William Bryan Sr (1655 - abt. 1746)

Born 1655 in County Clare, Munster, Ireland

Ancestors

Husband of Alice (MacLand) Bryan — married about 1689 in Isle of Wight County, Colony of Virginia [uncertain]

Descendants

Died about 1746 at about age 91 in Pasquotank County, Province of North Carolina

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This profile is part of the Bryan Name Study.

Biography

William Bryan Sr was born in Ireland.

William Bryan I was born 1655/60 in Clare, Ireland.^[1][2]

He died in 1774/6^[1] in North Carolina. William Bryan's father, John Bryan, (see father John Bryan's profile) appears in Isle of Wight Land deeds from 1672 to 1682. In particular, William Bryan receives land from his father in 1682, implying that William is already in Isle of Wight.

William is not a Marquis of Thomond^[3]

Two brothers, William Bryan I (1655- ) and James (1656- ) Bryan, settled in Isle of Wight County.^[4]

Brother James Bryan was a large landowner, in 1683 he had a grant of 315 acres, in 1689, 762 acres, and in 1702, 100 acres more.

Marriage

William Bryan married Alice MacLand.^[1][5] Alice MacLand was born in Isle of Wight, Virginia Colony, between 1655 and 1667 to John MacLand and Elizabeth.^[6] She married William Bryan (son of John Bryan) born, ca. 1655. Died, ca. 1705-1729 or later^[7][8]. William Bryan Marriage Record

Pasquotank County, North Carolina

The county was originally created as Pasquotank Precinct and gained county status in 1739. ^[9]

In 1722 William Bryan moved to the Albemarle Sound, Pasquotank Precinct, North Carolina.

Proof of Succession: Land Deed from John Bryan to son William Bryan, Sr. to grandson Needham Bryan

What you find posted below is research that was done by Lindsay M Brien and published in the DAR magazine in May 1956 on pages 509-510 (DAR 1956), also some of this same research was published in the National Genealogical Society publication in about 1960.

There are many deeds for John Bryan but this last one we will follow to his son William and to William's son, NEEDHAM BRYAN. Look at the dates of the deeds as the land passed down from one son to the next.

8 Oct 1672 - 20 Apr 1682^[10]: To John Bryan 470 acres of land situated on the head of the branches of the Nazmond beginning at a pine near Robert Johnson's land to line of Thomas Mason. The said land being paid to said Bryan as follows: 150 acres being part of a patent for 350 acres granted said Bryan 8 Oct 1672, the remaining being waste land joining to the former by and for the transportation of seven persons into the Colony; dated 20 Apr 1682.

20 Apr 1682^[11]: John Bryan Sr of the Lower Parish of Isle of Wight "to my son William Bryan of the same County and Parish for natural love and affection 200 acres of land. . ."

25 Mar 1713^[12] Needham Bryan of the Upper Parish of nansemond and James Nilliby of Isle of Wight: "The said Needham Bryan for love and affection I bear my loving brother John Bryan 270 acres near the north east line dividing Nansemond and Isle of wight, beginning at a pine on the road at Edward Bryan's line being part of a patent granted John Bryan dec'd bearing date 20 Apr 1682."

Conclusion: The deed from William to his son Needham was probably recorded in Nansemond County and as the early records of that County were totally destroyed, it is not possible to complete the abstract, but these three deeds covering the same grant of date 20 Apr 1682, should be conclusive."^[13][14]

Isle of Wight, Virginia, Land Deed Map

Land Notes

The following information is documented.^[15]

Individual Notes: "In 1722 William Bryan and his sons, Needham and John, moved to Albemarle Sound in North Carolina. William served as High Sheriff and Justice of the Peace for Bertie County, and was a Member of the Assembly for Pasquotank County in 1739. He died in 1742 in Pasquotank County, N.C., and is buried there. Alice died in 1729.

