A Short Biography of William Jennings Bryan

William Jennings Bryan was a prolific politician who was nominated for the presidency three times during his long career. He also served as Secretary of State under president Woodrow Wilson. He was famous and admired among his peers for his amazing capacity as an orator.

William Jennings Bryan was born on March 19, 1860 in Salem, Illinois. His father was a lawyer, politician and judge. His name was Silas Lillard Bryan. His mother was a dedicated and patient housewife by the name of Mariah Elizabeth Bryan. William had eight siblings. John, Virginia and Hiram (or Harry as William called him), all died in infancy. His younger brother Russell Jones died at the age of 17. Frances Mariah, Charles Wayland, Nancy Lillard and Mary Elizabeth all survived to adulthood.  Read more of this article.  Image Source