James Hamilton Bryan, son of James and Mary (nee Goodge) Bryan, was born May 13, 1838; died November 23, 1919, age 81 years, 7 months, 10 days; buried in the cemetery at Hutchinson, Reno County, Kansas, the city he spent his last years with his wife and children of the second marriage.

When the Civil War broke out in 1861 the government called for volunteers, and later enacted the draft law. James was drafted, but the folks at home on the farm needed his services and paid the government a sum of money to release James from military service. But in 1863, when John, his brother, returned from three years of military service, and farm work was arranged so that the folks could get along without him, he enlisted as a private in a Company B, 85th Regiment, 10th Corps, Pennsylvania Volunteers, History of 85th Regiment a company organizing near Uniontown, Pa. One Captain Diall was the company commander and Samuel Stevenson of Scottdale, Pa., was its second lieutenant (or 1st.) One Jacob Strawn (Possibly related to James Strawn.)was a member of his company, and after the war he is said to have gone to Illinois, where he practiced law.

After a year of soldiering James took and passed the examination for a commissioned officer and was recommended for a captaincy of a negro company in a negro regiment. His regimental commanding officer thought differently and refused to give up any more men from his already depleted forces. James often remarked that he was just as well satisfied for his rejection, as the rule of the southern army was to take no prisoners of a negro company (give "no quarter"), which meant that if captured all would be slain and likely the officers would meet the same fate. He felt that the decision of the colonel brought him back to his mother and father and to live to be a father himself.

James' company never participated in large battles, but was employed chiefly in accounting duty and in feeling out the strength of the enemy. Once, as James related to the writer, his company had met a strong enemy detachment and his company ordered to retreat. In doing so he leaped over a ditch and fell from the weight of a heavy load of ammunition and equipment he was carrying. He thought no more about his fall until the next morning, when the army physician told him he had sustained a serious rupture, a double hernia in the pelvic region. He was then taken from his company and assigned to general work in the army base hospital, where he remained until he was mustered out in 1865, having served a little less than two years as a soldier. His hernia bothered him a great deal at times thru life, but by wearing a special truss he was able to carry on and do a man's work. In his advancing years his rupture gave him much trouble and annoyance, but he cheerfully bore his infirmity without complaining.

85th Regiment Pennsylvania Volunteers Company B Recruited in Washington County

Bryan, James H.	Private	February 25, 1864	Discharged by General Order, May 22, 1865
Strawn, Jacob H.	Private	February 25, 1864	Wounded August 16, 1864; transferred to Company G, 188th Regiment P. V., June 28, 1865
Absalom S. Dial	1st Lt.	November 12, 1861	Promoted to 2d Lt., August 4, 1862; to 1st Lieut., December 4, 1862; wounded at Strawberry Plains, Va., August 16, 1864; mustered out with Company, November 22, 1864

Isaac Strickler and Catherine Heath Strickler, parents of Martha B. Strickler. The record of James' family Bible shows that he met and married a Miss Martha B. Strickler, (December 14, 1844 - May 3, 1881) daughter of Issac and Catherine Strickler, farmers near Scottdale, Pennsylvania. The marriage took place at the home of the bride's uncle and aunt, Josiah and Nancy Allenbaugh, at or near Masontown, Pa., (LDS shows Nasentown, Westmoreland, Pa as place of marriage.) the Rev. Joseph I. Carver officiating, October 18, 1866.

Shortly after their marriage, James and Martha gathered a few things together and went to housekeeping in a small log cabin at Stonersville (now Alvertone), Pa., where James had agreed to get out some logs for rails or for a sawmill. Stonersville consisted of only a few houses and a store, perhaps a blacksmith shop, and was about six miles from the brides home. It is said that Martha's Aunt Sally Werts lived at Stonerville and James thought it would be company for his wife to move there. Here their first son was born, the writer of this story.

In the winter of 1867 or the spring of 1868, James and Martha moved to Bridgeport Coal Works, near Mount Pleasant, Pa., a few miles from Stonersville, where James did work about the mines. It is said that he acted as the B & O baggage master at Mt. Pleasant, for some time while living at the coal works. Here a second son was born to their union.

In the spring of 1869, James and Martha moved to a house and a few acres of land in the vicinity of Jacob's Creek, a mile or so from Martha's home farm, and did some farming. James probably worked at farming for others, but data are lacking as to what all James did for a living. He was employed about a cane mill while here, perhaps he was grinding out his own cane for the making of molasses, as farmers did in those days, and in reaching over a wheel to clean out the sap drain, caught his sleeve in the cogs of a wheel of the mill, which drew his arm well into the cogs before the mill could be stopped. His wife shouted to back the horse that was furnishing the power. James was laid up with a crushed bicep for several weeks. At this place in 1871 another son, Frankie, was born. The birth of Franklin is placed here because there is no record of James' being any other place.

After Franklin was born it appears that James moved to Uniontown, Pa., where he secured a position as a baggage master on the B & O R.R., or it might have been the Pa. R.R., and also acted as a town constable. Martha kept boarders. Here a daughter, Anna Belle, was born. In January and February of 1875, within sixteen days, Anna Belle and Franklin (called Frankie by the family), died, the former of scarlet fever and the latter of dropsy, so the doctor said. This sudden loss to the family put fear into both parents and they returned to the little farm they had in 1871. Thus James gave up a promising position rather than force his wife to live and bear the burden of her grief in a place where death had chosen to stalk. Anna Belle was 1 yr 7 mo and 26 days old, Frankie was 3 yrs 11 mo and 10 days old. They are both buried with their mother and little sister Mamie at Wesley Chapel.

In the late fall of 1875 James' house on this farm burned down. Martha had taken her two boys to a neighbor family to spend the evening and to wait for James' return from work. All household goods were destroyed except for a few things James succeeded in throwing out one of the upstairs windows. Here at this place before the fire a daughter, Mamie, was born and died within a few hours after birth. Here again was calamity in double score to a man and wife who were anxious to face the future and succeed. The writer has a vivid picture of the fire and the visit of the Grim Reaper to the family dear. How a house with no fire left in the stove could catch fire on the outside of the house puzzled many people, but James dismissed the question by saying that it was all for the best.

With a few pieces of furniture and with what Martha's people supplies (I assume they did), James and Martha went to housekeeping again either in the Strickler homestead (Martha's parents' home) or in a new tenement house a quarter of a mile away on the farm. James worked on the farm for his wife's father. Here another daughter, Arilla Blanche, was born in 1876. James and wife had greater ambition than to be satisfied with living from hand to mouth, so they decided to try their luck in the West.

James' uncle John Goodge, brother of his mother, Mary (nee Goodge) Bryan, owned a farm of 80 acres a short distance from Burnett Station (just a store and residence), Mo. James and wife moved to the West to this place and farmed for two or three summers, until the year 1880, when they again returned to the Strickler farm in Pennsylvania. While at Burnett Station they attended a camp meeting, where it is stated they met a Pennsylvania family, Levi and Lydia Benscoter and daughters and son, who were farmers near Windsor, Mo., some 18 miles from Burnett Station. The Benscoters frequently visited the Bryans during the summers, especially the daughters, Emma A. and Della. The Bryans frequently returned the visits. The Bryan place was a sort of halfway-house for all Methodist ministers traveling through that section of the country. Emma A.(Augusta) Benscoter, a young woman of about twenty-one, and her sister Della, yet in her early teens, became welcome as one of the Bryan family, the former never dreamed of the day four years hence she would play a major part in the affairs of life of Martha and James Bryan.

