The Coeur d'Alene press. (Coeur d'Alene, Idaho) 1906-1907, 1907-06-17
MOVERS EARLY LIFE,
Miner on Trial For Steunenberg
Crime a Deep Thinker.
WELL LIKED BY NEWSBOYs.

Charles Henry Meyer, president Of
the Western Federation Of Miners.
known to Boone Qal friends as
''Charlie" Meyer, was born In Boone
county thirty seven years ago. says a
Boone Qa) correspondent OF tho New
York Herald. The family lived at
Quincy two years and then moved to
d farm OF 1870 acres on the Boone-Story
dine, where they lived for many years
At the age Of two years Charles
Meyer, who Is charged with completely
In the murder Of Ex-Governor steu-
nenberg Of Idaho, was left motherless.
He was the youngest of seven children,
and the others cared for him during
mis- early life.
Mr.. Meyer during boyhood was not
healthy. His father never insisted
that he do much OF the farm work.
The boy was allowed to read or spend
tho time about the home as he saw
1T During these years be was al
ways reading especially news or
stories OF the western country. He
entered the employ Of Clark Luther
mt the age OF fourteen years, riding his
pony In going about his work. After
quitting the employ Of Mr., Luther and
when fifteen years Of age he worked
FOR Fred Mills, who lived near Boone.
His health did not improve greatly,
ind he went west, firat to Wyoming,
then into the Dakotas, and for some
time roamed over the northwest as q
cowboy, studying the country and peo-
ple. He was between sixteen and
eighteen years OF age, but eylnced In
terest in things that generally occupy
the minds OF older persons. firing Of
this life. he went TO Chicago, but did
not like the city aud within a short
time returned 10 the western country.
Here he began mining and continued
at II many years. His hrat employ
ment was In the Homestead mine, in
lead City, 8. d. Here he remained
some time, when he was made the
president Of the miners union which
was organized there.
NE was afteFward delegate to the
Western Federation OF Miners In Den
ver and then organizer and ultimately
president Of the federation. He has
been elected to this Office time after
time. The rules Of the federation are
that no one shall be elected to once
who IL not present In person. But two
years ago, when Meyer was in the bull
Dnn az Telluride, he was reelected by
reclamation, as he was year ago,
when he was In jail IN Boise City, Ida.
At the last meeting his picture was
placed in the presidents chair and was
greeted with cheers.
Meyer has always been known as
xnan Of wonderful courage and at times
when youngSter would often display
a win Of his own. He was deep
thinker and often would sit in deepest
thought, as II trying TO solve some
Derplexlng problem, Then no would
brighten up and start whlstllnR, happy
IN the success OF his meditation.
Airs. Payne, his slster-ln-law. tells OF
a little incident that occurred In Dem
yer which showed the popularity OF
Meyer among the newsboys.. Mr., and
AEra Meyer and Mrs. Payne were at
1nn Of the large theaters OF that city
.cne evening. The gallery was crowded
with newsboys. Soon after MIR. Meyer
entered he was spled by one Of the
youngsters, who cried out, what Ii
ahs matter with MoyerT'' Instantly
scores Of boys took up the yell, and
Meyer became the cynosure OF all eyes.
When he was In prison In Cripple
Greek, wealthy woman from Chlca-
40 who was visiting In the west went
90 the jail. having been told that no
was one OF the sights OF Colorado.
The cell door was opened, aud this
woman stood and looked In upon him,
aorgnette at eye, She said. II have
6een told that you are one Of the sights
90 have come to see you"
Air. Meyer gently replied II am will
1na any one should look at me who
wishes 10 do no. am sorry l am In
che center Of the stage. but I cannot
Aelp myself"
The woman was 30 impressed by his
wentlemanly manner and appearance
ahas she apologiEed several times, ex-
pressing herself as covered with shame
and saying she would never again be
guilty OF such an act. Il did not think
you were such man ns Won 49, !
thouglit OF sou rs sort " viii beast.
I IN sure SosAe niS.nSe tss lcgu made
aae 49, Alaty Of the things OF
-. a gou are accused"
Two weeks before he was arrested
and taken out OF Colorado for the al.
legged murder OF Governor Steunenberg
BE visited his brother. s. +. Meyer Of
Boone. and his sister, Mrs. Willard
Foster. While there he renewed old
aeQnaintAnces and spent several days
an Boone. lie was suffering much
Rrom asthma ana was then IN q critical
'condition from the disease. A news.
paper man IN interviewing him at that
time was impressed with his sincerity.
I'VE are right, and we win win our
nght with the aid Of that justice which
Gha constitution guarantees to every
American citizen. We win show the
people OF this country that the West.
eFn Federation Of Miners Ia not thu
harbanofia orvaniVafiou that fhav ha ~