The Washington herald. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1906-1939, 1908-03-23
YOUNGEST SENATOR,
WIN. J. BRYAN. DIES
Continued from, Page one.


Mr.. Bryan. have died. Six of the de-
ceased Senator's were Democrats.
Career of senator Bryan.
Although a young man. Senator Bryan
had been long prominent in the affairs
of the Democratic party in Florida.
He was born in the old family home
stead in Orange County. Fla. October TO-
1876 He was a sturdy youngster. and al
ways foremost in the sports OF his COM
panions
His father, a well-to-do farmer, was
the owner of a large number OF thorough
bred cattle. As soon as he was able to
ride a horse. young Bryan showed a
fondness for horses. He was considered
one Of the best riders in the county.
When about eight years Of age he
started TO attend the public schools Of
kissimmee about three and a half miles
from his home. Together with his
brother. he rode TO and from school every
day.
Went to Public school.
He attended the public schools until
fifteen years old. Then he entered
Emory College. Georgia, where mis- eldest
brother was at that time senior.
Shortly after entering college it was
discovered he was an athlete OF no mean
ability. In a short tiue he had earned
the position of half back on the college
football team. and played first base on
the baseball team.
Friends who knew him throughout his
life say his attitude IN a game was a
fair sample of his conduct when man
always upright and honest In everything
he undertook.
wins OratOry HOnOrS.
Il was while q student OF Emory Col
lege that Bryan's abilities as an orator
were first noticed. As a member Of the
debating society. he attracted much at
teation, and won the championship de-
bate OF the institution. L. Q. c. Lamar,
afterward Senator from Mississippi, was
member OF the debating team at this
time.
Bishop ". A. Gambler. a graduate OF
the college. was then its president. A
strong friendship sprang up between him
and the future Senator. When Bryan was
appointed to the Senate. Bishop Gambler
showed high regard for him in the tribute
10 HIS personality and abilities.
In 1886 Bryan was graduated from
Emory. and spent the following summer
on the farm with his father and mother.
in the fan he obtained a position as a
teacher in a public school IN Monticello,
Ca. which he retained for one year
Meets His Present wife.
II was while a school teacher that
Bryan decided To study law. He entered
Washington and Lee University in the
spring OF 1897. and was graduated two
years later.
While student at Washington and Lee
he met Miss Janet Allen. who was later
to become his wife. Her father was a
professor in the Virginia Military Insti-
tute and reached The rank OF colonel in
the civil war.
Mr.. Bryan was prominent in every
branch Of college life, and was a star on
the football team. playing the position OF
half back. He was elected TO represent
his university in the Southern Intercol-
I legiate Oratorial Association. composed OF
the debating men Of the principal univer-
sites in the South. This was the highest
honor that could be paid a member OF
the college debating society.
In Partnership with Brother.
On graduating from college Bryan went
TO Jacksonville, where his eldest brother.
y. z. Bryan. was then IN partnership
with J. NJ. Bars. city attorney. His
brother severed his connection with Bars
and the brothers opened a Joint Office
in Jacksonville. January /. 1903
Bryan was elected solicitor Of the Du-
val County Criminal Court Of Records.
As prosecuting officer he attracted wide
attention. He closed up gambling houses
and saloons on Sunday. and practically
destroyed the ice trust OF the city.
Several apparently competing ice man
ufactories were, in reality. all sharing
the profits made by each.
Bryan began an investigation ard final
~ prosecuted the members OF the trust.
men OF wealth and influence.
II was said at the time that his po-
litical life was ruined. As a result Of
the prosecution carried on by the vigor-
Gus young lawyer. the price OF ice was
reduced 10 per cent.
This again brought him before the pub
lie. The firm of the two brothers gained
a large general practice.
BrONard' shows Gratitude.
Bryan was a most active supporter OF
Napoleon B. Broward for governor in
the election OF 1894 This was remem-
bersd by the chief executive of the State
whom Senator Mallory died. leaving a va
cancy in the Senate.
About noon on Christmas Day the two
brothers were sitting in their Office chat
ting. when James Bryan received a teIe-
gram from Gov. BrOwarG. saying:
i have appointed you Senator and will
send the commission tomorrow"
Senator Bryan replied:
Thank you from the bottom Of my
heart. and God bless you"
He spent a few days in arranging his
affairs. and came 10 Washington and
took the oath OF Office January g. He was
taken III about six weeks later and never
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