Jesse Bryant

Jesse Bryant lived from 1773 to 1844, he was born in Northumberland County. He was the son of Jonathan Bryant, his mother is known only by her first name, Elizabeth. Jesse owned land in Northumberland and Richmond Counties. He appears to have married Melia Ashburn in in 1793 and Ann Self Hale in 1797. No children are known from those first marriages. He married finally Barbary (or Barbara) White on May 20th, 1811 in Northumberland County, VA. They had at least four children, three sons and a daughter.

Jesse served in the War of 1812 as a private in the 37th Regiment of the Virginia Militia. The Northern Neck endured frequent British raids during the war, specific engagements are unknown but his company was likely called on to protect the county. Jesse's father died in 1815. In his will he left one dollar to Jesse.

The 1830 census shows the Jesse Bryant family in Northumberland County. Three white males 10-14, 1 white male 15-19, 1 white male 50-59, 1 female 5-9, 1 female 15-19 and 1 female 40-49 are listed.

Court records for Jesse Bryant show real estate transactions and the recording of his will:

Northumberland Record Book #13, pg 441, DEED dated 01 Dec 1809, rec'd 08 Dec 1811, shows Jesse BRYANT buying 50+/- acres, bordering on the property of Moses HALE et al, from Lucy DOUGLAS et al., for 55 £pounds. wits:Leroy LUTTRELL, James HALE, Moses HALE & John BRYANT.

DEED dated 19 MAY 1837 - Wm., Eliz. Ann and Isaac Sydnor SAUDERS to Jesse BRYANT, in consideration for $400.00, a tract of land in Richmond County called Sydnors, containing 187 +/- acres. Bounded by the lands of Matthew HARRISON, Mr. LEWIS, the Horsehead land and in the fork of the Totuskey.

LW&T written 05 Jun 1844 and probated 03 Mar 1845, mentions sons Hiram, George, Reuben; daughter Nancy Jenkins; wife Barbara.

Jesse left specific parcels of land to Hiram, George and Nancy. He designated any remaining land to his wife Barbara until her death and then to Reuben. He also stated that upon his wife's death that their daughter Nancy should have first choice of any beds or furniture and that Reuben would have second choice.