Wallace - Person Sheet
Wallace - Person Sheet
NameMESSER, Bryant Edward 
Birth Date2 Mar 1809
Birth PlaceNorth Carolina
OccupationFarmer
Death Date18 Aug 1886 Age: 77
Death PlaceDellwood, Jackson County, Florida
FlagsCivil War-CSA, Messer Line, Military
FatherMESSER, William Rufus (1761-1851)
MotherBARBER, Mary Polly (~1768-~1840)
Misc. Notes
BRYANT MESSER AND MARTHA JARMAN
The ancestors of Bryant Messer and Martha Jarman at this time are uncertain. One story that has been passed down is his father was Peter Messer. This so far has not been documented. There are others, as Solomon Messer from Henderson County North Carolina. The Messer surname is exchangeable with Mercer and Jarman with German and Germaine.
The closest documentation is from genealogist Cynthia Green Dean who has done extensive research in Jones County, North Carolina on the Messer's and Jarman's, trying to determine if they were our ancestors. There is some strong evidence, but no concrete proof at this time.
A Bryant Messer received property in Jones County in 1829 from his father, William (son of Noah). Most men began to acquire property at about the age of 21. This would fit with our Bryant's age. Bryant sold this property in 1832 to Sidney Jarman (widow to Hardy Jarman).
Bryant appears to have left Jones County area after he and Sidney Jarman sold the same property in 1834 to James Messer.
A possibility is being explored to determine if Hardy and Sidney Jarman could have been the parents of Martha or some of the other Jarmans who came to Decatur County Georgia. One possibility is that Amy Jarman Green Mitchell, Holland Germaine McDaniel, Ferney and Council Jarman were siblings or cousins of Martha Jarman. Many descendants of these knew that they were cousins, without any documentation. Also, there are familiar names in these families. The fact that Bryant and Martha gave their first, two sons the names Hardy and William may also be a clue as to the names of their fathers, as was a common practice. In those days it was common that the first born were named after their parents.
As of date, no wills have been found for Noah, William and James Messer.
Hardy Jarman died without a will in 1827. There is some mention of his death in the minutes of the Court of Pleas and Quarter sessions. His widow was named as Sidney Jarman and there were some children, but they were not named in the documents. Another situation is that when Hardy Jarman's father, William Jarman died in 1824, the children fought over his estate, even though he had left a will. There were a number of court cases involving William Jarman children'. The names of William Jarman children were Hardy, Elizabeth, Penelope, William (Jr.) and Rachel Jarman. One major key to solving this mystery is finding the names of Hardy and William Jarman, Jr. Cynthia will continue to work on this in Jones County, North Carolina.
From here we rely on family stories passed down. After talking to different descendants from Bryant and Martha, which has never met before, seem to have some of the same stories. One being, there were two brothers, which one being Bryan (t) Messer. As researchers we take these stories and weed through them to find the key to the basic connection. We try to find documentation for the information, which sometimes it is impossible, but we keep pursuing.
BRYAN (T) MESSER AND MARTHA (Y) GERMAN/JARMAN
Bryan(t) Messer was born on March 2, 1809 in North Carolina. Martha Jarman was born on November 25, 1811 in North Carolina. They married prior to 1830, whereas oldest son, Hardy B. Messer was born about 1831-32.
An article on John Messer, Bryant and Martha's youngest son, in the Florida, Past, Present and Future (1513-1913) states that Bryan(t) and Martha (sp. Germaine) Messer, natives of North Carolina, who in 1865 moved to Florida, locating in Jackson County. To their union were born fifteen children. He was a carpenter by trade and followed this occupation in early life but after coming to this state turned his attention to farming.
Biographical Rosters of Florida's Confederate and Union Soldiers, By: Broadfoot.
Bryant H. Messer enlisted into the Civil War on February 21, 1863 in Quincy, Florida, into Co. B of the 5th FLA Cavalry, substituting for John H. Gibson. He was present at last roll call. From the Soldier's of FLA book states, Co. B of the 5th FLA Cavalry stayed in the North Florida region and saw little action. Also this confirms the birth and death dates of Bryant and that he is buried in the Messer cemetery.
Note: This is the only documentation where we have found thus far where Bryan (t) Messer had a middle initial or possible middle name. In the Tombstone book of Jackson County (1960-63), by the Mormon's, located in the Marianna Mormon Library, states that his headstone read: Bryant Messer and the dates given correctly.