I found record on LDS site of Lydia HARNED married to Levi BENSCOTER on 28 Dec 1848 in Luzerne, Pennsylvania. Also, Levi's birth is 06 FEB 1827, Shickshinny, Luzerne, Pennsylvania. Levi died 05 MAY 1898 Macksville, Stafford, Kansas. Lydia Harned was born 09 FEB 1828 in Pennsylvania and died in Macksville, Stafford, Kansas (source LDS). Emma Benscoter was born 08 AUG 1857 in Il.

Information kindly sent by Linda Goss-Kozic, granddaughter of Alta Benscoter Goss from her book "VAN BUNSCHOTEN OR VAN BENSCHOTEN FAMILY IN AMERICA" written by W.H. Van Benschoten.

Pages 538-540

"Levi (son of David & Mary Masters Benscoter--David was the son of Jacob Benscoter, and Jacob was the brother of my Abram, and they were the sons of Jacobus) was born Feb 6 1827, married Dec. 28, 1848, Lydia Harned who was born Feb 9, 1828. In 1854 they moved (from Luzerne County, PA--near Shickshinny, PA where his father was a farmer) to Illinois and settled on a farm near Mason City. He voted for Fremont in 1856 and among the "Copperheads" of southern Illinois remained unswervingly loyal. He removed to Missouri in 1868 where he purchased a large stock-farm near Windsor; also became a dealer in grain there. In 1888 he moved again, this time to Kansas and located near Macksville on a large tract of land. Here he died May 5, 1898."

"He was a man of firm convictions and great integrity and held the confidence and respect of his community. He was an active worker in the Methodist Church; and in politics an enthusiastic Republican."

Children:

Joel Edgar, b. Oct 27, 1849 (named after Levi's brother who died in infancy)
Milo Dimick, b. Nov 14, 1851; died Feb 12, 1857
Sophia Jane, b. Dec 6, 1855
Emma Augusta, b. Aug 8, 1857
Lemuel Phinney, b. July 18, 1859
Ida May, b. Aug 30, 1864; died Oct 1, 1865 (buried Leveldale Cemetery, located in Leslie Mather's Grove, in Section 29 Mason County, Illinois
Florence Adelle, b. Aug 2, 1868 (this is your younger Della mentioned on your site)
Frank J., b. Nov 5, 1870 (He contributed to his side of the family's info in writing the book)

I have further on Joel, Sophia, Lemuel, Florence and Frank if you are interested--if so ,tell me to look up pages 539-540 for you.

Here's what is listed for your Emma A.: "born Aug 8, 1857, married Dec 8, 1881, James H. Bryan, who was born May 13, 1838, at Uniontown, PA. He served in the Civil War in Co. B, 85th Penn. Vols. They live ( at the time of publishing for this book in 1907) in Hutchinson, Kan.; he is an inventor. Bryan children: ( at time of publishing 1907) James B. H., ( this would be your Harry) b. Feb 26, 1884 George W. (this would be your William) b. June 28, 1889 Florence L, b. March 14, 1898"

______________
Now, Jacob married to Susanna Moore:(page 540)

"Jacob was the son of David and Mary Masters Benscoter also, born Dec 20, 1831, married 1st Mar 15, 1863, Christianna Austin, who was born 1841, and died Jan 20, 1864. He married 2nd, in 1865, Susanna Moore who was born Nov 15, 1846, daughter of Samuel and Rachel Search Moore. He lived at Pritchard, Luzerne Co, PA, and was a farmer. Jacob died Nov 18, 1900."

child with 1st wife: Evelyn, b. Dec 25, 1863

Children by Susanna:

Lucy Clara Bell, b. Dec 8, 1865
Emma D. (this is the other Emma Della) b. Oct 11, 1867
Franklin Grant, b. May 8, 1870
Jessie May, b. Mar 18, 1873
David M., b. June 29, 1877; died Mar 23, 1879
William Wrighter, b. June 27, 1880
Corey E., b. Sept 17, 1882

Thank you Linda Goss-Kozic!

(1850 United States Federal Census-Ross, Luzerne, Pennsylvania)
Levi Benscoter, Age 23, born abt 1827, born in PA, Value of Property $500
Lydia Benscoter, Age 22, born in PA
Joel E. Benscoter, Age 7/12, born in PA.

(1860 United States Federal Census-Ross, Luzerne, Pennsylvania)
Levi Benscoter, Age 33,Farmer, Value of Real Estate $1200, Value of personal estate $600
Lydia Benscoter, Age 32,
Joel E Benscoter, Age 11, born abt. 1848 Pennsylvania
Sophia Benscoter, Age 5 born abt. 1854 Illinois
Emma A Benscoter, Age 3 born abt. 1856 Illinois
Lemuel F Benscoter, Age 1 born abt. 1858 Illinois
Eliza J Martin, Age 13, born abt.1846 Indiana

Joel Edgar Benscoter (b.27 October 1848, Luzerne, PA) married Sylvia Chastina Felt (b. 21 August 1848 - Burton, Adams, IL), daughter of John Felt & Sylvia Warren. They married 06 OCT 1880, OSWEGO,KS. Joel and Sylvia had a son, Edgar Stanley Benscoter born 08 AUG 1881,OSWEGO, KS. In 1920, Joel (age 70), was living in Chivington, Kiowa, Colorado married to Hattie (age 61), who was born in KY, (and both her parents were born in KY). In the 1930 census, Joel is still married to Harriet D. and living in Eads, Kiowa, Colorado.

(1870 United States Federal Census-White, Benton, Missouri)
Levi Benscoter, farmer
Lydia Benscoter,
Joel E Benscoter, age 20
Sophia Benscoter, age 14
Lemuel P Benscoter, age 11
Emma A Benscoter,


(1880 United States Federal Census-Benton, Missouri)
Levi BENSCOTER Age 55, Farmer, Born in PA, Father born in New Jersey, Mother b. in PA
Wife Lydia Age 52, Keeping house, born in PA,Father born in New Jersey, Mother b. in PA (info by ' mark.)
Emma A. Benscoter age 22, No occupation, born in Illinois
Lemuel P Benscoter age 20, Farmer, born in Illinois
Della Benscoter age 11, No occupation, born in Illinois
John Benscotter, age 9, No occupation, born in Illinois
The whole family is listed as being able to read and write.

Benscoter Cemetery in Luzerne County, PA

From Eastside Cemetery Clay Township Hutchinson, Reno County, Kansas

Benscoter Frank J.	Nov 5 1870 - May 14 1953	MG CO 137 Inf 35 Div W (n:Levi,Lydia,Moth,Fath)
Benscoter Levi	Feb 6 1827 - May 5 1898	(ossw/ Lydia) (near Frank J., Mother & Father)
Benscoter - Lydia	Feb 9 1828 - Apr 16 1912	His wife (ossw/Levi) (n: Frank J., Mother & Father)

When eggs sold for three-cents a dozen and corn brought twenty-five cents a bushel as a fair price, and other crops sold for a price correspondingly low, and the folks in the East wrote and begged them to come back, they gave way to the persuasion and returned to Martha's parents in Pennsylvania.

