News Summary
William Jennings Bryan, a prominent figure in the evolution debate and famed orator, died shortly after the conclusion of the Scopes Trial. His death was due to apoplexy, attributed to exhaustion from the trial. The nation mourned his passing with a funeral train carrying his casket, where citizens paid their respects. Bryan was celebrated for his contributions to American ideals, particularly regarding education and evolution, leaving behind a complex legacy that continues to resonate.
DAYTON, TENNESSEE — William Jennings Bryan, a pivotal figure in America’s evolution debate and one of the nation’s most renowned orators, passed away on Sunday, July 26, 1925, shortly after the conclusion of the highly publicized Scopes Trial. Medical examinations confirmed his death was due to apoplexy, attributed to fatigue from the trial and recent travels. His last words were reportedly, “I think I am going to get a good sleep,” indicating an unexpected and peaceful passing.
Mary Baird Bryan, Bryan’s wife, noted that he showed no signs of illness prior to his death, and described the moment as serene, without any premonition. His friend and Attorney General G.W. Chamlee delivered a eulogy describing Bryan as “one of the greatest private citizens the United States has ever produced.”
The nation mourned as Bryan’s funeral train departed from Dayton, headed to Arlington National Cemetery. The train included an observation Pullman car that allowed the public to pay their respects as his bronzed casket, draped in an American flag and covered with a glass top, traveled through Tennessee. Citizens along the tracks paused their daily activities to honor the late political leader in a solemn display of respect.
Accompanying the casket was Kelso Rice, a young Chattanooga policeman who had served as bailiff during the Scopes Trial, a gesture coordinated by Mrs. Bryan. Bryan’s arrival at Chattanooga’s Terminal Station was met with a significant crowd from diverse backgrounds; they stood in quiet reverence, with some mothers bringing their children and elderly supporters joining in the tribute.
Mary Baird Bryan attended the funeral alongside her daughter and son-in-law, yet she chose not to publicly address the loss, instead focusing on cherished memories of her husband. The presence of local dignitaries, including Sen. and former Gov. James B. Frazier and Justice Alexander Chambliss, illustrated the widespread respect Bryan commanded in Chattanooga, a city he had visited just days before his death.
News of Bryan’s passing spread quickly, catching the community by surprise and leading to a surge of public interest, evident in the many inquiries made to local news offices. In recalling his legacy, historical narratives highlight Bryan as a symbol of “the best traditions, the highest ideals and the noblest endeavor of the American people.”
The Scopes Trial, a landmark case that sparked national discussion regarding the teaching of evolution in schools, concluded just five days prior to Bryan’s death. Bryan played a significant role as a prosecutor, aiming to uphold the Butler Act, which legally prohibited the teaching of any theory that contradicted the biblical account of creation. The case, informally known as the “Monkey Trial,” gained extensive media attention, in which Bryan’s involvement became a topic of broad public interest.
The trial’s legacy continues to resonate today, as the 100th anniversary of the Scopes Trial is being commemorated with various events aimed at reflecting on its historical significance and relevance to ongoing educational debates. Bryan’s death marks the end of an era in which his voice represented a major facet of America’s struggle with evolution and education, leaving behind a complex legacy intertwined with the nation’s moral and intellectual fabric.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
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Additional Resources
- Times Free Press: Chattanooga Offers Final Goodbye to Bryan
- Times Free Press: Post Scopes Trial and William Jennings Bryan
- News Channel 9: Science, Scripture, and Scopes 100 Years Later
- Times Free Press: Scopes Symposium Celebrates Tennessee Trials
- Baptist Press: Trial of the Century Reenactment
- Wikipedia: Scopes Trial
- Google Search: Scopes Trial
- Google Scholar: Scopes Trial
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Scopes Trial
- Google News: Scopes Trial
Author: STAFF HERE CHATTANOOGA WRITER
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