Many thanks to Calvin Roy Harrison for providing the photo.
[email protected] (512) 577-2446

Nannie & John Henry Bryant & family
Children L to R
William Ben, Jim Bob, Carl, Baby Edna, Bessie, & Eva
-----

"Nannie Harrison Bryant was born in Frankfort, Kansas August 17, 1871 to Ben Harrison and Jennie Atwell.

She married John Henry Bryant on July 28, 1891. She was a housewife. She died in Jack County, Texas on Feb 7, 1955. The funeral services were held in the Squaw Mountain School House. Burial was in Lynn Creek Cemetery in Jack County, Texas.

She was survived by 4 sons, W. B. Bryant, L. H. Bryant, J. L. Bryant and Earl Bryant. And she had three daughters, Bessie Jackson, Eva Counts and Nannie Lee Maxey."

Nannie's obituary was posted by FindAGrave member, Helen Parker (#46946529), who kindly transferred her memorial to me on August 22, 2015.
**********

Nannie's parents were:
Benjamin Franklin Harrison (1848 - 1902)
Jeanette Sinderella Atwell Harrison (1846 - 1920)

Nannie was 19 years old when she married John Henry Bryant, 30, in Spark Springs, Jack Co, TX on July 28, 1891.

Federal Census records, book biographies, pictures, and obituaries have helped provide a brief glimpse into the lives of Nannie & John.

Their biography was published in the Jack County History book (1836 - 1986). The following was contributed by Betty Bryant Barfield. It follows in part:

"JOHN HENRY BRYANT
John Henry Bryant, born July 7, 1861 in Arkansas, came to Texas with his family, father, William J. Bryant, Mother, sisters and brothers, Amanda Elizabeth (Betty), J. Robert (Bob), Ellen and Maggie, settling in the Corsicana area.

John Henry Bryant came to Jack County in 1890. There he met Nannie Leona Harrison, and later they married in Spark Springs, July 28, 1891. Nannie Leona Harrison was born August 17, 1871, in Frankfort, Kansas. She was the daughter of Benjamin Harrison and Jennettie Sinderilla Atwell and granddaughter of Nathaniel Roswell and Harriett Jane Stewart.

The families left Hind and Copiah Counties in Mississippi after the Civil War, settling first in Frankfort, Kansas and later, around 1879, came to Texas.

Nannie Leona Harrison's first school was at Springdale in Jack County. John Henry and Nannie Leona farmed in several communities in Jack County, settling in the Antelope Community.

They were blessed with nine children.
Mary Bessie Cinderilla, born April 12, 1892;
Jim Bob, born June 19, 1893;
Eva Ann, born September 9, 1894;
William Ben, born May 17, 1896;
John Earl, born May 15, 1898;
Edna Maudine, born March 23, 1900;
Jeff Langinzo, born June 21, 1902;
Nannie Lea, born February 28, 1905;
Leonard Henry, born February 24, 1908

John Henry entertained his 24 grandchildren by playing his fiddle and standing on his head. He was quite a character, working hard in the fields, taking time out to help in the community and serving on the school board to improve education. ..."

On June 22, 1900,
John H. & Nannie Bryant, ages 38 & 29, were renting a home in Justice Precinct 2, Jack Co, TX, where John farmed to support them. They had been married 10 years; Nannie had given birth to 6 children who were Mary B.C., age 8; Jim B., 6; Eva A., 5; William B., 4; John E., 3; & Edna M., 1 month.
-----

On April 27, 1910,
John H. & Nannie, ages 48 & 38, were renting a home in Justice Precinct 1, Jack Co, TX. John was still farming with the help his older sons. Their children were James B., age 16; Eva A., 15; William, 13; John E., 12; Edna M., 10; Langino, 8; Nannie L., 5; & Leonard, 2.

On April 6, 1930,
John H. & Nannie L., ages 69 & 58, owned a home in Precinct 4, Jack Co, TX. John was doing general farm work for himself.
-----

They were living in Jacksboro when John contracted Influenza, dying at 11:20 a.m. on March 15, 1947. He had lived 85 years, 8 months, & 6 years.

His obituary was published in the local newspaper.
"J.H. BRYANT DIES
Funeral services were held for John Henry Bryant at the Squaw Mountain Church, March 16, with Rev. A.R. Bilberry officiating. Burial was in Lynn Creek Cemetery.

Pallbearers were: Marvin, Corb, and Granville Jackson, Bill King, Elbert Modre and Coleman Leach.

Mr. Bryant was born the 9th of July, 1861, in Arkansas. In 1891 he was married to Miss Nannie Harrison, at West Keechi.

Survivors are Mrs. Bryant; three daughters, Mmes. Lee Maxey and Bessie Jackson of Antelope, and Eva Counts of California; five sons, J.B., W.B., and L.H. of Electra; J.L. of Wichita Falls, and Earl of Jackboro; 22 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren.

Hawkins Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements."
-----

Nannie lived at Rural Rt. A in Jack Co, TX when she died from a stroke "Cerebral Hemorrhage" on February 7, 1955. She had lived 83 years, 5 months, & 21 days. She was buried beside her beloved husband the following day.

Following is news about her death that was published in a local newspaper (provided by Calvin Roy Harrison):

"MRS. N.H. BRYANT RITES HELD TUESDAY
Last rites for Mrs. Nannie Harrison Bryant, 84, were conducted at the Squaw Mountain school house Tuesday, February 8, at 3:00 p.m.

Rev. C.B. Williams of Wichita Falls conducted the service, and burial was in Lincreek Cemetery with Hawkins Funeral Home in charge of arrangements.

Mrs. Bryant was born August 17, 1871, in Frankfort, Kansas, and was married July 28, 1891, to J.H. Bryant, who preceded her in death in 1947.

Survivors are four sons, W.B., and L.H., of Electra, J.I. of Wichita Falls, and Earl of Jacksboro. Three daughters, Mrs. Bessie Jackson of Joy, Mrs. Eva Counts of Yuba City, Calif., Mrs. Nannie Lee Maxey of Windthorst. Eleven grandchildren, 26 great-grandchildren, and three great-great-grandchildren.

Pallbearers were Marvin Jackson, J.L. Tarpley, Henry Cooten, Edward Leach, Bobby Jackson and Garrett Oliver."

"Our heartfelt thanks to all who extended comforting smpathey and helped in our recent sorrow. For the beautriful service, floral offerings, and other kindnesses we are deeply grateful - Children of Mrs. J.H. Bryant."

Researched & compiled by Virginia Brown
August 2015