Friday, June 28, 2024

William Alexander Horne

It’s always exciting to stumble upon a child you knew existed yet remained nameless. William Alexander Horne was one of those nameless individuals until a recent accidental find in my research. Born on November 23, 1871, likely in Washington Township, Westmoreland County, Pennsylvania, William was the infant son of Moses Horne and Elizabeth Larimer He was one of eight children born to Moses and Elizabeth: Amanda Larimer Horne, Mary Jennie Horne, Lydia Etta (or Enna) Horne, Josephine “Jo” B. Horne, Olean (or Olena) “Ollie” R. Horne, George Richard Horne, William Alexander Horne, and Keziah Chambers Horne. William is my husband’s 2nd great-uncle, with their nearest common relatives being his parents, my husband’s 2nd great grandparents. His sister Amanda is my husband’s direct ancestor.

I stumbled upon William while searching for his sister, Ollie. Despite numerous attempts on Ancestry.com and familysearch.org, I found no new information for her beyond what I already knew. Determined, I combed through Apollo United Methodist Church records, page-by-page, hoping to uncover any trace of Ollie as I knew her parents were members of that church. It was during this search that I spotted a child whose parents were Moses and Elizabeth Horne. The 1900 census for Apollo revealed that Elizabeth had given birth to eight children, seven of whom I had already identified. As far as I can tell, William’s family was the sole Horne household residing in Apollo at the time, so I feel certain this is the correct family, and with the discovery of William, the family puzzle was finally complete.


Apollo United Methodist Church record (page 1)

William’s baptism, witnessed by the congregation, took place on June 27, 1872, at Apollo United Methodist Church, where sprinkles of holy water by the officiating minister, C. W. Miller, marked the sacred occasion. 


Apollo United Methodist Church record (page 2)

Other than the Apollo United Methodist Church baptism record, I find nothing else to document the life of William. I can only assume he died as an infant and was buried at Riverview Cemetery in Apollo, where his parents and at least one sibling (Josephine) rest. But that is only an assumption. 

References

  • Find a Grave, database and images (https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/192286127/elizabeth-horne: accessed May 2, 2024), memorial page for Elizabeth Larimer Horne (12 Nov 1831–1 May 1913), Find a Grave Memorial ID 192286127, citing Riverview Cemetery, Apollo, Armstrong County, Pennsylvania, USA; maintained by Danica Jack (contributor 48068126).
  • Find a Grave, database and images (https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/192286191/moses-horne: accessed May 2, 2024), memorial page for Moses Horne (6 Apr 1833–11 Apr 1910), Find a Grave Memorial ID 192286191, citing Riverview Cemetery, Apollo, Armstrong County, Pennsylvania, USA; maintained by Danica Jack (contributor 48068126).
  • Find a Grave, database and images (https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/192285915/josephine-horne: accessed May 2, 2024), memorial page for Josephine Horne (15 Dec 1864–24 Mar 1941), Find a Grave Memorial ID 192285915, citing Riverview Cemetery, Apollo, Armstrong County, Pennsylvania, USA; maintained by Danica Jack (contributor 48068126).
  • U.S. Federal Census, Apollo, Armstrong County, Pennsylvania, 1900.
  • U.S. Federal Census, Washington, Westmoreland County, Pennsylvania, 1870.
  • William Alexander Horne, Pennsylvania and New Jersey, U.S., Church and Town Records, 1669-2013, PA – Armstrong, Apollo United Methodist Church. 

Wednesday, June 26, 2024

Robert Hobbs grants Isaac to son Nathan

This post is part of an ongoing project to record names of enslaved people of Greene County, Georgia I find in historical records. 

