Biography of J. G. Bryant - Craighead Co, AR

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Submitted by: Unknown < >
        Date: 26 Sep 1998
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SOURCE: Biographical and Historical Memoirs of Northeast Arkansas.
Goodspeed Publishers, 1889.

page 323

J. G. Bryant, a leading merchant at Ridge, Craighead County, was born
in Madison County, Ga., September 20, 1843, and is the son of Jason and
Elizabeth (Berryman) Bryant, both natives of the same State. They came
to Craighead County December 25, 1857, locating in Big Bay Bottom,
where they remained until their deaths. The father died September 6,
1858, the mother December 22, 1868. They were the parents of three
children, the two surviving being residents of this county: John G.,
the subject of this sketch, and Elizabeth, wife of J. T. Dudley. The
father was a quiet, industrious man, and the mother a devoted Christian
and member of the Missionary Baptist Church. John G. was reared on a
farm in Big Bay Bottom, and has been a farmer all his life. In 1885 he
bought of Burst & Stills a stock of goods, at Big Bay Siding, and
carried on a mercantile business at that point until January 5, 1889,
when he removed his stock of goods to Ridge. By industry and integrity
he has established a good and successful business in general
merchandise. He has two farms in Greenfield Township, one of eighty
acres, thirty-three under cultivation, and the other of 160 acres, with
seventy-six under cultivation. He was married November 29, 1868, to
Mary H. McGown, daughter of Sam and Sarah (Tannehill) McGown, early
settlers of this county. Mr. and Mrs. Bryant are the parents of eight
children, three deceased: John D. and two infants. Those surviving are
Sarah E., wife of J. R. Fuller; Nancy O., Charlie W. and Thomas A. Mrs.
Bryant possesses many true womanly virtues, and is a consistent member
of the Missionary Baptist Church. During the Civil War Mr. Bryant was a
member of Company I, in McNiel's battalion, serving under Price. He was
in active service from June, 1862, until the surrender, participating
in several engagements in both Louisiana and Arkansas. He has never
sought [p.323] office, but is a strong Democrat and an influential
citizen.