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Below is a family biography included in The History of Spencer County, Indiana published by Goodspeed, Bros. & Co. in 1885.  These biographies are valuable for genealogy research in discovering missing ancestors or filling in the details of a family tree. Family biographies often include far more information than can be found in a census record or obituary.  Details will vary with each biography but will often include the date and place of birth, parent names including mothers' maiden name, name of wife including maiden name, her parents' names, name of children (including spouses if married), former places of residence, occupation details, military service, church and social organization affiliations, and more.  There are often ancestry details included that cannot be found in any other type of genealogical record.

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DR. JAMES H. BRYANT, of Gentryville, was born in Daviess County, Ky., December 19, about the year 1825, and is one of three children, all living, born to Louis and Mary T. (Morris) Bryant, who were probably natives of the Old Dominion. The mother dying when our subject was about three years old, he was taken to his grandfather, Zachariah Bryant, with whom he remained until Mr. Bryant’s death. His early schooling was very limited, but in later years, by desultory reading he secured a good practical education. About 1830 his grandparents removed to Spencer County, Ind., settling in Grass Township, where they engaged in farming until their respective deaths. In 1847 James H. Bryant began life’s labors on his own responsibility, and in that year enlisted in Company E Fourth Regiment Indiana Infantry, for the Mexican war, serving until the close, and participating in all the movements of the company. Returning home he wedded Rebecca Brown in 1848, who died in 1851, leaving two children, Willis S. and Rebecca, both living and married. In 1852 he married for his second wife, Rachel Hesson, who has borne him five children, three yet living: Mary T., James B. and Jacob L. In 1851 our subject began the study of medicine, and in 1856-57 attended the Iowa University of Medicine, at Keokuk. He first began the practice of his profession at Huntingburgh, but in 1859 removed to Gentryville, which has since been his home. In 1861 he recruited Company H, of the Forty-second Indiana Infantry, of which he was made Captain, serving through the battles of Perryville and Stone River. In March, 1863, he was compelled to resign his commission by reason of disability, and returning home has since actively practiced his profession. In politics he has always been a Democrat, and, as the choice of his party, was elected in 1858 to the Indiana House of Representatives. He is a Master Mason and his wife belongs to the Christian Church.

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This family biography is one of 344 biographies included in The History of Spencer County, Indiana portion of the book: History of Warrick, Spencer and Perry Counties Indiana published in 1885 by Goodspeed, Bros. & Co.  For the complete description, click here: Spencer County, Indiana History and Genealogy

View additional Spencer County, Indiana family biographies here: Spencer County, Indiana Biographies

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