SOME FACTS ABOUT, JESSE/JESSIE MARTIN BYRD/BIRD

1822:    JESSE MARTIN BYRD IS BORN TO UNKNOWN PARENTS

1845:    JESSE MARTIN BYRD MARRIED HARRIET AVERA[?]

1848:    JESSE MARTIN BYRD MARRIED DICEY [DIZZIE] ANN AVERA[?] SISTER OF 
HARRIET, DID HARRIET DIE IN CHILDBIRTH?

 1850:    CENSUS OF THE EASTERN DIVISION OF CUMBERLAND COUNTY, NOW HARNETT 
COUNTY, HOUSEHOLD/DWELLING # 1596 LIVES MARTIN, AGE 28, WITH HIS WIFE, DIZZIE 
AGE 22, THERE IS A SON, NEILL W., WHO IS 2 YEARS OLD, AND JESSE M. WHO IS 3 
MONTHS OLD.

1860:  THIS FAMILY IS NOT LIVING IN THE COUNTY WHEN THE 1860 CENSUS WAS TAKEN.

WHEN DID JESSE MARTIN GET TO COLUMBUS COUNTY?
WHEN DID JESSE MARTIN BECOME A MINISTER/TEACHER?

1872:   JESSE MARTIN BYRD [JR] MARRIED AFFRA JANE TEDDER, December 8, 1872. 
HE WAS 22 YEARS OLD.

1873:  THEIR FIRST CHILD, HENRETTA ARAMANTA, BORN September 2, 1873. JESSE 
MARTIN WAS 23 YEARS OLD.

1875:  THEIR SECOND CHILD, JOSEPHINE MERIDETH, BORN February 20, 1875. JESSE 
MARTIN WAS 25 YEARS OLD. 

1885:   AFFRA JANE TEDDER BYRD DIED September 10, 1885. THEIR CHILD, HENRETTA 
WAS 12 YEARS OLD; JOSEPHINE WAS 10 YEARS OLD. JESSE MARTIN WAS 35 YEARS OLD.

NOTE: HAVE A NOTE FROM JACK SOLES THAT SAYS ONE OF THOSE CHILDREN "DIED 
YOUNG". SUSPECT IT TO HAVE BEEN HENRETTA. HAVE RECORDS THAT INDICATE 
JOSEPHINE WAS CALLED "BOODY" AND THAT SHE MARRIED A PRICE, IS BURIED AT FLYNN 
CEMETERY IN HALLSBORO, NC.
 
1887:   JESSE MARTIN BYRD [JR] MARRIED FRANCIS R. CREECH, MARCH 23, 1887. HE 
WAS 37 YEARS OLD.  NOTE: HE WAS MARRIED ON HIS BIRTH DATE.

1888:   ??? HAVE FAMILY NOTES SAYING THAT FRANCIS AND A CHILD DIED IN 
CHILDBIRTH. SUSPECT EARLY 1888. JESSE MARTIN WAS 38 YEARS OLD.

1890:  JESSE MARTIN BYRD MARRIED ELLA JANE NOBLES, January 31, 1890. HE WAS 
40 YEARS OLD.

1891:  THEIR FIRST CHILD, LILY LULA, WAS BORN, JUNE 11, 1891. 
JESSE MARTIN WAS 41 YEARS OLD.

1892: METHODIST JOURNAL RECORDS INDICATE THAT JAMES M. BYRD, MINISTER IN THE 
FREE WILL BAPTIST CHURCH WAS RECEIVED INTO THE METHODIST EPISCOPAL SOUTH, AS 
AN ELDER.
JESSE MARTIN WAS 42 YEARS OLD.

1893: THEIR SECOND CHILD, OLIVER MANN, WAS BORN, October 24, 1893. JESSE 
MARTIN WAS 43 YEARS OLD.

1896: THEIR THIRD CHILD, JESSE BRYAN, WAS BORN November 24, 1896. JESSE 
MARTIN WAS 46 YEARS OLD.

1899: THEIR FOURTH CHILD, MARTIN A., WAS BORN June 13, 1899.
JESSE MARTIN WAS 49 YEARS OLD.

1901: THEIR FIFTH CHILD, NANCY JANE, WAS BORN December 16, 1901.
JESSE WAS 51 YEARS OLD.