For a short time they lived at the Strickler homestead, until they could get their bearing. The Writer's brother, Harry, thinks that James and Martha moved into the Strickler tenement house, mentioned before, and that another daughter, Harriet J. was born there. But the writer has no recollection of the fact.

After the novelty of visiting parents again wore off, James and Martha were induced to move to Meereweed coal and coke works, near Mt. Pleasant, Pa., about eight miles from the Strickler homestead. Martha's brother, Josiah A. Strickler, was the general superintendent of the works for H.C. Frickk Co., and he suggested that they run a boarding house for the works, which they did.

This boarding house work proved to be too much of a task for Martha, so after a year they moved to Seattle, temporarily where Martha was ill for several months. She overcame her fever and appeared on the way to recovery. In the meantime, she and James talked matters over and decided to return to the West again. So they shipped their goods to Topeka, Kansas, this time, near which city one of James's cousins was farming. James worked around for others, especially for his father-in-law, and Martha went to her parents to visit before starting West.

1880 United States Federal Census Record - East Huntingdon, Westmoreland, Pennsylvania
Jas. H. Bryan 42 Farmer
Martha Bryan 35
Wm. H. Bryan 13
Harry Bryan 11
Rilla B. Bryan 3
Hattie Bryan 7M

The time was now March 1881, and the weather was cold and inclement. In some way Martha took a cold from the drafts from open doors and the lack of proper house temperature. Her recent illness had lowered her vitality and she took to her bed. Days went by and Martha got no better. The doctor, her cousin, came and pronounced her illness as typhoid fever. Twenty days, then thirty some days, as the fever stages are scheduled, had to pass before Martha could be pronounced out of danger. But the stages passed and Martha got no better, but worse. After calling her two boys and two girls, yet very young, to her bedside and breathing a prayer and last word to them for a last good-by, she died on May 3, 1881, and was buried in the cemetery at Wesley Chapel, about two miles from her childhood home, and there she rests beside her three little ones who preceded her years before.

James had nursed his wife night and day for the duration of her illness and had been for days without sleep. He too, had lowered his vitality and resistance and took to his bed for several weeks. He won against the odds. He often said that the future of his motherless children was on his mind, and that he put his faith in the Master to spare him for their sake; his brother Daniel had had a similar experience.

James, like Daniel, had to be both father and mother to his little ones. He left his children, two boys, twelve and thirteen years old, and two girls, one five and the other 19 months old, with relatives and went West on some business for his uncle and inadvertently, I presume, to call on friends living in the neighborhood where once he had lived. One of these places was near Windsor, Mo., where the Benscoter lived. It is said that he visited the Benscoters during the summer of late fall of 1881, probably on his way to return East. He may have, while in Missouri, visited his uncle John Goodge, near Nevada, Mo., considerable distance from Windsor. James was silent for a time about his plans.

The first real word from James came in December, 1881, stating that he had taken unto himself a second wife, Miss Emma A. Benscoter, daughter of Levi and Lydia Benscoter of Windsor, Mo., to help him meet the vicissitudes of life and to help him mother his growing children. He felt that the urgency of his cause would excuse him of any undo haste in marrying against the traditional year or two years after the loss of a companion in marriage.

Soon after his second marriage James brought his second wife with him to the East and visited for awhile among relatives. I omitted to state that James' second marriage was solemnized at the home of the bride's parents, on a farm near Windsor, Mo., on December 8, 1881.

In early spring of 1862, James and Emma took with them their four children to Windsor, Mo., to an 80 acre farm a short distance from the Benscoter homestead. James made a little money out of a good crop, as farmers measure their returns, and the next year he rented a 160 acre farm, a larger farm at least, in another section. The next year he moved to a farm of about 400 acres and employed three teams in the farm work. He bought and sold hogs, pastured cattle for others, put in 80 acres of corn and like amounts of broomcorn. The year was a wet one and the crops suffered from growth of grass and weeds, the broomcorn was too coarse for a good market, and in the end the crop was more or less a failure as to its salable value. He had practically nothing for himself after setting up the years' bills. He quit farming then and there for good.

James and wife and family moved to Warrensburg, Mo. The two boys, William and Harry, worked on farms for the summer and attended the State Normal School at Warrensburg, in the winter. James learned to manufacture bedsprings, and sold them throughout the country, sometimes trading them for feather beds and selling the feathers. He kept this work going until about 1890, when he and wife and daughters moved to Nevada, Mo., where his uncle lived and worked his business in that territory. The territory not being very good, he returned to Warrensburg. He sold his house there or arranged to have the Loan Company take it over and moved to Hutchinson, Kansas, where his wife's mother and father had located.

In Hutchinson, James continued his work of canvassing and selling, and later engaged in the real estate business in a small way. He invented a fire escape that would automatically descend form an opening of a building with a passenger and go back to its former position. He invented a steel railroad tie and had it tested in the yards of the Santa Fe at Hutchinson. He had virtually completed a voting machine when the voting machine came out for sale in the eastern states. While his labors may have been a pleasure to him, they brought him nothing more.

Most of James' life was a real hardship and an uphill struggle against adversity. His constant change in residence and in occupation, with the best of intentions I'm sure, could scarcely be equaled. Perhaps that urge to change, or whatever it was, was a symbol of the spirit that led our early pioneers westward and beyond. Whatever he did he thought he was doing it for the best, to benefit others. For himself he cared little, for other was his absorbing interest. In later life his government pension, together with some help from his children, gave him and wife minimum funds for their living expenses.

The writer William Holmes Bryan, thought it more convenient to discuss the life of James Bryan throughout his first and second marriages without taking up his children to break the narrative. My original draft took up the children as they were reached and broke the narrative and diverted attention from the sequence of events. This volume was also a draft, and it will take several writings, before the history is presentable, but the facts will always be the same. So if my reader has a draft it will have all the facts in it that any other draft has, only the reading may see m a little different. The life of James Bryan is somewhat more complete than that of his brothers because his was the only life I knew about. More about his life of his brothers or other members of the family can be enlarged upon by any member of a particular family and the sheets inserted in the back of this volume, likewise errors or changes herein found can be corrected on a sheet of paper and attached hereto.

To the union of James Hamilton Bryan, son of James and Mary (nee Goodge) Bryan and Martha B. Strickler, daughter of Isaac and Catherine (nee Heath) Strickler, there were born the following children: William Holmes, Harry Allenbaugh Strickler, Franklin M., Anna Belle, Mamie C., Aurilla Blanche, and Harriet Jane.

And to the union of James Hamilton Bryan, son of James and Mary (nee Goodge) Bryan and Emma A Benscoter, daughter of Levi and Lydia Berscoter, there were born the following children: Samuel W. (died in infancy), James Benscoter Hamilton, George Wilson, and Florence Lydia.

