Bryant, Rupert

Rupert was the second son of Benjamin and Esther (nee Huffer) Bryant, born in Ashwell on 13 February 1885. Although not listed on the Ashwell Roll of Honour he must have been a pupil at the Merchant Taylors School in Ashwell, Hertfordshire, as were his brothers.

Rupert was drafted into the American Expeditionary Forces in September 1918. He saw active service in the Western European Theatre of War, France and Flanders. He survived the War.

Rupert, still living in America, was drafted again in 1942 at the age of 57 but it is not known if he served in WW2.

On 9 May 1908 Rupert set sail from Southampton aboard the SS St Louis bound for America, listed as son of Mr Bryant of Victoria Cottages, Ashwell. Also on the passenger list was Walter Harradine son of C Harradine of West End, Ashwell.  Both are listed as ‘Friend of Mr Waldock’.

Rupert settled near the Canadian border in Monroe County, New York. He started work on the railroads, moved to the highways and by 1925 was a butcher.

He married Mary Murray on 23 January 1913 in Orleans, New York, USA.  They had one daughter Shirley Ann, born on 9 July 1929.

The 1940 census shows Percy as a meat butcher in a grocery store.

Rupert died in Monroe, New York, USA in February 1987 at the age of 102.

Rupert’s brothers Arthur, Sidney and Percy all survived the war and returned to Ashwell. George, the third son, died in the Battle of the Somme on 13 November 1916. It is not known if Stanley survived the war.