Nobles County MN Archives Biographies.....Bryan, Madison J. 1844 - ************************************************ Copyright. All rights reserved. http://www.usgwarchives.net/copyright.htm http://www.usgwarchives.net/mn/mnfiles.htm ************************************************ File contributed for use in USGenWeb Archives by: Joy Fisher sdgenweb@yahoo.com November 3, 2006, 7:22 pm Author: Arthur P. Rose (1908) MADISON J. BRYAN, of Worthington, is one of the earlier settlers of Nobles county, having made his home here since 1873, the greater part of this time having been spent in Grand Prairie township. He was born near Courtwright, Delaware county, New York, in 1844, the son of J. M. Bryan and Sarah Jane (Rockwell) Bryan. The father was a native of New York state, and is still living, at the age of 90 years, at Ellsworth. The mother, also a native of New York state, died in 1860. When Matt was about one and one-half years of age his parents moved to Geauga county, Ohio, which was the family home until 1852. On the last named date another move was made, and the family took up residence at Independence, Buchanan county, Iowa. There Matt engaged in farm work on his father's place and secured a common school education. On June 29, 1861, Mr. Bryan, then a boy of 17 years of age, enlisted in company E, of the 5th Iowa volunteer infantry, and served during the war. He was a member of the 5th Iowa infantry until Jan. 4, 1864, when he was mustered out. He immediately reenlisted and was transferred to the 5th Iowa cavalry, becoming a member of company G. He received his final discharge from the army at Nashville, Tenn., September 19, 1865. His record as a soldier was excellent, and his discharge was an honorable one. For a time he served as corporal, later as sergeant, and finally was promoted to be orderly sergeant. His service was in the army of Tennessee, and at different times he was under Generals Fremont, Pope, Rosecrans, Grant, Wilson and Thomas. He saw severe fighting, taking part in the battles of Iuka, Corinth, Lookout Mountain, Mission Ridge and other important engagements. He was in the severe fighting about Memphis and took part in the siege of Chattanooga. Later, in 1864, he took part in the Vicksburg campaign. After his muster out in the fall of 1865, he returned to his home at Independence, Iowa, and near that city he engaged in farming until 1873. April first of that year is the date of his arrival in Nobles county. In Grand Prairie township he located a homestead, and there he made his home until the town of Ellsworth started in 1884. He then moved to the new village and engaged in business. Ellsworth continued to be his home until about the year 1895, when he moved to Worthington, and that city has been his place of residence since. At the county seat he has been engaged in various occupations. At present he has charge of Dr. Gould's veterinary hospital. Mr. Bryan was married at Independence, Iowa, November 28, 1866, to Etta P. Washburn, daughter of Henry and Anna Washburn. Three daughters and one son have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Bryan, all of whom are living. They are as follows: Cora (now Mrs. George Wood), Clinton, Iowa; Lucy (now Mrs. William Nisson), Washington; Mattie M. (now Mrs. Adolph Thompte), Worthington; Charles V., Worthington. While a resident of Ellsworth Mr. Bryan served two or three years on the village council. He was nightwatchman of Worthington village during the years 1899 and 1900. Additional Comments: Extracted from: AN ILLUSTRATED HISTORY OF NOBLES COUNTY MINNESOTA BY ARTHUR P. ROSE NORTHERN HISTORY PUBLISHING COMPANY WORTHINGTON, MINNESOTA PUBLISHERS 1908 File at: http://files.usgwarchives.net/mn/nobles/bios/bryan248gbs.txt This file has been created by a form at http://www.genrecords.org/mnfiles/ File size: 3.8 Kb