Since, it is believed that Bryant and Martha left North Carolina about 1834, then all the other children were born in Georgia.
The descendants of George Washington Messer states that he was born in Macon, Bibb County, Georgia, it is possible that the other children were born in either Bibb or Decatur Counties, in Georgia. It is unknown when Bryant and Martha moved from Bibb to Decatur County, Georgia.
According to the 1850 and further research, their children Sarah and David died at a young age, and possible one daughter, Margaret.
Note: Betty mentions Margaret because her father, B.E. always carried the story that there was a daughter named Margaret that died at age 12 in North Carolina. This has not been documented.
The other children of Bryant and Martha were
Hardy B. married with three children died in the Civil War.
William F. married with 3 children and was in the civil war.
George W. married with ten children and was in the civil war.
H. D. (his name could of possible be Harvey or Henry) died in the Civil war.
Ferney S. married with 9 children was in the civil war. He moved his family to Louisiana.
Zachariah T. married with five children and was in the civil war. He moved family to Calhoun County, Florida.
Charles Messer was last documented in the 1870 Jackson County, Florida census being age 21, farm laborer in the household with Bryant and Martha. The story is that Charles left for West Texas. Information furnished by Claudia Messer Justiss, dated June 28, 1969: "Charlie had one son, Charlie, Jr., he was a preacher, Baptist, she thinks. In addition to Louisa Messer, there was another girl, but she died while a small girl, she believes, do not know her name." At this time we have not been able to find any trace of Charles.
Louis C. married with five children was in the Gadsden County Home Guard.
Pierce F. married with 13 children.
Council married but had no children.
Louisa Messer married Hardy L. Green and they had nine children.
John Messer married with seven children.
At this time we won't go further into the children of Bryant and Martha, which many of their descendants is with us today. We will honor each one at following family reunions.
Note: We can not always take the census as facts, but as a key to further our information. In the 1850 Decatur County Georgia census, listed with a PO Faceville, District #22, pg. 39, taken on August 6, 1850, we find Bryant and Martha Messer, listed as Mercer's with children arranging from ages 16 to 4/12 months. Also, listed Bryant, Martha and son, Hardy as being born in North Carolina. All the other children are born in Georgia. We found many of the children were listed twice with different ages. Living next to Bryant and Martha was F. and Elizabeth Jarmon with two children. Also, found in the census were C. and Martha Jarmon, Silas and Holland McDaniel with four children & S. and Amy Green with five children.
In the 1860 Decatur County, Georgia Census, Page 213, Family #793 list Bryant Messer as 55 years old and not showing a place of birth, but stating that he was a Farmer.
It is believed that Bryant and family came to Jackson County after the ending of the Civil War in 1865. Where an agreement was made between Bryan Messer and Joseph Hinson on January 13, 1866 for 520 acres, more or less in consideration of fifteen bags of cotton, each bag to weigh five hundred pounds of lint cotton. For unknown reason, Bryan stipulated in the agreement all his heirs except his son Council Messer. On October 12, 1867, Bryan Messer paid Joseph Hinson the sum of $1000.00 for the 520 acres, more or less, which is described in the agreement.
In the Jackson County, Florida 1870 census, Page 278B, #982/720, we found Bryant Messer, farmer, Real estate value was $500.00 and Personal estate value was $850.00. It is marked that he could not read or write. Bryant and Martha Messer is listed as naives of North Carolina, listed with their six youngest children, all from Georgia.
In the Marks and Brands Book, page 46, at Jackson County Courthouse, Marianna, Florida, states: Bryant Messer records his mark and brand as Follows: Mark crop in one ear and swallowfork and underbit in the other. Brand and eight pointer star.
At the Jackson County Courthouse in Book F, Page 247, on January 22, 1874, Bryan Messer brought from John Hartsfield, one horse and his crops for the year of 1874.
On July 25, 1876, Bryan and Martha Messer sold to Georgia E. Lewis, for $4.00 a parcel of land for their proper use and foresee for a school. Which at this time there is an old school building on the land.
1880 Jackson County, Florida census on page 582, household #230/23, list Bryan and Martha. Living with them is one of their grandson's E. Messer, age 22, as a laborer. This is believed to be Ervin/Irvin Messer, son of Hardy B. and Amanda Messer. Bryan was a farmer and they are naives of North Carolina. It also lists their parents as naives of North Carolina. Bryan and Martha were living between son, William Messer and Thomas and Emily Jones families.
