William Jennings Bryan
Dayton, TN

William Jennings Bryan (1860-1925) was widely known as the greatest orator of his day. One of his triumphs was the “Cross of Gold” speech at the 1896 Democratic Convention. “You shall not press down upon the brow of labor this crown of thorns; you shall not crucify mankind upon a cross of gold.” He recorded the speech in 1921, and anyone who has long listened to rural preachers will instantly recognize his style. Bryan died in Dayton , five days after the Scopes trial. Bryan College was established in his honor.