Today in Labor History—November 10

Louis Lingg (Public Domain)

November 10, 1887 -- Chicago Haymarket martyr Louis Lingg, 22, “cheated” the state the day before his scheduled execution by committing suicide in his prison cell by exploding a dynamite cap in his mouth. (From the Daily Bleed)

November 10, 1898 – 400 white Democratic Party activists in Wilmington, North Carolina launched a coup d’état by slaughtering black residents and political leaders. Between 30 and 100 were killed in the massacre. They then overthrew the mayor and forced all remaining black officials to resign, installing a new government by force. (From the Daily Bleed)

November 10, 1933 - Members of the Independent Union of All Workers occupied the Hormel meatpacking plant in Austin, Minnesota, in what may have been the first sit-down. Workers occupied the plant for three days, demanding a raise. An agreement was brokered by Governor Floyd B. Olson. (From Workday Minnesota)