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John Sasser received a land grant from King George II in 1755. It was for only ninety acres and it formed the nucleius for a very large farm. The grant was located on the Little RIver near Larson’s Bridge. The property borders the Nahunta District at Little River. As one drives north on Highway 581 after leaving Nahunta, and turns left onto Claridge State Nursery Road (often called State Nursery Road), the Josiah Sasser house is the second house on the left.
The grant says it was located in Johnston county. This would be right for 1755. Later it was Dobbs County. Then in 1779 it became Wayne county. It was 1800, however, before the new dividing line between Wayne and Johnston was formally established. The first publication of the new county lines is shown on Price and Strother’s new map entitled, “This First Actual Survey of the State of N.C.”
John Sasser died and his land had passed to his son, Josiah, by 1779. The Sasser plantation was chosen as the site to hold the first court as it was described as the oldest and largest clearing then in Wayne County.
Josiah’s wife was Elizabeth Bryan, daughter of William Bryan of Johnston County and grandfather of Needham Bryan of Snowfield, Bertie County. Needham Bryan was the father of Rachel Bryan, who married William Whitfield II of Whitehall, Seven Springs.
The first court held in Wayne COunty after its formation was held at Josiah Sasser’s home in 1780. Josiah died before the second term came around so the court was transferred to James Herring’s house, also on the Little RIver. Josiah left his home and plantation to his son, John and his wife Elizabeth, so by 1782 and 1783, court was resumed at the Sasser house.
The house, known as the Josiah Sasser house, is still standing today near Pearson’s Bridge (Little River Bridge). Though very old it is in good condition. It has plastered walls, wood ceilings, and four fireplaces. The mantle from the first floow rooms was removed about 1930 by the owner at that time.
The main block of the house is three stories onlhy one room deep; a one-story dining room and kitchen are attached. At one time the kitchen was not attached as it is today. The front porch has been changed.
