William H. "Bill" Blizzard (September 19, 1892 - 1958) was a union organizer, a commander of the miners' army during the Battle of Blair Mountain

Battle of Blair Mountain

The Battle of Blair Mountain was one of the largest civil uprisings in United States history and the largest armed insurrection since the American Civil War...

, and president of District 17 of the United Mine Workers

United Mine Workers

The United Mine Workers of America is a North American labor union best known for representing coal miners and coal technicians. Today, the Union also represents health care workers, truck drivers, manufacturing workers and public employees in the United States and Canada...

. Blizzard is most remembered for his role in the Battle of Blair Mountain, leading the miners against the forces of Logan County

Logan County, West Virginia

As of the census of 2000, there were 37,710 people, 14,880 households, and 10,936 families residing in the county. The population density was 83 people per square mile . There were 16,807 housing units at an average density of 37 per square mile...

 sheriff Don Chafin

Don Chafin

Don Chafin was the sheriff of Logan County, West Virginia and a commander in the Battle of Blair Mountain...

. For his leadership role in the battle, Blizzard was charged with treason

Treason

In law, treason is the crime that covers some of the more extreme acts against one's sovereign or nation. Historically, treason also covered the murder of specific social superiors, such as the murder of a husband by his wife. Treason against the king was known as high treason and treason against a...

, but was acquitted at his trial on these charges. From that time forward, he remained an important leader within the UMW and organized labor.