11/19/1915, Salt Lake City, Utah:
In spite of pleas from President Wilson
and a world-wide outcry, Joseph Hillstrom, age about 36, was lynched by
the government for political activity and organizing for the union.
Or possibly justly executed for the crime of murder. If you believe it.
Actual last words: "Don't mourn for me -- organize!" (People's Almanac)
My will is easy to decide
For I have nothing to divide
My kin don't need to weep and moan
Moss does not cling to a rolling stone
"Joe Hill's Last Will;" verses by Joe Hill, written in his
cell on the eve of his execution.
Tune by Ethel Raim, 1961;
well sung by Joe Hickerson on Folk-Legacy Records
ALSO, of course:
"The copper bosses killed you, Joe,
They shot you, Joe," says I.
"Takes more than guns to kill a man,"
Says Joe, "I didn't die."
by Earl Robinson
© Abby Sale - all rights reserved
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