John Mitchell in the United States

John Mitchell

Introduction to John Mitchell

John Mitchell (1870-1919), American labor leader, born in Braidwood, Illinois. Mitchell became a coal miner in Braidwood at the age of 12, and three years later he joined the Knights of Labor. In 1890 he became one of the first members of the United Mine Workers of America. He held several offices in the union, eventually serving as president (1898-1908). Mitchell directed the strikes of the anthracite coal miners in 1900 and 1902; on the latter occasion he achieved a successful settlement by agreeing to accept the decision of a commission appointed by President Theodore Roosevelt. Between 1908 and 1915 Mitchell lectured on unionism and held office in the National Civic Federation, a group that sought conciliation between labor and business. From 1915 until his death Mitchell was chairman of the New York State Industrial Commission.” (1)

Resources

Notes and References

• Information about John Mitchell in the Encarta Online Encyclopedia

Guide to John Mitchell