Comrade Wives Behind the Scenes: Kate Metzel Debs and the American Socialist Party Women of Girard, Kansas

Abstract

ABSTRACT:Katherine Metzel Debs, wife of five-time Socialist Party presidential candidate Eugene V. Debs, developed a close relationship with the Socialist women in Girard, Kansas, between the years 1907 to 1912. During this period, while maintaining her traditional role as wife and partner in their home in Terre Haute, Indiana, she supported her husband even while he was based in Girard. Although separated by miles, Kate found comrades who shared situations similar to her own and who also worked to further the Socialist cause. This article presents a different view of her attitude towards Gene's work and her role in his success than has been put forth in biographies of her more famous husband.