About

Biography

Joe Hill (October 7, 1879/1882 (Unknown) – November 19, 1915) was born Joel Emmanuel Hägglund. He emigrated to the United States from Sweden in 1902, and became a migrant worker. In 1910, he joined the IWW (International Workers of the World).

Through political and satirical songs and speeches, he helped organize workers under the IWW.

In 1914, he was accused of committing murder. Because he himself was shot somehow that night, and refused to give an alibi, he did not have a strong case. Some stories say that he was with a married woman that night—using his alibi would have ruined her reputation and life, thus his refusal to provide it.

The trial received attention from many people, such as Woodrow Wilson, Helen Keller, and other Swedes. Unfortunately, he was convicted and was executed by firing squad. His last word was "Fire!"

To further illustrate how important his fellow workers were to him (and how rebellious he was), his last letter to an IWW leader said, "Goodbye Bill. I die like a true blue rebel. Don't waste any time in mourning. Organize... Could you arrange to have my body hauled to the state line to be buried? I don't want to be found dead in Utah."

Music

Some of Joe Hill's popular songs include Casey Jones: Union Scab, The Preacher and the Slave, and Rebel Girl.

Joe Hill has had a few tribute songs, including "I Dreamed I Saw Joe Hill Last Night."