The Extraordinary Life of America’s First Labor Secretary

William B. Wilson was an immigrant and child laborer who went on to become a union leader and Congressman before leading the newly created U.S. Department of Labor in 1913. He was a passionate advocate for the rights of miners, able to inspire and organize others to stand up for themselves. He was also a diplomatic negotiator who united squabbling factions during a tumultuous era in mining and labor history.