J. Henry Stump
John Henry Stump (June 4, 1880 – May 15, 1949) was an American Socialist politician and mayor of Reading, Pennsylvania 1927–1931, 1935–1939 and 1943–1947.
J. Henry Stump | |
|---|---|
| Mayor of Reading, Pennsylvania | |
| In office 1927–1931 | |
| In office 1935–1939 | |
| In office 1943–1947 |
Split with Socialist Party
Stump left the Socialist Party of America following the Old Guard faction's split and helped form the Social Democratic Federation. He served as vice-chair of the SDF along with John Shenton of Connecticut.
At the SDF's founding convention in 1937, Stump spoke critically of his former party, stating:
We came here because we could no longer square our Socialist conscience with remaining in the party which has fallen into the hands of disruptors, of people who do not believe in the idea and ideals of democratic Socialism. I am confident that at this convention we will build an organization that will truly represent these ideas.[1]
External links
- J. Henry Stump: Reading's Most Memorable Mayor. By Edwin B. Yeich. Published by The Historical Society of Berks County. Article originally appeared in the Summer 1958 issue of the Historical Review of Berks County.
- In Milwaukee. Time Magazine. Monday, Jan. 23, 1928
Further reading
- Hendrickson, Jr. Kenneth E. The Socialist Administration in Reading, Pennsylvania, Part I, 1927-1931. Pennsylvania History. October, 1972. Link to article
- Hendrickson, Jr. Kenneth E. Triumph and Disaster: The Reading Socialists in Power and Decline, Part II, 1932-1939. Pennsylvania History. October, 1973. Link to article