William H. Sylvis
Marker Text:
American labor pioneer. Born in Indiana County, 1828. Founder, National Union of Iron Molders, 1859. President, National Labor Union, 1868-1869. Sylvis strove for unity among working men and women regardless of race or nationality. He died, "labor's champion," 1869.
Born November 26, 1828 in Armagh, he was a son of Nicholas & Maria (Mott) Sylvis. Soon after his birth the father, a journeyman wagon maker, moved to Mauch Chunk, Carbon Co. The wagon business failed in 1837 and soon afterward William was apprenticed in a foundry and became a journeyman molder. Thereafter his entire life was devoted to the cause of labor unions. He was largely instrumental in establishing the National Molders Union in 1859. After a short period of Civil War service he became President in 1863. In 1868 he organized and was elected President of the National Labor Union. He was President of the National Labor Union from 1868-69. Most histories of the labor movement state he was "the first great figure in the American labor movement."
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Directions to the
William Sylvis Historic Marker
Start at Indiana Courthouse (On Philadelphia Street between 8th and 9th)
Go east on Philadelphia Street for 0.1 miles and turn right onto 7th street.
Be certain to stay in the left lane on 7th street to continue straight on it. After 0.35 miles, turn right onto Locust Street. (Total distance 0.45 miles)
Travel 0.2 miles and sign is on the IUP campus outside of Keith Hall, in park on right. (Total distance 0.65 miles)
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