1903: December 26, 1903, REV. J. M. BYRD RECEIVED CORRESPONDENCE FROM W. B. 
COOPER, OF WILMINGTON, THANKING HIM FOR $10.00, AND TELLING HIM THEY WERE 
SHIPPING HIS ORDER, WITH PLEASURE, TODAY, THE 26Th. THE CORRESPONSENCE TO THE 
REVERAND HAD AN ADDRESS OF HALLSBORO N.C. JESSE MARTIN WAS 53 YEARS OLD.

1906: THEIR SIXTH CHILD, HUGH, WAS BORN JUNE 12,1906.
JESSE MARTIN WAS 56 YEARS OLD.

1909: THEIR SEVENTH CHILD, THEODORE ROSEVELLT, WAS BORN October 9, 1909. 
JESSE MARTIN WAS 59 YEARS OLD.

1911: METHODIST JOURNAL RECORDS INDICATE THAT J. M. BYRD WAS APPOINTED TO 
HATTERAS. THE ASSIGNMENT WAS TO START AT THE BEGINNING OF THE YEAR OF 1912. 
JESSE MARTIN WAS 61 YEARS OLD.

1912:   THE AGES OF THE CHILDREN AT THE BEGINNING OF 1912:
LILY LULA, 21 YEARS; OLIVER MANN, 19 YEARS; JESSIE BRYAN, 16 YEARS; MARTIN 
A., 13 YEARS; NANCY JANE, 12 YEARS; HUGH 6 YEARS; THEODORE [TED] 3 YEARS.

WE KNOW FROM STORIES THEY TOLD THAT MARTIN AND NANCY JANE RECALL HATTERAS. 
THEY REMEMBER THE HATTERAS LIGHTHOUSE LIGHT SHINING IN THEIR BEDROOM WINDOW.
DID THE THREE OLDER CHILDREN GO TO HATTERAS OR WERE THEY ALREADY OUT OF THE 
HOUSE AND ON THEIR OWN?

1912 - 1925: J. M. BYRD IS INCLUDED IN THE ROLL OF LOCAL PASTORS, METHODIST 
JOURNAL.

1917:   BOOK, "RECOLLECTIONS AND RECORDS" PAGE 221, STATES REV. JESSIE BYRD 
WAS ONE OF MANY TEACHERS AT A NEW SCHOOL WHICH HAD BEEN BUILT AFTER A FIRE IN 
THE BETHEL COMMUNITY.
JESSIE MARTIN WAS 67 YEARS OLD. 

1917: NANCY JANE MARRIED ALBERT LEROY FOWLER, JESSE MARTIN WAS 67 YEARS OLD.

1924: MARTIN A. MARRIED FLOSSIE LELA SOLES, MARCH 8, 1924. JESSE MARTIN WAS 
74 YEARS OLD.

1928:   LILY LULA BYRD NOBLES DIED IN DECEMBER. JESSE MARTIN WAS 78 YEARS OLD.

1935: BRYAN JESSE WROTE LETTER TO HIS DAD ON January 21, 1935 FROM THE 
FLAGSHIP U. S. S. HOUSTON. JESSE MARTIN WAS 85 YEARS OLD.

1936: JESSE MARTIN DIED, January 18, 1936. HE WAS 86 YEARS OLD.



On June 16, 1991, Clara Jane Byrd Fowler told me that she thinks Bryan 
settled on/near the Outer Banks of NC.  Family history/tales say that Bryan 
heard the SOS from the Titanic in April, 1912, but his ship was too far away 
to be of assistance.

Below is a copy of a letter written by Bryan to his Dad.  He was 37 years, 2 
months and 13 days old. Note that he hoped to retire in 1935, he died in 
Sept. 1935.  We have little info about his life, we do not know when he 
married, he did not mention a family in this letter.  When then, did he 
marry?  The letter indicated he had been home in 1932.  Note his father was a 
Methodist Minister.  Erwin, NC mentioned in the letter is near Dunn, in 
Harnett County, NC and Buxton, NC is on the Outer Banks near Cape Hatteras, 
NC. We believe that his father was born in Harnett County, NC.  At the time 
of this letter, Rev. Jesse Martin Byrd was almost 83 years old, his mother, 
Ella Jane, was 62 years old!

