Bryansite - Jonathan Bryan - Bryan County, Georgia

Jonathan Bryan, son of Joseph, married 1737 Mary Williamson, dau of John Williamson & Mary Bower

Jonathan Bryan was born in Pocotaligo, South Carolina on 12 Sep 1708, the youngest son of Joseph Bryan, an early colonist of South Carolina. His first contact with Georgia came when James Oglethorpe and the first settlers arrived at Port Royal in early Feb 1733. In 1734, Jonathan owned Walnut Hill Plantation, located near Yemassee, South Carolina, near his father's plantation, "Providence".

In 1737, Jonathan married Mary Williamson, daughter of John Williamson & Mary Bower. He and Mary had three sons, Wm, Josiah & Hugh, and one daughter, Hannah. (If there were others, they died young)

Wm Bryan born after 1737, (died aft 1790), named in his father's & brother Joshia's wills
Josiah Bryan born 22 Aug 1746, Walnut Hill, Pocotaligo River, Beaufort Co, South Carolina. He died 28 Nov 1774 near Savannah, GA. Josiah married Elizabeth Pendarvis (1755-1804). Elizabeth was the daughter of Josiah Pendarvis & Mary Bedon. She died in Wilminton Island, Chatham Co, Georgia on 04 Apr 1804. "Josiah, son of Jonathan Bryan, Esq, died at his father's plantation" - appeared 21 Dec 1774 in the Georgia Gazette - Savannah, GA. Josiah & Elizabeth had one son, Joseph - named in his father's will.
Hugh Bryan (died aft Nov 1774), named in his brother Joshia's Last Will & Testament.
Hannah Bryan 1750 (died aft Nov 1774), named in her brother Joshia's Last Will & Testament.

In 1740, he returned to Georgia as an officer in a South Carolina militia unit that accompanied Oglethorpe's unsuccessful military expedition against the Spanish fort in St. Augustine. In 1751, Jonathan received a land grant in Georgia and moved to the colony, where he began building his rice plantation in the Savannah area. Jonathan's Brampton Plantation, one of the most productive rice plantations in the community, was near Savannah on the Savannah River, but he also had plantation holdings elsewhere in the county. His Bryan's Cowpen further up the Ogeechee River was a landmark of its day in describing Royal Grants. He was a friend of John and Charles Wesley, who founded Methodism in Georgia and James Whitfield, who founded Bethesda, the first orphanage in America.

In 1754, Jonathan Bryan was asked to serve on the governor's council when Georgia became a "royal colony". He was appointed public colonial treasurer of the province in May 1755 and held this post until 03 Apr 1756, when he resigned. He was a member of the Council of Safety, the Convention and State Congress.

In 1765 Jonathan Bryan, came into the possession of a slave named Andrew, who took the surname Bryan. During the 1780’s Brampton became the center of an evangelical movement that led to the organization of the first Negro Baptist Church in North America. Later the slave-born, Andrew, would become pastor of the first Negro Baptist Church in North America.

In 1778, all public records of the province were placed in his safe keeping at his home at the Union. He also served as a justice of the general court, road commissioner, and captain of a militia unit. After the Stamp Act, however, Jonathan became associated with the patriotic movement. During the American Revolution, he was captured by the British and imprisoned for two years. Upon his release, Jonathan found that his wife had died and his Georgia plantations were in ruin. After the war, he regained his wealth.

Jonathan Bryan died 12 Mar 1788, near Savannah, his Last Will & Testament having been written 15 Dec 1783. Five years after his death the General Assembly created Bryan County, named in his honor. His death was noted in the Georgia Gazette: “the Hon. Jonathan Bryan, Esq.....On Sunday last (09 Mar 1788) died at this place (at his plantation), near Savannah, in the eightieth (80) year of his age. He had resided in Georgia for fifty (50) years - Revolutionary soldier” - appeared 13 Mar 1788 in the Georgia Gazette - Savannah, GA.

Jonathan's father, Joseph Bryan was reportedly born in England. His mother, Janet Cochran died 1708, which marks the year Jonathan was born.

