Mary Ann Thrift

She married Reuben Alexander Bryant on December 18th, 1845 in Richmond County (bond December 16th). They were married by E.L. Williams, bondsman was Benjamin Tucker and witnesses were Thomas B. Derrick and George R. Thrift (Mary Ann's father).

The 1850 census shows the family in the Farnham Parish area of Richmond County. Mary Ann is shown as being born in Richmond county and not being able to read or write. Reuben is a farmer with real estate valued at $1,000. The census form states that he was born in Northumberland County and also cannot read or write. Nine month old Elizabeth A. Bryant is recorded on the census form as being born in Richmond County. Also living with them is Reuben's mother Barbara (or Barbary), age 66, born in Richmond County, unable to read or write and George Thrift, age 14, who might have been a younger brother of Mary Ann.

In 1860 the family is still in Richmond County, the nearest post office appears to be Stony Hill. Reuben is still listed as a farmer with real estate valued at $1,000 and personal property valued at $100. Mary Ann's age is given as 28, Elizabeth is 10, Mary C. is 9, Isbella is 6, George H is 5 and Philip R. is 3. Also living with them is twenty year old Elizabeth Hamp, her occupation is given as domestic.

Reuben served as Confederate Calvary in the Civil War and was later part of the home guard. At one point Union soldiers came to their house, tore down the fence and captured Reuben. He was able to survive and eventually return home.

On the 1870 census the family is still in Richmond County and now the nearest post office is Warsaw. Their farm is now only valued at $300. Reuben is still a farmer and listed with him are Mary A. age 43, Mary C. age 18, Harriet age 16, George H. age 14, Philip R. age 11, Willie A. age 9, Columbus age 7, Northam age 5, and Braxton age 2.

On the 1880 census Reuben gave his age as 62. He is still marked as being a farmer and is noted as being able to read but not write. Mary Ann's age is given as 51 but she is no longer marked as not being able to read or write. George, Willie B. Columbus and Northam are the only children listed.

Reuben died in 1882. He was buried behind the Bryant Home-place. Mary Ann died February 2nd, 1890 and was buried with him. Their grave markers were added at a later date.