Site of F. R. Rogers Home

Frederick R. Rogers, a pharmacist at Robinson’s Drug Store, played a unique role in the events surrounding the Scopes Trial. In 1925, he rented his home to William Jennings Bryan, along with Bryan’s wife, Mary, and their son, William Jennings Bryan Jr., for $25 per week during and after the trial. Just five days after the proceedings concluded, on the afternoon of July 26, Bryan passed away in an upstairs bedroom of the Rogers' home while resting after lunch.

In the days that followed, the home became a place of national mourning. Bryan’s body lay in repose in the parlor from July 27-28, drawing mourners who came to pay their respects. On Tuesday, July 28, Rev. Charles "Parson Charlie" Jones led a memorial service from the Rogers' front porch before Bryan’s body was transported for burial. To accommodate their growing family, the Rogers later replaced the original home with the house that stands on the site today.

F. R. Rogers home as is appeared when Bryan and his family stayed there during the Scopes Trial, 1925

The prosecution team stands outside of the Rogers home on Market Street. Left to right: Wallace C. Haggard, Gordon McKenzie, unknown, William Jennings Bryan, Sue Hicks, Herbert Hicks, and Ben McKenzie, 1925.

Military representation at the Rogers home during the memorial service for William Jennings Bryan, 1925.

A large crowd gathers at the Rogers house for the memorial service of William Jennings Bryan, 1925.

A large crowd gathers at the Rogers house for the memorial service of William Jennings Bryan, 1925.

A large crowd of men, women, and children gather at the Rogers house for the memorial service of William Jennings Bryan, 1925.

The Rogers home that replaced the one in 1925. This photograph was taken in 1976.