Henry Anderson Bryant was born in Virginia about 1765.  He came to Kentucky and eventually settled in Calloway County in the Jackson Purchase.  He names six living children in his will and one granddaughter.  No wife is mentioned, she must have died before him. 

One of the interesting parts of the will is that the clerk says the courthouse was in Wadesboro, also written as Waidsboro.  We know the present-day county seat is Murray.  Wadesboro was a small town, begun by the first settlers to Calloway County.  At that time, it made sense to have their courthouse where more people lived.  In 1842 Marshall County was formed from a portion of Calloway.  A more centrally located courthouse was needed and the city of Murray was chosen.

Will of Henry A. Bryant

Calloway County Will Book B, Page 92

In the name of God, Amen.  I, Henry A. Bryant, of the County of Calloway and State of Kentucky, being sound in mind and judgement, doth this day make my last will and testament.  First, after all my funeral expenses are paid, I want all of my just debts paid. 

First, I give to my granddaughter, Elizabeth Lockhart, heir of my daughter Susan Lockart, deceased, two hundred dollars to be paid to her by my administrators when she becomes to the age of eighteen years or is lawfully married before that age.

I give unto my daughter, Mary Bryant, one bed and furniture and fifty dollars in money for her attention to me.  All the remainder of my estate, both personal and real to be sold and equally divided between my six living children, to wit, Nancy Lockhart, wife of Thomas Lockhart, secondly Mary Bryant, thirdly, Isaac K. Bryant, fourthly, Elizabeth Graham, wife of John B. Graham, fifthly, William G. Bryant, sixthly David W. Bryant, to be divided equally between the six above mentioned children.

I also choose and appoint John B. Graham and David W. Bryant my administrators, to make said sale and transact agreeable to my will above mentioned, this being my last and only will.  In testimony whereof, I set my hand and affix my seal this 16 day of November in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and thirty-six.

Henry A. Bryant

Attest.  Leonard West, Benjamin Dureall

At a county court began and held for the County of Calloway at the Courthouse in Wadesboro on Monday, the 25^th day of December 1837, the forgoing last will and testament of Henry A. Bryant, deceased, was exhibited in open court, and after being examined and proven by the subscribing witnesses thereto according to law was ordered to be recorded.

In testimony whereof this same stands truly recorded in my office.  Given under my hand this 30^th day of December 1837.  E. H. Curd, Clerk