Henry Francis Bryan

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.

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 USS Isla de Luzon and USS Newark. He also served on 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.

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.