William Jennings Bryan

About

William Jennings Bryan, born March 19, 1860, in Salem, Illinois, and died July 26, 1925, in Dayton, Tennessee, was a major figure in the American Democratic Party. Nicknamed 'the Great Commoner,' he was known for his eloquence and advocacy of populist and progressive reforms. He ran for president three times (1896, 1900, 1908), losing each time. He served as a U.S. Representative from Nebraska (1891–1895) and as Secretary of State under Woodrow Wilson (1913–1915), where he negotiated conciliation treaties. He championed causes such as the direct election of senators, income tax, women's suffrage, and prohibition. In 1925, he took part in the Scopes Trial, where he opposed the teaching of evolution.

* 1860-03-19 — † 1925-07-26

Sources: history.state.gov · britannica.com