Transcribed from Goodspeed’s History of  Tennessee from the Earliest Time to the Present; Together with an Historical and a Biographical Sketches of from Twenty-Five to Thirty Counties of East Tennessee, Besides a Valuable Fund of Notes, Original Observations, Reminiscences, etc., etc. (Chicago and Nashville:  The Goodspeed Publishing Co., 1887), pp. 962-987.  See footnote below for on-line access.

P. L. BRYAN, a well known and prosperous farmer of the Seventh District of Bradley County, was born December 1, 1822, in Sevier County, Tenn., a son of William and Lucy (COTE) [CATE] BRYAN. The father was of English-Irish descent, and a native of Sevier County, Tenn. He served as quartermaster in the war of 1812. By occupation he was a farmer, trader and stock-raiser. He was energetic and successful. In 1835 he moved to McMinn County, Tenn., where he died two years later. His wife was a native of Jefferson County, Tenn., and died in McMinn County a few days later than her husband. They had nine children, P. L. being the third. He has a liberal education, attended the Holston College at New Market, Jefferson County, also at Cleveland, and several other places. After farming for twelve years he went to Athens, McMinn County, where he was engaged in the mercantile business seven years. He then moved to his present location, and has given his attention exclusively to farming. He now owns 320 acres, the greater portion under cultivation. He is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church South, a Master Mason and a Democrat. He is a generous supporter of all educational and public enterprises. In 1842 he married Anna M., daughter of Daniel and Mary HORTON. Mrs. BRYAN was of Dutch descent, born in Washington County, Tenn., about 1824. She was well educated, and a devout member of the Methodist Episcopal Church South. Her death occurred March 12, 1886. Nine children were born to this union: Mary M., Sarah E., William H., Daniel H., Alice A., Thomas L., Joseph A., Felix G. Lucy R. was born in McMinn County, and died in Bradley County.

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This biography was transcribed by Sherry Pollard. We thank her for transcribing all the Goodspeed’s biographical sketches.

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