AREA HISTORY:  Bryansville, York County, PA

Contributed for use in the USGenWeb Archives by Kathy Francis

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History of York County, Pennsylvania.  John Gibson, Historical Editor.
Chicago: F. A. Battey Publishing Co., 1886.
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BRYANSVILLE – Page 766

This hamlet was named after Dr. J. Y. Bryan.  It was first a schoolhouse site, and being 
located on a slight eminence was originally called “Mount Pleasant.”  Evans Gregg opened the 
first store.  J. W. Vansant, who was engaged in the mercantile business here, secured the 
establishment of a postoffice in 1850.  For many years Dr. Bryan himself was postmaster, and 
interested in the mail routes through the lower end of the county.  His daughter, Mrs. Belle 
Gallagher, is postmistress here at present.

Dr. James Yeaman Bryan was born in Bucks County, Penn., in 1805.  His ancestors are of French 
Huguenot stock, and emigrated from France to England, during the religious persecutions in the 
former country.  The original family name was LeBrene, which in England was contracted to 
Bryan.  Dr. Bryan became a medical student in the office of Dr. George McClellan, of 
Philadelphia, father of the late Gen. George B. McClellan.  In 1832 he moved to the present 
site of Bryansville, which was named after him.  He had a large practice for many years and 
died October 6, 1874.

Bryansville Seminary was kept by him for a time.  Among the instructors were J. A. Lippincott, 
now of Dickinson College; Revs. T. R. Vickroy and J. B. Ackers.

The church of the Evangelical Association at Bryansville, was completed in 1882, and dedicated 
the same year; Rev. P. W. Raidabaugh officiated at these services.  Rev. G. H. Schleh was then 
pastor.  The church is a neat frame structure delightfully situated.