These research notes were contributed to the Webster County KYGenWeb page by Leah Chance 5 August 2002.

Thanks for the updates and the link to the 1850 Hopkins Co Census for Philip A. Bryant. My James Madison BRYANT moved to Lamar Co, Texas about 1854 with Peyton Harrison Bryant following him later.

The proof on the parentage (of Phillip Austin Bryant) is through my research at the Hopkins Co Courthouse by tracking through the land records and some guardianship records. I traced until the youngest child, Peyton Harrison BRYANT, sold his 1/6th interest in the land. ELISHA BRYANT had purchased 30 acres on Pond River, Hopkins Co, from Daniel H. SISK for $33.00 on 13 June 1836, (DEED BOOK &, pg 423). By 8 June 1846 George A. BRYANT is selling his 1/6th interest of 30 acres to Thomas G. Barfield (DEED BOOK 12, page 191). Therefore, the parents are deceased prior to 8 June 1846.

The 1850 Census has the children living with other people of Hopkins County. The other siblings were: Mary Ellizabeth, James Madison, Nancy Jane, Philip Austin, and Peyton Harrison. These children were selling their one-sixth interest in the land. At that time I didn't know the names of the husbands for the girls, therefore I didn't locate them selling their interest in the land.

In Oct 1997 while researching at Hopkins County, we searched for Guardian Bonds books for early 1846 but they were missing (Guardian Bonds #8). With the help of workers, we looked everywhere. Perhaps these records have now been found. We did find (Guardian Bonds , 1846-1852, page 2) Mary BRYANT was listed with Greenfield C. Williams appointed as her guardian. Court Minute Book #9, (1849-1852) 10 Feb 1851, page 232 listed James Madison BRYANT, being of proper age came into court and made choice of, and the court appointed, Noble MOUNTS his guardian for who thereupon appointed Daniel M. WHITE his security----in the penality of $100---according to law.

[Court Minute , I think] Book 10, page 6 listed Philip BRYANT to bound to V. H. ASHBY: ordered that the clerk of this court do bind Valentine H. ASHBY, farmer. Philip BRYAN, orphan of ELISHA BRYANT, deceased and that the ---clerk---in the indenture of apprenticeship. [The original name was Jesse ASHBY, Jr. but this was marked out and Valentine Ashby entered.]

I do not know if any of this information will help your website but I did want to indicate the primary sources utilized for naming the children and for the connection to ELISHA BRYANT as their father. I first used the census for 1840-1850 searching for this family beginning with my direct line, James Madison BRYANT and Philip Austin BRYANT. You have my permission to use any of this data in your website. I will also send it to Nancy in Hopkins County.

Thanks again.
Leah Chance
Hurst, Texas