Dayton in Rhea County, Tennessee — The American South (East South Central)

Site of F.R. Rogers Home

Scopes Trial Trail

Photographed By Duane and Tracy Marsteller, September 25, 2021

1. Site of F.R. Rogers Home Marker

Inscription. Although this is not the original Rogers house, the retaining wall bordering the property is original. During the trial, the Rogers family moved out to let William Jennings Bryan and his family stay here. It was here that Bryan died on July 26, 1925.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Churches & Religion • Education • Law Enforcement. A significant historical date for this entry is July 26, 1925.

Location. 35° 29.172′ N, 85° 1.228′ W. Marker is in Dayton, Tennessee, in Rhea County. Marker is at the intersection of Market Street (Tennessee Route 378) and Georgia Avenue, on the right when traveling west on Market Street. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 711 Marker Street, Dayton TN 37321, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Old Cornerstone / Smith's Crossroads (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Walter F. Thomison Home (about 400 feet away); Broyles-Darwin House (about 400 feet away); Smith’s Crossroads (about 500 feet away); First United Methodist Church (approx. ¼ mile away); F.E. Robinson's Drug Store, Aqua Hotel, Cumberland Presbyterian Church (approx. 0.6 miles away); Bailey Hardware (approx. 0.6 miles away); John Morgan Furniture (approx. 0.7 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Dayton.

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William Jennings Bryan. Wikipedia entry on the lawyer, lecturer and politician popularly called "The Great Commoner." (Submitted on September 28, 2021, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee.)

Photographed By Duane and Tracy Marsteller, September 25, 2021

2. Site of F.R. Rogers Home Marker

William Jennings Bryan during the Scopes Trial image. Click for full size.

via Tennessee Virtual Archive

3. William Jennings Bryan during the Scopes Trial

Bryan, who was 65 and diabetic at the time, struggled with the Tennessee summer heat in the un-airconditioned Rhea County Courthouse during the Scopes Trial. He frequently removed his suit jacket, tie and shirt collar in an effort to keep cool. Yet even after the trial ended, Bryan maintained a busy schedule of public lectures. After attending church and having lunch with his wife, Bryan took a nap but never woke up. The official cause of death was apoplexy, better-known as a stroke or cerebral hemorrhage.

William Jennings Bryan's death certificate image. Click for full size.

via Tennessee Virtual Archive

4. William Jennings Bryan's death certificate

Credits. This page was last revised on September 28, 2021. It was originally submitted on September 28, 2021, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee. This page has been viewed 206 times since then and 18 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on September 28, 2021, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee.