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Mitchell (JOHN American labor leader)

JOHN, American labor leader; born in Braidwood, Ill., 1870; went to work in the coal mines at an early age; joined the Knights of Labor in 1885. When the United Mine Workers were organized in 1890 he immediately became a member. In 1895 he became secretary-treasurer of the Illinois district of the organization; then national organizer in 1897; national president two years later. It was under his leadership, as president, that the United Mine Workers acquired great influence, power, and a big membership. He di rected the strike of the coal workers during 1900-1902. In 1908 he resigned as president of the organization. Was a close personal friend of Theodore Roosevelt. Was head of the Trade Agreement Department of the National Civic Federation for three years; became chairman of the State Industrial Commission of New York in 1915. Mitchell was one working agreement between capital and labor. Died in 1919.