Abner J. Bryant
A man who occupied a conspicuous place in the life of his community for many years was the late Abner J. Bryant, who lived a life which endeared him to everyone with whom he was associated. He was successful in his life work and left the impress of his personality upon the community where he resided. In his daily walk of life he conducted his affairs in such a way as to reflect credit upon himself and, being upright and conscientious in everything he did, it is justly fitting that his history be included among the representative men of his county. He will always be remembered as a man who had the interests of his fellow citizens at heart, and in everything he did he was also actuated by the highest motives.
The late Abner J. Bryant, the son of Gideon and Anna (Mouser) Bryant, was born in Ross county, Ohio, near New Holland, on the 22d day of August, 1860, and died in Marion township, this county, on the 16th day of October, 1910. His father was born in Virginia and was one of the early settlers of Ross county. Twelve children, were born to Gideon Bryant and wife, John, William, Frank, Charles. Ida, Laura, Rena. Maida, Cora, Nathan, Benjamin and Abner J.
Abner J. Bryant received a good common school education in the schools of Ross county and remained on the home farm until he was married. After his marriage he continued to live in Ross county until he was about forty years of age when he removed to Fayette county and located in Marion township, near New Holland. He bought a farm in this township and continued to reside on it until his death.
Mr. Bryant was married on February 11, 1882, to Flora Bennett, the daughter of John W. and Joanna (Karney) Bennett. John W. Bennett was a native of Pickaway county, and was one of the largest land owners in this section of the state, owning more than twelve hundred acres of land in Pickaway county. Six children were born to John W. Bennett and wife: Mrs. Sarah Dick, Melton. Flora, one who died an infant, William and James. Mr. and Mrs. Bryant are the parents of five children, Iva, Oma, Opal B., Audrey and John Bennett. Iva married Harry V. Heath; Opal is the wife of Warren Briggs, and has one daughter, Charlene, while the other children are still unmarried.
Mr. Bryant was a devoted Methodist in faith and lived a life consistent with the teachings of the church. Politically, he was a Democrat and, while taking an intelligent interest in political matters, yet was never an aspirant for public office. He was a man of kindly impulses, devoted to his family and friends, and throughout his long life was interested in everything which might better the community in which he resided.
From History of Fayette County Ohio - Her People, Industries and Institutions by Frank M. Allen (1914, R. F. Bowen & Company, Inc.)