strict devotion to the Church of their choice, son Arthur following their example. James built a small Wesley Chapel on the rear of his lot at his residence in the suburbs of Erie, Pa., and furnished it with appropriate fittings and dedicated it to private worship and religious exercises. Then came to them the greatest shock of their lives, one that only parents can experience. Their son took ill and died October 18, 1909, age twenty-one years.
James was a farmer for many years, but later in life he learned the photograph art and followed it, doing private and commercial work. When he died the family and community lost one of its faithful citizens. His wife still resides at their home in the suburbs of Erie, Pa.
Martin E. Henderson, son of Elizabeth, was born February 20, 1856, and died April 1, 1857, age one year.
Isabel Henderson, daughter of Elizabeth, was born June 2, 1860, and died April 12, 1901. Isabel never married.
Alma Ettie Henderson, daughter of Elizabeth, was born March 25, 1862, and died April 17, 1936. Alma met and married one Henry Evans, a farmer on Venange Township, Erie Co., Pa. The issue of this union were five boys and two girls,--Fred, Florence C., Elmer, John, Frank, Blanch, and Willie.
Fred Evans, son of Alma and Henry, was born May 22, 1888. He met and married one Miss Emma Workley, August 9, 1918. There were no children reported in 1938. No address reported.
Florence C. Evans, daughter of Alma and Henry, died at the age of twelve.
Elmer C. Evans, son of Alma and Henry, was born October 7, 1890. He met and married one Miss Ruth McCloud of Erie, Pa., April 16, 1918. There were two boys and one girl, issue of this union, namely: William born Dec. 1, 1919; Robert Clifton, born October 7, 1921; Winifred C., born December 31, 1924. There may have been further issue.
John Evans, son of Alma and Henry, was born May 7, 1893. He met and married one Miss Grace Elma Snider, Aug. 30, 1913. To this union three children were born, namely; Elenor, born July 15, 1914; William Clarks, born Feb. 1, 1919, and Geraldine, born July 24, 1924. Data up to 1938.
Frank Evans, son of Alma and Henry, was born February 7, 1902. He met and married one Katheryn Keehler of Erie, Pa., July 3, 1929. There were two boys of this union, namely: Frank K., Jr., born June 24, 1930, and Eugene Henry, born September 18, 1932.
Blanch Evans, daughter of Alma and Henry, was born May 13, 1895 (Blanch should come before Frank in age). She met and married one Paul Markham of Greenfield, Erie Co., Pa., September 9, 1919. There were three children of this union, namely; Sheldon, born August 24, 1920; Zela May, born May 11, 1924; and Glene, born June 11, 1927.
Willie Evans, son of Alma and Henry, was born March 20, 1897. (Frank Evans should come after Willie) Willie met and married Miss Ellen Hawthorn of Erie, Pa., December 29, 1920. He is reported to have been active service in France, with the A.E.F., serving at base hospital 57, in April, 1919. He was the father by his wife Ellen of seven children, namely; Edward, born September 21, 1921; Thelma, born December 6, 1923;Gerald, born September 15, 1925 (full name Gerald Henry, El.); Arthur Gordon, born November 11, 1926; Earl W., born October 8, 1928; Ellen Beatrice, born December 17, 1930; and Mildred Ann, born May 6, 1932. Issue reported up to 1938.
Mary Elizabeth Henderson, daughter of Elizabeth was born March 11, 1864, and died September 16, 1913. She met and married one Joseph A. Decastre of North East, Pa. Joseph died November 27, 1937, age 80 years, leaving no issue of this union as reported.
Minnie Marie Henderson, daughter of Elizabeth, was born June 26, 1866. Minnie never married. She has made a mark close to 100 per cent in reporting to me her family history, far ahead of other members of the Bryan family. Her report can be compared with others herein and judged accordingly. Minnie resides in the Elizabeth Henderson home at 78 Vine Street, North East, Pa.
Sadie J. Henderson, daughter of Elizabeth, was born April 24, 1868. She met and married one Elmer Burch of North East, Pa., September 29, 1888. Mr. Burch died February 9, 1933.
To this union were born three boys, namely; Ray Carlton, Clayton Elmer, and Charles Lester.
Ray Carlton Burch, son of Sadie and Elmer, was born January 8, 1890, and married a Miss Ethel Dahlin of Sioux City, Iowa, July 7, 1920. To this union there were no issue, but there was an adopted daughter, Beverly Ann.
Clayton Elmer Burch, son of Sadie and Elmer, was born May 20, 1891, and married a Miss Pearl Lyons of Delhil, Pa., December 31, 1914. Clayton was the father by his wife Pearl of a daughter Katheryn, born August 11, 1918, and a son Henry Elmer, born April 17, 1927. Elmer, the father, died May 23, 1927, leaving his wife and two children to survive him. His widow now resides at No. 73 Wine Street, North East, Pa. (Note: Son Henry's name may be Harvey)
Charles Lester Burch, son of Sadie and Elmer, was born August 16, 1894, and died February 2, 1912.
Rillie Birdena Henderson, daughter of Elizabeth, was born May 9, 1870. She met and married one Samuel J. Ackerman of North East, Pa., November 24, 1910. Samuel died on March 5, 1937, age 75 years. His widow lives at 127 East Main Street, North East, Pa., where she supervises her fine home and the small village farm with its grape-vineyard and fruits. There were no children of this marriage.
Grace Ellen Henderson, daughter of Elizabeth, was born January 11, 1872. She met and married one Francis K. Lyon of North East, Pa., April 19, 1915. Francis was a Union Veteran of the Civil War of '61. He was a very active man for his age. He died May 12, 1936, age 94 years. His widow now resides in her home at No. 42 East Street, North East, Pa.
Ada Bertha Henderson, daughter of Elizabeth, was born August 24, 1874. Ada never married, but chose as her career the profession of teacher. It is said that her services as a public school teacher in her district were in demand by school officials who knew her value as a teacher, and she never was out of a position during her many years of teaching, unless she chose to take a rest. She retired from her profession a few years ago, and now resides with her sister Minnie at the family home at No. 78 Vine Street, North East, Pa.
Harley Herbert Henderson, son of Elizabeth, was born October 28, 1876, and died June 23, 1934. Harley was a practical farmer like his father, and a good provider. He assumed the greater share of the farm work on his farm not far from North East, Pa. He met and married Miss Nora Wood of Phillipsville, Pa. on August 31, 1905, and four children were born of this union, namely: Marie Elizabeth, Florence Ellen, James Earl, and Harold Wood.
Marie Elizabeth Henderson, daughter of Harley, was born June 11, 1906. She met and married one Walter W. Eads of North East, Pa., December 28, 1926. To them were born Marian, June 19, 1929, and Martha, December 10, 1931, and Jason, August 1, 1936.
Florence Ellen Henderson, daughter of Harley, was born October 30, 1907: James Earl Henderson, son of Harley, was born July 29, 1909; and Harold Wood Henderson, son of Harley was born July 15, 1918. There are no data concerning these last three named children of Harley's, but it is presumed there should be marriages, children born and other data. It is stated, however, that their mother Nora has had a nervous stroke (1938 report) that left her unable to walk well, and that her son Harold had given up his business school studies to assist his mother on the farm, where his brother was, and that her daughter Florence still continued to teach in the public schools (Reference to "no Data" above should be omitted in the next copy.)