Politics
Bryan was an active member of the Presbyterian Church, and during the late 1750s and early 1760s tried to mediate a conflict that had arisen between two opposing factions of that denomination during the Great Awakening. That experience led to his involvement in local and provincial politics. After Britain’s passage of the Stamp Act in 1765, Bryan took an active role in the American opposition, joining other Philadelphia Merchants in signing the Non-Importation Agreement. This likely led to his bankruptcy in 1771.
Bryan was considered a “radical” regarding the issue of Independence, and as such is listed in the company of such men as Thomas Paine. Bad health limited his political activities during the early 1770s, but after the adoption of the 1776 Pennsylvania Constitution he became an advocate of the unicameral legislature and executive council outlined in that document. On 5 March 1777 he was elected the first Vice-President of that Council. Although it would become standard procedure for Presidents and Vice-Presidents to take office immediately upon election, Bryan did not take the oath of office until the following day, 6 March, and according to the State Constitution could not exercise his office until that time. Thus, his term officially began 6 March 1777. Bryan was reelected to the Vice-Presidency on 21 November 1777.
Bryan, and subsequent Vice-Presidents, may be referred to properly as Vice-Governors and Presidents of Pennsylvania; however, the position is analogous to the modern office of Lieutenant Governor, and Vice-Presidents of Council are often listed with those who have held the latter title.
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