Los Angeles daily herald., 1888-05-17
Naturally he was attracted by the gold

excitement, and on October 30, 1849, be-
fore he was eighteen years of age, he set
out for this coast. His voyage was made
on the brig Ark, from Newburyport, MAJ
sachusetts, and she was fully six months
in making the passage by way Of Cape
Horn. On his arrival here in April 1859,
he remained but three weeks, being head
ed for the mines in Placer county.
Mining did not suit him. He met W tn
series Of misfortunes while on the
American river, and in the fall OF 1850
he returned TO San Francisco without a
cent, or nugget in his pocket. It was
only short time until he was at work
once more. For few months he was in
the express business, but this, too, was
not TO his tastes.
IN BENIcIA.
He gave this UP in 1851 and went to
Benicia, where he remained four years.
Willis in that place he mingled for the
first time in politics. He was appointed
Deputy Sheriff Of Solano county and al
terward was chosen City Marshal of
Benicia, both occupations being some
what dangerous ones by reason of the
rowing, turbulent population that surged
through the place to and from the mines.
Returning to San Francisco in 1856,
he formed partnership with George
w. Chesley and George L. Bradley, OF
Sacramento, and engaged in the general
merchandise business, he acting as
buyer for the firm and remaining much
of the time out of the city. The part
nership lasted for four years, and it was
at that time that he laid the foundation
of his fortune. In 1859 he sold out, GO
into the wholesale liquor business with
Mr.. Morrison.
| His political career really dates from
1866, although he had previously held
the minor offices in Benicia and dabbled
in politics in small way. President
johnson appointed him Naval Officer
Of the port, which position he filed ac-
ceptably to all. In 1869 he received
the appointment as Pacific Coast M an
ager for the Brooklyn Life Insurance
Company, retaining the agency until his
death. In 1871, with the late Tyler Cur
It's, the late @. ID. O'Sullivan and other
prominent men, he organized the State
Investment Insurance Company, recog-
nized as one of the most stable institll-
tions of its kind on the coast. He was
chosen manager in 1872, and afterward
attained the presidency.
In ihE MAJ OhABI1.
His election as Mayor was at time oil
great excitement. Prior to 1872 he had
been identified with the councils of the
Republican party, but he charged his
politics then and became powerful fac.
tor in the Democracy. Nominated in
1876. when Kearney and the Sandlot led
everything and dominated everything,
he was elected after redhot canvass.
Again in 1877 he was the candidate Of
the Democratic party, again he was elect.
ed. He managed to incur the displea
sure of the ultra-conservative element
and he left the Mayors chair in 1875
with a good record behind him. Since
then he has been mentioned for the
Legislature and for the mayoral
ty but aim ost invariably declined
Mr.. Bryant was candidate before the
last Democratic State Convention fol
nomination for Governor. He opened
headquarters in the Palace Hotel few
weeks before the Convention met, and
assisted by his friends, he made very
active canvass. He was sick at tina,
time, but his indomitable courage kept
him around when other men would have
taken to their beds. His name went be.
fore the Convention, and although he had
a large share of the city delegation he
fell behind on the first ballot. He with.
drew after the third ballot in favor of the
late Governor Bartlett, who then re.
ceived the nomination over ex-senator
Patrick Reddy.
| HIS SICKNESS.
He gradually became worse after the
excitement of the Convention was over
and he was for long time so weak and
sick that it was believed he would moi
recover. After that time he was never
We'll, and although he managed to keer
around his office, he was almost unable
to attend to any business. He wasted
away until he became almost skeleton
and for the past two weeks mis- friend.
noticed that he was acting in distracted
manner. They wanted him to take a triy
East, in the hope that it would improve
his health, but he refused to go, as he
believed that he was recovering.
There are few persons prominent il
political, business or financial circles witt
whom he was not on good terms. Person
ally he had the respect and regard o
every one. His natural ability as lead
err, his sunny temperament, his firmness
his ability as a tinancier brought to hin
hundreds OF friends. His btterest politi
cal opponents never questioned his honor
and he was foremost in every project fol
progress. During his term as Mayor h,
had to deal with the most unruly ele
ments, and his success in handling then
is matter of the city's history.
Personal INFLUENCES.
Socially he was greatly sought after
lie was an inveterate and inimitablt
story-teller, and one could not pass
more enjoyable hour than when listenin,
to him. He possessed in marked de
gree that property described as persona
magnetism, and he impaired his san
guine ideas in a matchless manner.
MIR. Bryant was married twice. BY hi,
first wife he had two children. one o
whom is alive and married in the East
He married his second wife in 1870, anc
she and laughter eleven years of age
survive him.
He was prominent in the Masons some
years ago, but OF late has not been active
in the order. AS Trustee of Mills Col
lege he was identified with educational
affairs. His property is worth a great
deal, and consists of his interest in the
State Investment Company, in several
other financial concerns, in city and Oak.
land real estate, and land in Tulare,
Fresno and Kern counties.
|
Pullman Passengers.
The following passengers left yester-
day on the IL A. NJ. train; S. McClay,