Header of Letter:

UNITED STATES ASIATIC FLEET
          U.S.S. HOUSTON, Flagship
              Manila, P.I.   21 January 1933.

Dear Dad:
    Your letter of 13 December came to me a couple of days ago and I am 
mighty happy to learn that yours and Mothers health was good at the time of 
your writing.  Our health means a great lot in-so-far as our progressiveness 
is concerned.  I have so miserably learned for myself during the many months 
of trouble.  I am very greatful that I am having very little trouble with my 
stomach now a days, Although I have to be very careful and painstaking with 
what I eat, especially, the quantity.  After spending all the years in pain 
and too, the money I spent trying to find relief, Only to fall headlong into 
a simple thing like the thing that gave real relief.  I truly hope you both 
can keep your good health and get along good.

    I do so wish I had the means sufficient to make it possible for you and 
mother to take a Sea trip out to this part of the world, It would do you both 
a wonderful lot of good.  The change of climate and most of all the scenery 
would make you feel ten years younger.  Have not visited much of the country 
out here in Asia, I made a couple of stops in Shanghai, Once in Nanking, 
Hankow and HongKong.  Went about 900 miles up the Yangtze River.  Will be 
going back to China now in a couple of months and then will probably get 
around a bit.

    If my plans come out as I hope they will, I shall finish the trip around 
the world by continuing on through the Suez.  If I do the trip will put me in 
the following ports for a short stay.  Leaving Shanghai, HongKong, Manila, 
Singapore, Penang, Colombo,  Suez, Port Said, Alexandria, Egypt, Naples, 
Geona, Marseilles, and finially winding up in the big city of New York about 
three months later.  My idea is to make this trip and get paid for making it. 
 I could not see the idea of trying to fork up enough money to make the trip 
on myself.  My expectations are now, To retire from service when I leave the 
Orient and I desire to go back home via the route just outlined.  Then, my 
ambitions of the Sea I believe, will have been achieved.

    How is Nancy and Daisy coming along?  I can't figure out why she never 
drops me a line some time.  I keep sending her cards and a letter now and 
then but I never get a scratch from her.  She is my sister and I think the 
world of her and I wish she would remember that.

    Sure wish you would, and I hope you have taken that work in Birmingham by 
now.  It would be so much better for you than trying to do the work you do 
now.  Was up around Erwin a year ago, I like that country up there and I 
think you would enjoy living in that part of N.C., Seems to be quite a 
prosperous section of the country.  I remember the last evening in the city, 
some of the old timers had a game of PITCHING HORSE SHOES.  Appears to be 
quite a sporting game up there, Any way, Its good clean fun.  Would like to 
be up around the North Pole with the Polar Bears its so blooming warm  here 
in these Islands I go haywire and not half try.  Half of the last 7 years has 
been spent in the tropics and I'm beginning to feel like I could live on 
Bananas and rice without a failure.  Its mostly Fish and rice in this clime.  
While in China its mostly RICE.  Don't be alarmed when I come to see you in 
1935 if I throw the Chairs out the door and set on my HEELS.  Its customary 
in this side of the world you know.

Please tell the boys hello for me and say that I shall drop them a line some 
time, Have just written 5 letters and I'm not half through yet.  Just 
received a letter from a friend of mine that is now up in Massachusetts, He 
married a Buxton girl and is now stationed in a Compass Station situated in 
the first Naval District.  He found out where I am by a Christmas card that 
the Ship sent out and he claims to be very glad to know I am still living.  
He married old man Sirus Gray's oldest daughter from Buxton.

    There's one of Bob Gaskins daughters out here with her Navy man.  Have 
not had the opportunity of meeting her since I came out though.  By the way, 
I came all the way out to the Philippine Island only to find a Cousin of mine 
living here.  She is Margaret Lusk, She says we are related and that her 
parents are living in Saint Thomas, Virgin Islands.  Her mother and Father, 
especially her father treated me very kind indeed while I was down there 
during the years 1926, 1927, 1928 and 1929.  The world is small place after 
all.

So now I shall cut out the broadcasting and sign off for this period by 
hoping you and all the folks at home the best of everything that deserving 
people should enjoy.

