Joseph Mitchell participated in a strike in July 1922 which included all railroads connected with the American Federation of Labor. He went back to work there about one year later. Some of his experiences working there after the strike show the esteem that other people had for him. Although many people who had participated in the strike were laid off shortly after coming back to work, Joseph was able to keep his job because of a Mr. O'neill. When Joseph asked Mr. O'neill how he was able to keep Joseph working there, despite the fact that others had greater seniority, "[Mr. O'neill] said that [Joseph's] long and faithful service to the company entitled [him] to a job." When Joseph retired in October of 1930, some of his fellow workers had a party for him, which was attended by more than 700 people. Mr. O'neill and a couple others spoke of their friendship with Joseph and their desire to maintain friendship even though he was leaving the company. (1)
(1) Joseph Mitchell Personal History, written by himself, 22 November 1934
