Overgaard, Anders, 1895-1973

American labor leader and Communist Party activist; deported to Denmark in 1950.

Anders (Andy) Overgaard (1895-1973)was born in Denmark, and emigrated to the United States around 1915. After traveling extensively as a sailor, he became a skilled machinist, settling in Chicago, where he was active in the left wing of the International Assonciation of Machinists and the Chicago Federation of Labor, along with William Z. Foster. He joined the Communist Party in 1920 and served as an organizer for the Communist-led Trade Union Educational League and Trade Uunion Unity League in Chicago, Detroit, Pittsburgh, Waterbury (CT), Youngstown, Buffalo, and New York City. He taught at Commonwealth College in Arkansas and worked as an organizer for the Diecasters Union, the Unitd Electrical Workers, and the Food, Tobacco, Agricultural and Allied Workers Union. In 1950 he was deported to his native Denmark for his political affiliation.

Anders Overgaard was born in Denmark and emigrated to the United States around 1915. After traveling extensively as a sailor, he became a skilled machinist, settling in Chicago, where he was active in the left wing of the International Assonciation of Machinists and the Chicago Federation of Labor, along with William Z. Foster. He joined the Communist Party in 1920 and traveled throughout the U.S. as a Trade Union Educational (later Unity) League functionary. He also traveled in Europe and Asia on behalf of.

the Communist International and the Red International of Labor Unions. After the formation of the CIO he held a number of posts in Communist led unions between periodic returns to the shop floor. In 1950 he was deported to his native Denmark for his political affiliation.