Kieffer Walks Across America - Via Virtual

Salem has an interesting history. Home of John T. Scopes and William Jennings Bryant. The two men were years apart but would come together in 1925 to become two of the three most important people in one of America's famous legal cases. Know throughout the U.S. and world as the "Monkey Trial". In fact, books, plays, and a movie have been written about the trial and surrounding events. "Inherit the Wind" was the best know play, book and movie" (Movie staring Spencer Tracy) The following news story is taken from the front page of the Salem Republican dated June 11, 1925. "John Thomas Scopes, 24 years, indicted for teaching evolution in Dayton, Tenn., High School is present in New York securing counsel and advisers to face his trial, July 16th." One of the grand jurors who found the indictment suggested that hanging should be Scope's portion. "Scopes, it will be recalled, graduated with Salem High School class of 1919 on which occasion, Wm. Jennings Bryan delivered the address. [It will be recalled that Bryan was a prosecutor at the trial.]" I wonder if Bryan challenged the class "to thine own self be true". Scopes was found guilty and fined a hundred dollars. By the way, the third "famous" person was Clarence Darrow who represented Scopes, put Bryan on the stand and questioned his thoughts on "Genesis", techically winning the trial in a hostile southern astophere. Good drama, real life. Bryan took a nap and didn't wake up, five days after the trial. Scopes went on to lead a life of a private citizen and didn't profit from the event. Walked 7 miles today on the trail.