Thomas Barbour Bryan
Thomas Barbour Bryan (December 22, 1828 – January 26, 1906) was an American businessman, lawyer, and politician.
Thomas Barbour Bryan | |
|---|---|
| Commissioner of the District of Columbia | |
| In office December 3, 1877 – July 1, 1878 | |
| Preceded by | John H. Ketcham |
| Succeeded by | seat abolished |
| Personal details | |
| Born | December 22, 1828 Alexandria, Virginia |
| Died | January 26, 1906 (aged 77) Washington, D.C. |
| Resting place | Oak Hill Cemetery, Washington, D.C. |
| Political party | Republican |
| Spouse |
Jennie Byrd Page
(m. 1850; died 1898) |
| Children | 3 (including Charles Page Bryan and Jennie Byrd Bryan Payne) |
| Parent |
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| Relatives | James Barbour (uncle) Philip P. Barbour (uncle) Thomas Barbour (grandfather) Barbour Lathrop (nephew) Bryan Lathrop (nephew) Florence Lathrop Field Page (niece) John Barton Payne (son-in-law) |
| Alma mater | Harvard University |
| Signature | |
Born in Virginia, a member of the prestigious Barbour family on his mother's side, Bryan largely made a name for himself in Chicago, Illinois. Bryan was involved in many ventures in the city, such as the creation of Graceland Cemetery, and was active in the city's politics, having twice been nominated for mayor. Bryan was a strong unionist during the American Civil War. Bryan was instrumental in Chicago being awarded the World's Columbian Exposition, and was involved in the exposition's organization and operation.
Bryan also played a key role in the development of the Chicago suburb of Elmhurst, Illinois, where he resided much of his life. He is often referred to as "The Father of Elmhurst".
In addition to his involvement in Chicago politics, Bryan spent a brief period as a commissioner of the District of Columbia.