William Holmes Bryan, son of James H., was born July 22, 1867, in a log cabin at Stonersville (since changed to Alverton), Pa., about four miles from Scottdale, Pa. He was never married. Since he is the writer and editor of this history, the reader is asked to permit him to give in brief a few little things which have happened in his life time. Not all work has been regular employment, but odd jobs, summer work, evening employment, working out to meet a difficulty, to alter a situation, to carry out some project or plan, to afford himself food and shelter, all of which were not of his own creation, in the last analysis, but life's ever shifting situations, casting one into the ever changing tide. These having few changes to encounter have never less with the tide, preferring calmer waters. William was a good deal like his father, desiring new experiences life is heir to. During his early years he attended the one-room country school, going a few times to graded schools. When in his teens he attended the State Normal School, at Warrensburg, Mo., taking eighth grade work and some academic courses. In summer he worked in the brickyard, on the railroad at re-grading dug cellars and foundations for houses at Independence, Mo., clerked in a grocer-bakery store, worked for six months in a pipe mill to earn one hundred and twenty dollars to aid to a fund with which to carry him thru the State Normal School at California, Pa., completing the teacher's course with a degree in 1894. In completing this course he and sister with him had to meet two years of tuition, books, rent and food and clothes with less than five hundred dollars in money, a difficult thing to do.

Early in life he learned to pray and to put his faith in trust in God. He attended the Salvation Army meetings at Warrensburg, Mo. Members of the Sedalia, Mo., corps of the Army were doing outpost work in Warrensburg. William got so interested that he became a member of the organization and he helped in the meetings. He had no advanced education for the ministry, but in this new organization he could see where he might carry on the work of the Master with his present qualifications. He applied for permission to become a cadet in the field work of the Salvation Army. A cadet is applied to one who is training for a lieutenancy, a regular officer. He was sent to Fort Scott, Kansas. The next year he went to Wellington, Kansas, and then to Independence, Kansas, as a Lieutenant in charge. That fall, 1888, he was promoted to a captaincy and placed in charge of Sedalia, Mo., corps. While there he opened up St. Louis No. 2, and St. Louis No. 3, giving the city three corps instead of only one. He was transferred to St. Joseph, Mo. , in the spring of 1890, and in the fall of that year was ordered to National Headquarters at New York City for a six weeks course in bookkeeping and statistical work, relative to reporting the Missouri Division Army works to the New York Headquarters. About January 1891, William was a Scribe-Captain, as they called the secretary to the Divisional Officer, a Major in this case. In the fall of 1891 relatives in Pennsylvania persuaded William to get a leave of absence and bring with him his two young sisters, and it takes quite a few years for sisters to grow up to the point where they can take care of themselves. William was encouraged to get a higher education by attending the California, Pa., Normal, of which he had already spoken.

Information from the Salvation Army National Archives Records on Captain William Holmes Bryan.

Note: The Salvation Army's earliest Disposition of Forces, which lists officers was issued in 1898, which is after Uncle Will left service. Records of this time period were incomplete.

• Birth is shown as July 22, 1867.
• Cadet in Training Bryan was stationed at Ft. Scott, KS ffrom12/1888-9/1889.
• Lt. Bryan to Independence, KS from 9/1889- Jan of Feb 1890.
• Capt. Bryon Jan 1890 to St. Louis #1 (Sometimes officers were in appointments for as little as a month.)
• Capt. Bryan to Sedalia, MO Jan or Feb 1890 until May or Aug 1890.
• Capt. Bryan to St. Joseph, MO May 1890-August 1891.
• Nothing is shown from Aug. 1891 until March 1892; (Uncle Will took a leave of absence and went to Pennsylvania and New York.)
• Capt. Bryan to Divisional Headquarters in Kansas City, KS March-July 1892.

After getting his normal certificate he taught two terms of school and a term of night school. It seemed to him that the best school positions were held by college graduates. Why couldn't he be a college graduate and hold a good position too.

From now on the changes in William's career must be brief, and without much explanation. Attended Alleghena College, Meadville, Pa., for two years. Financial difficulties took him out of college and he went to Buffalo, N.Y., 1889. His two sisters were at Niagara Falls, one being married at this date. He joined the 74th Reg., National Guard, N.Y., now known as the 174th Regiment, in which he was a corporal and a sergeant during most of his years of service in his regiment, being honorable discharged about 1914. In 1900 he enrolled as a clerk in a law office. Did practically no clerical work. Learned to feed a Gordon Printing press, spent a year at $1 day wage. Solicited printing to meet other expenses. Taught on Buffalo street railway during the Pan American Exposition. On guard at the 74th Regiment, N.G.N.Y., when President McKinley was assassinated.

1900 United States Federal Census > New York > Erie > Buffalo Ward 3 > District 22
Harry S Pickett 31
Louisa Pickett 28
Edith Pickett 5
William H Bryan 31, Teacher, Boarder

Did home study and earned a New York Regents high school certificate, equivalent to four years of high school work. Clerkship in a law office failed to prepare him for the law examinations for admission of attorneys to the bar. He failed two or three times to pass the test. A friend talked him into taking the law school course and get a foundation. With only about $110 to his name he entered the law school as a student in 1909, paying $100 tuition and $5 library fees. Books had to be bought on time. Friends helped. His landlady said that he could drop behind with his room rent for two years and that she would help him in other ways when she could. He had already learned to hang paper and to paint some. He worked afternoons and weekends and during the summer, when there was no law school study, and earned enough money to pay for his second year's school fees, books, meals, some back rent, graduation fee, pictures, etc., and had something like twenty dollars left after paying all bills. He passed the law examination test in the fall of 1911 and was admitted to the N.Y. bar that fall. The next fall he was admitted to practice in the Federal Court, Fourth District. Thus ended a project of some magnitude. He often wonders how he did it.

William practiced law in Buffalo for a year. His father, James, was a very sick man and needed an operation. The cost of which would require $300 and over within a year if his father's life was to be saved. William could not raise that much money, although his books showed that he had that much outstanding. The surest way out would be to give up the practice of law for a year or two and to teach school and raise the money in a short time. A classmate in Hegren, North Dakota, heard of William's plans and he got the rural school at Holliday (farm house and a general store with Post Office, a small bank building, and a one-room shack for a lawyer), N. Oak., 40 miles from a railroad. William earned over $300 in six months, went to Hutchinson, Kansas. Paid out $300 and over for the cost of the operation on his father. His father got well and lived many years longer than he would have lived had he not received timely medical assistance.

William now turned his eyes to the east and returned to Buffalo, N.Y. He hadn't a dollar to his name, so he decided to teach school again somewhere. An agency sent him to Marlten, N. J., for a four-month term (half term). By helping one of his nephews to meet expenses at Valparaiso University, Indiana, he found himself without funds when he again returned to Buffalo.

The next year and for about twelve years afterwards, William taught school in Pennsylvania, having charge of both elementary grades and high school, and served as supervising principle of township schools, also as the secretary of his school board. After his teacher's contract expired, he was elected an auditor of the school and read districts funds, serving as the chairman of the auditing board for five years.

During the twelve years of teaching he found time to study in the school of education at the University of Pittsburgh, taking extension course work of evenings and on Saturday, and during the summertime. In 1923 he received his B.S. degree and in 1925 his M.A. degree, with 42 extra credits to apply on his doctor's degree, which he decided he could do without. He was now fifty-eight years old and he felt that more education was a waste of time. He already had acquired his education thirty years too late, but that was not all his fault. He taught school a term or two after receiving his master degree and then took a year off to rest. He also wanted a better job , in keeping with ability. But jobs were rather scarce at this time, so William was without a school for several years and the outlook seemed gloomy. He therefore decided to turn about and look in another direction.

