Callie Bryan was born on February 5, 1887, the daughter of Alexander
Luther Bryan (1854-1933) and his second wife, Della Mae (Parks) Bryan
(1862-1932). She was also the grand daughter of John Neely Bryan,
known as the founder of Dallas. Callie was the twin sister of Sallie
Bryan Cox (Mrs. William R.). Callie died on September 11, 1895 and was
interred at the Keenan Cemetery, Farmers Branch, Dallas County, Texas.
Her cause of death is unknown to us but she represented many of the pioneer
children who died during the early settlement of the area. Her marker is the
first to the left when entering thru the north west gate to the cemetery.
Callie's family moved away though she had several cousins who stayed and
lived out their lives in Dallas County. Callie, however, is the only
one of the family buried at the Keenan Cemetery. Her father died on
Jan 20, 1933 and was interred at the Henson Cemetery at Red Springs in
Baylor County, Texas. Her mother died May 18, 1932 and was interred at
the Ft. Sumner Cemetery at Ft. Sumner, New Mexico according to sources
there.
In October 2008, under the guidance of Barbara Judkins, Historical
Park Museum Educator, the Farmers Branch Historical Park conducted walking
tours thru the Keenan Cemetery which is now owned and maintained by the city
of Farmers Branch. On these tours, selected persons were portrayed by
members of the R. L. Turner High School Drama Department and FB Historical
Park docents. Callie Bryan was portrayed by Amelia Jewel, the daughter
of Jamie Jewel, member of the Farmers Branch Historical Restoration &
Preservation Board. Amelia's sister portrayed the role of Sarah
Keenan, wife of Thomas Keenan, the first settlers in Farmers Branch as part
of the Peters Colony.
Amelia explaining the historical significance of her character to Ed
Williams,
portraying the Cemetery Keeper.... or was she talking about the "Return of
the Killer Tomatoes ?"
Photo by Derrick Birdsall Historical Park
Superintendent - Oct. 2008
Carrollton-Farmers
Branch TXGenWeb