Thomas Jones is listed as servant/laborer to Bryan Messer. The story is that Bryan Messer never owned any slaves but had servants. Which it turns out to be that Thomas Jones is the son-in-law of Ferney Jarman.
1885 Jackson County, Florida census in District 10, page 15, HH # 136, lists them as Masser's not Messer. Bryant and Martha's daughter-in-law, widow Sarah and children of their son, William living with them.
On July 18, 1886, Bryant Messer passed away and was laid to rest in the Messer cemetery, located on his land. Martha 'Jarman' Messer passed away on December 1, 1888. She was laid to rest by her husband.
Documentation that was found in the Jackson County Courthouse was that John Messer (youngest son of Bryant and Martha) was appointed Administrator of Bryant Messer's estate. J.M. Vickers, Alfred Nichols and B. S. Camp were appointed appraisers of the estate. These men petitioned the Court to set aside $405.00 (1/3 of the value of his estate) to support his widow, Martha and family for one year. On another document it was written that Bryant's land was 875 acres. It is believed that this is possible an error. No other deeds has been found where Bryant brought more land, other then the 520 acres from Joseph Hinson.
On January 11, 1887, Marthie Messer deeded a portion of land to John and Ida V. Messer. Which was recorded on January 20, 1905.
On July 5, 1888, Martha Messer deeded another portion of land to Ida V. Messer, wife of John Messer. Which was recorded on the same day. For some unknown reason, Council and wife, Sallie C. Messer deeded land to John Messer. Which all these deeds were portions of land that once belonged to Bryant Messer.
Being of strong German Baptist faith, Bryant donated the land for the Dellwood Baptist church. Later in years, George Washington Messer (son of Bryant) and other members refurbished the church.
No deed has been found where he deeded the land to the church, but the church is located on the land that Bryant owned. Deeds were found where others deeded portions of their land for the cemetery. According to the 1884 minutes of the West Florida Baptist Association meeting. The Dellwood Baptist church address was PO Dellwood, R. C. B. Lawrence was Pastor, L.C. Messer was Clerk and Messengers were Z. Hamilton, G. W. Messer and Henry Green.
Many descendants of Bryant and Martha Messer are laid to rest in the Messer cemetery, Dellwood Baptist and New Hope Baptist church cemeteries
The ancestors of Bryant Messer and Martha Jarman at this time are uncertain. One story that has been passed down is his father was Peter Messer. This so far has not been documented. There are others, as Solomon Messer from Henderson County North Carolina. The Messer surname is exchangeable with Mercer and Jarman with German and Germaine.
The closest documentation is from genealogist Cynthia Green Dean who has done extensive research in Jones County, North Carolina on the Messer's and Jarman's, trying to determine if they were our ancestors. There is some strong evidence, but no concrete proof at this time.
A Bryant Messer received property in Jones County in 1829 from his father, William (son of Noah). Most men began to acquire property at about the age of 21. This would fit with our Bryant's age. Bryant sold this property in 1832 to Sidney Jarman (widow to Hardy Jarman).
Bryant appears to have left Jones County area after he and Sidney Jarman sold the same property in 1834 to James Messer.
A possibility is being explored to determine if Hardy and Sidney Jarman could have been the parents of Martha or some of the other Jarmans who came to Decatur County Georgia. One possibility is that Amy Jarman Green Mitchell, Holland Germaine McDaniel, Ferney and Council Jarman were siblings or cousins of Martha Jarman. Many descendants of these knew that they were cousins, without any documentation. Also, there are familiar names in these families. The fact that Bryant and Martha gave their first, two sons the names Hardy and William may also be a clue as to the names of their fathers, as was a common practice. In those days it was common that the first born were named after their parents.
As of date, no wills have been found for Noah, William and James Messer.
Hardy Jarman died without a will in 1827. There is some mention of his death in the minutes of the Court of Pleas and Quarter sessions. His widow was named as Sidney Jarman and there were some children, but they were not named in the documents. Another situation is that when Hardy Jarman's father, William Jarman died in 1824, the children fought over his estate, even though he had left a will. There were a number of court cases involving William Jarman children'. The names of William Jarman children were Hardy, Elizabeth, Penelope, William (Jr.) and Rachel Jarman. One major key to solving this mystery is finding the names of Hardy and William Jarman, Jr. Cynthia will continue to work on this in Jones County, North Carolina.
