This is a group of documents and a wonderful sword belt plate ID’d to Sergeant James Bryan, Co. C, 9^th Ohio Cavalry.

The plate is cast brass and rectangular in shape with the Ohio coat of arms at center. The detail of the mountains with the rising sun and the canal boat are excellent. Surrounding this central design is a wreath of laurel that still has traces of its silver finish. There are no dings or dents on the plate only some light surface dirt. Reverse has small, applied tongue. In his book “PLATES AND BUCKLES OF THE AMERICAN MILITARY 1795-1874” the late Sid Kerksis gives this plate a rarity rating of 8, with 10 being the rarest.

With the plate are three documents. The first is Bryan’s promotion warrant to Sergeant. This is a pre-printed document filled out in ink and dated June 1, 1864 and is signed by Colonel W. D. Hamilton. Document is in good condition with only some light vertical fold lines. All ink is bold.

Next is Sergeant Bryan’s Eagle masthead discharge. This document is pre-printed and filled out in ink. Document is dated July 20, 1865 and was given at Lexington, North Carolina. Again, Colonel W. D. Hamilton signs the document. All ink is bold.

The last original document in the group is a pre-printed letter from the State of Ohio’s Adjutant Generals office dated 1888. This letter states that James Bryan was listed on a muster roll dated June 30, 1863 as sick in the hospital. Document is in good condition and readable. Has one horizontal and one vertical fold line.

With the group is a paper copy of a charcoal drawing of a soldier in a cavalry shell jacket wearing a forage cap with crossed sabers and a number “9.” The soldier is a bit older than is normally seen and is believed to be James Bryan who was 41 when he enlisted.

The descriptive roll for Co. C, 9^th Ohio Cavalry lists James Bryan as 5 feet, 8 inches tall with gray eyes, dark hair and 41 years old. He was by profession a farmer and was originally born in Maryland. Bryan joined the 9^th as a Private at Camp Zanesville on November 10, 1862 but was not mustered in till the following January. Bryan was promoted to Sergeant in June of 1864. He served with his regiment in Alabama until his transfer to Co. C, 8^th Regiment Veteran Reserve Corps on December 18, 1864. Bryan’s final discharge from the army came on July 24, 1865.

Items come with copies of James Bryan’s military records from the National Archives and copies of records for a Christian Bryan who is believed to be James’ brother.

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