War and Conflict | Page 16

Rice, Henry Mower (1816‒1894)

As a trader, businessman, treaty negotiator, and legislator, Henry Mower Rice played a crucial role in Minnesota’s statehood and the development of St. Paul. At the same time, Rice was responsible for policies that benefited himself and his business partners at the expense of Minnesota’s Indigenous populations.

American Socialist front page featuring Thomas Van Lear and Meyer London

Selection from page one of the edition of American Socialist published on November 18, 1916, to accompany the article “Two Smashing Victories! Meyer London Re-Elected; Thomas H. Van Lear Chosen Mayor of Minneapolis.” Public domain.

Minneapolis Morning Tribune front page featuring Thomas Van Lear

Selection from page one of the edition of the Minneapolis Morning Tribune, April 1,1912, to accompany the article “Socialism is Defined by Thomas Van Lear.” Public domain.

Thomas Van Lear

Thomas Van Lear during his term as mayor of Minneapolis, 1917. Public domain.

Van Lear, Thomas (1869–1931)

The only Socialist mayor of Minneapolis (1917–1919), Thomas Van Lear was a machinist and influential union leader. Socialist opposition to World War I proved a major factor in his failure to win reelection in 1918, after which he retired from politics. A talented writer and orator, he later helped found and lead the short-lived Minneapolis Daily Star.

Joseph Linwood Laughy

Joseph Linwood Laughy in his US Navy uniform, 1917.

Laughy, Joseph Linwood (1897‒1917)

Joseph Linwood Laughy was born in 1897 and moved to Baudette, Minnesota, in 1915. In April 1918, four days after the United States entered World War I, Linwood signed up for the Navy. After serving only five months, he was killed in an accident, making him the first victim of the war from the Baudette area.