William Bryan, son of John and Sarah Bryan married Alice Macland (whose mother was possibly a Needham) and had the following children, born before 1705:

1. Needham
2. John
3. William
4. Mary
5. Alice

1672: John Bryan Sr, Land Office, Richmond, VA, BK 7, p.133. 20 April 1682 --- 470 acres for seven persons importation granted 8 October 1672

1682: This one will follow to his son William and to William's son, NEEDHAM BRYAN. LAND GRANT Land Grant Office, Richmond, VA., Book 7, p. 133; To John Bryan 470 acres of land situated on the head of the branches of the Nazimond beginning at a pine near Robert Johnson's land***to line of Thomas Mason***The said land being paid to said Bryan as follows; 150 acres being part of a patent for 350 acres granted said Bryan 8 Oct 1682, the remaining being waste land joining to the former by and for the transportation of seven persons into the Colony; dated 20 Apr. 1682.

1682: Isle of Wight Gt Book, Vol 1, part 1, p 685 - JOHN BRYAN, of the Lower Parish, Isle of White, [sic], to my son WILLIAM BRYAN of the same county and parish..for natural love and affection 200 acres of land, being part of a patent to said JOHN BRYAN, SR. bearing the date 20 April 1682. [Date for this deed 23 December 1725 Isle of Wight Gt Bk. Vol. 2, 1715-1726]. This land was deeded by Needham Bryan to his brother John. Isle of Wight DB 2, p.265, 25 March 1713. Needham Bryan to brother John Bryan For Love and affection (same land)

1689: Landowner, 1689, Justice, Isle of Wight, Assemblyman; Virginia

1713: Isle of Wight, Book 2. p. 265; 25 Mar. 1713; Needham Bryan of the Upper Parish of Nansemond and James Nilliby of Isle of Wight***The said Needham Bryan for love and affection I bear my loving brother John Bryan***270 acres near the north east line dividing Nansemond and Isle of Wight, beginning at a pine on the road at Edward Bryan's line***being part of a patent granted John Bryan dec'd bearing date 20 Apr. 1682. The deed from William Bryan to his son Needham was probably recorded in Nansemond County and as the early records of that County were totally destroyed, it is not possible to complete the abstract, but these deeds covering the same grant of date 20 Apr. 1682, should be conclusive"."