William had a love for the farm and all that goes with it, especially a riverside farm. He bought such a farm in the Shanandoah Valley, Virginia, twenty eight miles below Winchester and two miles north of (above) Woodstock , in 1928, and weathered the trails of a farmer thru the 1930 drought and thru about four years of national depression. He had a mortgaged farm and a few dollars left when he had an offer to exchange his farm for his present residence at 749 Chenange Street, Village of Fort Dickinson, Binghamton, N.Y. The exchange was even up, and each part took the others debts and paid the difference between the sides of the ledger. William got a little over one hundred dollars as his share and sold the new owner a hundred dollars or more of personal property.

His present residence is heavily encumbered, but he has weathered the depression as it applies to his new situation and looks forward to the time when Time shall again smile upon him and he shall be free again to spend life in the mode and manner best suited to his happiness.
Uncle Will wrote the Hymn in 1931 or 1932. He also ran for office in 1922.

Harry A. S. Bryan, son of James H., was born December 6, 1868, at Bridgeport coal and coke works, near Mount Pleasant, Pa. His educational advantages and his early life history are more or less bound up with that of his brother William's until the year 1837, when William was in training for a cadetship in the Salvation Army, and Harry was still at home in Warrensburg, Mo. Along about 1889 he left his home and went to Scottdale, Pa., where relatives dwelt. He found employment in a machine shop and boiler plant. Later on he found employment as a worker in the National Foundry and Pipe Mill of Scottdale, a position he held as foreman for over thirty years. He made cores.In the mean time he enrolled in the course in drafting with Scranton Correspondence School and mastered that course in a few years. He was promoted to an inspectorship and held that position for a short time when the Mill Company reorganized and transferred him back to his old job.

Harry was a church worker in the M.E. Church and was highly respected as one of Scottdale's leading citizens. He resided at times at a Mr. John Dick 's, a leading hardware merchant of the place, and through meeting young folk s at church and through his associates about Dick's, he met Miss Ella Vena Gaspar, daughter of John and Margie Gasper of Washington, Pa. Miss Gasper was living with her friend, Mrs. John Dick, at Scottdale at that time, an engagement followed.

Harry and Miss Gasper were married December 29, 1892, at the home of John I. Dick, Scottdale, Pa., the Rev. George S. Holmes, M.E. Church pastor, officiating. The middle name of the writer, William Holmes Bryan, was chose n from the name of the minister's father. (Picture at left of Ella Vena Gasper Bryan.)

Ella's father died before she was born (LDS says June of 1874, PA). Her mother worked in a paper factory and would bring her infant daughter to work. Ella had two sisters, Lena and Mary. The girls would work after school to help make ends meet. When Ella was about six, her mother passed away. Her sister Lena accepted resresponsibility for her. Lena and Mary went from place to place, working for room and board for them and their young sister. Eventually they met Mrs. Dick who took in Ella and raised her. In return, Ella helped watch Mrs. Dick's small children. Lena married Larry Golden and remained very close with her sisters.

The Dick's were very kind to Ella, and treated her like a daughter. As she grew, Ella was renowned for her beauty. She was called "The Peach of Scotdale" and also "Ella Della VENUS Gaspar". When she became engaged to Harry, the Dick's provided them with a splendid wedding and helped them with new furniture and other necessities to begin housekeeping.

To this union were born the following children: Walter H., Erma May, Mabel Grace, Helen Marie, James Strickler, and Martha Jane.

1900 United States Federal Census Record -Scottdale, Westmoreland, Pennsylvania
Harry Bryan 35, Coremaker
Ella Bryan 25
Walter Bryan 5
Erma Bryan 3
Mabel Bryan 2
Alexander C Phillips 49, Minister

Walter H. was born April 5, 1895: died February 15, 1917, age 21 years, 10 days; buried in the cemetery at Wesley Chapel, near Scottdale, Pa. Walter never married.

Walter was quite a character. He was very popular in town. He loved to skate, and ride his Indian motorcycle, and was known for festively decorating his house for any holiday. He also had an interest in photography. His album is filled with pictures of friends, many of them girls. He also must have had quite a sense of humor, many of the pictures were posed houhumorouslyike the one of him standing on a chair lifting his younger brother Jim, then about 10, off the ground by having him hang on to Walter's hair.

There are many wonderful stories about Walter. He was noted for comming home late. He knew he would be in trouble, so he would stop and get iceice cream his way home then wake his mother to come eat it with him. One time he was sneaking in the kitchen window, when he surprised his mother. It nearly scared her to death!

Walter was very well loved by his family. He was quite close with Erma and with his youngest sister Martha Jane. Walter was 19 years older than Martha, and he would always bring her home some sort of treat in his lunch pail. Martha "Jane" has very fond memories of Walter.

One day he returned home from work in the Steel Mill with his father not feeling very well. By the next day, he was too ill to go to work. He was taken by horse and wagon "ambambulanceo the hospital. He was suffering from Typhoid Fever. The next morning, he is reported to have opened his eyes and calmly said "Hello Jesus" then expired.

Walter's death was a tragedy for the family. He was so well loved in town that they closed the school on the day of his funeral, so all who wanted could attend. Great Aunt Jane remembers the lines of people all the way down the strstreeto came to pay their respects. She said hundreds of people attended the funeral.

Walter's mother Ella took it parparticularly hard. She had always been very close with her oldest son. She is reported to have blamed God for taking him, and fell away from the church. After about two years, Ella is said to have been visited by Walter in a dream. He told her "Mama, don't grieve for me. If you knew where I was, you wouwouldn'tnt me to come back." Ella said she watched her son rise up to the point where she saw his feet rise through the ceiling. She said she saw him going to heaven. Ella viewed this experience as a sign from God, and returned to the church. She repeated this story many times in her life.

Erma May Bryan, (She changed the spelling of May to Mae)daughter of Harry A. and Erma Mae Bryan, was born January 13, 1897, at Scottdale, Pa. (Erma died September 30, 1995 age 98 at Hamilton, N. Y. were she was staying with her son Walter O. Wunderlich. She is buried beside her husband, Herman Wunderlich in Kettlville, N.Y.) After leaving high school she took up Bible study at the famous Harry Davis Bible School, located in Johnson City, N.Y. Erma contributed to her Bible education by doing clerical work in the office of Endicott Johnson Shoe Manufacturing Company of Binghamton, N.Y. While thusly engaged she met on Herman Otto Wunderlich. It is said that they met in the same noon lunchroom and at the end of the day they took the same direction home. Mr. Wunderlich was employed in a nearby manufacturers. At any rate they saw each other frequently.

