Polk Co. IAGenWeb

BRYAN, J. A. - Chief of Police; born October 8, 1841, in Greene county, Ohio. When he was seven years of age his parents removed to Madison county, Iowa, where he resided some fifteen years, during which time he commenced to learn the trade of carpenter, finishing the same in Des Moines, having taken up his residence here in 1862. From that time, until 1872 he was engaged in working at his trade. That year he was appointed on the police force, serving one year as policeman. The year following he was appointed deputy marshal under Adam Hafner, serving in that position for two years, after which he served two years as policeman. In 1878 he was elected city marshal, which position be held until March, 1880, having been elected by a majority of over 600 votes over a very popular competitor. March, 1880, he was appointed by the mayor to his present position. He was united in marriage to Miss Margaret J. Tumbleson, a resident of Winterset, December 18, 1861. They have buried two children: Ida May and Cora.