My Genealogy Hound

JAMES B. BRYANT, M. D., one of the prominent physicians of the county, was born August 21, 1859. He is the second son of James H. and Rachel (Hesson) Bryant, natives respectively of Kentucky and Indiana. His father who is also a physician, came to Spencer County in 1833. It was only by the strictest economy and perseverance that he succeeded in procuring an education. In 1847 he was appointed Recorder of Spencer County by Gov. Whitcomb, vice W. V. Pierce resigned. He served only a few months when he also resigned the office, and enlisted in Company E, Fourth Indiana Volunteer Infantry, as a private, and served throughout the Mexican war. After the war, he returned home and resumed farming. In 1848 he was married, and in 1851 began the study of medicine with Dr. J. A. Stuart, and was a close student for two years. His means not being sufficient to support him, he followed other pursuits until he was able to enter the Iowa Medical College at Keokuk. In 1851 he located at Huntingburgh, and remained until 1859, when he removed to Gentryville. In 1861 he raised a company of volunteers for the Forty-second Indiana Volunteer Infantry. He led his company in several engagements, the principal ones being Perryville and Stone River. In March, 1863, on account of ill health he resigned his commission, and resumed the practice of his profession. In 1866 he was the Democratic candidate for State Senator, and in 1878 was elected to represent Warrick County in the Indiana Legislature. James B. Bryant received a good general education, having attended the Rockport High School for two years. He entered the teacher’s profession and taught two terms of school. He studied medicine with his father three years, after which he attended the Medical College at Evansville. He then practiced with his father for one year, and at Twin Falls, Kan., for about the same length of time. He returned and located at Santa Fe where he now has a good practice.