It is said that Herman Otto Wunderlich (The Wunderlich Family History) was born in Berlin, Germany, January 16, 1879, and came to the United States with his parents, Ferdinand and Anna (nee Ender) Wunderlich, when very young. The Wunderlich's American became citizens and contributed their share in the early 80's toward education their son, and no doubt other members of the family of children, and building a home and reputation for thrift and citizenship German citizens are known for. They finally settled in Johnson City, N.Y., where they resided until their deaths. The son, Herman, learned the cabinet trade in his younger days and followed his trade for several years. Later he was employed by the Eastman Camera Works at Rochester, N.Y., perhaps elsewhere. For the past twenty years or more he has been employed in the body department of the Agfa-Ansco Camera Company of Binghamton and Johnson City, N. Y., as a general foreman of department.

Herman served in the Spanish-American War as a cavalryman in Cuba in 1898, after which he spent part of a year in traveling through Central American countries. On his return home, he again took up his trade at the camera works.

Erma May and Herman Otto were married September 3rd, 1921. To their union were born two sons, namely: Walter Otto, March 19, 1826; and Arthur Harry, September 7,. The family residence is No. 27 Baker Street, Johnson City, N.Y. 13790. This was still Erma's address until 1995.

As a young man, Arthur Harry Wunderlich attended Johnson City High School where he lettered on the football team. At 17, he enlisted in the Army Specialized Training Reserve Program during WWII and taught Photo topography at Fort Belvoir, Virginia. While at Fort Belvoir, Art wrote his autobiography for inclusion in the Bryan Family History. After the war, he attended the University of Syracuse and graduated with a degree in Civil Engineering and Pi Beta Kappa honors. He worked on projects including many countries in France, Libya, Saudi Arabia, and Alaska. He eventually went to work for Esso Oil Company, as an engineer in Research and Development. He then worked in England, Spain, and Holland.

In February 1962, Arthur married Agnes Hamill, daughter of James and Agnes Hamill of Port Glasgow, Scotland. (The Hamill Family History.) Four children were born from this marriage. Karen Anne Wunderlich (1963), Mark Edward Wunderlich (1964), Robert "Scott" Wunderlich, and Dirk Bryan Wunderlich (1974). Arthur H. Wunderlich died of multiple mylanoma in August, 1989. Agnes Wunderlich, (divorced from Arthur in 1981), has moved to Elmhurst, IL.

Karen Anne Wunderlich married Richard Stezowski, son of Clarence and Stephanie "Sally" Stezowski of Elmhurst, IL on August 18, 1991. E-mail Karens@xnet.com. On January 24, 1997 we were blessed with our first child, Clara Hamill Stezowski. 8lbs, 11oz, 21.5 inches of beautiful little girl! Alexander Josef Stezowski was born May 20, 1999. William Bryan Stezowski was born August 15, 2003. The Stezowski Family History

Mark Edward Wunderlich married Michelle Bigham, daughter of Tom and Ruth Bigham of DuQuoin, IL. in 1989. The marriage ended in 1997 with no children. Mark married Nancy Hilgendorf in 1999. Twin daughters Grace and Briget Wunderlich were born in 2003.

Robert "Scott" Wunderlich married Leian Leverence, daughter of Jeanne and Robert Leverence of Addison, IL in 1989.

Dirk Bryan Wunderlich is not currently married.

-submitted by Karen Stezowski

Mabel Grace Bryan, daughter of Harry and Ella, was born September 27, 1889, at Scottdale, Pa. Mabel was graduated from the Scottdale High School and took a post graduate course in the Scottdale Business College. She taught school in Upper Tyrone twp., Fayette County, Pa., near her home and later pursued her studies in music and voice and other subjects at the University of Pittsburgh, Pa., as well as teaching in the public schools near Pittsburgh.Mable was known to be very pretty with dark hair and beautiful blue eyes.

Mabel met and married one Wilbur or Wilburt Snyder, son of Joseph and Anna Snyder of Dawson, Pa., who later moved to McKees Raeks(?) Pa. Wilburt was born May 15, 1897. The marriage took place at the home of the Bride's parents at Scottdale, Pa., November 29, 1919. To this union were born four sons, namely: Joseph Bryan Snyder, September 24, 1920 in Brownsville, Pa.; Wilbert, Jr., Pittsburgh, Pa; and twins, Waren and Herman, May 30, 1937, at Pittsburgh, Pa. Present address in Scottdale, Pa.

Helen Marie Bryan, daughter of Harry and Ella, was born November 21, 1903 , at Scottdale, Pa. Helen was graduated from the Scottdale Business College . For several years she was private secretary to the manager of a local manufacturing firm. She held secretarial positions, at Binghamton, N.Y., and elsewhere.

Helen met and married one Peter Arthur Telech, son of Simon James (deceased) and Marion Theresa Telach of Lopez, Pa. Mrs. Tyler is employed at Hotel Statler in Buffalo, New York. They reside at 743 Elmwood Ave., Buffalo, N.Y.

Update per Aunt Jane Seiler: Helen worked as a stenographer in her early life. She and Peter eventually moved to Tampa where they owned some rental houses and a grocery store. They were very successful. Aunt Jane remarked that they had a great marriage and were married over 50 years. The couple had two children Arthur and Joy Telesh. Peter was born on 22 Feb 1900 and passed in June 1975 from a heart attack . Helen passed on 22 Jan 1998.

James Strickler Bryan (front row, center),son of Harry and Ella, was born April 19, 1907, at Scottsdale, Pa. After James was graduated from the Scottsdale High School he took up salesmanship and worked in various stores in his village. He was manager for an Army Store in Scottsdale and later entered the Miller Department Store of Scottdale, where for ten or more years he has had charge of the clothing (men's) department.

James met and married Miss Elma Hough, daughter of Elmer and Fannie Hough of Connellsville, Pa., December 22, 1929, at Greensburg, Pa. Elma was born May 19, 1909. To their union were born the following children; Joanne Louise, July 31, 1930; James Richard, April 1, 1932; Barbara Belle, October 10, 1934; and Gwendolyn Mae, May 1, 1937. Their street address is not permanent, so address them at No. 36 Grove Street care of Harry A. Bryan, Scottdale, Pa.

Martha "Jane" Bryan, daughter of Harry and Ella, was born July 25, 1914, at Scottdale, Pa. Martha was graduated from the Scottdale High School and took a post graduate course in the Scottdale Business College. Martha remained at home with her mother and did not pursue her studies as did the other sisters. She met and married one Alfred Joseph Klyne, son of Mrs. Elizabeth (nee Styles) Klyne of New York City, December 7, 1939. Mr. Klyne is an electric engineer and has operated a drill machine in tunnel work and electrical crane. He is now working in a powder factory in Ohio. His present temporary address is care of Harry A. Bryan, No. 36 Grove Street, Scottdale, Pa.

(This is a family picture of the father of the above children,Harry Allenbaugh Strickler Bryan, in his later life.)

Franklin M. Bryan, son of James H. Bryan, was born March 14, 1871, in East Huntington Twp., Westmoreland Co., Pa.; and died February 14, 1875, at Uniontown, Pa., age 4 years. Died of dropsy, the doctor said. He is buried in the cemetery at Wesley Chapel, near Scottdale, Pa.

Anna Belle Bryan, daughter of James H. and Martha B. Bryan, was born August 9, 1873 in Uniontown, Pa. She died January 29, 1875, at Uniontown, Pa., of scarlet fever, the doctor said, age 1 year, six months, 26 days; and is buried beside her brother Franklin in the cemetery at Wesley Chapel.

