Bryan, D[ennis].

BRYAN, PEARSON, MARTIN

Posted By: Gary Norris (email)
Date: 2/27/2013 at 07:52:08

The History of Poweshiek County, Iowa
Des Moines: Union Hist. Co., 1880.

BRYAN, D.—Scott Twp—pg 764-5. Farmer, section 31, P.O. Montezuma. Was born in Greene county, Ohio, in 1832, where he lived with his parents, receiving an ordinary education, working on the farm in the summer. In 1849, young Bryan accompanied his parents to Mahaska county, Iowa, where his mother died, and in 1855 he settled on his present farm, a part of which his father had bought, at that time all prairie, but now one of the best improved farms in the county. He now has more than 200 acres, with a very good house, barn, fine orchards and miles of No. 1 hedge fence and 6,000 forest trees. He is now the oldest settler in the township. In 1852 Mr. Bryan was married to Miss S.A. Pearson, of Mahaska county, who was a native of Ohio; from this union they have six children, two boys and four girls; two girls have since died and two married and live in New Sharon; buried his first wife in 1868, who died very suddenly. In 1870 Mr. Bryan married for his second wife Mrs. C. Martin, of Montezuma, who had one child at that time. He has been school director three terms, road supervisor two terms, township trustee two terms; was one of the first directors of the Central Railroad; called the first meeting in the interest of this road in Montezuma. Subscribed $1,000 for the C., R.I.& P., in case it was built on the first survey, which was through his farm; the first survey of the Central was through his farm; he now owns stock in the G.& M.R.R. to the amount of $300.