1720: Isle of Wight County Deed Bk 2 p400 This Indenture made this Twentieth & Sixth Day of November in the Eightieth year of ye Reign of our Sovereign Lord George by ye Grace of God of Great Britain France & Ireland King Defender of ye faith anno Dom 1720 between Phenehas Whitacar of ye Lower Parish of ye Isle of Wight County Yeoman of ye one part and William Bryan of ye Same County and parish aforesaid Yeoman of ye other Witnesseth of ye said Phenehas Whitacar for an in Consideration of ye Sum of Thirty pounds current Money of Virginia to him in hand paid by ye said Wm Bryan at or before ye Ensealing & Delivery of these presents Receipt whereof Doth hereby acknowledge and thereof & of every part and parcel thereof Doth freely & Clearly & absolutely Acquit Exonerate and Discharge ye said Wm Bryan his heirs Exe & Adm & assigns & for Divers other good cause & consideration him thereunto moving he ye said Phenehas Whitacar hath granted Bargained sold aliened Enfeoffed & confirmed unto ye said Wm Bryan his heirs & assigns forever more Ninety & five acres of Land more or less is Bounded as followeth (to wit) Beginning on a Branch known by ye name Pitts Branch & parts Wm __ land up ye said Whitacar and runs from thence according to ye former Bounds to ye Patent line of ye said Land including all ye land Between ye said Branch to ye ___ line of ye said patent & all ye Bounds there unto by ye said Phenehas Whitacar according to ye Deed as well morfe a fully appear it being a part of Land Devised to ye Wife of ye said Phenehas Whitacar by John More Deceased by his Last will & Testament Dated ye 18th Day April as or used now by ye said Phenehas Whitacar & his wife for ever sold with ye full bounds thereof unto ye said William Bryan with all ye houses & out houses that now is upon ye said land or that shall be here after built upon ye said Land Likewise ye gardens orchards pastures & pasture grounds woods & under woods Waters & Rivers runs branches springs and fountains timber & timber trees that now is upon ye said Land or that shall be here after growing expires same To Have & to Hold ye aforesaid Ninety & five acres of land be ye same more or less with ye dwelling house & outhouses gardens orchards postures & pasture grounds woods & underwoods & timber and timber trees water & water courses that is upon ye same belonging or appertaining & all Singular other premises herein & before mentioned And intentended to be hereby granted with there & every of their appurtenances unto ye said Wm Bryan his heirs Exe Adm and assigns forever & ye said Phenehas Whitacar Doth with ye full ands voluntary consent of Francis his wife Doth covenant and agree to and with ye Wm Bryan that he hath a good right & lawful authority in fee simple to Bargain & sell ye same & will warrant ye right of ye said Land against ye Just Cause of all person or persons Whatsoever containing any right or title or interest to ye same or to any part thereof to ye said Wm Bryan his heirs Exe Adm & assigns forever & further ye said Phenehas Whitacar doth warrant it clear from all gifts & bargains & causes uses wills intales annuities Judgements Rents & ___ of rents or all other troubles whatsoever & ye Wm Bryan shall from time to time and at all times hereafter peaceably have hold occupy & possess ye same forever to ye use & only behoof of him ye said Wm Bryan his heirs or assigns forever and ye said Phenehas Whitacar Doth for himself his heirs agree with ye said Wm Bryan that he will warrant ye premises before bargained there unto ye said Wm Bryan his heirs and assigns for ever & further ye said Phenehas Whitacar his heirs Exe Adm & assigns shall and doth warrant at all times & time hereafter ___ ___ ___of seven years next ensuing Ye date of these presents unto upon the reasonable request & at ye Cost and charges in Law of ye said Wm Bryan his heirs & assigns make make do suffer acknowledge & execute or cause to be done & acknowledge suffered & Executed all & every such further & lawful & reasonable act & acts thing & things & Devise & devises assurances in Law whatsoever ye said Wm Bryan or his heirs or assigns or their or either of these Learned Counsel in ye Law shall be here after advised be devised for ye more & perfect sett and their making of ye premises before mentioned to be hereby granted & bargained & forever sold of every part & parcel thereof unto the said Wm Bryan & to ye heirs of said Wm Bryan for ever Witnesseth where of I the said Phenehas Whitacar & Francis my wife hath hereunto sett our hands & fix our seals ye Day & year above written
the ma
Phenehas (P) Whitacar seal
Signed Sealed & Delivered by a the mark of
very Seizable and peaceably possession Frances (F) Whitacar seal
Given by ___ ___ Phenehas Whitacar

to Wm Bryan in ye presence of
Abraham Johnson
Mark of At a Court held for Isle of Wight County the 9th day John (I)Bryan Jun of November 1720 Phenehas Whitacar came into Court James Holland presented and acknowledged this his Deed to Wm Bryan and Frances his wife being first privately examined Relinquished her Right of Dower & it is admitted to Record Test J C Lightfoot CkCt

Hard copy on file

1725: By not giving the date, which was Dec. 23, 1725 in the above deed from John Bryan, Sr. to his son William Bryan [Isle of Wight Gt. Book Vol. 2, 1715-1726), Mrs. Brien leaves the impression that William was the son of the first John Bryan which cannot be true. The first John Bryan died before 1704, since his name is not on the Tax. List for that year. When he died his son John Bryan became John Bryan, Sr., because he was older than John Bryan son of his first cousin John Bryan son of Edward and Christian Bryan, whose land adjoined land belonging to Needham Bryan in 1713. Therefore, there is record of two generations of John Bryans: John Bryan,Sr. who moved to Nansemond County, Virginia about 1652, the record of his first land grant there. At his death his son John Bryan became John Bryan, Sr. and had sons William Bryan to whom he made a deed of gift of 200 acres..." part of a patten (sic) formerly Granted to ye Said John Bryan Senr Bearing date ye 20th April 1682." No dower was signed. [Elizabeth Willis DeHuff]

