Born in Terre Haute, Indiana, became local leader of a railroad brotherhood. Founded the American Railway Union in 1893. Was arrested for his role in organizing the Pullman Strike, June 26, 1894 and served six months in jail in Woodstock, Illinois. As a result of these experiences Debs became a Socialist and dedicated the rest of his life to organizing the entire working class. Ran for President with Socialist Party affiliation five consecutive times from 1896-1912. Spoke out against World War I in Canton, Ohio, 1918, in deliberate defiance of the Sedition Act. Was jailed again, this time for three years, and ran for president once more from jail in 1920. Shown here upon his release in 1921. Died in 1926.

Links:
Eugene V. Debs Foundation
Eugene V. Debs Internet Archive