Frank 'Haley' Bryant (1870-1938)
BRYANT, CLANTON, PENISTON
Posted By: Barry Mateer (email)
Date: 11/16/2024 at 12:52:20
January 11, 1938
Osceola Tribune
Osceola, IowaFrank Bryant for more than fifty years one of Osceola’s most familiar figures, passed away at his home in Osceola, Sunday. He was 68 years old. Funeral services will be conducted from the Webster Funeral Home Wednesday afternoon at 2:30.
“Haley” Bryant was born of parents who had been slaves before the Civil War and had come north as did so many others after they were freed. Large for his age, he was hired to drive the bus to the train station when he was only 14 years old and since that time, there have been few days that he was not on the job meeting the trains.
For many years he drove the passenger bus when travel was largely by train. Then with the advent of the auto and the disappearance of the livery stable, he took the express and mail contract which he held until his death.
Summer and winter, his horse and wagon or sled could be seen at regular intervals making their leisurely way to the station and back. There was never any question of his being on time, everyone knew he would be there.
Through the years, his steadfastness to his work, his quiet, unassuming manner won for him literally thousands of friends among the citizens of the town and county, trainmen and the traveling public with whom he came in contact.
On the day after Christmas, he suffered a stroke and for a time, it was believed he would recover. Late last week he began to sink and continued to grow worse until death came Sunday evening.
He was married to Bessie Peniston in 1907. Surviving are his wife and three brothers, George W. of Omaha who is a rather noted musician, Roy of Chicago, and Charles of Des Moines.
He was a member of the A.M.E. church and services would have been held there save for the fact that the building is so small. The funeral will be conducted by the A.M.E. Bishop from Des Moines assisted by Rev. Page of the local church. Burial will be made in the family plot in Maple Hill cemetery.
January 13, 1938
Osceola SentinelFuneral services for Frank Bryant, well known Osceola man, were held from the Webster Funeral Home in Osceola Wednesday afternoon, conducted by the A.M.E. bishop from Des Moines and assisted by Rev. Price of the Osceola A.M.E. church. Burial was made in Maple Hill cemetery.
For more than 50 years, Frank Bryant had been a faithful public servant, meeting the trains daily, first with a passenger bus and in later years, as express and mail messenger.
For recognition of his devotion to his duties, many organizations sent flower to his bier, included in which were the Business Men’s Association and the Osceola Rotary.
Frank Bryant, son of John and Mary Clanton Bryant, was born in Osceola, Iowa, January 3, 1870. He received his education in the West Ward school at Osceola, after completing the fourth grade, he found it necessary to quit school and find employment to help support the family. At the age of 16 years, he was employed by Messrs. Babb and Bingman who held the contract for hauling the United States mail and express. Later the son took over the business and Frank continued in his employ. After Mr. Babb’s retirement from business, Frank took over the mail and express contract for himself and continued until December 26, 1937, when he was stricken with paralysis. He was in the service 51 years.
On December 3, 1907, he was united in matrimony to Bessie Peniston. For thirty years he was a faithful husband. He was an active worker in the church, joined and was baptized in St. Paul A.M.E. church.
Taken ill December 26, 1937, his illness continued until Sunday, January 9, 1938, when the Lord called him from labor to rest at the age of 68 years and 6 days. A life beautifully spent.
His survivors are his wife and three brothers, Charles Bryant of Des Moines, Iowa; George Bryant of Omaha, Nebr.; and Roy Bryant of Chicago, Ill.
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