To all persons to whom these presents shall come, I, Robert Hobbs, do send greetings – know ye that I, the said Robert Hobbs of the state of Georgia in the county of Greene, planter for and in consideration of the love, goodwill, and affection which I have and do bear towards my loving son Nathan Hobbs of the same state and county aforesaid have given and granted unto the said Nathan Hobbs, his heirs, executors, and administrators a certain negro boy named Isaac to be delivered to him at my death of which these presents I have delivered him the said Nathan Hobbs an indenture signed with my own hand and bearing even date to have and to hold the said negro to him the said Nathan Hobbs his heirs executors or administrators from hence forth forever as his and their proper use and behoof forever absolutely without any manner of condition . In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal this seventh day of December in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and five.

Robert Hobbs (his mark)

Signed and sealed in presence of Henry English, P., William Greer, P.

Recorded this 9th December 1805.
Thomas Cunningham for Thomas Carleton, Clk.


Note: Isaac has been highlighted once before. You can view that here; this is the actual court record mentioned.

Reference

Greene County, Georgia Deeds, 1799–1804, 1803–1808, image 526; www.familysearch.org.

Friday, June 21, 2024

Gene Tallman, a dirt track legend from Clarksburg

The photos I am sharing today are part of the Ralph Murphy photo archive, which my husband received from his Aunt Jean in 2012. This extensive collection comprises 21 boxes of slides, totaling thousands, all captured by Uncle Ralph. These images span the years from 1947 to 1984. Among them are scenic shots from their travels across the United States, glimpses of family members, and candid moments with friends and co-workers. I digitized the slide collection in 2015, and they continue to bring me joy.

The land where the Mountain State Auto Auction now stands near Saltwell Road in Shinnston, Harrison County, West Virginia, has a rich history in motorsports. It was once home to the I-79 Speedway, also known as Thomas Speedway or the Brennan Raceway. This quarter-mile dirt track opened shortly after World War II, and its thrilling midget car races captivated fans with the roar of engines and fierce competition.

During the 1960s, the I-79 Speedway became a vibrant hub of activity on Friday nights from April to September. Racing enthusiasts flocked to the track to witness exciting sprint car races and cheer on local drivers. Among these talented competitors was Gene Tallman, a fierce driver hailing from Clarksburg. 


Gene Tallman


Gene Tallman and Gerald Compton

Behind the wheel of the number 43 Trevis sprint car—a long, slender model reminiscent of those seen competing in the prestigious Indianapolis 500—Tallman left his mark as one of “West Virginia’s dirt track pioneers.” His talent and determination earned him recognition not only in West Virginia, but also across neighboring states. Some of the tracks and cities where Gene raced include:

  1. Morgantown Speedway in Morgantown, West Virginia
  2. Ohio Valley Speedway located in Lubeck, West Virginia
  3. Elkins Raceway situated in Kerens, West Virginia
  4. Parkersburg, West Virginia
  5. Florida State Fair Speedway in Tampa, Florida
  6. Deep Creek Lake Speedway near McHenry, Maryland
  7. Winchester, Virginia
  8. Marietta and Belmont, Ohio
  9. Arden Downs, near Washington, Pennsylvania
  10. Greater Pittsburgh Speedway in Clinton, Pennsylvania
  11. Heidelberg Raceway, located in Scott Township, Allegheny County, Pennsylvania (approximately six miles southwest of Pittsburgh)
  12. Williams Grove Speedway in Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania

In 1962, Tallman achieved a significant milestone by winning the inaugural Potomac Valley 100. This race took place at the Potomac Valley Speedway in Fort Ashby, West Virginia. The victory brought him a substantial purse of $1,046, which stood as his largest earnings up to that point. The Potomac Valley Speedway, with its 1/3-mile dirt oval, was the perfect stage for this Labor Day holiday classic with approximately 4,000 fans gathered to witness the thrilling action of the drivers. That day, Tallman wore white coveralls and tennis shoes, the same as he is wearing in the photo below. Unfortunately, I am unable to confirm whether this photo was taken that day or at another race.


