Charles Page Bryan

Who was Charles Page Bryan?

Charles Page Bryan was an American lawyer and diplomat.

Bryan was born in Chicago, Illinois, on October 2, 1856. He received his preparatory education in that city, subsequently becoming a student at the University of Virginia and later taking his degree in law at Columbian University, Washington, D. C. From 1879 to 1883 he practiced his profession in Colorado and also took an active part in politics, being elected to the Colorado House of Representatives in 1880. In 1883 he returned to his former home, Chicago, where he soon became a leader in State politics. He served as a member of the Illinois House of Representatives from 1888 to 1897 and also served on the staffs of three successive governors of the State, in each instance with the rank of colonel. In 1891 and 1892 he made tours of Europe in the interest of the Chicago Exposition, making the acquaintance of many of the foremost rulers and statesmen of the countries visited.

His diplomatic career really began in 1897, when he was appointed minister to China by President William McKinley. The following year he received the appointment as envoy to Brazil.