Twenty years a coal
miner, Ohio-born William Green was early noted for his diligence and strong
spiritual values. Rising steadily through the ranks of the United Mine Workers
and the American Federation of Labor, he succeeded AFL President Samuel Gompers
in 1924. From then until his death in 1952 he provided a firm, moral compass
for the American trade union movement. He was a vigorous force for economic
justice and human welfare, a tireless fighter against bigotry and
totalitarianism both at home and abroad, and an articulate voice for millions
who could not speak for themselves.