Warren Compton, Gene Tallman, and Gerald Compton


Gene Tallman holding the checkered flag (race unknown)
(added 7/28/24)

The number 43 car, a Chevrolet with a midget body and a V-8 engine, was owned by Warren Compton, a neighbor of Ralph Murphy in Nutter Fort, and his brother Gerald. Warren and Gerald built dragsters together and could often be found at local racetracks. I recently published photos of Warren, a car he built, and his family, captured by Ralph’s camera. You can read that post here

Born in Belington, West Virginia in 1930, Gene began his racing career in 1951. He made his way to Clarksburg around 1956, where alongside his wife Rita they raised three sons—Gregory, Rodney, and Jeff. When not racing on the weekends, he drove a truck for Allegheny Freight Lines.


Gene Tallman with trophy. D. H. Bramer, likely a sponsor,
owned a welding shop in Clarksburg


Gene Tallman


Gene Tallman


You can read “Compton & Tallman” above the 43 on the back
of Gene Tallman’s t-shirt


Warren Compton standing on the right


Warren Compton


Gene Tallman in car; Warren Compton on the right


Warren Compton working on the #43 car


Warren Compton working on the #43 car

Warren Compton




  

Warren’s son, Greg Compton

The four photos below are likely an after the race celebration, taken at a local restaurant.


Gerald Compton in the #43 shirt


Warren Compton (with glasses) and his wife Peggy (in white shirt);
Gerald Compton looking up at man standing


Gene Tallman, two unknown men, Warren Compton, and Peggy Compton

My thanks to Beth Gain and Pete Secret at the Clarksburg History Museum for their help in identifying the location of these photos and help with other details. 

I hope you enjoyed these photos from Ralph’s archives. To see others from his collection, click here. To learn more about auto racing in West Virginia, see Eric Denemark and Tom Adamich’s article “Auto Racing” in the e-WV: The West Virginia Encyclopedia.

References

  • 100-Lap Race to be Sunday: Spring Championship Set at Heidelberg, The Weirton Daily Times, Weirton, West Virginia, May 7, 1966.
  • Bill Cassella to Compete: Top Field to Race at Clinton Speedway, The Weirton Daily Times, Weirton, West Virginia, April 28, 1966.
  • Denemark, Eric and Tom Adamich “Auto Racing,” e-WV: The West Virginia Encyclopedia, March 28, 2023.
  • Denzil H. Bramer, Clarksburg, West Virginia, City Directory, 1955.
  • Fair Race Feature: Champion Richert Wins, The Tampa Tribune, Tampa, Florida, February 3, 1966.
  • Find a Grave, database and images (https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/179660228/denver_eugene-tallman: accessed May 23, 2024), memorial page for Denver Eugene Tallman (24 Sep 1930–28 Apr 2005), Find a Grave Memorial ID 179660228, citing Belington Fraternal Cemetery, Belington, Barbour County, West Virginia, USA; maintained by BurnRollins (contributor 47912569).
  • Fred Johnson Still Critical, The Dominion News, Morgantown, West Virginia, June 18, 1968.
  • Kegg, J. Suter, Gene Tallman Wins Potomac Valley 100, Cumberland Evening Times, Cumberland, Maryland, September 4, 1962.
  • Kegg, J. Suter, Tapping the Sports Keg, Cumberland Evening Times, Cumberland, Maryland, September 4, 1962.
  • Lost Dirt Tracks, Interstate 79 Speedway; https://www.facebook.com/profile/100037190965896/search/?q=i-79%20speedway.
  • Ohio Valley Speedway; https://www.facebook.com/ohiovalleyspeedway
  • Scott, Orr Both Score ‘Slams’ on Racetracks: Herb Wins Three Events at Wm. Penn; Gib Dominates at Greater Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, August 8, 1960.
  • Wise, Schaefer Win Wms. Grove Feature Races, The Daily News, Lebanon, Pennsylvania, April 18, 1966. 

Wednesday, June 19, 2024

Will of Mary Ann Wright: Nine slaves named

This post is part of an ongoing project to record names of enslaved people of Greene County, Georgia I find in historical records. 

