Hellraisers Journal: Mine Workers of District 5 Honor Martyrs Sellins and Starzeleski with Beautiful Monument

Quote M. Robbins, for Fannie Sellins, Wkrs Wld p4, Nov 28, 1919 ———-

Hellraisers Journal – Friday October 1, 1920
New Kensington, Pennsylvania – Monument Erected for Mine Workers’ Martyrs

From the United Mine Workers Journal of October 1, 1920:

A beautiful monument was unveiled in memory of the late Fannie Sellins and Joe Starzeleski at their graves in Union Cemetery, New Kensington , Pa., Sunday, September 12, 1920.

At the last convention of District No. 5, United Mine Workers of America, the District Executive Board recommended that the district organization erect a suitable monument over their graves in memory of the splendid and heroic services rendered by our beloved friend, Fannie Sellins, and also in memory of the supreme sacrifice made by both, that we who are left behind may enjoy the fruit of their labor. This recommendation was accepted and the District Executive Board was authorized to purchase or build a monument .

The monument, more than twelve feet high, of granite base and with a large white statue, bears the inscription, “In Memory of Fannie Sellins and Joe Starzeleski, killed by the enemies of organized labor, near the Allegheny Steel and Coal Company, at West Natrona, Pa. Erected by the United Mine Workers of America, District No. 5.”

Impressive ceremonies marked the unveiling of the monument. A large parade formed in the city early in the afternoon, composed of miners of the Pittsburgh district, especially by those of Sub-District No. 7, of District No. 5, and, led by a band, the marchers made an impressive showing. At the graves in the Union cemetery, where the unveiling took place, Board Member John Vogel, of Sub-District No. 7, was master of ceremonies.

The orator of the day was International Vice-President Philip Murray, who paid a glowing tribute to Mrs. Fannie Sellins and Brother Starzeleski. He vividly portrayed the life of this good and noble woman; he told of the hardships she endured, how she ministered to those at home while the husband, father or brother labored in the dark recesses of the earth producing that important commodity, coal. He told of how she, from hour to hour, from day to day, fought human enemies.

Among the other speakers was President Robert R. Gibbons, of District No. 5, who told how Fannie Sellins gave her life in the attempt to put an end to the suffering of the miners and their families, to lead them out of the wage slavery.

Mrs. Sellins was a noble woman. She had taken part in the organization of many mines in the Pittsburgh district. For this work the women loved her, men revered her, children worshiped her and the enemy abused and murdered her. Her life was filled with ministrations of love, kindness and mercy. The graves, side by side, were beautifully decorated with flowers, and words “Labor’s Sacrifice” were prominent, signifying the appreciation the United Mine Workers of America have for the services they rendered for our great cause.

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