Jacob Bryan Biographical Sketch

JACOB BRYAN

JACOB BRYAN , deceased, was one of the early settlers of Hancock County and one who was widely and favorably known in this locality. A native of Hunterdon, N.J., he was born on the 15th of August, 1794, and was a son of William and Mary (Suphen) Bryan. His father was born in New Jersey, February 12, 1761. Of their children, Mary became the wife of Samuel Hutton, Of La Harpe Township, and both she and her husband are deceased. Rachel married Robert Simonton, of Pennsylvania, and they are now deceased; Eleanor became the wife of James Burns, and both died in Pennsylvania; Hannah married Thomas Painter, and both passed away in the Keystone State; Jane, Eliza, John, Jacob, Isaac and William are also deceased.

Jacob Bryan of this sketch was reared on his father's farm in New Jersey, and during his youth attended the subscription schools of his native State. In 1819, he removed to Mercer County, Pa., and, purchasing a farm of one hundred acres, there began life as a farmer. He followed agricultural pursuits throughout his remaining days, and met with good success in his undertakings. As a companion and helpmate on life's journey he chose Mary Bagley, daughter of Daniel and Elizabeth (Showerman) Bagley. Their marriage was celebrated in Crawford County, Pa., on the 14th of May, 1824, and unto them were born seven children, one of whom died in infancy.

The year 1840 witnessed the removal of Mr. Bryan and his family to Hancock County. He took up his residence in La Harpe Township, and purchased one hundred and sixty acres of land on section 3, La Harpe Townhip, where he began the development of a farm. By additional purchase he added to this from time to time until he became the owner of six hundred acres of valuable land, which yielded to him a golden tribut in return for the care and labor he bestowed upon it. He successfully carried on farming until the 2d of November, 1857, when he retired from active life and removed with his wife and two children to La Harpe. He died on the 28th of March 1880. His wife, who still survives him, is now in her eighty-ninth year.

In his political views, Mr. Bryan was originally a Whig, but when the Republican party was formed he joined its ranks, and was ever afterward one of its stalwart supporters. He never aspired to public office, nor would he accept political preferment. He was originally a member of the Methodist Church, but afterward, when the Methodist Protestant Church was organized, he joined the same and was one of its consistent and faithful members until his death. He was always found on the side of right, a supporter of all that would benefit and elevate humanity. His career was ever honorable, and his example is one well worthy of emulation.