State of Georgia, Greene County. In the name of God amen, I, Mary Ann Wright, being feeble in body, but of sound and disposing mind and memory, do ordain, constitute, and appoint the following to be my last will and testament.

Item 1st. I do hereby give and bequeath to my beloved son John S. Wright the following named negroes: Amanda a woman now about 18 years of age of dark complexion, Ben a boy now about 15 years of age of dark complexion, and Martha Ann a girl now about 15 years of age and of copper complexion.

Item 2d. I do hereby give and bequeath to my beloved daughter Mary Geer one negro girl now about 12 years of age named Philly and her increase to be hers her lifetime and at her death to become the property of the heirs of her body, not to be subject to any debts now contracted or which may be hereafter contracted by her husband John L. Geer, nor in any wise subject to his control—and I do hereby constitute and appoint my beloved son John S. Wright trustee for my beloved daughter Mary Geer and the heirs of her body.

Item 3d. I do hereby give and bequeath to my beloved son William J. Wright one negro woman named Betsy now about 47 years of age of dark complexion, one boy named George now about six years of age of dark complexion, one girl Margaret now about 3 years of age of dark complexion, and one boy Felix, now about 5 months old of dark complexion and their increase. Said property not to be subject to any debts which my beloved son William J. Wright may have contracted or may at any future time contract and I do hereby constitute and appoint my beloved son, John S. Wright trustee for my beloved son William J. Wright.

Item 4th. I do hereby give and bequeath to my beloved son James K. Wright one negro girl Elizer now about 17 years of age of dark complexion, one negro girl Antonette now about 11 years of age of dark complexion, one negro girl Patience now about 8 years of age of dark complexion and their increase. Said property not to be subject to any debts which my beloved son James K. Wright may have contracted or may be at any future time contract—and I do hereby constitute and appoint my beloved son John S. Wright trustee for my beloved son James K. Wright.

Item 5th. It is further my will and desire that in case either of my two sons William J. Wright or James K. Wright should die without issue then the property which I have willed them, together with the increase shall revert to and be equally divided between my children that are then in life and become their property and it is further my will and desire that none of my property which I have willed shall ever be subject to any debts which John L. Geer may have contracted or may at any future time contract. 

Item 6th. It is further my will and desire that the rest and residue of my property both real and personal be sold at my death and that my just debts be first paid out of the proceeds of said sale, and it is further my will and desire that my family graveyard be substantially and securely enclosed with a wrought iron fence, and it is further my will and desire that if there is sufficient money left after paying my just debts and after paying for the enclosure around my family burial ground and other necessary expenses of my estate that my executor herein after named shall buy a negro girl for my beloved granddaughter, Mary Adeline Geer, and said negro girl shall become the property of my beloved granddaughter Mary Adeline Geer and the heirs of her body.

Item 7th. It is further my will and desire if there should be any money left after the above and foregoing mentioned points stated in the 6th item of this my last will and testament be executed—that the same be equally divided between my beloved sons John S. Wright, William J. Wright, and James K. Wright, subject however to such limitations restrictions and conditions as are mentioned in items 3d and 4th and 5th of this my last will and testament.

Item 8th. I do hereby constitute and appoint my beloved son John S. Wright executor of this my the last will and testament.

In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my and hand and seal this the thirteenth (13th) day of August that in the year of our Lord (1857) one thousand eight hundred and fifty-seven.

Signed and sealed in presence of Thomas P. Janes, Benjamin E. Spencer, Franklin Moore.

Mary A. Wright

Court of Ordinary, October Term 1861, Georgia, Greene County. Personally came into open court Thomas P. Janes and Franklin Moore, two of the subscribing witnesses to the within and foregoing last will and testament of Mary A. Wright, late of this County, deceased, who upon oath say they saw Mary A. Wright, the Testatrix, sign , seal, and heard her declare the same as her last will and testament, freely, voluntarily and of her own accord, and without any compulsion whatever, that at the time of the execution of said will said Testatrix was of sound and disposing mind and memory, and that they together with Benjamin E. Spencer subscribed their names as witnesses to said will in the presence of each other and in the presence of the Testatrix. 

