Politics | Page 37

Rice, Henry Mower (1816‒1894)

As a trader, businessman, treaty negotiator, and legislator, Henry Mower Rice played a crucial role in Minnesota’s statehood and the development of St. Paul. At the same time, Rice was responsible for policies that benefited himself and his business partners at the expense of Minnesota’s Indigenous populations.

American Socialist front page featuring Thomas Van Lear and Meyer London

Selection from page one of the edition of American Socialist published on November 18, 1916, to accompany the article “Two Smashing Victories! Meyer London Re-Elected; Thomas H. Van Lear Chosen Mayor of Minneapolis.” Public domain.

Minneapolis Morning Tribune front page featuring Thomas Van Lear

Selection from page one of the edition of the Minneapolis Morning Tribune, April 1,1912, to accompany the article “Socialism is Defined by Thomas Van Lear.” Public domain.

Thomas Van Lear

Thomas Van Lear during his term as mayor of Minneapolis, 1917. Public domain.

Van Lear, Thomas (1869–1931)

The only Socialist mayor of Minneapolis (1917–1919), Thomas Van Lear was a machinist and influential union leader. Socialist opposition to World War I proved a major factor in his failure to win reelection in 1918, after which he retired from politics. A talented writer and orator, he later helped found and lead the short-lived Minneapolis Daily Star.

Lawrence Taliaferro hand puppet

Hand puppet used to portray Lawrence Taliaferro in educational puppet shows. Made by artist Deborah Swanson around 1969.

Historical marker recognizing Lawrence Taliaferro

Marker recognizing the service of Lawrence Taliaferro at Fort Snelling. Photograph by Lee Brothers, 1929.

Elizabeth Dillon Taliaferro

Oil-on-canvas portrait of Elizabeth Dillon Taliaferro, wife of Lawrence Taliaferro, ca. 1850s. Artist unknown.

List of enslaved people owned by Lawrence Taliaferro

List of enslaved people owned by Lawrence Taliaferro, ca. 1830s and 1840s. The list was written by Taliaferro himself and includes the note “21 freed from slavery 1839-40-43.”

English-French-Dakota Dictionary, 1835

Partially trilingual English‒French‒Dakota dictionary written by Lawrence Taliaferro’s brother-in-law, H. N. Dillon, in 1835.

Gale Family Library