Gompers, Samuel (1850-1924), a leader of American labor, was born in London and while a child of ten was apprenticed to a shoemaker. Such education as he received was gained after working hours. At thirteen he came to America and engaged in cigarmaking. Gompers rose to the presidency of the cigarmakers' union. He was influential in forming the Cigar Workers' International Union and, later, the American Federation of Labor. He was elected president of the latter organization in 1882. Gompers stood from the first for freedom from alliance with any political party. He was named by common consent editor of the Federation organ and did a large part of the thinking for the organization. For years Gompers gave his services to the cause of labor. During the great strikes of 1886 he traveled extensively at his own expense. When the Federation was in shape financially, he was accorded a salary. Gompers declined desirable appointments and lucrative employment to devote his energies to trade unions. In 1909 Gompers traveled extensively in Europe. He headed the delegation in 1918 which presented the claims of labor at the Peace Conference.

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