In 1680, Joseph Bryan, along with a small group of Englishmen, landed at Port Royal, South Carolina. He and his wife reportedly had four children, with Jonathan born 1708 being the youngest. Joseph Bryan’s plantation, Providence, was located near Yemassee, South Carolina. Next to Providence was Walnut Hill Plantation settled by his son, Jonathan, in 1734. Joseph's death date is unknown to me at this time.

In 1790, Wm Bryan son and heir of Jonathan Bryan sold Andrew Bryan (former Negro slave of his father) his freedom for fifty pounds sterling, “acknowledging also the faithful services of my Negro fellow Andrew... give and grant the said Negro fellow Andrew his full and absolute manumission.” (Chatham County Record, Book G, 1789-90.)

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In 1716, on a slave plantation near Goose Creek, South Carolina, eight years after the birth of Jonathan Bryan, Andrew, son of an “African Negro” by the name of Caesar, was born. Sometime around or before 1765, Andrew became the property of Jonathan Bryan. In 1765, he was moved to Jonathan's Brampton Plantation located three miles west of Savannah, Georgia. In 1775, Jonathan Bryan gave Andrew the use of a barn to use as a church and in 1788, Reverend Abraham Marshall ordained Andrew and, with 45 newly baptized people, a church was formed with Andrew as its pastor.

Jonathan Bryan's Brampton Plantation became the center of an evangelical movement that led to the organization of the first Negro Baptist Church in North America. This movement progressed, “not in the colonial house where eminent men probably met, but in the fields, barns, and huts that the slaves called home.”

Jonathan died in 1788 without seeing the completion of Andrew’s work . When Jonathan’s Last Will & Testament was written on 15 Dec 1783, it listed Andrew’s value at sixty (60) pounds sterling and Andrew’s Hannah, at thirty-five (35) pounds sterling. Two years later, in 1790, Andrew was able to purchase his freedom from Wm Bryan, son and heir of Jonathan, for fifty (50) pounds sterling - “acknowledging also the faithful services of my Negro fellow Andrew... give and grant the said Negro fellow Andrew his full and absolute manumission.” (Chatham County Record, Book G, 1789-90). Andrew Bryan died on 06 Oct 1812, at the age of 96. He was buried in Laurel Grove Cemetery.

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Andrew (1716-1812)	slave of Jonathan, I & pastor of the first Negro Baptist Church
Bryan, Agnes (Miss) (died 1775)	died in Christ Church Parish, same place Josiah, I lived
Bryan, Delia (died 1827)	widow of Joseph Bryan, Esq. of Wilmington Island, GA
Bryan, Hannah	dau of Jonathan, I
Bryan, Hugh	son of Jonathan, I
Bryan, Jonathan, I (1708-1788)	son of Joseph
Bryan, Joseph, I	father of Jonathan, I
Bryan, Joseph, II (1773-1812)	only child of Josiah, I
Bryan, Josiah (1746-1774)	son of Jonathan, I
Bryan, Wm (aft 1737)	son of Jonathan, I

Bedon, Mary	mother of Elizabeth, wife of Josiah, I
Bower, Mary (Williamson - Bryan)	mother-in-law of Jonathan, I & widow of unknown Bryan
Cochran, Janet (died 1708)	wife of Joseph, I & m/o Jonathan, I
Cuthbert, Ann (Williamson)	sister-in-law of Jonathan, I - sister of Mary Williamson Bryan
Cuthbert, James (Dr)	bro-in-law of Jonathan, I & h/o Ann Williamson
Dawson, Mary (widow Bryan)	mother of Agnes Bryan (spinster)
Hayne, Isaac	nephew of Mary Williamson Bryan, wife of Jonathan, I
Pendarvis, Elizabeth (1755-1804)	wife of Josiah, I
Pendarvis, Josiah	father of Elizabeth, wife of Josiah Bryan
Pillans, Mary	w/o Dr. Wm Pillans & niece of Mary W'son Bryan, w/o Jonathan, I
Pillans, Wm (Dr)	h/o Mary - niece of Mary Williamson Bryan, w/o Jonathan, I
Smith, Elizabeth (Williamson)	sister-in-law of Jonathan, I - sister of Mary Williamson Bryan
Smith, John (Esq)	bro-in-law of Jonathan, I & h/o Elizabeth Williamson
Williamson, John	father-in-law Jonathan, I & father of Mary Williamson
Williamson, John	bro-in-law of Jonathan, I & sister of Mary Williamson Bryan
Williamson, Mary	wife of Jonathan, I
Williamson, Mary	niece of Mary Williamson Bryan, wife of Jonathan, I
Williamson, Wm Henry	nephew of Mary Williamson Bryan, wife of Jonathan, I