From here we rely on family stories passed down. After talking to different descendants from Bryant and Martha, which has never met before, seem to have some of the same stories. One being, there were two brothers, which one being Bryan (t) Messer. As researchers we take these stories and weed through them to find the key to the basic connection. We try to find documentation for the information, which sometimes it is impossible, but we keep pursuing.
BRYAN (T) MESSER AND MARTHA (Y) GERMAN/JARMAN
Bryan(t) Messer was born on March 2, 1809 in North Carolina. Martha Jarman was born on November 25, 1811 in North Carolina. They married prior to 1830, whereas oldest son, Hardy B. Messer was born about 1831-32.
An article on John Messer, Bryant and Martha's youngest son, in the Florida, Past, Present and Future (1513-1913) states that Bryan(t) and Martha (sp. Germaine) Messer, natives of North Carolina, who in 1865 moved to Florida, locating in Jackson County. To their union were born fifteen children. He was a carpenter by trade and followed this occupation in early life but after coming to this state turned his attention to farming.
Biographical Rosters of Florida's Confederate and Union Soldiers, By: Broadfoot.
Bryant H. Messer enlisted into the Civil War on February 21, 1863 in Quincy, Florida, into Co. B of the 5th FLA Cavalry, substituting for John H. Gibson. He was present at last roll call. From the Soldier's of FLA book states, Co. B of the 5th FLA Cavalry stayed in the North Florida region and saw little action. Also this confirms the birth and death dates of Bryant and that he is buried in the Messer cemetery.
Note: This is the only documentation where we have found thus far where Bryan (t) Messer had a middle initial or possible middle name. In the Tombstone book of Jackson County (1960-63), by the Mormon's, located in the Marianna Mormon Library, states that his headstone read: Bryant Messer and the dates given correctly.
Since, it is believed that Bryant and Martha left North Carolina about 1834, then all the other children were born in Georgia.
The descendants of George Washington Messer states that he was born in Macon, Bibb County, Georgia, it is possible that the other children were born in either Bibb or Decatur Counties, in Georgia. It is unknown when Bryant and Martha moved from Bibb to Decatur County, Georgia.
According to the 1850 and further research, their children Sarah and David died at a young age, and possible one daughter, Margaret.
Note: Betty mentions Margaret because her father, B.E. always carried the story that there was a daughter named Margaret that died at age 12 in North Carolina. This has not been documented.
The other children of Bryant and Martha were
Hardy B. married with three children died in the Civil War.
William F. married with 3 children and was in the civil war.
George W. married with ten children and was in the civil war.
H. D. (his name could of possible be Harvey or Henry) died in the Civil war.
Ferney S. married with 9 children was in the civil war. He moved his family to Louisiana.
Zachariah T. married with five children and was in the civil war. He moved family to Calhoun County, Florida.
Charles Messer was last documented in the 1870 Jackson County, Florida census being age 21, farm laborer in the household with Bryant and Martha. The story is that Charles left for West Texas. Information furnished by Claudia Messer Justiss, dated June 28, 1969: "Charlie had one son, Charlie, Jr., he was a preacher, Baptist, she thinks. In addition to Louisa Messer, there was another girl, but she died while a small girl, she believes, do not know her name." At this time we have not been able to find any trace of Charles.
Louis C. married with five children was in the Gadsden County Home Guard.
Pierce F. married with 13 children.
Council married but had no children.
Louisa Messer married Hardy L. Green and they had nine children.
John Messer married with seven children.
At this time we won't go further into the children of Bryant and Martha, which many of their descendants is with us today. We will honor each one at following family reunions.
Note: We can not always take the census as facts, but as a key to further our information. In the 1850 Decatur County Georgia census, listed with a PO Faceville, District #22, pg. 39, taken on August 6, 1850, we find Bryant and Martha Messer, listed as Mercer's with children arranging from ages 16 to 4/12 months. Also, listed Bryant, Martha and son, Hardy as being born in North Carolina. All the other children are born in Georgia. We found many of the children were listed twice with different ages. Living next to Bryant and Martha was F. and Elizabeth Jarmon with two children. Also, found in the census were C. and Martha Jarmon, Silas and Holland McDaniel with four children & S. and Amy Green with five children.
In the 1860 Decatur County, Georgia Census, Page 213, Family #793 list Bryant Messer as 55 years old and not showing a place of birth, but stating that he was a Farmer.
