Berlyn, Bernard, 1843-1928.

Bernard Berlyn: cigar maker in New York; joined first cigar makers' union in 1863; moved to Chicago and was active in Chicago Federation of Labor; Socialist candidate for U.S. Senate in 1913 and active in the Socialist Party throughout his life.

From the description of Bernard Berlyn papers, 1884-1930 (inclusive). (Unknown). WorldCat record id: 702169305

Bernard Berlyn was a cigar maker in New York. He joined the first cigar makers' union in 1863. He later moved to Chicago and was active in the Chicago Federation of Labor. In 1913, he was a Socialist candidate for the United States Senate and was active in the Socialist Party throughout his life.

Bernard (Barney) Berlyn was born in Amsterdam, Holland on February 7, 1843. In 1850 his family emigrated to the United States and settled in New York City. After finishing primary school, Berlyn became a cigar maker, and joined the first cigar maker's union in 1863.

In the same year, he moved to Chicago where he became active in the Chicago Federation of Labor. A life-long member of the Socialist Party, Berlyn was a candidate for Congress on the Socialist ticket in several elections. In 1913 he ran for the senate and was the first socialist candidate to receive votes in Illinois. He was also a member of the national executive committee of the socialist party from 1901-07, a national committee man from 1901-08, and a delegate to the national conventions of 1904, 1908, 1912, and 1920.

Berlyn's work as a labor organizer brought him into contact with Clarence Darrow, Norman Thomas, Eugene V. Debs, Lucy Parsons, and other liberal leaders. He was co-author, with William S. McGuire, of the book Why Workers Should Join the Socialist Party .

Barney Berlyn died in 1928 at the age of eighty-five.

From the guide to the Bernard Berlyn papers, 1884-1930, (Manuscripts and Archives)