Mamie C. Bryan, daughter of James and Martha Bryan, was born August 9, 1875, in East Hunnington Twp., Westmoreland County, Pa., and died the same day. She is buried beside her sister Anna Belle, in the Wesley Chapel cemetery, about four miles from Scottdale, Pa.

Aurilla Blanche Bryan, daughter of James H. and Martha B Bryan, was born July 25, 1876, in East Huntington Twp., Westmoreland Co., Pa., near or on the Isaac Strickler farm, home of the mother, four miles from Scottdale, Pa.

Aurilla received her early schooling in the country schools and village schools. Being the oldest girl about the house, after her mother died, she learned to be the housekeeper of the family. When in her middle teens she met and married on Frank Walter Snyder, son of John and Margaret Snyder of Layton, Pa., December 5, 1892. Soon after their marriage they moved to Niagara Falls, N.Y., where Frank went to work at the new carcarborundumrks. he became foreman of the wheel room. Later he was employed in the chlorine works. The chlorine gas injured his health and he quit the work. He took up the trade of painting and paperhanging, getting some of his first lesson s from the writer in Buffalo. He soon became trained enough to work alone. and he followed the trade for the remainder of his days. He taught his son Cecil the same trade and it has stood them well when other employment was scarce.

To the union of Aurilla Blanche and Frank W. were born the following children: Cecil Cameron, born in 1893, probably near Layton, Pa., George Quay, Lola Edna, Arta Phillis, and Hazel Harriet. Another child, Edward, probably died in infancy.

Children of Frank and Aurilla Bryan Snyder Cecil, George, Arta, Hazel Snyder Submitted by Susan Carr.

Cecil Cameron Snyder, son of Aurilla and Frank, had an equivalent high school education and studied for a year and a half at Valparaiso (Indiana) Law School. The lack of funds compelled him to give up his studies, and he returned home and learned the painting trade under his father.

Cecil met and married Miss Maybell M. Connelly, daughter of John and Ann (nee Wisnett) Connelly of Buffalo, N.Y. in 1923. To their union were born the following children: Eugen George, October 19, 1928; Ronald George, March 15, 1930; Jean Maybelle; September 17, 1932; and Douglas Grant, December 14, 1934.

Maybelle, wife of Cecil Snyder, was a graduate of the Buffalo High School , and trained as a stenographer and typist. She was occasionally engaged by the local U.S. Army offices at Port Niagara to take down testimony at courts-marshal sittings. With all her acquirements she preferred to be a mother to her children and a wife to her husband. She was an earnest church worker and enjoyed the work of social organizations affiliated. She contracted a breast tumor, which was removed and she seemed to have recovered her health. But this was only apparent, and she had a relapse a year or more afterward. She died October 21, 1939, leaving to survive her a husband and four small children.

George Quay Snyder, son of Aurilla and Frank Snyder, was born about 1895 (exact data not reported), at Niagra Falls, N.Y. He was graduated from the Niagara Falls high school. He clerked in the A & P grocery and later was employed as the store manager, which position he held for several years. He was manager of another chain store in Niagara Falls and in Tonawanda, N.Y . The store closed its business and George was out of a job. He and wife had been thrifty in the past and had been able to buy themselves a home on the outskirts of the city, so George set himself up as a teacher of Tap dancing at his home. His wife ran a home bakery. Latest news in that George has been employed by the Niagara Falls Carbide Company and has quit toe tapping.

George met and married Miss Alice Buhar, daughter of Harry and Elenor Nellson Buhar of Niagara Falls, N.Y. (No date of marriage or births of children reported). George was the father by his wife of Joy, Arline, June, Marylin, and Jerauld. Another child died in infancy. Their address is Niagara Falls, RED.

Arta Phyllis Snyder, daughter of Aurilla and Frank, was born February 4, 1898 at Niagara Falls, N.Y. (LDS: Passed 30 Nov 1949 Niagara Falls, Niagara, Ny) She received her high school education in Niagara Falls schools. Like many young girls she liked clerking in stores and enjoyed the parts she took in local plays. She met and married one Nessie Carr of Buffalo, N.Y. Nessie was a railroad fireman and worked nights. Arta was probably not yet eighteen. The irregularities of home life was dissatisfying to the wife, probably also to the husband, and they decided to part with the best wishes. Arta secured a divorce and remained unmarried for many years. To this union was born a son, Charles William (Carr).

Charles William Carr, son of Arta and Nessie Carr, was born about 1915 (no definite age given) and received his high school education in the Niagara Falls schools. He took some post graduate work and waited for a job. He finally entered into the printing trade as a learner or helper, in which work he has been for about six years, another year being required to complete his training and to graduate as a full fledged printer.

Charles William met and married Miss Ann Gertude Phelps, daughter of Earl (deceased) and Margaret (nee Brady) Phelps of Niagara Falls, N.Y. Address not reported. To this union was born a daughter, Judith Anne, yet very young.

Update 6/7/2003 Source: Carr Family Relation
Charles Carr, son of Arta & Nessie Carr, was born on June 17, 1915. (Karen Note: SSDI has passing listed as 24 May 1995) He had 2 children, Judith Ann Carr Winkler and Thomas Bryan Carr, with 1st wife Ann Phelps. He later married Ruth D'Nato or Donato, (she was a chemical engineer and later years taught science in N.F, NY) and they had a daughter Susan. Ruth died in December 23rd 2002 (obituary notice was in Niagara Falls and Buffalo paper born 1924) and was buried in Niagara Falls, NY. Charles Carr, son of Arta and Nessie died in 1995 I believe he was head of the Niagara Falls Water Authority at the time. Judith Carr Winkler is deceased. Thomas is retired from Consolidated Freight and lives in Niagara Falls. He has two daughters, Katlin and Erin(?) both reside in Niagara Falls.

Arta Phillis (nee Snyder) Carr met and married one John (Jack) Henry, son of James and Mary E. Henry of Bertz Falls, Ontario, Canada. Mr. Henry is employed by a gold mining company in the far north woods of Canada, going and coming by plane when visiting home. He is interested in mining claims in the north woods, but expects soon to retire from the Arctic winters and devote his time to other matters. There have been no issue from this union. Arta's sister lives outside Niagara Falls, so address care Mrs. Hazel Bank s, Lewiston, N.Y. Senders Settlement Road, RFD.

Hazel Harriet Snyder, daughter of Aurilla and Frank Snyder, (date and place of birth not reported) received her high school education in the schools of Niagara Falls and took a post graduate course in business and secretarial work. For years she acted as private secretary to the president of Niagara University, and only gave up her work when she seemed to be falling under the strain of confinement. She trained for a while to be a nurse, but the hard manual work of the first year's course in nursing was to o much for her. When she was in her middle twenties she met and married John Lionel Banks, son of Frank and Anne Brown Banks, of Niagara Falls, N.Y. (Date and place of marriage not reported).

John Lionel, second name used, is a carpenter by trade, and has erected his own house on a five-acre plot outside the city of Niagara Falls. The address in Lewiston, N.Y., Senders Settlement Road, RED, and mail address to him will in time reach any of the other children. Lionel is employed by and works hard at a manufacturing concern in Niagara Falls, He and wife are earnest church workers in the Baptist Church of their community, or where they have membership.

