Laura Alice Sisson

Laura Alice Sisson was born June 5th, 1862 to Richard Hugh Sisson and Eliza Jane Cralle in Richmond County. She was born during the Civil War, her father served in the 15th VA Cavalry which was assigned to local patrol. Richard was captured in early 1863 and sent to a union prison in Washington, DC. Laura's younger sister Richardanna was born in July of 1863, but Eliza Jane died as result of complications from the birth and starvation. Richardanna died several days later. Laura and her older sister were cared for by family until the war ended and Richard was released. He re-married to Charlotte M. Bell in 1869.

On the 1870 census Richard and Charlotte appear together with Fannie age 9 and Laura age 7 and also the girls half-sister Almira age 8 months. Richard is a farmer with real estate worth $400 and personal property of $100. The census page lists their nearest post office as Warsaw.

On the 1880 census Laura age 17, still lives at home and is marked as having attended school that year. She has several new step-siblings that were born in the previous ten years.

Laura married Columbus Taylor Bryant on February 24, 1887 at her father’s home. The couple had eight children, all but one surviving into adulthood. The census of 1900 shows them living in the Washington township of Richmond County. Columbus or “Lum” as he became known is listed as a farmer. Sons Wilton and Richard are noted as being enrolled in school. Oscar and Emory are noted as twins. Iva and Milford’s names are also listed. The census notes that Laura has given birth to 7 children and 6 are still living.

The 1910 census shows Laura and Columbus still in Washington township. It also shows her last child as being born, Frances Louise. Lum is shown owning his home mortgage free.

On July 18, 1911 Laura passed away at the age of 49. She was buried at Totuskey Baptist Church. Columbus lived another 22 years without remarrying, when he died he was buried with Laura.