Description

In this photograph, William Jennings Bryan (b. 1860 – d. 1925) stands center in front of the doors of the Hotel St. Michael, in Prescott, Arizona surrounded by many prominent Prescott community leaders including Dr. Blain, Mayor Morris Goldwater, Mike Hickey - proprietor of Hotel St. Michael, Judge John Hawkins, Reese Ling and Dr. Harry Southworth.

According to the local Prescott Courier newspaper, Bryan came to Prescott to reunite with boyhood friend, Joe Atkin. On Friday, September 15, 1916, there was a dinner in Bryan's honor at the Hotel St. Michael, under the auspices of the Democratic Central Committee.  Following the dinner, Bryan spoke at the Elks Opera House and Theater.  William Jennings Bryan visited Prescott on multiple occasions in 1896, 1900, 1909, and of course in September 1916.

William Jennings Bryan (March 19, 1860 – July 26, 1925) was an American orator and politician from Nebraska. Beginning in 1896, he emerged as a dominant force in the Democratic Party, standing three times as the party's nominee for President of the United States. He also served in the United States House of Representatives and as the United States Secretary of State under Woodrow Wilson. Just before his death, he gained national attention for attacking the teaching of evolution in the famous Scopes Trial. Because of his faith in the wisdom of the common people, he was often called, "The Great Commoner".