John G. Bryan, son of James and Mary (nee Goodge) Bryan, was born December 10, 1833 and died May 30, 1891 age 57 and is buried in the Bryan cemetery near Dawson, Pa.

John was born and raised on the James Bryan farm near Upper Middleton, Pa., so stated in date, but the writer is not familiar with the name. Upper Middleton ought to be not far from Uniontown, Pa. It has also been stated that the Bryan farm was located near Dunbar, Pa., also near Plumseck, a local nickname for a district. It is presumed that the farm lay near all of these places. It is reported that James Bryan, John's father moved to a farm of 160 acres in that locality in the year 1822, or thereabouts, when he was 27 years old, taking his young wife Mary with him. On this farm all of his children are supposed to have been born and raised to maturity.

John was in Maryland, visiting or working, when the Civil War started, and he enlisted in Company I, Eighth Regiment Volunteer Cavalry of Maryland, in which he served his full term, and returned to the home farm after his discharge.

John G. Bryan enlisted as a Private, Co. C, Purnell Legion, Maryland Cavalry Volunteers. He also served in Co.I of the 8th Regiment of MD Vol Infantry, Army Corps commanded by George W. Sheeley. He enlisted on September 9th, 1862, at the age of 28, and was mustered in on the 19th of September, 1862. At the time of his enlistment, his personal description stated that he was 28 years old, 5 feet 9 inches, dark complexion, dark hair and blue eyes. He reportedly worked as a carpenter before enlisting. John served until May 31, 1865.

John was about 30 years old when he met and married a Miss Nancy Henry, daughter of Adam and Elsie Henry, farmers near Dawson, Pa. This place was perhaps 20 or more miles from Uniontown and the farm. But Daniel, his brother, is supposed to have been living in the Dawson section as early as 1861 or 1862, at which time he had married a young woman from that locality. No doubt John had visited his brother Daniel at times and in that way he got acquainted with his future wife.

Nancy Henry, John's wife was born about the year 1845, and died April 18, 1879, and she is buried beside her husband in the Bryan Church cemetery, near Dawson, Pa., where no doubt other members of the Henry Family rest.

Source: Genealogical and Personal History of Fayette County Pennsylvania, Vol I
Henry
(III) Adam , son of Edward (2) Henry , was born on the homestead farm near Madison, Westmoreland county, Pennsylvanla , about 1810 . He grew up a farmer, and after leaving the paternal roof continued the same business in the township of Penn . Later in life he sold his farm in Westmoreland county and came to Fayette , purchasing property in Lower Tyrone . Here he lived until death. He was a strong Democrat, active in public affairs, and a devoted member of the Methodist Episcopal church. He married Elsie , daughter of William Campbell , a shoemaker, who in his early life was possessed of considerable wealth, of which he was robbed. Children: 1, James Campbell , of whom further. 2, Nancy , married John Bryan , and lived in Westmoreland county . 3, Emery , married Elizabeth McLaughlin ; is now a retired farmer of Scottdale ; he married (second) Mrs. D. Fretz . 4, Margaret , married George Hagerman , of Fayette county . 5, Rev. Joseph , married California Stone ; he is a minister of the Methodist Episcopal church, and yet survives. 6, Mary , married Samuel Cottom , a farmer of Westmoreland county . 7, Jennie , resides in Scottdale , unmarried.

To the union of John and Nancy there were born three sons and one daughter, namely: Samuel W., Joseph, Elizabeth, and Frank.There is also a grave for Emons Bryan 1877-1895 s/o John in the Bryan Cemetary near Dawson.

Rev. Samuel Walls Bryan, son of John, was born about the year 1866, near Dawson, Fayette Co., Pa. Samuel's mother died when he was quite young, just entering his teens, and he for a time made his home with his grandmother Bryan on the farm. The writer recollects with pleasure the time he spent, part of a summer and fall or winter, with Samuel on the farm. Grandmother and her two daughters, who were with her after grandfather died, made us feel very happy together. We were given good books and magazines to read of an evening, family worship never being neglected. Samuel came under the influence of his pious grandmother, and as he grew older and could begin to see life opening before him he felt the urge of following the course of righteousness and he decided that course would be best served in the ministry.

