MOTHER JONES AND THE BATTLE OF BLAIR MOUNTAIN W. VA (PT 1)

In MOTHER JONES AND THE BATTLE OF BLAIR MOUNTAIN PT 1 we take an in-depth look at the horrific conditions that existed in the local mining communities in southwestern West Virginia at the turn of the 20th century, where men were literally worked to death, armed guards on the company payroll enforced their own brand of law, and families owned their soul to the company store. The coal companies controlled every aspect of the miner's lives, almost always had local law, state law, and politicians in their pocket, and could literally murder men, women, and children at will without being arrested. The coal miner's union, the UAMW (United Association of Mine Workers) was making inroads at that time in many states, and their leading representative was a fiery old spinster named Mother Jones, who went into the trouble areas and gave support to the families and advice to the miners. Her autobiography in parts is included here, and gives us a first hand account of the struggles that were taking place.

We are very grateful to Louise Mosrie for giving us the ok to use her song "The Battle of Blair Mountain", which she co-wrote with Mike Richardson. Anna Uptain does a great job with banjo and backup vocals.

You can catch up on her and get her albums here at www.louisemosrie. She is a powerful folk singer and one of the best out there today.

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