1516

EMMETT O. BRYANT.
After a man has spent more than twenty years in one line of endeavor in any one community his fellow citizens are apt to have formed a fairly correct opinion as to his character, and the high esteem in which Emmet O. Bryant is held by the people of Keyesport, Illinois, is sufficient proof of his worth as a business man and a citizen. Mr. Bryant, who is carrying on extensive operations in the mercantile line, was born in Clinton county, near Keyesport, November 4, 1866, and is a son of George Washington and Sarah G. (Seymour) Bryant.

George W. Bryant was born near Highland, Madison county, Illinois, in 1837, and came to Clinton county with his parents when he was a boy. He grew to manhood on a farm, and he has made agricultural pursuits his life work, being well and favorably known to the people of his community. In 1861 he was married to Miss Sarah G. Seymour, of Clinton county, and they had a family of six children, of whom Emmet O. was the third in order of birth, George W. Bryant is a Republican in politics, and he and his wife are consistent members of the Methodist church.

Emmet O. Bryant was reared to the life of an agriculturist, and when he could be spared from his duties on the home farm he attended the district schools in the neighborhood of the homestead. He completed his educational training at the age of twenty years, and from that time until he was twenty-five he followed farming as a means of livelihood. At that time he came to Keyesport, where he bought a stock of merchandise and established himself in business, and he has since been engaged in this line. Mr. Bryant's many years of experience have taught him just what his customers need in the mercantile line, and the fact that he can always supply this need has resulted in his having a large trade in Keyesport and vicinity. He bears the reputation of a business man of the strictest integrity and one whose record is as good as his bond. Naturally such a man is a very desirable citizen, and his genial, kindly manner has made him many friends in the city in which he has lived so long. Politically a stanch Republican, Mr. Bryant has been an active worker in the ranks of his party, and although never an office-seeker, he has served five years as supervisor, and is now discharging the duties of his third term of office. Fraternally he belongs to the Odd Fellows, and is very popular in the local lodge. His religious connection is with the Methodist church, and he has been known as a liberal contributor to movements of a religious nature, as well as those which have for the object the betterment of Keyesport along educational or commercial lines.

In September, 1892, Mr. Bryant was united in marriage with Miss Hannah M. Langham, the estimable daughter of Henry Langham, a prominent Clinton county agriculturist. Mr. and Mrs. Bryant have no children.