Misc. Marriages & Deaths of Early Georgia 1763-1820

Miss Agnes Bryan died 22 Nov 1775 - appeared 29 Nov 1775 in the Georgia Gazette - Savannah, GA.
"the Hon. Jonathan Bryan, Esq.....On Sunday last (09 Mar 1788) died at this place (at his plantation), near Savannah, in the eightieth (80) year of his age. He had resided in Georgia for fifty (50) years - Revolutionary soldier” - appeared 13 Mar 1788 in the Georgia Gazette - Savannah, GA.
Joseph Bryan, Esq (son of Josiah) 39 years, died 05 Sep 1812 at his plantation on Wilmington Island - appeared 17 Sep 1812 in the Augusta Herald - Augusta, GA (see will)
"Josiah, son of Jonathan Bryan, Esq, died at his father's plantation" - appeared 21 Dec 1774 in the Georgia Gazette - Savannah, GA. (see will)
Mrs. Mary (Bower) Bryan, Senior died 65 years, native of South Carolina. She was the mother of 7 children, 23 grandchildren - died 27 May 1766 - appeared 28 May 1766in the Georgia Gazette - Savannah, GA. (see will)
Wm Bryan, Esq. no dates - appeared 30 Oct 1794 in the Georgia Gazette - Savannah, GA. (see will) Could this be Wm, son of Jonathan (1708-1788)?

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Agnes Bryan, Christ Church Parish, spinster, dec'd 25 Oct 1775. Exors to sell a tract of land containing 618 and 1/4 acres in Christ Church Parish to pay debts and funeral expenses. Leaves to her mother, Mrs. Mary Dawson, remainder of estate, real and personal property to have and hold the rest of her life. Upon Mrs. Dawson's death, the estate is to be equally divided between Mrs. Dawson's children, Richard and Sarah Hatcher Dawson. Exors: mother, Mrs. Mary Dawson, Basil Cowper, Joseph Gibbons. Witnesses: Anne (Williamson) Cuthbert (sister-in-law of Jonathan Bryan), Wm Houston & Benjamin Loyd.

Proven 18 Dec 1775 - Recorded 12 Dec 1776 - WBAA pp 267-269
taken from "Abstracts of Colonial Wills in Georgia 1773-1777"

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Josiah Bryan, Christ Church Parish, Gentleman. To my wife, Elizabeth (Pendarvis), 1/4 of all Negroes, moneys, goods, chattels, other personal estate; use of land containing 450 acres known by the name of Dew's tract on Wilmington Island in Christ Church Parish. To my son, Joseph, (note died 1812) the remaining 3/4s of all my Negroes, possession of plantations an other lands, which he is to receive from his guardian (brother Wm) when he becomes twenty-one (21) years old. If my son dies without lawful heirs, the lands to be sold, profits to be equally divided among my brothers, Hugh and Wm and my sister, Hannah. To my Father and Mother, a suit of mourning each. Also a suit of mourning to my brothers and sister. To my Aunt, Mrs. Elizabeth (Bryan) Smith (wife of John Smith, Esq), a gold mourning ring. To Negro slave, Peter, "in consideration of the many faithful services performed me," I give him his freedom forever. The remainder of my estate to my son, Joseph.

The will also mentions, Edward Telfair, Esq and Wm Gibbons (to be guardians of son, Joseph, if previously appointed guardian, Wm Bryan, dies) .. Exors: Wm Bryan (brother), Wm Gibbons of Savannah, merchant. Witnesses, James Robertson, James Adair & Ruthey Jones.

