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. SUPPORT OUR SHOW MONTHLY!  Become an Assistant Producer at 1001 Stories Network ( a great resume enhancement) and support us at Patreon today! Here;s the link:  https://www.patreon.com/1001storiesnetwork ALL NEW LINKS JULY 2018   SUPPORT OUR SHOW MONTHLY AT PATREON Become an Assistant Producer at 1001 Stories Network ( a great resume enhancement) and support us at Patreon today! Here;s the link:  https://www.patreon.com/1001storiesnetwork Catch RADIO DAYS now at Apple  iTunes!   https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/1001-radio-days/id1405045413?mt=2 Catch 1001 HEROES now at Apple iTunes Podcast App:  https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/1001-heroes-legends-histories-mysteries-podcast/id956154836?mt=2 Catch 1001 CLASSIC SHORT STORIES at iTunes/apple Podcast App Now:  https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/1001-classic-short-stories-tales/id1078098622?mt=2 Catch 1001 Stories for the Road at iTunes/Apple Podcast now:  https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/1001-stories-for-the-road/id1227478901?mt=2   Catch ALL of our shows at one place by going to www.1001storiesnetwork.com- our home website with Megaphone. Website For  1001 Heroes is still www.1001storiespodcast.com  (we redirected that one to www.1001storiesnetwork.com) Website For 1001 Classic Short Stories is still www.1001classicshortstories.com ( we redirected that as well) Website for 1001 Stories For The Road is still www.1001storiesfortheroad  (we redirected that one, too) Website for 1001 Radio Days is www.1001radiodays.com Links: Our Twitter:  @1001podcast Our Facebook: www.Facebook.com/1001Heroes Our Email:  1001storiespodcast@gmail.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices