Guide to the John Leonard Miller Photograph Collection
circa 1920-1975

Biographical Note

John (Jack) Leonard Miller was born on November 3, 1889 in Dayton, Kentucky. At 12 he left home and traveled around the country hoboing and taking odd jobs. He worked as a coal miner in Danville, Virginia and a harvester in the Midwest. Because of his interest in worker's rights, Miller joined the United Mine Workers while in Virginia. He joined the Socialist Party while he was in Canada and the Industrial Workers of the World (IWW) in 1916. He moved to Seattle in early 1916 and was on board the Verona during the Everett Massacre of November 1916. He married Violet Wilson in 1924. After settling down Miller had a number of jobs and began writing. He continued to rally for workers rights and upon his retirement took up lobbying for fair treatment of senior citizens. In addition, he gave lectures and interviews regarding the Everett Massacre, and wrote short stories. He died at age 96 in 1986 of a heart ailment. He was the last living survivor of the Everett Massacre.

Scope and Content

The collection consists of photographs of John Leonard Miller, his wife Violet Miller and some of the people involved in the Everett Massacre.

Restrictions on Use

Restrictions may exist on reproduction, quotation, or publication. Contact Special Collections, University of Washington Libraries for details.

Restrictions on Access

The collection is open to the public.

Historical Background

The Everett Massacre occurred on November 5, 1916 when two boatloads of Industrial Workers of the World (otherwise known as "Wobblies") traveled aboard two steamers Verona and Calista to Everett from Seattle to attend a free speech demonstration. The workers' ships were met at the Everett docks by police, armed citizens and hired guards. Shots were fired, killing two deputies and five "Wobblies" who were passengers on the steamer Verona. The funeral for the massacre victims was held on November 19, 1916 and was attended by thousands of Seattle citizens.

Acquisition Info

Donor: Nylene Schollhorn, John Miller's granddaughter, on October 7, 1986

Processing Info

Processed by Lindsae Long in 2006 and Marion Brown in 2007

The photographs were relocated from the John Leonard Miller Papers, Accession No. 2240-002 in the repository, on November 25, 1986.

Other Finding Aids

These materials form part of the John Leonard Miller Papers which are described and indexed in the guide to the John Leonard Miller Papers.

Inventory

Box/Folder

Item

Date

1/1

1

Postcard of six men in studio, Vancouver B.C.

circa 1911-1919

"Noted desperados captured in Van. B.C."

2

Group of trainmen

undated

Photographer: Walter P. Miller

3

Hand colored photograph of John Leonard Miller with donkey

undated

Photographer: Hart Studios

4

Pallbearers with casket of an Everett Massacre victim in front of Duggan the Undertaker Funeral Home

November 19, 1916

5

The steamship Verona

undated

Photographer: Marine Photo Shop

Photograph from the Puget Sound Maritime Historical Society

1/2

6

John Leonard Miller and little girl reading Donkey Donkey

1975

Photographer: Jay Lurie

7

John Leonard Miller in hat

March 1978

Photographer: Jay Lurie

8

John Leonard Miller on steps laughing

March 1978

Photographer: Jay Lurie

9

John Leonard Miller looking at photographs with his wife, Violet and Shoshanna Lurie

circa 1979

This photograph was used in the article "Jack and Violet" printed in The Seattle Times Pictorial on September 16, 1979.

10

John Leonard Miller and Violet walking

circa 1979

This photograph was used in the article "Jack and Violet" printed in The Seattle Times Pictorial on September 16, 1979.

11

John Leonard Miller and Violet working a loom

circa 1979

This photograph was used in the article "Jack and Violet" printed in The Seattle Times Pictorial on September 16, 1979.

12

John Leonard Miller speaking

undated

Photographer: Jay Lurie

13

John Leonard Miller with microphone

undated

14

John Leonard Miller portraying an I.W.W. speaker at the Bicentennial Pageant at the Seattle Center.

September 9, 1976

Photographer: Jay Lurie

15

John Leonard Miller holding a Seattle First Citizen Award and a Retired Senior Volunteer Program Award

January 27, 1975

1/3

16

Family photographs on piano

March 1978

Photographer: Jay Lurie

17

Objects whittled by H. P. Wilson before 1920

undated

Photographer: Jay Lurie

H. P. Wilson was Miller's father-in-law. Miller wrote a short story about Wilson's whittlings and this photo accompanied it.

Subject Terms

Personal Names:

Lurie, Jay, photographer.

Miller, J. L. (John Leonard)--Photographs.

Organizations:

Industrial Workers of the World.

Subjects:

Community activists--Washington (State)--Seattle--Photographs.

Everett Massacre, Everett, Wash., 1916.

Labor union members--Washington (State)--Seattle--Photographs.

Older people--Political activity.

Older people--Washington (State)--Seattle--Photographs.

Social reformers--Washington (State)--Seattle--Photographs.