Parsons, Lucy (1851-1942)

Title

Parsons, Lucy (1851-1942)

Contributor

Phillip, Emelda

Source

Lucy Parsons-Image

birthday

1851

Birthplace

VA, United States

Death Date

1942-03-07

Occupation

Labor organizer

Author

Speaker

Newspaper editor

Seamstress

Business Owner

Biographical Text

Lucy was a social anarchist and was well known for her fiery speeches and writing. In 1849, she was born to a slave named Charlotte. For some period of time she attended a school for freed children. Lucy was a voracious reader and was mostly self taught. In 1873, Lucy moved to Chicago with her husband. She earned money as a seamstress. She also became involved in the Social-Democratic Workingmen's Party of North America. Lucy demonstrated her willingness to stand up for her rights but taking white people to court in 1875 over unpaid bills and a neighbor disturbance. Lucy was forced to get a job selling suits and dresses to support her family when her husband lost his job but the business soon flourished. She became internationally famous as an anarchist speaker and went on tours across the U.S and also visited England. In 1917, she moved towards communism and the Chicago Police considered her to be a dangerous political figure.

Lucy claimed to have married activist Albert Parsons in 1872 but no records have been found to support this claim. Yet, the couple lived together as husband and wife until his execution in 1887. In 1879, she gave birth to her son, Albert Parsons Jr. In 1881, Lucy gave birth to her second child, Lulu Eda, who passed away at the age of 8 due to lymphedema. In 1942, Lucy died in a house fire. Her long term partner George Markstall returned home to find the building on fire but was not able to save her. He died of his injuries the next day.

Bibliography

Lucy Parsons, Wikipedia

The Life and Legacy of Lucy Parsons: Anarchist Icon, Texas State Historical Association