The Barre daily times. (Barre, Vt.) 1897-1959, 1921-07-21
Barre Man Had Been Lead
er In Labor Movement
of Vermont
IN FACT PIONEEER
IN STATE CIRCLES
Had Been Honored BY
Election to Many Union
Positions

National, state and city labor or
ganizations lost to-day one of their
most diligent and earnest workers in
the death of Alexander lronside of
Barre. The end came this morn
ing at his home at 33 Ayers
street and terminated a period of four
years poor health and confinement
of two months to his bed. The end was
expected by his family and friends, as
his condition had been very alarming
during the past few weeks
To labor in general his death is
great loss, for his later life was prac-
ticaIly devoted to the betterment of
fellow men and his action always was
for the attainment of better conditions
for them. For Is years Mr. Ironside
has been secretary of the Vermont
state branch of the American Fedora
tion of Labor, and during that entire
time served on the legislative commit
tee of this organization. He was in
strumental in securing the passage of
every Law enacted for the welfare of
labor people during that time, such
laws as weekly payment. trustee ex
emption, child labor, working hours for
minors and women, factory inspection
and workmen's compensation, all bear
the stamp of Mr.. Ironside's work. He
was also ever alert against any meas.
ures considered detrimental to labor
and never failed to register his pro-
tests to keep them from the stateute
books of Vermont.
For many years he has been affiliated
with the Barre branch of the G.. c. l. A.
and on two occasions represented the
branch at the annual conventions of |
the American Federation of Labor, first |
at Seattle, Washington, in 1914, and |
again last year in Montreal
Mr.. Ironside had served on the griev- |
ance committee and several other com
mittees for the granite cutters asso-
citation and at the same time was one
of its auditors. Since being compelled
TO abandon work in the stonesheds he
has been engaged as general organizer
for the Quarry Workers International
Union, and in the great steel strike of
last year figured prominently about |
Youngstown, Pa.
The Central Labor Union Of Barre
likewise recognized his value as a
worker and for several years elected
him president, retiring him with an
honorary membership of the union
when poor health prevented his activi
ties with the organization.
Through recommendation of Govern.
DR. Graham Mr.. ITonside was appointed
By President Wilson during the war a.
, member Of the dhtrict draft board
Tor the state of Vermont
Mr.. Ironside was known all over the
state and in many points outside OF
New England, and his death will cause {
lorrow among large number of people
both in this city and elsewhere
He was born in Ellon, Aberdeenshire,
Scotland, Nov. 3, 1872, and after re-
Giving public school education served {
his apprenticeship in the granite trade
Thirty years ago he was married TO
,liss Wilmina Shepherd in Aberdeen
md with his wife and family nine z
-ears later embarked for America.
Mr.. Ironside came to Barre at once
nd has ever since been keenly inter.
sted in civic affairs here At the last |
itv election he was a candidate fo~
dermsn in ward one. Fraternally, Mr. c
ronside was much esteemed in lro /
uois tribe. No. l6 aud in Clan Cor
on. No. u, o. s. c.
He leaves his wife and six children,
alexander, Miss Minnie. Jane, George, !
ames and Ernest, all of whom make
heir home in this city Misses Minnie
nd Jane. together with George, are
xpected this evening from Bethlehem, q
:. H.. where they are working during {
he summer Mr.. Ironside also leaves G
is parents. Mr.. and Mrs. George Iron .
de; three sisters, Mary. Margaret and y
ane. and one brother, William. 8
Funeral arrangements were not com 9
leted this noon. In accordance with 4
he wishes Of Mr.. lronside, flowers will
2 omitted. h