Bryan Francis Mahan

Bryan Francis Mahan (May 1, 1856 – November 16, 1923) was an American legislator and Democratic Representative from Connecticut who served one term in the United States House of Representatives from 1913 to 1915. He was born in New London, Connecticut, where he attended the public schools and graduated from Robert Bartlett High School. In his early years he studied to become a plumber, reflecting a practical vocational training before turning to the study of law.

After deciding to pursue a legal career, Mahan attended Albany Law School in Albany, New York, from which he graduated in 1880. He was admitted to the bar in 1881 and commenced the practice of law in his native New London. His legal training and early professional work laid the foundation for a long career in public service at the municipal, state, and federal levels.

Mahan entered public life as a member of the Connecticut House of Representatives, serving in that body in 1882 and 1883. He subsequently served on the New London Board of School Visitors from 1885 to 1887, acting as secretary of the board and participating in the oversight of local educational affairs. In 1891 he was appointed prosecuting attorney, a position he held until his resignation in 1892. Beyond public office, he was active in local business development, being one of the organizers of the City of Richmond Steamboat Company in 1893 and serving as its president, thereby contributing to regional transportation and commerce.

Mahan’s federal career began with his appointment as postmaster of New London, a position he held from October 30, 1894, to December 20, 1898. He also became a prominent figure in municipal government, serving as mayor of New London from 1904 to 1906 and again from 1910 to 1913. At the state level, he was elected to the Connecticut Senate, serving in 1910 and 1911. His influence within the Democratic Party extended beyond Connecticut; he was a delegate to the Democratic National Conventions of 1904, 1908, 1912, and 1916, participating in the selection of national party leadership and presidential nominees.

In national office, Bryan Francis Mahan was elected as a Democrat to the Sixty-third Congress and served as a Representative from Connecticut from March 4, 1913, to March 3, 1915. His service in Congress occurred during a significant period in American history, at the outset of the Woodrow Wilson administration and on the eve of World War I. As a member of the House of Representatives, Mahan contributed to the legislative process, participated in the democratic governance of the nation, and represented the interests of his Connecticut constituents during his single term in office. He sought reelection in 1914 but was unsuccessful.

Following his congressional service, Mahan returned to federal administrative work. He was again appointed postmaster of New London on March 23, 1915, resuming responsibility for the city’s postal operations. He held this post continuously until his death, maintaining an active role in public administration and local affairs in New London.

Bryan Francis Mahan died in New London, Connecticut, on November 16, 1923, while still serving as postmaster. He was interred at St. Mary’s Cemetery in New London. His career encompassed legal practice, business leadership, municipal and state office, party service, and a term in the United States Congress, reflecting a long-standing commitment to public service in Connecticut and at the national level.