MONKEY TRIAL OPENS IN TENNESSEE
Dayton, Tennessee (JFK+50) On July 10, 1925, the first day of the trial of John T. Scopes opened at the Rhea County Court House here in Dayton, Tennessee.
Mr. Scopes was indicted by a grand jury for the "unlawful and willful" teaching of "certain theories that deny the story of the Divine creation of man as told in the Bible." The grand jury further found that he taught that man was descended from a lower order of animals.
Famed defense attorney Clarence Darrow told the court he will be calling "a number of scientists" to testify. Meanwhile, prosecuting attorney William Jennings Bryan arrived on the scene to "hundreds of spectators."
Judge John T. Raulston read the first chapter of the Book of Genesis to the grand jury while outside a blind musician played hymns on his organ.
The Evening Star published the following 'Evolution Trial Facts' in its July 10, 1925 edition...
*The defendant: John T. Scopes, 24, former science teacher in Rhea County (TN) schools
*The charge: violation of the TN law prohibiting teaching the theory of evolution in public schools
*The scene: Rhea County Circuit Court, Dayton, TN
*The judge: John T. Raulston
*Duration: 2 weeks to 1 month
*The prosecution: Walter White, A.T. Stewart, Wm J. Bryan
*The defense: John R. Neal, Clarence Darrow, D.F. Malone
*The witnesses: prominent church men & scientists
*The cause: violation of The Butler Act signed by Gov. Austin Peay
*Previous action: J.T. Scopes charged with teaching evolution theory
*Inception: At Dayton drug store at suggestion of G.W. Rappleyea
SOURCES
"Evolution Trial Facts," The Evening Star, Washington, D.C., July 10, 1925, Chronicling America, Library of Congress, www.loc.gov/
"Scopes Reindicted After Trial Opens To Correct Error," The Evening Star, Washington, D.C., July 10, 1925, Chronicling America, Library of Congress, www.loc.gov/