Great Book Vol 2, P685

Know all men by these presents that I John Bryan Sen of the Lower Parish of ye Isle of Wight County for Divers other good causes & Consideration of me moving by more especially for & in consideration of the Natural Love and affection I beare unto my Son William Bryan of the same county & parish aforesaid have given granted & by these presents do for me my heirs Exe Adm and assigns for ever Give an Grant unto my said Son William Bryan & his heirs and assigns forever more two hundred acres of Land more or less Situate Lying & being in the County and Parish aforesaid & is Bounded as Followeth ,(viz) Beginning upon the Paten Line of the said Land Mason Line & runs thence Northerly to the Head Line of the Paten and along the head line to a Line of new marked trees by me made & thence Down the new Line of marked trees Southerly to the said Patten Line & along ye Patten Line to the first Station it being a part of a Patten formerly granted to ye said John Bryan Sen Bearing Date ye 9th April 1682 be the same more or less two hundred acres of Land. To Have and to Hold to him ye said William Bryan his asasigns forever and further the said John Bryan Sen doth warrant it clear fromn the Just Claim of all Persons or persons whatever Laying Claime or title or Interest to ye same or to any Part thereof unto the said William Bryan and his heirs & assigns for ever free & clear & freely & clearly acquired & exonerated & discharged from me the said John Bryan Sen my heirs or assigns unto my Son William Bryan and his heirs & assigns for ever In Witness, whereof I have here unto set my hand and fixed my Seal this 23rd Day of December Anno Dom 17
his
John (J) Bryan Seal
Signed Sealed & Delivered mark
In Presence of us
Thos Gale Jun At a Court held for Isle of Wight County the 25th day of January 1724 His John Bryan came into Court presented & acknowledged this his Deed John(H) Hamptonunto Wm Bryan & is admitted to Record
Mark Test H Lightfoot Cl Cur
William Thornton

Children

William and Alice's children included:

1. Needham (1690–1770).^[1][16]
2. John (1692-1735).^[16]
3. William (1700-1762).^[16]
4. Mary, b. bef. 1705.^[16]
5. Alice, b. bef. 1705.^[16]

These five children are named in the Will of their grandfather, Alice's father, John MacLand, dated 1 June 1705, in Isle of Wight County, Virginia.^[17]

Will of John MacLand, Alice's father

John MacLand Will Handwritten

Research Notes

Possible Sources of Needham Name

For a discussion on this topic, please refer to Space:Possible Sources of Needham Name.