Samuel realized that to be a minister of the Gospel, he would have to spend many years in preparation. He had at that time only the education he got in the country school, and very meager at that. But Samuel had made up his mind to be a minister of the Gospel, and thru his own efforts and those of friends and his grandmother, he made his plans. The Methodist Church provides for a course of training at home for those who are not able to take the course in an accredited institution, and thru the local minister and by the help of friends and relatives, Samuel enrolled in the home course. After years of study, seven years I believe, he qualified and was ordained a minister of the M.E. Church. Samuel was allowed all the preliminary Gospel work he could do, by his local minister, and often officiated as a supply while he was pursuing his studies. He acquired a pleasing delivery, and short sermons, without too many of the trimmings, appeared to Samuel to be the most effective way of inculcating the doctrine of Christ. No important work was neglected. If there was a fire to be built, he built it; a room to be swept, he or his wife or his children did it: if a man or woman wanted either temporal or spiritual help, they always found a friend in Samuel and his family.

Samuel had the pleasure of being assigned to the district in which the Bryan Church is an appointment and the Wesley Chapel, also an appointment, where the writer's mother and her father and mother and brothers and sisters were communicants. He held six or more very important pastorates during his active work in the Church. He has been retired on account of age, but in recent years has acted as a supply and on his own special occasions. His present address is Vanderbilt, Fayette Co., Pa. I hear that his health is not so good, he being subject to lumbago.

The Daily Courier (Connellsville, Pennsylvania) February, 15 1939 had a notice of a funeral where Sam

Some time in the early nineties (time assumed), Samuel met and married Miss Harriet Moorhead, daughter of Mr. A and Catherine Moorehead of Layton, Pa. Catherine was a Miss Hough before her marriage. Aparently, Harriet's parents divorced, and her mother later married a Bryan. Some said there was no relation, others said he was a relation.

To this union of Samuel and Harriet there were seven children born, namely: Charles Henry, Stella W., Grace C., George Foster, Roberta Ruth, John Wesley, and William Jennings.
Picture from left to right: Ruth, Foster,Samuel, William, Harriet, Grace, John, Charles, Stella Bryan. Note: Stella Ruth, and Grace all taught school for a while.

Charles Henry Bryan, son of Samuel W., married a Miss Grace Scaner of Madison, Pa. (Likely one of Rev. Samuel's appointments). To them were born Helen Louise, Elenor May, Mildred Lucille or Lucile, Sidney Milton, Wilda Audra, and twins who died in infancy, The family address is Latrobe, Pa., R.F.D. Charles was a successful business man, operating a keystone store. Unfortunately, he lost his business and his family because of drink. He is described as "a wonderful man, with one weakness". He was aparently very charming and well loved when sober, not welcome in his children's lives when not sober. It is said that he would take off from his family when drinking. His wife, Grace eventually divorced him. In his later years, he would stay for brief periods at the run down farn of his bachelor Uncles, Joseph and Frankie Bryan. He is buried in Cochran Cemetary.

Stella W. Bryan, daughter of Rev. Samuel, met and married one Curte Collins of Vanderbilt, Pa., July 3, 1936. To this union a daughter Winena Ruth was born in 1938. Another daughter, Patty Ann was born. This marriage was the second one for Mr. Collins, his first wife having died some years before 1936. The writer and Mr. Collins were members of a male quartet in the village in 1896 Mr. Collins still is interested in singing and is frequently called upon to direct choral work for social and religious occasions. He is a leading business man of his village. Stella passed in 1969 or 1970.

Grace C. Bryan, (1906-1977) daughter of Rev. Samuel, met and married one Robert Polleck, son of Fred and Mrs. Polleck of Clairton, Pa. (Clairton is likely another of Rev. Samuel's appointments, as well as is Vanderbilt, Pa.) To this union a son named Robert "Bob" Bryan Polleck was born. There may have been further issue. Grace was known as very attractive, a bon vivant, and a talented pianist. Her son, "Bob" Polleck had a daughter whom he was unfortunately estranged from. He passed from cancer in 1996.

Grace and her husband, Robert divorced. She later remarried a Mr. Jablonski who was of a different faith. Mr. Jablonski did not want children, and when Grace became pregnant, they decided to give the child up for an adoption to a good Jewish home. A son, raised as John F. Critz was born in 1947. Soon after, Grace and Mr. Joblonski divorced while living in California. Their son John, has two daughters Kimberly and Ellen. Grace passed in 1977, and rests in Cochran Cemetary.

