Omaha Steve's Labor Group

Emile

(31,518 posts)

3. My grandfather was a coal miner immigrant from Belgium.

Fri May 19, 2023, 11:34 AM

May 2023

He and his young wife immigrated here in 1911 and worked the non union coal mines in Westville, Illinois. He worked and studied hard for his citizenship. When he became a US citizen he had no clue who to vote for. FDR was running for President and the owner of the coal mine told his non union workers if they voted for FDR he would shut down the coal mine. He said that's when he knew he was a Democrat.

True story, I loved that smart old man. He died from black lung in 1973.

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'Matewan' Massacre, Miners Strike, May 19, 1920, Key Struggle for Workers Rights, Unionization [View all] appalachiablue May 2023 OP

Chatham University Deep State Witch May 2023 #1

PBS had a documentary on this..has been awhile but very much worth the watch Deuxcents May 2023 #2

Yes, tx for posting, an excellent series, PBS American Experience, The Mine Wars, 2015. appalachiablue May 2023 #5

Wow..it has been a while! I watch a lot of PBS Deuxcents May 2023 #6

PBS is great, tx for mentioning the World channel, excellent documentaries & programs. appalachiablue May 2023 #7

My grandfather was a coal miner immigrant from Belgium. Emile May 2023 #3

Tx, great story, good for your grandfather. FDR did so much for workers & America. appalachiablue May 2023 #4