Mary Harris Jones(1830-1930). "Mother" Jones was a labor leader who spent her long life helping workers fight for safer conditions and shorter hours in the textile mills and coal mines.
Don't let that sweet gentle smile fool you. She was one tough bird. She fought for people's rights to work in safe environments and shorter hours, like they were her children. She organized men, women and children in an effort to stop unfair practices in so many fields - textile mills, coal mines etc. Her life was not easy. She had been a teacher until she married. Her husband and 4 children died of Yellow Fever. Her home and dress making business burnt to the ground in the Great Chicago fire. She traveled all over the country in an effort to help unionize and support striking workers.
One of her most famous quotes is "Pray for the dead, but fight like hell for the living!"
There is a Mother Jones magazine that is very famous for its political discussions, as well as a website.
Don't let that sweet gentle smile fool you. She was one tough bird. She fought for people's rights to work in safe environments and shorter hours, like they were her children. She organized men, women and children in an effort to stop unfair practices in so many fields - textile mills, coal mines etc.
ReplyDeleteHer life was not easy. She had been a teacher until she married. Her husband and 4 children died of Yellow Fever. Her home and dress making business burnt to the ground in the Great Chicago fire. She traveled all over the country in an effort to help unionize and support striking workers.
One of her most famous quotes is "Pray for the dead, but fight like hell for the living!"
There is a Mother Jones magazine that is very famous for its political discussions, as well as a website.