Fort Bend County has seen its fair share of politicians. Some of them live here while others are just passing through. The travels of the presidential candidates throughout the country are a contrast to earlier times when politicians crisscrossed states by rail. One such occasion resulted in an impromptu opportunity for William Jennings Bryan to speak to the people of Rosenberg.

Bryan was a senator from Nebraska. While in Congress, he earned a great reputation for oratory and was known for supporting the free silver movement that sought to make legal the unlimited minting of silver coins as part of U.S. currency. He ran for President in 1896 and 1900 but lost both times to William McKinley. He tried again in 1908 but lost again, this time to William Howard Taft. After this defeat, Bryan concentrated on public speaking and continued advocating for the free use of silver as currency and greater participation in government by the common people.

Bryan was on one of his speaking tours when he appeared in Rosenberg on April 6, 1911. According to the Rosenberg Herald, he was held over in Rosenberg that morning due to a misunderstanding of the train schedules. He spent most of his time at the Rosenberg State Bank making more speaking arrangements and sending telegrams publicizing his upcoming speeches.

Then at 11 a.m., the schools closed, and all the students walked to the bank where they joined a large crowd that came to hear the great Bryan speak. He made a short talk encouraging the students in their studies and returned to his populist themes, supporting the power of the people in government and advocating for true democracy. According to the Herald, Bryan’s voice could be heard clearly a block away. However, his remarks were cut short so that he could catch the train to Houston.

The next year Bryan helped Woodrow Wilson win the presidency and was subsequently named Secretary of State, a position he held until 1915 when he resigned amid greater tensions with Germany. He continued to speak on a variety of topics and prosecuted the Scopes Trial over the teaching of evolution in schools shortly before he died in 1925.

Historical facts and photos courtesy of the Fort Bend County

Museum Association, Richmond, TX

William Jennings Bryan in Rosenberg