Sworn to and subscribed in open court October 7th, 1861. 

Thomas P. Janes, Franklin Moore
Eugenius L. King, Ordinary

Mary A. Wright’s Will

Greene Court of Ordinary, October Term 1861. Proven in common form and ordered to be recorded.
Recorded in Book G, pages 246, 247, and 248.
October 8th, 1861
Eugenius L. King, Ordinary

The within paper was filed in office by Reuben J. Dawson this 26th day of February 1866.
Eugenius L. King, Ordinary

 

Reference

Greene County, Georgia, Wills 1798–1914, image 538–542; www.familysearch.org 

Friday, June 14, 2024

Robert Wylie

Robert Wylie was born on December 17, 1880, at home on 10 David Street in the District of Camlachie, Glasgow, Lanarkshire, Scotland. His parents, James Wylie and Jane Williams, had been married for 11 years. James Wylie worked as a cabinet maker (journeyman) at the time. The Wylie family had lived at the David Street home since 1874. 

I have been able to document six children born to James and Jane: James Williams Wylie (born in 1871, High Church, Glasgow), Margaret Williams Wylie (born in 1873, Bridgeton, Glasgow), Elizabeth Kirkland Wylie (born in 1874, Bridgeton, Glasgow), Helen Campbell Wylie (born in 1875, Camlachie, Glasgow), Robert Wylie, and Alexander McKenzie Wylie (born in 1879, Camlachie, Glasgow).


Birth registry for Robert

Robert is my husband’s 1st cousin 3x removed. Their nearest common relatives are James Wylie and Margaret Gilchrist, Robert’s grandparents, and my husband’s 3rd great grandparents.

Before Robert’s birth, Elizabeth, Robert’s sister, passed away on November 14, 1874 at the tender age of six weeks. She succumbed to bronchitis at the family home on David Street. Elizabeth was laid to rest in Lair 728 at Eastern Necropolis Cemetery in Glasgow. In 1875, Robert’s sister Helen was born. Although the family still resided at 10 David Street, the district name shifted from Bridgeton to Camlachie. Tragedy struck once again before Robert’s birth. Alexander, another sibling, was born on March 15, 1879, but his life was cut short just 28 hours later. The cause of Alexander’s death was recorded as “exhaustion from abnormal parturition,” indicating extreme fatigue and weakness during childbirth due to irregular labor patterns. Alexander was laid to rest on March 17 at Eastern Necropolis Cemetery in Glasgow.

In 1881, when the census was conducted, the Wylie family still resided at 10 David Street. At that time, Robert was the youngest member of the family, just three months old. His father had taken up work as a chair maker, while his brother James and sisters Margaret and Helen were attending school.


1881 Scotland Census

On June 5, 1889, tragedy struck the Wylie family when Robert’s mother, Jane, passed away suddenly at home on 36 East John Street in Camlachie. Her cause of death was recorded as a cerebral hemorrhage, which had taken place the day before. Two days later, on June 7, Jane was laid to rest in Lair 728 at Eastern Necropolis Cemetery. Robert, now motherless, was 8 ½ years of age.

In 1891, when the census was conducted, the Wylie family resided at the East John Street home where Robert’s mother had passed away. Robert’s widowed father continued to work as a chair maker. His sister Margaret, enumerated as Maggie, was employed as a silk weaver, while Helen worked as a warper. A warper was “a textile worker who arranged the individual yarns which created the ‘warp’ of the fabric upon a large cylinder called a beam” according to the World Through the Lens website. Robert, aged 10, was attending school.