George Foster Bryan born: 11/20/1900; died April 1990, son of Rev. Samuel, married Miss Grace C. Collins born 3/19/06; died Oct 1996, daughter of Curte Collins of Vanderbilt, Pa. Mr. Collins' daughter of his first marriage. To this union was born a son named Foster Curtis Bryan. There may have been further issue.

Update on Children:
Foster Curtis Bryan - born 27 May 1935 married Elenor Clingan Nov 1960 Retired Federal Employee
Three children:
Foster Curtis Bryan II - born 11/5/61. Foster Curtis Bryan II married Lynda Gaye Denney and they have two sons: Foster Curtis Bryan III (Trey) born 7/8/91 Matthew J. Bryan - born 3/14/95
Lynn Ann Bryan - born 12/11/62
Jeffrey C. Bryan - born 12/18/65

Ralph Marlin Bryan - born 1/20/40 - commercial Photographer living in Doraville, GA Married to Alice (Don't have her maiden name)
Daughter: Kahri Bryan (adopted)

James Alan Bryan - born 3/13/42 - retired Federal Employee - resides in Columbia, MD Married Barbara M. McKnab 8/21/64 Two Children: Robert J. Bryan - born 4/27/70 Nancy M. Bryan - born 4/12/72

---Submitted by James Bryan 3/5/98

Roberta Ruth Bryan, daughter of Rev. Samuel, married William Neil Murphy, son of George and Mrs. Murphy of Perryopolis, Pa., (An appointment of Rev. Samuel).

Mr. and Mrs. Murphy own and operate an gas service station and garage on a busy thoroughfare about three miles from Fayette City, Pa., where they also have their residence and a small park in which the Bryan reunion is held each year in the month of August, or sometimes in July. All members of the Bryan Family, near or distant relationship, are invited to write Mrs. Murphy for information, enclosing stamp for a reply. Her address is Perropolis, Pa., RED. To the union of Ruth Bryan and William Murphy was a son named George Samuel Murphy. There may have been further issue.

I am the grandson of Samuel Walls Bryan (a Methodist preacher) and Harriet Morehead Bryan, his wife. Samuel and Harriet had seven children: Charles Wesley, George Foster (James Bryans father), Stella Winona, Roberta Ruth (my mother who is 95 and still living), Grace (John Critz's mother), John Wesley, and William Jennings (who just died last week at age 80).

I am a Senior Program Manager for the US Navy Test Range on Andros Island in the Bahamas. I was born in Perryopolis, Pennsylvania in 1932 (I am 65). We moved to the Everglades of Florida in 1945 . I graduated from the US Naval Academy at Annapolis (where I met my wife, Rosemary) in 1957, and spent many years in the navy, most of them in submarines (diesel and nuclear).

I was once the president of the Murphy family reunion and did a lot of research on our family tree. Henry Murphy and Susannah, his wife arrived in New Jersey about 1765 and finally settled in western Pennsylvania between the forks of the Monongehela and Yougheny rivers around 1770. They had 12 children. The last of the two family log homes burned to the ground the summer that I was researching the history. I have a piece of the log from the original log home. I also found the familty cemetary in a copse of woods in a bull pasture on a local farm. The owner was kind enough to put barbed wire around the outer trees to protect the graves. The tombstones were all lying flat in the mud and undergrowth. I was able to stand them up, wash them off and photograph them. The photos are still part of a large display used at the Murphy family reunion near Cleveland, Ohio where nearly all the descendents moved to escape the economy of western Pennsylvaina.

My Dad's name was William Neil Murphy, He was born on 2 May , 1893 on a farm near Grindstone, Pennsylvania (Fayette County, not far from Uniontown, the County Seat). He was a: Blacksmith, carpenter, machinist (Westinghouse) , licensed steam engineer, (mines) railroad engineer (P&LE), heavy equipment operator and maintenance engineer, certified welder (all metals), entrepreneur (owned his own business), auto mechanic (assembled Ford trucks/autos& tractors for a Ford Dealer in Brownsville, PA), and repaired the same, and finally a Millwright. With this incredible storehouse of knowledge, skill, and experienced, he was always embarrassed that he only went to eight years of formal schooling.

