Rival Labor Unions

1916

Copperhill, Tenn., Sept. 23. — Citizens and members of trade unions affiliated with the American Federation of Labor today drove out of Copper Hill the principal leaders of a movement for strengthening organization of the Western Federation of Miners among employees of the Tennessee Copper Company and the Ducktown Sulphur, Copper and Iron Company. At the same time the companies discharged a number of employees said to be members of the Western federation.

Guy Miller of Denver, organizer for the Western federation was seized by a mob of about 200 men, taken to the outskirts of the town, whipped and ordered to leave. J. A. Jones, Miller's local assistant, was taken from his room in a hotel, marched through the streets and forced to swear he would leave town on the next train, which he did.

The western federation, it is claimed has been trying for several months to gain control of the local labor situation but is opposed by the United Mine Workers of America, who have been supported by what is said to be a majority of business men of the Tennessee Copper Field.

Two Hillbillies from Tennessee Lickered Up

1916

Pilfered Some Whiskey, Then "Lickered Up" — One Sent to Juvenile Court

Two hillbillies from sunny Tennessee graced the court of Mayor Lowrey this morning. They were Charles Pelfry and James Ivey charged with disorderly conduct. The disorderly conduct was really petit larceny as they were arrested for stealing a pint of milk, a pint of whiskey and other articles from a boarding house.

Charles Pelfry's case was called first. When the tall mountaineer gave his age 16, the mayor was much surprised. He had no recourse but to send him over to the juvenile court. He came here in August and has had employment. The boy admitted taking the whiskey.

James Ivey was next called. He is 22 years old and also a native of Tennessee. He came to this city first with a carnival company. His brother, John Ivey, was the Wild Man of Borneo, in the carnival. James remained in Mansfield and worked. Later he returned to Chattanooga and upon his return brought the mountain youth with him. Ivey said he reckoned they had been drinking.

Pelfry told the juvenile court, "I wasn't plumb drunk, because I worked all night." He says he does not drink moonshine because they do not make it in his part of the state. He admitted he had "lickered up" some since he came to this city. The boy will be put on probation and an effort will be made by Judge Cummins to get his job back for him.

—Mansfield News, Mansfield, Ohio, Oct. 21, 1916.