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Show Democratic Candidate for President in Forty-eig- ht Characteristic Poses, His Wife, Son and Two Daughters. her knowledge of Latin somewhat fresh in memory through the school days of her children, while helping them to conquer Caesar and vanqujgi, Cicero, but for- hes own part she find! her greatest pleasure in the study of German. She is fond of music, but makes no pretense at being an adept in that art. ,Mrs. Bryan believes that her first and best efforts should be devoted to of her home and family. the Such duties have claimed so much of her time that little has been left for other work. She has been both mother and companion to her children, aiding them through the struggles of school days, giving always of her lovs and wisdom for their growth in education and culture. There are three children, the eldest, Ruth, who, since her marriage to Mr. W. II. Leavitt in October, 1903, has made her home in New Orleans. Then comes William J., Jr., a stalwart youth of 18 years, who measures five feet 11 inches, and weighs 150 pounds. Lastly, there Is the baby of the family, Miss Grace, who has enjoyed about 16 summers, and in the meantime has grown as tall as her mother, all of which goes to show that Nebraska winds and weather have not labored in vain on the rising genera- Sketch of Career of Famous Nebraskan - Who Has Been Active in Law , Politics , Business and Literature . ILL1AM BRYAN JENNINGS was born at Saiem, Marion county, Illinois, on March 19, 1860. He was the son of Silas Lillard and Maria Elizabeth (Jennings) Bryan. His father was a Virginia man, lived in Culpepper county of that state until he was 18 years of age, when he to Illinois, removed and after his graduation from McKendree eollege, entered upon the practice of Politics also engaged jlaw at Salem. From 1852 he served his attention. eight years as state senator, and performed the duties of circuit judge from 18G0 to 1872. He was a member of the state constitutional convention of 1870. Ills death took place In 1880. At Salem William Jennings Bryan spent his boyhood on a farm In completely rural surroundings. Taught at home by his mother until he was ten, the lad attended the public schools until his fifteenth year. After taking a course at Whipple academy, Jacksonville, he entered Illinois college in 1877, and graduated as valedictorian from that institution in 1881. While In college he took high standing as a student, and was a member of its literary and debating societies. For two years after his graduation he studied law at the Union Law college In Chicago and in law offices. On his admission to the bar he began practice at Jacksonville. In 1887 he removed to Lincoln, Neb., and became a member of the law firm of Tal-ko- t & e Bryan. The year 1888 saw the beginning of his career as a politician. In May of that year he was a delegate to the Democratic state convention, held at Omaha, and there won a .reputation as a public speaker. Ills ability and services as an orator, displayed in many subsequent addresses on tariff reform and local Democratic issues, led to his nomination for lieutenant governor, but he declined the honor. Entrance Into Politics. In 1890 he was nominated for congress by the First district Democratic convention. The platform of that convention, written by himself, a free silver plank and demands for free wool, lumber, sugar, coal and iron ore on terms similar to those afterward passed by the house of representatives. Mr. Bryan was elected by a plurality of 6,713. Once in Washington he soon made his mark as an orator, a friend of silver, and a radical advocate of tariff reform. He distinguished himself In the conferences of Democratic members by voting for the most radical reductions of duty, for cutting rates on manufactured goods and for Inserting the income tax in the tariff measure, llis vote helped to bring about the income tax measure and the coupling of it with the tariff schedules. Besides being an active worker in committee, Mr. Bryan gained recognition in general debate. He leaped at once into fame by his speech on the tariff in the congress. Clearness of diction, force of reasoning and attractiveness of delivery marked him out at once as one of the born orators of the house. He spoke cn that occasion for the united Demo cratic party, and was showered with congratulations from all elements among his party associates. Upheld Silver Standard. Later Mr. Bryan turned his attention more closely to, the silver question, and was soon traveling through the south and west denouncing the iniquity of the gold standard and proclaiming the benefits of silver as a basis of currency. Ills renomination came In 1892. After making a brilliant campaign against Judge Allen W. Field, the Republican candidate, Mr. Bryan was again elected. In congress he now added to his reputation as an orator. Already recognized as an able champion of the cause of tariff reform and Democratic principles, he made several notable speeches on the tariff, the Income tax, and other important questions. A second