Bryan, John Alexander

13 Apr. 1794–24 May 1864. Lawyer, politician, postmaster, diplomat. Born at New Marlborough, Berkshire Co., Massachusetts. Son of Reuben Bryan and Olive Chapin. Admitted to New York bar, 4 Nov. 1818. Appointed district attorney of Cattaraugus Co., New York, 1818, 1827. Married Eliza Ann Dixon, 1820, in Ellicottville, Cattaraugus Co. Opened first post office in Cattaraugus Co., 1822. Printer and editor of newspaper Adams, in Cattaraugus Co. Represented Cattaraugus Co. in New York State Assembly, 1827–1828. Moved to Columbus, Franklin Co., Ohio, ca. 1829. Cofounded newspaper Ohio State Bulletin, 1829. Served as state auditor of Ohio, 1833–1839. Appointed second assistant postmaster general for U.S., by Nov. 1841. Appointed U.S. chargé d’affaires to Peru, 1844. Moved to Wisconsin, 1850. Publisher of Milwaukee Daily Commercial Advertiser, 1850–1851. Appointed registrar of land office in Menasha, Winnebago Co., Wisconsin, 1853. Served as Menasha Village board president, 1859–1860. Helped establish Masonic lodge in Menasha, 1860. Died in Menasha.