Bruceville-Eddy in McLennan County, Texas — The American South (West South Central)
Martin Irons
A firm believer in organization as a means by which individuals could improve their lives, Irons became an active participant in groups such as the Knights of Pythias and the Grange. While working in Sedalia, he became interested in an early union society known as the Knights of Labor and was instrumental in organizing workers employed by Jay Gould's network of southwestern railroad lines.
The railroad union, known as District Assembly 101, went on strike in 1886. Irons, then chairman of the executive committee, came into prominence as its leader. The strike was marked by violence, and when it ended, Irons was blacklisted. He retired in nearby Bruceville but remained active in social reform movements until his death. Iron's grave in the Bruceville Cemetery is marked by a monument, placed in 1911 by the Missouri Federation of Labor.
Erected 1984 by Texas Historical Commission. (Marker Number 3229.)
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Labor Unions . A significant historical year for this entry is 1884.
Location. 31° 19.43′ N, 97° 13.803′ W. Marker is in Bruceville-Eddy, Texas, in McLennan County. Marker is at the intersection of South Old Bruceville Road and Interstate 35 Frontage Road, on the left when traveling west on South Old Bruceville Road. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Eddy TX 76524, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 5 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Site of Bruceville Methodist Church (approx. 0.4 miles away); Bruceville Baptist Church (approx. half a mile away); First Baptist Church (approx. 2.3 miles away); Eddy Methodist Church (approx. 2.4 miles away); Flowers House (approx. 2.4 miles away); Roy Bedichek (approx. 3 miles away); Lorena Cemetery (approx. 3.6 miles away); The Lorena United Methodist Church (approx. 4.3 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Bruceville-Eddy.
Credits. This page was last revised on May 29, 2020. It was originally submitted on May 29, 2020, by Larry D. Moore of Del Valle, Texas. This page has been viewed 238 times since then and 32 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on May 29, 2020, by Larry D. Moore of Del Valle, Texas.