John Scopes

John Scopes, Paducah native and University of Kentucky graduate, taught evolution to his biology class in Dayton, Tennessee, going against a law prohibiting the teaching of evolution. The trial that followed is the best-known trial in American history. Clarence Darrow, the most famous lawyer of his day defended Scopes; and William Jennings Bryan, three time presidential hopeful and secretary of state, led the prosecution team. The trial began on July 10, 1925 and news personel from around the nation and world descended on Dayton. The trial was soon dubbed the "Monkey Trial." Scopes was found guilty and fined $100, however, the Tenessee Supreme Court reversed the decision an a technicality. Scopes left teaching and entered the oil business as a geologist. The play, Inherit the Wind, was based on the Scopes trial. Buried in Oak Grove Cemetery, Paducah, Kentucky.