Henry Francis Bryan

Henry Francis Bryan
17th Governor of American Samoa
In office March 17, 1925 – September 9, 1927
Preceded by	Edward Stanley Kellogg
Succeeded by	Stephen Victor Graham
Personal details
Born	May 3, 1865 Cincinnati, Ohio
Died	1944
Alma mater	United States Naval Academy
Occupation	Naval officer
Military service
Allegiance	United States
Service/branch	United States Navy
Rank	Rear Admiral
Commands	USS Monocacy Special Service Squadron Office of Naval Intelligence

Henry Francis Bryan (May 3, 1865 – 1944) was a United States Navy Rear Admiral and the 17th Governor of American Samoa. He served as governor from March 17, 1925 to September 9, 1927. Bryan was one of only three naval governors of the territory who had retired from naval service before serving as governor, the others being John Martin Poyer and his immediate predecessor, Edward Stanley Kellogg. In the Navy, he had numerous commands, and served in the Spanish–American War. His largest command was the Special Service Squadron.

Life

Early life

Bryan was born in Cincinnati, Ohio on May 3, 1865.

Naval career

Bryan became a cadet at the United States Naval Academy on May 2, 1883, and graduated in 1887. He served on both the USS Isla de Luzon and the USS Newark. He also served on the USS Monocacy, which he commanded. Bryan fought in the Spanish–American War. After serving as governor of American Samoa, Bryan returned to the Navy. There, he was given command of the Special Service Squadron, which patrolled the Caribbean Sea. In 1921, he and his squadron were commanded to protect United States interests during contention in Costa Rica and Panama. He also filled a post in the Office of Naval Intelligence.

Governorship

Bryan assumed the governorship on March 17, 1925. While governor, he established the American Samoa Department of Communications. Bryan was one of only three naval governors of the territory who had retired from naval service before serving as governor, the others being John Martin Poyer and Edward Stanley Kellogg.