    Lovingly Your Son.
                          Bryan

Jesse M. Byrd's Death Certificate spelling is "Jessie M. Bird."
Columbus County, Book 22, Page 406
Township: Williams

Book; Columbus County North Carolina  "Recollections and Records" published 
by Columbus County Commissioners and Columbus County Public Library. 
Copyright, 1980.

References to Jesse Byrd:

Page 113, 

CHURCHES
   The first churches were primitive log buildings. One was built of lumber 
by Elijah Creech.  It later became a part of his son Joseph's home.  The 
building was about 30 feet long and twelve or fifteen feet wide, with a large 
chimney at one end.  It was nondenominational.  Isham Green  and Jesse Byrd 
preached there.  Near Glade School was a log church which was called Sweet 
Home.

Copy of correspondence Jack Soles had with the Methodist Church in 1977:

The United Methodist Church
Raleigh Area
The Methodist Building, 1307 Glenwood Avenue
Post Office Box 10955
Raleigh, North Carolina  27605
Robert M. Blackburn
Resident Bishop
Phone [919] 858-9435 Office
[919] 782-0520 [Residence]
November 10, 1977

Mr. Jackie W. Soles
P. O. Box 261
Shallotte, North Carolina   28459

Dr. Mr. Soles:

Let me apologize for not answering your letter of August 22 requesting 
information on Jessie Martin Byrd, Jr.  Your letter came about the time I 
took my vacation.  I did some research into the records we have here, and the 
enclosed sheet is the result of that research.  I hope this will be of help 
to you.

I also checked with the Reverend Frank Grill of our Conference staff who 
works with our Commission on Archives and History, but he does not have any 
additional information.

Unfortunately, official records on local preachers are very scarce.  The Duke 
Divinity School Library may have some information, although it is doubtful.  
If you can learn anything further about your great grandfather, and 
especially if you find that James M. Byrd is indeed the same person, we will 
appreciate your sharing that information with us.

Sincerely,
Vivian P. Mitchell
Secretary to Bishop Blackburn

Enclosure

J. M. BYRD
 I have searched the Journal records from 1890 through 1937 [with the 
exception of a few missing years] and found the following information:

1889 and 1890 - not included in list of Local Ministers
1892 - P. 12 - Record of Daily Proceedings shows that James M. Byrd, a 
minister in the Free Will Baptist Church, having been received into the 
Methodist Episcopal Church, South, was upon recommendation of the Quarterly 
Conference of the Whiteville Circuit in the Wilmington District, recognized 
as an Elder.
P. 100 - Included in roll of Local Ministers - J. M. Byrd, Elder, Wilmington 
District, address given as Chadbourn.  Not included in list of appointments, 
alphabetical roll, or chronological roll.
 
1896 - Roll of Local Ministers not printed. No record of J. M. Byrd.
1910 - P. 113 - Included in roll of Local Pastors - Address given as 
Clarendon.  No appointment.

1911 Journal - p. 27 - Appointment list shows Hatteras Circuit in the 
Elizabeth City District to be supplied   by J. M. Byrd [1st year].  [Since 
conference was held in December, he would have begun his work at the 
beginning of the year 1912. This is the only time the records show that he 
was given an appointment by the bishop. On page 106 of the 1911 Journal he is 
listed in the Alphabetical Roll, with his address given as Hatteras.]

The Journal records for 1912 - 1925 include the name of J. M. Byrd among the 
Roll of Local Pastors.  He is included in the Wilmington District list, with 
the address given as Clarendon.  The only exception is in 1925 [p. 17], where 
he is listed in the Fayetteville district, with the address given as Duke [ 
Erwin].

After 1925 there is no further mention of J. M. Byrd. Since he was a local 
preacher, and not under episcopal appointment except for the one year, and 
never became a member of the conference itself, there was no mention of his 
death, no memoir given, and his name is not included in the Roll of Deceased 
Members.
 
The 1892 record, which lists him as James M. Byrd could have been a clerical 
error. From these records it is impossible to tell if James M. Byrd and J. M. 
Byrd were one and the same person, or if one or both of these were really 
Jessie Martin Byrd, Jr.

The fact that J. M. Byrd served Hatteras and that his address is usually 
given as Clarendon would indicate that he was probably your Great Grandfather.

April - June 2000 Queries

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