The long-time president of the International Pressmen and Assistants' Union of North America (1907-48) was appointed U.S. senator from Tennessee by that state's governor at the death of Senator Nathan L. Bachman in 1937 to complete his term, but served only until 1938, failing in his bid for election. Printed..... More
Second son of William Booth (Salvation Army founder); commander of army in U.S. (1887-96); after fall-out with father, founded Volunteers of America (1896). TLS, 1p, 8½" X 11", Volunteers of America letterhead, New York, NY, 1903 October 3. Addressed to the editor of the "New York Independent." Good. Faint ink..... More
This young Chicago journalist married renowned Chicago attorney Clarence Darrow in 1904 (his second wife), remaining with him until his death in 1938. Inscription and signature on the inner panel of a three-panel 3¼" X 5¼" buff stock printed card. Near fine. Outer panel features small grey-tone graphic showing sunlight..... More
This English journalist and newspaper owner was at heart a reformer and philanthropist; his largesse helped create schools, hospitals, convelescent homes, art galleries and 24 libraries; twice he refused a knighthood from Queen Victoria. ANS, 1p, 5" X 7¼", London, England, 1903 April 2. Addressed to "Madam." Very good. Cryptic..... More
This extreme, ahead-of-his-day advocate of women's rights, free speech, abolition and other social and economic reforms was an anarchist and pamphleteer; he began editing the anarchist magazine "The Word" in 1872 and was often arrested for his activities. Bold signature and place ("EH Heywood / Princeton / Word") on a...... More
When the Boy Scouts of America was incorporated in 1910, one of its earliest actions was to organize a local council for Brooklyn and Queens, and its first commissioner and executive secretary was Holcombe, a cryptic figure who was also active in the settlement house movement in New York City..... More
This regional suffragette and reformer was a leader in Wisconsin's women's rights movement and the first president of the Wisconsin League of Women Voters. Bold, black ink signature and lengthy title on a 4½" X 5" pale yellow slip, n.p., n.y. [ca. 1930]: "Mrs. Ben Hooper / Oshkosh Wis /..... More
This prominent women's rights advocate, journalist, abolitionist and temperance movement advocate was one of the leading lights in 19th century reforms along with such figures as Julia Ward Howe and Lucy Stone. Bold and nice "Mrs. Mary A. Livermore / Boston" in brown ink on a heavy stock 3¼" X...... More
Famed American labor leader; AFL-CIO president (1955-79). Color PS, heavy stock 8" X 10", n.p., n.y. Very good. Candid half-length glossy photograph showing an elderly, smiling Meany seated seated in suit and tie. In a light area across his white shirt and tie, Meany signs boldly in blue fineline. A...... More
American labor leader; AFL-CIO president (1955-79). Signed Postal Cover, 6½" X 3½", cancelled in New York, NY on 16 August 1973. Near fine. Single 3-cent "Labor Day" stamp and 8-cent flag stamp affixed. No decorative cachet at left; no distracting recipient's name/address. NOT a First Day Cover, but a clever..... More
Famed American labor leader; AFL-CIO president (1955-79). TLS, 1p, 8½" X 11", AFL-CIO letterhead, Washington, DC, 1956 October 24. Addressed to George F. Robinson. Very good. Original folds visible but not weakened; staple holes at upper left. In this meaty and cordial letter on decorative AFL-CIO letterhead, Meany tentatively agrees..... More
This Scottish trade union figure and socialist leader, a founder of the British Labour Party, headed the Scottish Miners Federation and fought for coal miners rights. TLS, 1p, 8½" X 11", Larkhall, Scotland, 6 July 1929. Addressed to H.K. Weyner. Near fine. Interesting letter to an American admirer who asks..... More
This American progressive reformer founded the People's Institute at Cooper Union in 1897 to educate the working classes -- when he wasn't busy with his day job as professor of German at Columbia University. "It gives me great pleasure to send my greetings to an appreciative auditor" and full signature..... More
This well-known Welsh temperance advocate enjoyed a career as sailor and sea captain before becoming a mover and shaker among the Good Templars, establishing many hundreds of lodges and children's lodges throughout Wales and leading their temperance cause; he was elected to their highest offices nationally and internationally. ANS, 1p..... More
Known as the "Conscience of America," this Socialist reformer helped found the American Civil Liberties Union in 1920 and ran for U.S. president no fewer than six times; his books include "The Conscientious Objector in America" (1923) and "What's the Matter with New York?" (1932). TLS, 1p, 8½" X 11"..... More
This noted labor leader served as long, long-time president of the International Brotherhood of Teamsters (1907-52) as well as serving as secretary-treasurer of the American Federation of Labor (1917-28). Partly-printed DS, 1p, 7 ¼" X 10½", Indianapolis, IN, 1931 September 23. Very good. Updating form sent out by "Who's Who..... More
Matthew Arnold's niece was a bestselling novelist of such works as "Robert Elsmere" (1888), "Lady Rose's Daughter" (1903), "Harvest" (1920) -- but she's more interesting as a social reformer who simply used her fiction to put forth her social gospel; in 1890 she founded a London settlement which became in..... More