Rosemary and I have three daughters (Mary Anne McDaniel, divorced, with 3 children: Olivia, Elizabeth, and Robert / Melinda Suzanne Graham, married with 3 children: Caroline, Catherine, and William) and Molly Kathleen, a single businesswoman). They all live in Florida.

---Submitted by George S. Murphy 2/12/98

John Wesley Bryan, son of Rev. Samuel, married Miss Kay Henseaker of Masontown, Pa. To them was born a daughter named Myrna Lee Bryan, there may have been other issue. Their address is Vanderbilt, Pa.

John and Kay divorced, John later remarried Marrion Feathers. They had a son John "Jack" Bryan who's last known address was Florida.

William Jennings Bryan, son of Rev. Samuel, was not married in 1933, but some information would indicate that since then he had married a Miss Margaret Willy of Layton, Pa. No other information available. "Bill" indeed married Margaret Willy in 1938. Together, they had a son, Samuel Willy Bryan, born in 1944. Sam and his wife Anna, have a daughter Gretchen Bryan who was born in 1971.

"Uncle Bill" (William Jennings Bryan) was born November 11, 1913, and died on 30 January, 1998. He worked on the railroad and in the IRVIN Plant steel mills of the Monogohela Valley. He retired from the latter. His son Samuel Bryan and his family live in Ohio.
--Submitted by George S. Murphy 3/23/98

If errors have been inserted in this report, they can be corrected by the family on a separate sheet and attach it to this document.

Rev. Samuel Bryan and his wife planned to have all their children secure a good education and to cultivate thrift in after life on leaving home. The girls of the family are all supposed to be graduates of the state normal college at California, Pa. I believe all the girls taught school for several years, prior to their marriage. As to the boys I could not say that they took a normal course, but it is evident that each of them had a high school education or better.

Reverend Samuel married four of his children, Stella, Foster, Ruth, and William. He is very fondly remembered as a kind man and wonderful Preacher in 1998. Samuel died in 1943 from Pnemonia. He had been frail for some time. He is buried with his wife Harriet in Cochran Cemetary.

Joseph Bryan, son of John W., is not married. He lives with his brother Frank, who is also not married, on a 70 acre farm about four miles from Scottdale, Pa., address is Ruffsdale, Pa., RED. About 30 years ago (time assumed) Joseph and Frank decided to settle down together on a farm of their own. They had no money to make a down payment, but the seller knew of their honest reputation and let them have possession without it. Within five years or thereabouts the two brothers had made enough from the sale of berries and garden truck to pay for the farm in full. The virgin woodland if sold could more than pay for another farm like it. Each year the brothers market their crops in the nearby villages, and when winter comes they employ their leisure hours reading and a few necessary farm jobs. Both brothers are in their late sixties, Frank being younger by two or three years. (Data as of 1938)

Frank and Joseph were very successful "Truck Farmers". They sold great produce from their Huckster's Wagon. At some point, Joseph won a car, but they never had a licence so it never "hit the road". They were known within the family for using the phrase "Queer as Poor Jobe's Turkey".

Later in life, Frank and Joseph experienced poverty. Their sister Lizzy lived with them briefly after the death of her husband. Their nephew Charlie would help them out from time to time. Frank and Joseph are both buried at the Bryan M.E. Church in Dawson. Joseph does not have a stone.

Elizabeth Bryan, daughter of John W., met and married one Edward Kenny, presumably of Scottdale, Pa., who died not long after his marriage. There was no issue.

Elizabeth, known as Lizzie to her friends, married a second time, to one M. Assa Strickler of, perhaps, Scottdale address. The writer's mother was a Strickler before her marriage. Assa may be of a distant family among the cousins of my grandparents.

I have no dates of birth of any of John's family and cannot say whether Lizzie is older than Joseph or not. She is older than Frank at least. There is a notation that would indicate that there was issue of the second marriage, the birth of a daughter named Emma J. Strickler. Lizzie's address is not given, but she could be reached by addressing Vanderbilt, Pa., care of Rev. S. W. Bryan or care of Curte Collins.

Assa was an accomplished and entertaining piano player. He died before Lizzy. After her father passed, Lizzy eventually went to live with her mother.