Albert R. Parsons

Introduction to Albert Parsons

libcom — Thu, 15 Dec 2005 10:17:45 +0000

Albert R. Parsons, 1848-1887
Born in Montgomery, Alabama, Parsons fought in the Civil War. Later becoming a printer and socialist, his politics developed to anarchism, and he was an active organiser in the campaign for an 8-hour working day. During a city-wide strike in Chicago for the 8-hour day, Parsons addressed a mass meeting at which a bomb was thrown at police. He and four others - the Haymarket Martyrs - were framed and executed. 600,000 workers demonstrated at their funeral, and the world holiday May Day commemorates their deaths.
He was survived by his wife, fellow anarchist Lucy Parsons.

Links on libcom.org
The writings of Albert Parsons
The history of the Haymarket Martyrs and Mayday
Writings of Lucy Parsons
Biography of Lucy Parsons
Albert Parsons search results on libcom.org

The Pittsburgh Proclamation of 1883

David in Atlanta — Sun, 17 Jun 2007 06:18:02 +0000

Comrades!

In the Declaration of Independence of the United States we read: "When in a long Train of Abuses and Usurpations, pursuing invariably the same Object, evinces a Design to reduce them under absolute Despotism, it is their Right, it is their Duty, to throw off such Government, and to provide new Guards for their future Security."

Parsons, Lucy, 1853-1942

Steven. — Sun, 19 Feb 2006 10:34:22 +0000

Little is known about the early life of Lucy Parsons. She claimed to have been born the daughter of a Mexican women, Marie del Gather and John Waller, a Creek Indian, and orphaned at age three. From there she said she was raised on a ranch in Texas by her maternal uncle. However, later research has pointed to the possibility that she was a slave in Texas.

Albert R. Parsons Autobiography

libcom — Sun, 24 Jul 2005 17:55:21 +0000

The autobiography of ALBERT R. PARSONS, born: June 24 1848 -- Montgomery, Ala, USA. Sentenced: Death Executed: November 11 1887.

In compliance with your request I write for publication, in the Knights of Labor, the following "brief story of my life, a history of my experience and connection with Labor, Socialistic and Anarchistic organizations, and my views as to their aims and objects and how they will be accomplished, and also my connection with the Haymarket meeting of May 4, 1886, and my views as to the responsibility for that tragedy."

Parsons on the 8 hour Day

libcom — Sun, 24 Jul 2005 17:53:12 +0000

Albert R. Parsons, Haymarket Martyr and anarchist on the movement for an eight-hour working day in March, 1886.