speech of his that became famous was that which he delivered August 16, 1893, against the unconditional repeal of the purchasing clause of the Sherman act of 1890. During both his terms in congress Mr. Bryan was a member of the ways and means committee, and did much to further important measures of legHe was nominated a third islation. time, but declined the honor. His nomination for United States senator followed; but as the Republicans had a majority in the legislature, be failed of election. It was in the campaign of 1894 that Mr. Bryan held two Joint debates, one at Lincoln, . o d ' tion. Mrs. Bryans father, who died at the age of 82, made his home for many years with his only daughter; and the most touching incident in the life of Mrs. Bryan is the filial devotion she lavished upon him. For the last 30 years of his life he was blind. Takes Up the Smaller Churches. Until a few years ago the Bryant identified with a Presbyterian church in Lincoln, but withdrew from that organization that their support to two give they might smaller struggling congregations in the At present the family neighborhood. attends services at a little chapel near their country home, where they feel they can come near to the heart of nature and the great Creator. With them simplicity and sincerity are more to he desired in divine services than ostentation and display. Out of door sports and amusements have always been very attractive to Mrs. Bryan, although she has devoted no considerable time to the acquirement of proficiency in any sport except that of swimming, which she learned in the commodious bathhouse in Lincoln. Driving affords her much pleasure, and she has at her command tw-splendid horses, her driver and a fine saddle horse. She enjoys travel as a means of recreation only when it is proving of value in extending her knowledge of the world and its natural wonders. Something About Their Home. The Bryan estate outside of Lincoln now comprises about 150 acres of fertile rolling land. In the autumn of 1901 the construction of the present mansioa was begun. Before It was ready for occupancy the family fitted up several rooms in the brick barn, and lived there most happily and comfortably. They could well afford to do this, for the splendid home which was nearing completion is, beyond doubt, one of the finest private residences to be found in the west. The house, which is built of chipped brick and stone, is situated on the brow of a fine grassy eminence, which slopes away un-in every direction, and from which an obstructed view of the country for miles around may be enjoyed. Therefore the name Fairvlew is most appropriate. Every modern convenience is found within this home, and an electric car line within reasonable walking distance carries one directly to the city. In the great hall on the main floor portrait of may be seen a Thomas Jefferson, while just below on a stand there is usually displayed a priceless old punch bowl or mortar, The used in the home of Jefferson. room favorite the library is probably in the Bryan home. Here are gathered many valuable books, most of them being works of the great masters, both of ancient and modern times. Many souvenirs are on display here, but perhaps the one thing most in harmony with western life is a fine specimen of the American eagle, captured on the a plains of Nebraska and mounted by of the friend family. personal On the basement floor is found the private office and study of Mr. Bryan, which is probably the most Interesting room to many visitors who wend their way to Fairvlew. Here may be seen working an extensive and valuable library of political and economic works, and a massive desk well laden with papers and communications, for it is here that Mr. Bryan prepares his editorial work, when at home. Another room especially worthy of notice is the museum or den on the third floor, which is maintained particularly for the pleasure and education of the children. It contains specimens from land and sea, Azteo pottery, curious weapons from foreign shores, queer fish and bird3 and shells, and several sets of natural history to aid and instruct the son and daughter of the house In their search for knowledge. Thus it is that Mrs. Bryan's best Fifty-secon- life-size- d and the other In the Omaha Coliseum, with John M. Thurston. Out of congress Mr. Bryan gave most of his time to the public discussion of national and state politics. His many speeches in favor of the free coinage of silver Increased his reputation until he came to be recognized as the leader of the Democracy in Nebraska. Nominated for Presidency. In July, 1896, he wa3 a delegate from Nebraska to the national convention of the Democratic party at Chicago. His fervid speech on that occasion in behalf of free silver took the delegates by storm and led to his nomination for the presidency. Although the platform on which he stood excited much opposition from many sources, Mr. Bryan claimed that it represented his convictions, and announced his readiness to defend every plank. Immediately after his nomination he began one of the most