Today in labor history June 17 Susan B. Anthony goes on trial in Canandaigua, N.Y.

[Omaha Steve]

June 17

Susan B. Anthony goes on trial in Canandaigua, N.Y. for casting her ballot in a federal election the previous November, in violation of existing statutes barring women from the vote - 1873

June 17, 1936 - Twelve trade unionists met in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, to launch a drive to organize all steelworkers. This effort marked the birth of the United Steelworkers of America, then called the Steel Workers Organizing Committee. By year’s end, more than 125,000 people had joined the fledgling union, rallying to the $5-a-day wage demand.

[midnight]

1. So the first women to vote was considered a law breaker?

In 1872, in an attempt to claim that the constitution already permitted women to vote, Susan B. Anthony cast a test vote in Rochester, New York, in the presidential election. She was found guilty, though she refused to pay the resulting fine (and no attempt was made to force her to do so). That darn consitution again.

[whistle]

2. Great reminder...thanks