Benjamin F. Bryant
On the line between Sims and Green Township, on section thirty-four of the former township is the farm and homestead of Benjamin F. Bryant, a substantial farmer citizen, who has spent nearly all his life in Grant County, and whose career has been one of substantial prosperity and with his share of civic influence.
Benjamin F. Bryant was born in Blue River Township of Henry County, Indiana, April 3, 1859, a son of Edmond and Esther (Downing) Bryant, both parents being from North Carolina, and now residents in Swayzee. They were the parents of twelve children, nine of whom are living in 1913, namely: Ellen, wife of William C. Koons; Benjamin F.; Sadie, wife of John B. Koons; Joseph F. of Howard County; Louis of Miami County; Charles O., of Sims Township; Maggie, wife of Eck. Allen of Kokomo; Anna, wife of William Ammons of Swayzee.
Mr. Benjamin F. Bryant was seven years old when the family came to Grant County, and as a boy he attended the district schools, and continued his education and training at home until he was eighteen. From that time until he was twenty-one he gave all his time to the work of the farm, and when he started out on his own account he had little or no capital.
On March 11, 1885, he married Miss Laura E. Shaw, who was born in Henry County, Indiana. They are the parents of three children: Earl, a graduate of the common schools and now living at home; Ralph, a graduate of the local schools and engaged in farming; and Ada, wife of Rev. Robert Wearly of Swayzee, pastor of the Christian Church.
The family are members of the Christian Church, in Green Township, and Mr. Bryant is a deacon in the church and until recently was superintendent of the Sunday School, a position which he had filled for twelve years. In politics he is a Prohibitionist, and has always been a worker to promote religion and morality and temperance in his community.
The Bryant homestead is located two miles south and three quarters of a mile west of Swayzee, and is one of the centers from which emanate wholesome influences for the betterment of the social and moral life of the county.
Submitted by: Gina Reasoner