[1] He was Chairman of the Board of Control of the Florida State institutions of higher education from 1905 to 1909.

[2] Bryan was appointed by the Governor of Florida on February 22, 1911, the Florida State Legislature having failed to elect, and subsequently elected as a Democrat to the United States Senate and served from March 4, 1911, to March 3, 1917.

[2] He declined appointment as Governor General of the Philippine Islands by President Wilson in 1917.

[2] Bryan was nominated by President Woodrow Wilson on April 23, 1920, to a seat on the United States Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit vacated by Judge R. L.

[1] He was confirmed by the United States Senate on April 23, 1920, and received his commission the same day.