Submitted by Phyllis Bryant Lowry; edited and vetted by Cheri Todd Molter
Here is a story about my Native American ancestor Jacob Bryant, based on the contents of an article that was published in The Robesonian on May 29, 2009:
In Red Springs, Cannon fire echoed through the trees at the Long Swamp Indian Cemetery on a recent Saturday. It was part of the formal dedication ceremony of a Confederate Cross of Honor on the grave of Jacob Bryant. Bryant was a Native American (who would nor be known as Lumbee) who fought in the Civil War on the Confederate side.
Bryant, born and raised in Robeson County, was a farmer by trade. His family says that, at the age of 36, Bryant enlisted as a substitute for ‘I. Smith on July 29, 1862. He served in G Company of the 61st Infantry (North Carolina) under Capt. John F. Moore’s Independent Company along with 50 other men.
On hand for the May 16, 2009 ceremony was Charles Alton Bryant, great-great-grandson of Jacob, and other family members. The iron cross was placed on Jacob Bryant’s grave by the United Daughters of the Confederacy Camp Ryan Chapter #536. Phyllis Bryant Lowry unveiled the grave marker, and it was dedicated by Eleanor Fields. Taking part in the dedication were the Sons of Confederate Veterans Fayetteville Arsenal Camp #168 N.C. 26th Regiment members with a Civil War era cannon. The cannon was sounded during the presentation of the iron cross.