Sources

1. ↑ ^{1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3} Section: Lineage of Members, p. 184: Sixteen Hundred Lines to Pilgrims; Lineages of Members of the National Society of Sons and Daughters of the Pilgrims, Vol. III; Author: National Society of Sons and Daughters of the Pilgrims. Edited by Mary E. Mayo; Publisher: Genealogical Publishing Co. LLC, 1982; reprint 1996. 28 September 2018, amb
2. ↑ North Carolina Hist. Gen. Reg., Vol 1 (1900), quarterly issues 1-4 bound: issue 4 (October), page 577.
3. ↑ This William Bryant (1655-1742) can't be a Marquis of Thomond because he was born too soon. The first Marquess of Thomond was Sir Murrough O'Brien (1726 – 10 February 1808); The 2nd Marquess of Thomond was William O'Brien (1765 – 21 August 1846): he succeeded by special remainder as Marquess of Thomond in 1808 on the death of his uncle Sir Murrough O'Brien.
4. ↑ Wm & Mary Quarterly Vol 1. Bryant families with James Bryant Sr. land records in Va & NC and his will abstract Bertie Co. NC 1731 page 490
5. ↑ U.S. and International Marriage Records, 1560-1900, Yates Publishing 2004
6. ↑ familysearch
7. ↑ "Descendants of John Bryan", Joe Howell Bryan I, 19 August 1991, Manuscript 1997, in possession of Clyde E. Bryan, Jr., Atascadero, CA
8. ↑ W. Sturgis Bryan, Salisbury, North Carolina; 1985 Interview with Clyde E. Bryan, Jr.
9. ↑ "North Carolina: Individual County Chronologies". North Carolina Atlas of Historical County Boundaries. The Newberry Library. 2009. Archived from the original on March 4, 2016. Retrieved January 25, 2015.
10. ↑ DAR 1956, citing Land Grant Office, Richmond, VA, Book 7, p 133.
11. ↑ DAR 1956, citing ". . .Isle of Wight, Great Book, Vol. 1, Part 1, p. 685, John Bryan Sr bearing date 20 Apr 1682.
12. ↑ DAR 1956, citing ". . .Isle of Wight, Book 2, p. 265; 25 Mar. 1713.
13. ↑ Brien, Lindsay M. Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) magazine. May 1956, pages 509-510.
14. ↑ Map of Old Chowan Precinct
15. ↑ [1]
16. ↑ ^{16.0 16.1 16.2 16.3 16.4} Isle of Wight County, Virginia Deed Book 1, page 473
17. ↑ County Court, Isle of Wight County, Virginia, Mixed probate records, 1643-1866 ; indexes to wills, 1850-1985, Mixed records, Vol. 2 1661-1719 Mixed records, Vol. 3 1726-1734; database with images, FamilySearch (image 237).

See also:

• Lineages of Members of the National Society of Sons and Daughters of the Pilgrims, Vol. III

• Land Grant Office, Richmond, Va., Book 7, p. 133, dated 20 Apr 1682. Deed Book.

• Isle of Wight, Great Book, Vol. 1, Part 1, p. 685; bearing date 20 Apr. 1682. Deed Book.

• Isle of Wight, Book 2, p. 265; 25 Mar. 1713. Deed Book.

• U.S. and Canada, Passenger and Immigration Lists Index, 1500s-1900s; John Bryan arr 1635 in Virginia, age 25.

• Hathaway, James Robert Bent & Ray, Worth Stickley, editors. The North Carolina historical and genealogical register. Oct 1900, Vol 1, No 4, Bryan Record: page 577.

• Seventeenth Century Colonial Ancestors, Vol. I Ancestors (image 47, p. 39) [see copy of this record in images of this profile].

• Biography based on Notable Southern Families Volume II, Compiled by Zella Armstrong, Member of the Tennessee Historical Commission, published by The Lookout Publishing Company, Chattanooga, Tenn., Dec. 15, 1942. Digitized by Google, and available online through Google Books

• Deed Bk 6 348- William Williamson of Johnston Co. NC-to Ralph Vickers-of Edgecombe Co. NC 21 July 1758-60 pounds proclamation money=320 acres on the north side of Town Creek-joining James Rhodes. Witness: John Smith and Benjamin Brand. Signed by Rachel Vickers---Reg. Edgecombe Co. Court-1758-J Mont fort CC

• Potentially conflated find a grave memorial: Find A Grave: Memorial #185678063. Spouse matches but mother doesn't. This same find a grave is also on: William Bryan (abt. 1655 - abt. 1755)

Acknowledgements

• WikiTree profile Bryant-1262 created through the import of Family Nov 2011.GED on Sep 6, 2011 by Jim Tarbet.
• Bryan-2458 was created by Brock Riggs through the import of Jennifer Riggs Family Tree.ged on Jan 18, 2015.
• Bryan-3090 was created by Michael Cobb through the import of denning.ged on Feb 16, 2016.