Springfield-Greene
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of Many of the Representative Citizens
JAMES H. O'BRYANT. There is an habitual tendency in human nature to live in and for that which is perishing, hence the necessity for something that shall remind us of what is abiding, something that shall enable us to realize our larger duties and higher destiny. The life of the masses of the people tends to become commonplace, and the only way to give color and zest and interest and beauty to the things around, us is to be able to view them from the inside of a rich, splendidly furnished intellectual home. This is possible no matter in what line of work we are engaged. James H. O'Bryant is one of the citizens of Springfield who realized these facts long ago, and he has thus sought to develop his mind along general lines while engaged in his routine of daily tasks..
Mr. O'Bryant was, born in Greene county, Missouri, August 20, 1866. He is a son of George W. and Mary C. (Howard) O'Bryant, natives of Tennessee and North Carolina, respectively, the father's birth occurring in 1823, and the mother's in 1830. They received limited educations in the old-time subscription schools, and when young they accompanied their parents from their respective communities in the South on the long journey to Greene county, Missouri, both the O'Bryants and Howards being pioneer settlers here, and here the parents of our subject were married. George W. O'Bryant was a successful farmer and stock raiser and became owner of three hundred and sixty acres of good land near Republic, and there his death occurred in 1866. His widow survived about thirty-seven years, dying in July, 1903, at the old homestead in Brookline township at an advanced age. Mr. O'Bryant was a member of the State Militia during the Civil war and was an active Union man, but served only in one important engagement--the battle of Springfield, fought on January 8, 1863. His family consisted of ten children, namely: Sarah Jane is deceased; Mary Frances lives in Polk county; John C. is deceased; Martha A., deceased, was the wife of Judge Phillips, of this county; William and Delila, twins, both live in Republic; Alice A. is deceased; Nancy C. lives in California; George W. near Republic, and James H., of this sketch, who is the youngest of the family.
James H. O'Bryant grew to manhood on the home farm in Brookline township and he received his education in the common schools. -He remained on the home farm, of which he owned one hundred and forty acres, until 1899, when, after a successful career as general farmer, he sold out, and in that year was appointed superintendent of the Greene County Farm, serving four years in a manner that reflected much credit upon himself and to the satisfaction of all concerned, doing much the meanwhile to improve the general condition of the farm and inaugurating an excellent system of management. In February, 1903, he began working as salesman for the J. T. Carter Vehicle Company. Since then, or for nearly eight years, he has been engaged in the mail messenger service in Springfield.
Mr. O'Bryant was married May 24, 1891, in Republic, to Maggie L. E. Hood, who was born in Greene county, Missouri, July 31, 1873. She is a daughter of James D. and Mary E. (Clack) Hood. Her father was born in this county on December 31, 1848, and here he attended school, married and has spent his life. He is still living on a farm northwest of Republic. His wife was born in Tennessee, in 1856. These parents have always lived on the farm. To Mr. And Mrs. O'Bryant eight children have been born, namely: Nellie A., born March 21, 1892, is teaching school in the state of Washington; Earle J., born December 30, 1893, lives in Oregon; Leta F., born December 25, 1895, is married and lives in Kansas City; Elias B., born November 9, 1897, died August 15, 1900; Mary T., born February 15, 1902, is attending school; John R., born August 15, 1905, died May 3, 1910; Helen L., born September 19, 1907; Hazel C., born September 30, 1911.
Politically, Mr. O'Bryant is a Republican. Fraternally, he belongs to the Masonic order, including the Chapter and the Order of Eastern Star,. while Mrs. O'Bryant is a White Shriner and was treasurer, also worthy matron in the Order of Eastern Star, and is very active in lodge work. Our subject and wife belong to the Grace Methodist Episcopal church.
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