Biographies   Charleston County - South Carolina Genealogy Trails BRYAN, GEORGE DWIGHT, probate judge, lawyer and Confederate naval officer, was born September 26, 1845, in Charleston, Charleston county, South Carolina. His father, George S. Bryan, eminent lawyer and United States district judge for South Carolina, was noted for his gentleness and firmness. His mother, Rebecca Louisa (Dwight) Bryan, a woman of refinement, culture and exalted character, was a strong influence in the formative period of his moral and spiritual life. His first American ancestor, John Dwight, came from Essex county, England, to Dedham, Massachusetts, in 1635; another, Sir Nathaniel Johnson, colonial governor of South Carolina, came from England prior to 1694; and Thomas Broughton, another colonial governor of South Carolina, also from England, came over some years later; George Bryan came from Dublin, Ireland, to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, about 1750, and became prominent there before, during and after the War of the Revolution. He was a judge of the supreme court of Pennsylvania. He was reared in his native city. In childhood and youth his health was good. He was fond of boating, fishing, and hunting, and was very ambitious. He received his primary education and was prepared for Charleston college in the private schools of Miles, Searle and Sachtleben, and William Lesesne. In 1860 he was appointed cadet in the United States Naval academy, Annapolis, Maryland, and went there instead; but when South Carolina seceded he resigned his cadetship and returned home, and early in 1861, though under the age of sixteen, he entered the Confederate States navy as a midshipman and served through the War between the States. After the war, entirely of his own volition, he decided to become a lawyer, and in 1867 was admitted to the bar and began the practice of law in Charleston. From that time he has been prominently identified with the affairs of the city and state. He was especially conspicuous, by reason of his energy and efficiency, in the campaign of 1876, which redeemed the state from negro domination. In May, 1878, he became corporation counsel of the city of Charleston, and held the position until December, 1887, when he became mayor of the city, serving until December, 1891, when he returned to his law practice. In February, 1894, by appointment of President Cleveland, he became collector of United States customs for the port of Charleston, and served until July, 1898. Since December, 1901, he has been judge of probate for Charleston county, a position which he is eminently well fitted to fill with distinction and in which he has won the esteem of the judiciary and of the people who have had business before his court. He is a member and has been president of the Hibernian society; vice president of the Ancient Artillery society; captain of the Washington Light infantry, Charleston's crack military organization; grand high priest of the Royal Arch Masons of South Carolina, and a member of the Protestant Episcopal church. In politics he is, and has always been, a Democrat. He finds his most enjoyable and helpful recreation at home with his family and in reading. The three strongest influences in his success in life have been, in the order named, home, early companionship, and contact with men in active life. He thinks directness of purpose and candor with his fellow-men are valuable assistants to the young man seeking success. On August 3, 1869, he married Mary Middleton King; ten children have been born to them, of whom eight are now (1908) living. His address is No. 160 Broad street, Charleston, Charleston county, South Carolina Men of Mark in South Carolina By James Calvin Hemphill Published 1907 - transcribed and contributed by Barb Ziegenmeyer BACK to Charleston County SC Genealogy Trails © all rights - reserved to the original submitter