Mother Jones

Mary G. Harris Jones, better known as Mother Jones, was born on August 1, 1837, in Cork, Ireland. She moved to the United States, where she became a prominent labor organizer, union advocate, community organizer, and activist. Before her activism, she worked as a schoolteacher and dressmaker. Her life took a turn after personal tragedies, including the loss of her family to a yellow fever epidemic and the destruction of her dressmaking business in the Great Chicago Fire. These hardships fueled...See more

Mary G. Harris Jones, better known as Mother Jones, was born on August 1, 1837, in Cork, Ireland. She moved to the United States, where she became a prominent labor organizer, union advocate, community organizer, and activist. Before her activism, she worked as a schoolteacher and dressmaker. Her life took a turn after personal tragedies, including the loss of her family to a yellow fever epidemic and the destruction of her dressmaking business in the Great Chicago Fire. These hardships fueled her desire for social justice, particularly in advocating for the rights of workers. Mother Jones became a tireless advocate for labor unions, especially in the coal mines, and was known for her fearless speeches and organizing efforts. She fought for better working conditions, fair wages, and child labor laws. Her activism was deeply rooted in her belief in equality and social justice. Jones's work made her a beloved figure in the labor movement, and her legacy lives on in the efforts to improve workers' rights. She passed away on November 30, 1930, at the age of 93 in Silver Spring, Maryland. Her parents were Richard and Ellen Harris. See less