To this union one son was born, John Lionel, Jr., by name, now in his tenth or eleventh year (1941) date.

Harriet Jane Bryan, daughter of James H. and Martha B. Bryan, was born September 29, 1879, in east Huntington Twp., Westmoreland County, Pa., on or near the home of her mother. Hattie received her education in the public schools and in high school at various places of her residence while she was with her brother William H. She was his housekeeper between the years she was fourteen and twenty. After William broke up at Niagara Falls, N.Y. Hattie as most people call her, became a clerk in Buffalo, servicing in department stores and jewelry stores. She had to possess a certain knowledge of salesmanship in most of her positions.

While living with her sister Aurilla she met and married one Charles Robert Burgess, son of Joseph Mayo and Mary Elizabeth Burgess (both deceased ) of Niagara Falls, N.Y. Charles' parents were Canadians by birth and the grandparents on both sides of the family came from England on the same boat, it is said. Mr. Burgess, S., died October 23, 1906, and his wife died June 8, 1937. (Date and place of marriage of Hattie and Charles not reported).

Charles was a divorced man in his early twenties and his marriage to Hatttie was his second venture. He was a carpenter by trade and engaged in contracting and building. Later he was engaged in an official capacity in building mausoleum for a company at Erie, Pa. In later life, although yet young, his health failed him, and he died near Erie, Pa., absent from home. There were no children born of this marriage. The widow returned to work, as widows do, and followed the work of a saleslady in Buffalo stores. Her health has never been good, subject to neuritis and sinus troubles, yet always cheerful. She resides now (1941, at No. 340 E. Utica St., Buffalo, N.Y.)

Samuel W. Bryan, son of James and Emma Bryan, second marriage, was born September 5, 1882, and died the same day, on a farm near Windsor, Mo.

James B.H. Bryan (James Bensceter Hamilton BRYAN), son of James and Emma, was born February 26, 1884, on a farm near Windsor, Mo. He received his education in the local schools and has an equivalent of a high school training or better. He was blessed with the faculty of curiosity, which caused him to develop his faculties along mechanical lines. He spent many years at lettering gravestones with a local concern, perhaps he had his own business. The dust fm thfromstone affected his lungs, so he quit work and began repairing automobiles, at which he is an expert. He now runs his own garage in Hutchinson, Kansas, and spends his home hours on a small farm near the city.

James met and married Miss Nellie May Belsfield, daughter of Charles Milton and Mrs. Belfield of Rush Center, Kansas. Nellie May had educated herself for hospital work and was a graduate nurse. It is said that James went to the hospital for treatment of a fever or injury and that Nellie was the nurse assigned to his case. After he was convalescent a friendship sprang up between them, and the rest is known.

To their union was born Thelma Marie (date not reported)LDS: Not positive, but could be right Thelma - born 5 Oct 1941 - Death 10 Aug 2003 Atchison, Atchison, Kansas , who has now reached her majority. She was graduated from the Hutchinson High School and then her parents sent her to Bethany College at Lindsberg(?), Kansas, where she majored in music and voice, of which she is said to have a natural. There is no further data to report since 1938.

George Wilson Bryan, son of James H. and Emma A. Bryan, was born June 28, 1889, at Nevada, Missouri. (Picture at left found with caption "Uncle George Bryan" by a photographer in Missouri. He is posed with a doll.) He received his high school education or better at Hutchinson, Kansas, where his father and mother resided shortly after young George began to walk. After leaving high school he lectured for still pictures in the entertainment field. It is said that he made many new acquaintances in this work, one of which was his future wife, Miss Alice Vaneil, daughter of Charles Henry Madison and Pheobe Myrtle Banceil at Great Bend, Kansas. They were married December 8, 1909, at the home of the bride 's parents in Great Bend. The bride's full name is Maud Alice Vaneil, the first name being dropped in friendly address.

After his marriage George secured a job with one of the railroad companies in Hutchinson, Kansas, of which there are three or more. For many years he served as chief clerk for the Rock Island railroad, its divisional point at Hutchinson. Later he entered the employ of the Carey Salt Company at Hutchinson, and is the traffic manager of a small railroad company affiliated with the salt concerns, with offices in Hutchinson. His permanent business address is the Carey Salt Company.

By his marriage to Maud Alice Vaneil he became the father by her of George Wayne, Gerald Eugene, Wilma Jean, and Marggueritte Elaine (Dates of birth not reported, but all were born in Hutchinson, Kansas, it is thought.)

George Wayne Bryan, son of George and Alice Bryan, was graduated from the Hutchinson High School, as were his other brothers and sisters later, and afterwards took up field work in salesmanship. While so engaged he met and married Miss Emma Lee Hall (date and place and parents not reported). To this union were born one daughter, named Beverly Ann, probably now in her teens. Wayne (preferred to name George) is said to be now (1938) employed by a transportation company in Wichita, Kansas.

The other son and two daughters of George and Alice are presumed to be unmarried and still at home with their parents.

Florence Lydia Bryan, daughter of James H. and Emma A. Bryan, was born March 14, 1898, at Hutchinson, Kansas. She was graduated from the Hutchinson High School and took a postgraduate course in business training and clerical work. For fifteen or more years she had been employed by divisional headquarters of the Rock Island Railroad Company at Hutchinson. At times she has acted as chief clerk, or has been regularly employed as such, or has perhaps acted in a higher capacity. It is said that she is still with the railroad Company.

In June, 1937, Florence met and married one John Wesley Whiteker, son of Frank L and Lida A. Whiteker (both deceased), presumably of Hutchinson, Kansas. John is employed as an automobile salesman in Hutchinson, Kansas. There were no issue of this marriage. They reside at 1010 North Washington Street, Hutchinson, Kansas.

Source: LDS SSDI
Florence WHITEKER born 14 Mar 1898 died Nov 1975
State or Territory Where Number Was Issued: Railroad Board
Last Known Address: Hutchinson, Reno, Kansas 67501

Also Found:
John Wesley WHITEKER (AFN:1B96-75P)Born: 11 Apr 1888
Place:(, Jefferson, Kansas)Father: Francis Napolean WHITEKER (AFN:172D-ZC)
Mother: Lyda A. RITTER (AFN:B6KM-K2)
Wife: Zella M (AFN: 1B96-76W)
Perhaps he was married either before or after Florence, or this might be a different person - yet, the parents names are very close. Need to follow up on this some day.

This ends the story of James Hamilton Bryan and his first and second marriages. Emma A. Bryan, the widow is still living and her health is in keeping with her years. She resides at No. 404 West Eighth Street, Hutchinson, Kansas, her home for many years past. She is near her children and her near relatives of her own parents, of whom there are still living a sister Della (nee Benscoter) of Gardner, the mother of several grown children; Frank Benscoter, a lawyer in Hutchinson, and probably a veteran if the first World War, and Sofia (nee Benscoter) Britt, mother of several grown children, living at Warrensburg, Mo., at last report. Two brothers, Joel (never married) and Phinney(Lemuel Phinney Benscoter) L. Benscoter, who married and was the father by his wife Beckie of several children, are now dead. We shall now return to the remaining children of James and Mary (nee Goodge) Bryan, the parents of John, Daniel, and James, the male members of the family already reported.