William B.Wilson: A Life's Journey (2016)

WIlson's life reflected an intense belief in equality and the rights of labor. At 8, ' Billy' Wilson came to America as an immigrant with his mother. three younger siblings, and a blind grandfather; at 9, he began working in a coal mine; at 13, he attempted to organize his fellow child laborers; at 18, he was blacklisted; at 19, he sought to organize miners for the Knights of Labor; at 28, he became Secretary-Treasurer of the United Mine Workers; at 42, a member of Congress; at 51, the First Secretary of Labor; at 64, he was the Democratic candidate (PA) for U.S. Senate and campaigned for campaign finance reform. He was outspent by a his opponent by a wide margin and narrowly lost the election, but his opponent was not seated by the Senate because of voter fraud. WIlson worked closely with John Mitchell, Mother Jones, and Samuel Gompers. He advanced many labor-related reforms and was involved in ending many strikes. In particular, he was directly involved in ending the Ludlow Strike and the Coal Strike of 1919. During WWI, Wilson was charged with overseeing labor mobilization, and expanded opportunities for women and minorities. During the Red Scare he became noted for his staunch defense of Louis Post and the rights of aliens. His daughter Agnes was the first woman to occupy a seat on the floor of the House of Representatives during debate, and he described himself not as a daughter-made man. Wilson was noted for his determination and integrity.