1891 Scotland Census

In late 1898/early 1899, Robert worked as a French polisher. In that capacity, he was considered a skilled craftsman who used a specific technique to polish furniture to a mirror-like shine. Around that time, he fell ill with phthisis, also known as pulmonary tuberculosis. After suffering from this disease for five months, Robert, aged 18 and single, passed away on May 9, 1899 at the family home on East John Street in Camlachie. His brother James was with him at the time of his death.


Robert was laid to rest at Eastern Necropolis Cemetery in Glasgow on May 12, 1899, in Lair 728 along with other family members.


Death registry for Eastern Necropolis Cemetery


Lairholders registry for Eastern Necropolis Cemetery, Lair 728

References

  • Alex Wylie, Daily interment books, July 1878-December 1885, image 137, Eastern Necropolis Cemetery, Glasgow, Scotland; https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3Q9M-CSJJ-FK46?i=136&cat=1323530 (requires free account).
  • Alexander McKenzie Wylie, Statutory registers Births 644/2 326, National Records of Scotland, 1879.
  • Alexander McKenzie Wylie, Statutory registers Deaths 644/2 243, National Records of Scotland, 1879.
  • Elizabeth K. Wylie, Daily Interment Books, January 1874–June 1878, Cemetery Records for Eastern Necropolis Cemetery, Glasgow, 1861–1995, image 133, https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3QHV-N3ZK-1242?i=132&cat=1323530 (free account required).
  • Elizabeth Kirkland Wylie, Statutory registers Births 644/3 2574, National Records of Scotland, 1874.
  • Elizabeth Kirkland Wylie, Statutory registers Deaths 644/3 2074, National Records of Scotland, 1874.
  • Helen Campbell Wylie, Statutory registers Deaths 644/2 1489, National Records of Scotland, 1875.
  • James Williams Wylie, Statutory registers Births 644/2 674, National Records of Scotland, 1871.
  • James Wylie, Census 644/217/14, National Records of Scotland, 1881.
  • Jane Wylie, Statutory registers Deaths 644/2 462, National Records of Scotland, 1889.
  • Margaret Williams Wylie, Statutory registers Births 644/3 1889, National Records of Scotland, 1873.
  • Mrs. Margaret Wylie, Cert. No. 6899, Lairholders, Eastern Necropolis Cemetery, Glasgow, Scotland.
  • Obscure Old English Census Occupations, World Through the Lens; https://www.worldthroughthelens.com/family-history/old-occupations.php. 
  • Robert Wylie, Census 644/223/3, National Records of Scotland, 1891.
  • Robert Wylie, Daily Interment Books, December 1897-August 1912, Cemetery Records for Eastern Necropolis Cemetery, Glasgow, 1861–1995, image 105; https://www.familysearch.org/search/catalog/1323530?availability=Family%20History%20Library (requires free account).
  • Robert Wylie, Statutory Registers Births 644/230, National Records of Scotland, 1881.
  • Robert Wylie, Statutory Registers Deaths 644/2371, National Records of Scotland, 1899. 

Wednesday, June 12, 2024

Bowden to Bowden: 3-year-old Henny

This post is part of an ongoing project to record names of enslaved people of Greene County, Georgia I find in historical records. 

Bowden to Bowden

Georgia, Greene County.

This Indenture made and entered into this twenty-eight day of March eighteen hundred and fifty-three between Jane Bowden of the county and state aforesaid of the one part and Robert C. Bowden of the same place of the other part.

Witnesseth that for and in consideration of the natural love and affection which she, the said Jane Bowden, has and bears to her daughter, Harriett Grimes, of said state and county (widow) and for and in consideration of the sum of five dollars cash in hand paid by said Robert C. Bowden at and before the sealing and delivery of this, presents the receipt whereof is hereby acknowledged, hath bargained, sold, granted, and conveyed and by these presents doth bargain, sell, grant, and convey unto the said Robert C. Bowden for the use, benefit, and advantage in trust for said Harrett Grimes, a negro girl, Henny, aged about three years.