Codicil to will (28 Nov 1774):
To Anne Cuthbert, a gold mourning ring. To James Robertson, of Savannah, a suit of mourning. Witnesses, James Adair, Ruthey Jones. - WBAA pp 110-113

Died 28 Nov 1774 - Will proven 23 Dec 1774
taken from "Abstracts of Colonial Wills in Georgia 1773-1777"

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Mary (Bower) Bryan (widow of John Williamson & unknown Bryan) - Savannah, widow. To my daughter, Mary, wife of Jonathan Bryan, tract of land at Ogechee and my slave named Peter. To my daughter, Elizabeth Smith, wife of John Smith, Esq., the house and lot in Savannah wheron I now live, household furniture, wearing apparel, slaves named Isaac, Charles, Old George, Young George, Lucy and her daughter, Magdaline and her son, Luke. To the children of my deceased son, John Williamson, slaves named Abraham, Billy, Tamarlane, Sue and her son, Charles, and her daughter, Peggy, Winter; six silver spoons. Slaves are to remain in the hands of the exors until the children become eighteen (18). At that time they are to be equally divided. To my daughter, Ann Cuthbert, wife of Dr. James Cuthbert, 10 pounds Sterling. To my grandson, Wm Henry Williamson, lat at Yamacraw. To my granddaughter, Mary Williamson, 114 pounds, 5 shillings and 8 pence Sterling, to be paid to her when she becomes eighteen (18). Meanwhile the sum is to be placed at interest.

Also named were Grandchildren: Isaac Hayne and Mary, the wife of Dr. Wm Pillans, 10 punds Sterling. To Exors: 50 pounds Sterling to be placed "as they may think most proper toward the support of the Independent Meeting House in Savannah. Remainder of the personal estate to be equally divided among the children of my deceased son, John Williamson and the children of my daughter, Elizabeth Smith. Exors: John Smith, Esq (son-in-law), Magdalen Williamson (dau-in-law), Joseph Clay. Witnesses: J.J. Zubly, Noble Wimberly Jones & Matthew Anderson

died 14 May 1776 - proven 27 Jun 1776 - Recorded 27 Jun 1776 - WBA pages 145-148

taken from "Abstracts of Colonial Wills in Georgia 1773-1777"

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Is the slave Peter, named in Josiah's will the same Peter willed to his mother, Mary, by his grandmother?

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Mrs Delia Bryan, widow of Joseph Bryan, Esq of Wilmington Island, GA died at her Maryland (estate?). She left 2 daus & 3 sons appeared DG 07 Jan 1826 & GR 07 Feb 1827

Is this the mother or daughter-in-law of Jonathan?

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1793 - Bryan County, Georgia was created by Georgia Legislature Act of 19 Dec 1793. Parts of Bryan County were taken from Chatham (1777), Effingham (1777) & Liberty (1777) Counties, respectively; Montgomery County created from the Coastal Plain portion of Washington County along the Oconee and Altamaha Rivers. Bryan County was physically divided when the U.S. Army acquired some of its land for what is now Ft. Stewart.

Bryan County was divided in 1796 to form Bulloch County and again with Montgomery County in 1812, to form Emanuel County.

Bryan County, Georgia was named for Jonathan Bryan, (1708-1788). He was a Revolutionary patriot and a member of the Executive Council.

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Bryan County, Georgia	named in honor of Jonathan Bryan, I (1793)
Bryan's Cowpen, GA	on the Ogeechee River, GA
Brampton Plantation, GA	Jonathan I's GA rice plantation - near Savannah

Pocotaligo, SC	birthplace of Jonathan, I (1708-1788)
Port Royal, SC	arrival (1680) place of Joseph, I from England
Providence, Yemassee, SC	Joseph, I's plantation

Walnut Hill, near Yemassee, SC Pocotaligo River, Beaufort Co, SC	Jonathan, I's SC plantation
Wilminton Island, Chatham Co, GA	Josiah, I's plantation in Christ Church Parish