Fighting for Dignity The Ginger Goodwin Story

Roger Stonebanks traces the life of charismatic labour leader Ginger Goodwin from his childhood in the Yorkshire Coalfields, through his mining career in Cape Breton and British Columbia, until his untimely and controversial death in the woods of Vancouver Island. Using archival research and contemporary accounts, Stonebanks explores the historical context that surrounded Goodwin’s meteoric rise in BC’s labour and socialist ranks. His life, from union hall to the soccer pitch, sheds light on working-class culture in resource communities in the early years of the 20th century. Ginger Goodwin was killed while trying to evade conscription during World War I. The Military police officer responsible claimed he shot only in self-defence, but rumors have since persisted that foul play was involved in the death of the prominent socialist and labour activist. Goodwin’s own words explain his opposition to conscription and war, while Stonebanks examines the background and attitude of the police officers hunting down draft dodgers. Adrian Brooks provides a legal analysis and review of the case of His Majesty the King v. Daniel Campbell and how the trial might have unfolded — if there had been a trial of Constable Campbell. Written in engaging and accessible prose, the book features several never before published photographs.

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. Chapter 1. The Boy from Bole Hill
3. Chapter 2. The New World
4. Chapter 3. The Big Strike, 1912-14
5. Chapter 4. The War Begins
6. Chapter 5. Goodwin in Action
7. Chapter 6. The Killing
8. Chapter 7. From General Strike to Courtroom
9. Chapter 8. Murder, Conspiracy, Manslaughter, Self-defence, Or, Panic-Reaction?
10. Chapter 9. “Gentlemen of the Jury: What is Your Verdict?”
11. Epilogue
12. Acknowledgements
13. Bibliography
14. Index

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons License (CC BY-NC-ND 2.5 CA). It may be reproduced for non-commercial purposes, provided that the original author is credited.