Bill Haywood arrested for espionage in 1918

I have been a little lazy about writing much during the last few weeks but fortunately some relevant and interesting articles have been popping up. Click on the link below. You will need to sign up for the Chicago Tribune to read the full article. It's simple, just an email address and password, and free for up to five articles per month. Click heading below.
Chicago sweep, Palmer Raids were the apex of the Red Scare

From the Chicago Tribune: "William "Big Bill" Haywood, seated left, in court Jan. 5, 1920, with George Speed, seated right, both members of the Industrial Workers of the World union executive board. The two were arrested during the Red Raids that rounded up socialists and "radicals" on suspicion of espionage. (Chicago Tribune historical photo)."   

As we know, Haywood was arrested and tried in 1918, convicted of espionage and sentenced to twenty years. While out on bail during the course of appeals, and upon rejection by the Supreme Court of the final appeal attempt, Haywood skipped bail in 1921 and joined the Bolsheviks in the Soviet Union. He died there in 1928.

Happy New Year...300,000 blog hits as of today!

I know the #'s don't mean a whole lot, and are mostly just drifters through cyberspace, but they are kind of fun to track. We got to this 300K a whole lot faster then the first 100K..and on New Years day to boot. Not too shabby for a rather narrowly focused and family specific blog. My thanks to all who continue to check in from time to time.

Have a happy, peaceful and prosperous 2015...and come back and visit often!