 | This article may require copy editing for grammar, style, cohesion, tone, or spelling. (August 2023) |
James Tyner | |
|---|---|
 | |
| 26th United States Postmaster General | |
| In office July 12, 1876 – March 3, 1877 | |
| President | Ulysses S. Grant |
| Preceded by | Marshall Jewell |
| Succeeded by | David M. Key |
| Member of the U.S. House of Representatives from Indiana's 8th district | |
| In office March 4, 1869 – March 3, 1875 | |
| Preceded by | Godlove Orth |
| Succeeded by | Morton C. Hunter |
| Personal details | |
| Born | James Noble Tyner January 17, 1826 Brookville, Indiana, U.S. |
| Died | December 5, 1904 (aged 78) Washington, D.C., U.S. |
| Political party | Republican |
James Noble Tyner (January 17, 1826 – December 5, 1904) was a lawyer, U.S. Representative from Indiana and U.S. Postmaster General. Tyner was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives in 1869 and served three terms from 1869 to 1875. While in the House, Tyner opposed granting railroad subsidies, promoted gradual western industrial expansion, and spoke out against the Congressional franking privilege. In 1873, Tyner voted for the controversial Salary Grab Act that raised congressional pay, which resulted in his losing the Republican nomination for a fourth term. President Ulysses S. Grant appointed Tyner Second Assistant Postmaster General in 1875 then U.S. Postmaster General in 1876, and he served until 1877.[1] Tyner served as First Assistant Postmaster General under President Rutherford B. Hayes from 1877 to 1881. In October 1881, President Chester A. Arthur requested his resignation because of his involvement in the Star Route postal frauds and for giving his son, whom he had appointed Superintendent of the Chicago Post Office, a $1,000 salary increase. Tyner served as Assistant Attorney General in the U.S. Post Office Department from 1889 to 1893 and from 1897 to 1903. Tyner was a delegate to the International Postal Congresses in 1878 and 1897. Postmaster General Henry C. Payne requested his resignation in April 1903, after which Tyner was indicted for fraud and bribery. Tyner was acquitted after his family controversially removed pertinent papers from his office safe. In poor health, Tyner died the following year.