To have and to hold the above-described negro unto him, the said Robert C. Bowden, in trust for said Harriett Grimes during her natural life, after her death to go to the children she now has, forever in fee simple free from any debts that are now or hereafter may be against the said Harriett Grimes to the only benefit of said Harriett Grimes during her natural life.

In witness whereof the said Jane Bowden hath hereunto set her hand and affixed her seal the day and year above written.

Jane Bowden 

Signed, sealed, and delivered in presence of
Elizabeth Bowden
James Dolvin

Recorded the 4th day of November 1857.
Vincent Sanford, Clerk

Reference

Greene County, Georgia, Deeds, Book RR, 1857–1862, image 318, www.familysearch.org. 

Friday, June 7, 2024

Guy Howard Bryant Jr.

Guy Howard Bryant Jr., the son of Guy Howard Bryant and Addie Myrtis Channell, was born on June 1, 1920, in Greene County, Georgia. Within this family, I can document two children: Guy Howard Bryant Jr. and Charles Edgar Bryant. Guy is my 3rd cousin 2x removed, and our nearest common relatives are Charles L. Lankford and Miss Moore, my 4th great grandparents. Guy’s great grandmother was Elizabeth Ann Lankford, who was the sister of my 3rd great grandfather, James Meriweather Lankford.

Guy was born after the 1920 census, which took place on January 23, 1920. Consequently, he was not included in that specific census. During that time, Guy’s parents resided in Siloam, Greene County, Georgia. His father, aged 23, worked as a farmer on a general farm. Although the census taker did not record an occupation for Guy’s mother (aged 22), we can reasonably assume she was a homemaker. 

Guy’s brother, Charles, was born about 1928, resulting in an approximate eight-year age difference between the two siblings.

Two different city directories list a couple named Guy H. and Myrtis/Myrtice Bryant. In 1926, they resided in a rental home at 706 W. Henry Avenue in Tampa, Florida. By 1928, they had moved to 553 Brownwood Avenue SE in Atlanta, Georgia. In both instances, Guy worked as a carpenter. However, given that all other records for the Bryant family indicate they resided in Greene County, Georgia, we cannot be certain that these are Guy Jr.’s parents. Further research is needed to confirm their identity. If you are researching this family, please keep this in mind.

On April 7, 1930, the Bryant family lived on a rented farm in Siloam. Guy’s father, aged 33, worked as a farmer on a general farm. When Guy’s parents married in 1919, his father was 24, and his mother 20. Interestingly, no one in the household could read or write at that time.

Guy died in Greene County on June 28, 1937 at the young age of 17. His death certificate attributed his passing to anemia. Dr. E. G. Adam, the attending physician who signed his death certificate, wrote that Guy had been an invalid all his life and was unable to walk or talk. Guy was laid to rest at Wesley Chapel Cemetery in Greensboro, Greene County, Georgia on June 29.




Cemetery photos used with permission of Barbara Robbins,
Find A Grave member 46626004

References

  • Atlanta, Georgia, City Directory, 1928.
  • Find a Grave, database and images (https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/73064799/guy_h-bryant: accessed April 16, 2024), memorial page for Guy H. Bryant Jr. (1 Jun 1920–28 Jun 1937), Find a Grave Memorial ID 73064799, citing Wesley Chapel Cemetery, Greensboro, Greene County, Georgia, USA; maintained by Samuel Taylor Geer (contributor 46925792).
  • Guy Howard Bryant Jr., Certificate of Death no. 15536, Georgia Department of Public Health, Bureau of Vital Statistics, 1937.
  • Mrs. Guy Bryant Passes Away, newspaper unknown, 1954.
  • Myrtis Channel and Guy Bryant, Georgia, Marriage Records from Select Counties, 1828–1978.
  • Tampa, Florida, City Directory, 1926.
  • U.S. Federal Census, Siloam, Greene County, Georgia, 1920, 1930.