Administrative Information

Access Restrictions

Collection is open to research.

Use Restrictions

There are no restrictions.

Preferred Citation

James Fenton Bryant Papers, 1861-1866. Accession 23546. Personal Papers Collection, The Library of Virginia, Richmond, Virginia.

Acquisition Information

Purchased, 9 June 1950, from Edgar Jackson, Franklin, Virginia.

Alternative Form Available

Transcripts of letters can be found in Three Rebels Write Home .

Biographical Information

James Fenton Bryant was born 22 February 1841 at "Bloomfield" in Southampton County, Virginia, to James Deberry Bryant and Elizabeth Sugars Bryant. He attended private school in Southampton County, and a preparatory school in Albemarle County. Bryant was attending the University of Virginia when the Civil War began. He returned to Southampton County and joined Company A, 13th Virginia Cavalry. He served for the duration of the war, and was wounded at the battles of Brandy Station and Five Forks. After the war ended, Bryant returned to the University of Virginia to finish his education. He then received his medical degree at New York University. Returning to Southampton County, Bryant began practicing medicine in the town of Franklin. When Franklin was incorporated in 1876, Bryant was elected its first mayor. Bryant also served as Southampton's first superintendent of Schools. Bryant married first Lydia Gabrielle Barrett (1852-1882), and they had at least 4 children. Bryant and his second wife, Maggie G. Bryant (b. 1867) had at least 1 child. James Fenton Bryant died 16 January 1909.

Scope and Content

Letters, 1861-1866, from James Fenton Bryant (1841-1909) of Southampton County, Virginia, to his father, James DeBerry Bryant (1805-1886); his step-mother, Mary Louise Nutt Bryant (1843-1913); and his sister Rosa E. Bryant (1844-1891), all of Southampton County, discussing army life and inquiring after relatives and friends. Bryant discusses camp life, campaigning in northeastern North Carolina during 1862, and fighting in Virginia during 1864. Also included are letters from his sister Rosa and his uncle, William R. Bryant, concerning family and local news. Bryant also received a letter from M. M. Davis and Company of Petersburg, Virginia, containing swatches of cloth for uniforms.