Samuel Gompers

Date of Birth: January 27, 1850

Zodiac Sign: Aquarius

Date of Death: December 13, 1924

Biography

Samuel Gompers was a pioneering labor leader and activist best known for founding the American Federation of Labor (AFL), which he led as president from 1886 to 1924, with only one year off. Born to a Jewish family in London, he immigrated to the United States in 1863. Gompers started his career as a cigar maker, quickly becoming involved in union activities. He was instrumental in advocating for shorter workdays, better wages, and improved working conditions. His pragmatic approach focused on concrete economic gains rather than political or ideological battles, making him a central figure in the labor movement in the United States.

5 Interesting Facts about Samuel Gompers

1. Samuel Gompers was the longest-serving president of the American Federation of Labor, holding the position for nearly four decades.

2. He was an advocate for “pure and simple” unionism, focusing on practical economic benefits for workers rather than broader political reforms.

3. Gompers played a significant role in the establishment of Labor Day as a national holiday in the United States.

4. He was a strong supporter of World War I, believing that supporting the war effort would strengthen the labor movement.

5. Gompers was the first labor leader to be invited to the White House and consulted by a sitting U.S. president, Theodore Roosevelt.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Samuel Gompers

1. “The worst crime against working people is a company which fails to operate at a profit.”

2. “Do I want to see workers get higher wages? Yes, I do, and so do their employers. If the workers get more wages, they will spend them for more goods. If they buy more goods, more goods will have to be produced.”

3. “Where trade unions are most firmly organized, there are the rights of the people most respected.”

4. “What does labor want? We want more schoolhouses and less jails; more books and less arsenals; more learning and less vice; more leisure and less greed; more justice and less revenge.”

5. “Show me the country that has no strikes and I’ll show you the country in which there is no liberty.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

As a labor leader and activist, Samuel Gompers did not amass significant personal wealth. His life’s work was dedicated to improving the economic conditions of workers rather than personal financial gain.

Children

Samuel Gompers had six children with his wife, Sophia Julian Gompers, whom he married in 1867. Their children were named Henry, Samuel Jr., Rose, Sadie, Sallie, and May.