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Lewis was born in Cleveland, Iowa, in 1880. His father held a variety of jobs, including coal miner, and moved his family often. One relocation in particular, to the state capital Des Moines, had a major impact on Lewis's life. While his father worked as a police officer, young John was able to complete three and a half years of high school. The basic education he received served as a foundation for his jump into labor politics. Lewis developed a strong ambition after several years of wandering throughout the West and Midwest and many stints working in the mines. He wanted to rise above his coal-mining roots. A move by the entire Lewis clan, including new wife Myrta, to Illinois triggered a meteoric rise by John in the local United Mine Workers (UMW) chapter, capped by Lewis's election as president in 1909.
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This section contains 143 words (approx. 1 page at 300 words per page) |
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