It is believed that Bryant and family came to Jackson County after the ending of the Civil War in 1865. Where an agreement was made between Bryan Messer and Joseph Hinson on January 13, 1866 for 520 acres, more or less in consideration of fifteen bags of cotton, each bag to weigh five hundred pounds of lint cotton. For unknown reason, Bryan stipulated in the agreement all his heirs except his son Council Messer. On October 12, 1867, Bryan Messer paid Joseph Hinson the sum of $1000.00 for the 520 acres, more or less, which is described in the agreement.
In the Jackson County, Florida 1870 census, Page 278B, #982/720, we found Bryant Messer, farmer, Real estate value was $500.00 and Personal estate value was $850.00. It is marked that he could not read or write. Bryant and Martha Messer is listed as naives of North Carolina, listed with their six youngest children, all from Georgia.
In the Marks and Brands Book, page 46, at Jackson County Courthouse, Marianna, Florida, states: Bryant Messer records his mark and brand as Follows: Mark crop in one ear and swallowfork and underbit in the other. Brand and eight pointer star.
At the Jackson County Courthouse in Book F, Page 247, on January 22, 1874, Bryan Messer brought from John Hartsfield, one horse and his crops for the year of 1874.
On July 25, 1876, Bryan and Martha Messer sold to Georgia E. Lewis, for $4.00 a parcel of land for their proper use and foresee for a school. Which at this time there is an old school building on the land.
1880 Jackson County, Florida census on page 582, household #230/23, list Bryan and Martha. Living with them is one of their grandson's E. Messer, age 22, as a laborer. This is believed to be Ervin/Irvin Messer, son of Hardy B. and Amanda Messer. Bryan was a farmer and they are naives of North Carolina. It also lists their parents as naives of North Carolina. Bryan and Martha were living between son, William Messer and Thomas and Emily Jones families.
Thomas Jones is listed as servant/laborer to Bryan Messer. The story is that Bryan Messer never owned any slaves but had servants. Which it turns out to be that Thomas Jones is the son-in-law of Ferney Jarman.
1885 Jackson County, Florida census in District 10, page 15, HH # 136, lists them as Masser's not Messer. Bryant and Martha's daughter-in-law, widow Sarah and children of their son, William living with them.
On July 18, 1886, Bryant Messer passed away and was laid to rest in the Messer cemetery, located on his land. Martha 'Jarman' Messer passed away on December 1, 1888. She was laid to rest by her husband.
Documentation that was found in the Jackson County Courthouse was that John Messer (youngest son of Bryant and Martha) was appointed Administrator of Bryant Messer's estate. J.M. Vickers, Alfred Nichols and B. S. Camp were appointed appraisers of the estate. These men petitioned the Court to set aside $405.00 (1/3 of the value of his estate) to support his widow, Martha and family for one year. On another document it was written that Bryant's land was 875 acres. It is believed that this is possible an error. No other deeds has been found where Bryant brought more land, other then the 520 acres from Joseph Hinson.
On January 11, 1887, Marthie Messer deeded a portion of land to John and Ida V. Messer. Which was recorded on January 20, 1905.
On July 5, 1888, Martha Messer deeded another portion of land to Ida V. Messer, wife of John Messer. Which was recorded on the same day. For some unknown reason, Council and wife, Sallie C. Messer deeded land to John Messer. Which all these deeds were portions of land that once belonged to Bryant Messer.
Being of strong German Baptist faith, Bryant donated the land for the Dellwood Baptist church. Later in years, George Washington Messer (son of Bryant) and other members refurbished the church.
No deed has been found where he deeded the land to the church, but the church is located on the land that Bryant owned. Deeds were found where others deeded portions of their land for the cemetery. According to the 1884 minutes of the West Florida Baptist Association meeting. The Dellwood Baptist church address was PO Dellwood, R. C. B. Lawrence was Pastor, L.C. Messer was Clerk and Messengers were Z. Hamilton, G. W. Messer and Henry Green.
Many descendants of Bryant and Martha Messer are laid to rest in the Messer cemetery, Dellwood Baptist and New Hope Baptist church cemeteries
Spouses
Birth Date25 Nov 1811
Birth PlaceJones County, North Carolina
Death Date1 Dec 1889 Age: 78
Death PlaceDellwood, Jackson County, Florida
FlagsMesser Line
FatherJARMAN, Hardy (1796-1862)
MotherSIDNEY, Tamar (1798-1868)
Marr Dateabt 1830
Marr PlaceNorth Carolina