Joe Hill
Joe Hill, born Joel Emmanuel Hägglund in Sweden, was a significant figure in American labor history and a talented songwriter. After losing his parents, he emigrated to the United States, where he became an influential voice for industrial workers through his music, particularly known for songs like "The Preacher and the Slave" and "Casey Jones—A Union Scab." In the early 1910s, he adopted the name Joe Hill, a decision surrounded by speculation—some believe it was to evade powerful corporate interests, while others think it was to escape legal troubles. Hill's commitment to workers' rights led him to participate in revolutionary efforts against oppressive regimes, including an attempt to overthrow the Mexican dictatorship in 1911. His life took a tragic turn when he was accused and convicted of murder in 1914 on circumstantial evidence, despite a campaign for his exoneration. Joe Hill was executed by firing squad in 1915, but his legacy endured, inspiring a large following that gathered for his funeral. After his death, his ashes were distributed to supporters globally, although a portion was held by postal authorities for decades, highlighting his lasting impact on labor movements.
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Joe Hill
Labor Activist
- Born: October 7, 1879
- Birthplace: Gävle, Sweden
- Died: November 19, 1915
- Place of death: Utah
Biography
Joe Hill was born as Joel Emmanuel Hägglund in the late nineteenth century in Sweden. After both of his parents had died, Hill booked passage to the United States. It was here that Hill would write his most famous songs. From an early age, Hill loved to write songs, even writing about his family members. After joining the Industrial Workers of the World (IWW), Hill wrote two of his most famous songs, The Preacher and the Slave and Casey Jones—A Union Scab. These songs captured the feelings and worries of industrial workers everywhere.
Somewhere around 1910, Hill changed his name from Hoel Hägglund to Joe Hill. There is some debate about why he did this. Supporters claim that it was necessary to dodge powerful companies seeking to bring him down. Others claim that it was necessary to escape the law during a time of bad luck and thievery. In 1911, Hill took part in an attempt to topple the Mexican dictatorship of Porfirio Diaz in order to free the working class. The attempt failed, but Joe Hill’s experiences inspired him to fight for worker’s rights.
Hill was so influential that he was (as certain accounts claim) framed for the murder of two people in 1914. Even though the evidence was circumstantial, the jury at his trial found him guilty. Months before his sentencing, a large-scale campaign had already been underway to exonerate him. Ultimately, an appeal to the Utah Supreme Court proved unsuccessful, and Joe Hill was executed in 1915 by a firing squad.
His influence did not end with his death, however. Hill’s funeral brought thousands of followers to listen to speeches and songs of his. After the funeral, Hill was cremated and his ashes were mailed to IWW supporters across the earth. However, the U.S. Postal Service seized one of the envelopes. It took nearly seventy-one years for the IWW to gain control of the last of Hill’s ashes.