Mother jones bio

Mary Harris Jones August 1, — November 30, was a prominent American labor and community organizer.

What did mother jones do

She strongly identified with working people who had no protection against low wages, long hours, and dangerous working conditions. Owners often used blacklists and violence to intimidate workers and prevent unionism. She fearlessly began to organize both men and women to fight for their rights. Mary was born on the north side of Cork City, Ireland.

When she was a child, she watched British soldiers march through the streets, the heads of Irishmen stuck on their bayonets. Her grandfather, an Irish freedom fighter, was hanged; her father was forced to flee to America in He became an American citizen and sent for his family. He got a job as a laborer with railway construction crews.

Mother jones accomplishments

This position took him and the family to Toronto , Canada. Mary was raised in Canada however as the child of an American citizen she always and proudly regarded herself an American. She attended common and normal schools in Canada with the intention of becoming a teacher. She was a fast learner and excelled in her studies.

She became a teacher and a skilled dressmaker. Her first job was in a convent in Michigan.