vigorous and memorable campaigns ever carried on by a candidate for the It is estimated that durpresidency. ing his canvass he traveled over IS,-00- 0 miles. Two months before the nomination Mr. Bryan Is reported to have said, in an interview which he wished not to be published at that time: "I think I shall be the next president of the United States. I am confident that I shall be nominated in Chicago, and if neminated I am sure I shall be I think McKinley will be elected. the Republican nominee, and he can be beaten. It is a matter I have never said much about, but I believe in destiny, and ever since 1 was 14 years of age I have felt that I was destined to rise to a position of prominence and importance. "When I was nominated for congress and elected, I regarded that as a stepping stone to something greater. Lately I have been considering the question of the presidency, and I somehow have a feeling that the honor of the nomination will coipe to me. After Mr. Bryans defeat at the polls he continued to advocate the free coinage of silver. He made many speeches on the tariff question, one of which was delivered in Boston, where he has since spoken on several occasions. Colonel In Spanish American War. On the outbreak of the Spanish-Americawar he was offered and accepted the colonelcy of the Third Nebraska volunteers, and was for some time with his regiment at Tampa, Fla., but did not take any active part in the struggle. On his return to Nebraska Mr. Bryan again entered into the field of political activity, and spoke against the scheme of colonial expansion introduced by the McKinley administration on the cession of the Philippine islands by Spain. In 1900 he was again nominated for the presidency by Democratic, Populist and silver Republican c5nventions, but was once more defeated, receiving in the electoral college 155 votes against 292 for William McKinley. Mr. Bryan was deeply Interested in literature, and was several times connected with journalism. In 1894-he was editor of the Omaha World-He- r n ald, and now carries on a weekly political newspaper, The Commoner, at Lincoln. In 1906 he made a tour of the world and wrote descriptive articles while abroad for a number of American newspapers. The books he has written include "The First Battle, 1897; "Under Other Flags, 1904; The Old World and Its Ways, 1907. As a girl Miss Baird enjoyed good educational advantages. Her education was begun in the public schools, after which she attended Monticello seminary at Godfrey, 111., one year, and the Presbyterian academy at Jacksonville, 111., two years, graduating from the latter Institution with first honors in June, 1881. She returned the next year for work. It was while at college that she met Mr. Bryan, and the happy romance of her life was begun. He was at that time attending the Illinois college. Their betrothal. was made while they were both juniors, their marriage following four years later, in 1884. They resided in Jacksonville until their removal to Nebraska three years later. Becomes Practical Partner. In order to keep herself in closer touch with his professional life, Mrs. Bryan read law with her husband as instructor, taking the course prescribed by the Union College of Law of Chicago. She was admitted to practice in the supreme court of ' Nebraska in November, 1888, not having the Intention of practicing as a means of livelihood, but that her knowledge of the profession might be of greater value in the constant and careful assistance she rendered Mr. Bryan In his work. Mrs. Bryan is also fond of literature and the languages. She devoted one year to the special study of literature in the Illinois college, and during more recent years has taken a course of one year in German at the Nebraska State university. She says that every mother necessarily keeps post-graduat- e MRS. WILLIAM J. BRYAN. Something of Wife of Democratic Candidate for President. Mrs. Bryan is a woman of intellectuality and strength of character, and had she- not become distinguished as the wife of a renowned statesman, she might easily have won fame for her achievements in literature or some learned profession. Mary Elizabeth Baird was born at Perry, 111., June 17, 1861. She came of good old sturdy stock, her mother, Lovina Baird, being of English descent, the daughter of Col. Darius Dexter of now a part of Dexterville, N. Y Jamestown on Chautauqua lake. Her father, John Baird, whose death occurred May 3, 1905, was of Scotch-Irisancestry, his lineage dating back to Col. Henry Winter, one of the most prominent men of Northampton county, Pennsylvania, in the early years of the nineteenth century. In 1828 Col. Winter was a presidential elector from Pennsylvania, and cast his vote for Andrew Jackson. He was appointed a courier to deliver the report of the electoral vote in Washington and tnaue the trip on horseback.- h - post-graduat- e thought and endeavor are centered in the welfare of her home, and the pleasure of her family. Her closest friends and associates find embodied in her character all the requisites of the highest type of womanhood. |