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Scopes Trial Eyewitnesses
Dayton, Tennessee
July 10-21, 1925
The evolution issue attracted national attention when two famous lawyers locked horns in a Dayton, Tennessee courtroom in July, 1925. Although John Scopes, a high school physical ed teacher substituting in a biology classroom never taught evolution, the made-for-attention “trial” sent intellectual crossfire rippling far beyond the buckle of rural America’s Bible belt.
Seventy-five years later, the Genesis File Editor found three still-living Tennessee residents who remembered attending the trial. Each of the three were interviewed informally on videotape in the fall of 2000 and their recorded recollections are released for the first time on this website.
Thomas J. Brewer’s memories were recorded October 12, 2000. Mr. Brewer was the four-year-old boy at the trial who pulled the 12 juror names out of a hat, assuring all spectators of the objective fairness of the proceedings.
Eloise Reed expressed her thoughts for the record the afternoon of Sunday, October 15, 2000. A clear minded lady, her views reflected what had been the majority thinking of Dayton residents during the trial.
Harold Greer added his views after the Humphrey’s interview although he had not attended the trial.
Dr. Richard Cornelius, retired Bryan College English professor and a trial authority, also added his voice to the discussions.
Copyright © Warren L. Johns, 2009. All rights reserved.
No text or content of these interviews may be used or reproduced
without the prior written consent of the Editor
