My Genealogy Hound

John H. Bryson, a successful farmer and prominent citizen of Redland Township, Nevada County, owes his nativity to Mississippi, born in Tippah County, December 11, 1852. His father, Robert H. Bryson, was born in Laurens District, N. C, and was married to Miss Eliza Swaggard, a native of Lexington District, S. C, and soon after moved to Oktibbeha County, Miss., remaining there one year, and then moving to Tippah County. Here they resided for seven years, and then came to Arkansas, first locating in Columbia County, near the Louisiana line, and two years later coming to this county, where they remained until their death, the father dying in 1865 at the age of forty years, and the mother in 1879 at the age of fifty years, respectively. Both Mr. and Mrs. Bryson were worthy church members, and took an active interest in religious work. Mr. Bryson was a Democrat. During the late war he served three years in the Confederate army. He was taken prisoner and confined at Rock Island, Ill., for nearly one year, when he was exchanged, and joined his company shortly before the surrender. He was the father of six children, all living, viz.: Patrick E. (a prominent farmer of this township), Levi S. (also a farmer of this township), John H. (the subject of this sketch), Sarah M. (wife of John Barr, a farmer of this township), Mary E. (wife of W.A. Curley, a farmer of this township), and Robert J. (also a farmer of this township). The subject of this sketch spent his youthful days in this county, attending school at Steele’s school house. When eighteen years of age he set out in life for himself by farming. He spent about eight months in Red River, Hill and Navarro Counties, Tex., and then returned to Arkansas, where he has ever since resided. Twelve years ago he located where he now lives. His first purchase was forty acres of land, to which he has since added, until he now owns (after selling nearly 100 acres a short time ago) 240 acres of as good land as there is in the county, about 100 of which are under an excellent state of cultivation. This he has accumulated entirely by his own industry and good management, as he started in life with nothing. He and his brother Patrick are the most extensive farmers in this part of Redland Township. August 31, 1870, he married Miss Nancy Ann Gibson, daughter of John Gibson, a native of this county, born in 1850. This union has resulted in the birth of eight children, but two of whom are now living, viz.: Mary M. and James W., both living at home. Mrs. Bryson is a worthy member of the Primitive Methodist Church. Socially Mr. Bryson is a member of the Wheel, politically a Democrat, and is one of the best citizens and substantial farmers of his section.