My Genealogy Hound

FRANKLIN H. BRYANT, an extensive farmer and stock-raiser of Chesterfield, Mass., was born in this town March 9, 1842, son of Holly and Elmira (House) Bryant, both natives of Chesterfield. Holly Bryant was born on December 18, 1798, in the house where his son now lives. He was a well-to-do farmer and passed his life on the estate, dying March 3, 1856. His wife, who was born February 18, 1804, died June 10, 1889, her last days being spent with her son, the subject of this sketch. Mr. and Mrs. Holly Bryant were the parents of nine children, namely: Emily, born December 6, 1826, who married Woodbridge Clapp, and died February 15, 1869, having been the mother of six children, all now deceased; Levi, born April 2, 1828, who married Julia Baker, and lives near his brother Franklin H.; Ellen E., born October 9, 1829, who married William Allen, and died October 30, 1858; Zeruah, born July 12, 1831, wife of George Rice, a resident of Minnesota, who has three children — George, Willie, and Mary; Samuel W., born April 5, 1833, who died December 5, 1844; Austin G., born March 1, 1835, who died August 10, 1859; Philetus, born January 30, 1837, who died November 24, 1865, leaving a widow, now living in Chesterfield; Henry, born July 29, 1839, who died November 2, 1849; and Franklin H., our subject.

Although Franklin H. Bryant was but fourteen years of age when his father died, he soon assumed a man’s responsibilities, aiding materially about the farm and helping his brother until his majority. He then moved to another farm, where he was profitably engaged in agricultural pursuits till the death of his brother, when he returned to the parental roof and for two years was engaged in tilling the home fields. He then took charge of the whole estate, which comprises eight hundred acres, about two hundred being under cultivation, and is now the owner of the property. He carries on general farming on an extensive scale, and raises some fine stock. Diligent, energetic, and thrifty, he has made many improvements on the farm and has richly earned the prosperity he enjoys.

On December 1, 1864, Mr. Bryant was married to Annette W., daughter of Daniel C. and Mary Ann (Wilder) Baker. Mrs. Bryant was born in Chesterfield, December 1, 1842. Mr. Baker was a native of Chesterfield, and here spent his life, engaged in farming. His wife was born in Cherry Valley, N.Y., and became a resident of Pittsfield when quite young. Both are now deceased. Mr. and Mrs. Bryant have three adopted children, namely: Frederick Allen, born July 12, 1871, who married Alice Flagg, of Connecticut, and resides near Mr. Bryant; William Francis, born January 15, 1878; and Fannie M., born May 15, 1881, both of whom reside with their foster-parents. Mr. Bryant has given his children the best of educational advantages, sending them to the best schools in the county.

In politics Mr. Bryant is a stanch adherent of the Republican party. He served as Selectman five years, and has also been Assessor and Overseer of the Poor. He is one of the leading citizens of Chesterfield, and has a very pleasant home, his dwelling, which is roomy and substantial, suiting well the ample grounds which surround it, and well expressing the owner’s large-hearted hospitality. The accompanying portrait* of Mr. Bryant will be recognized and appreciated by many friends and acquaintances.

*Editor's note: Portrait was included in the original printed book.