Death of a Devoted Comrade

With profound sorrow and regret we record the death of our old comrade Stenzleit. He passed away on Thursday 9th March, at Friend’s House; and was buried at Mittle [Little] Munden, near Ware, Hertford, on Monday 13th March 1933.

It might almost be said that our late comrade personified the modern Socialist and Anarchist movements.

His full name was Herman, Geo. Jacob, Stenzleit. He was born in July, 1848, the year of revolution on the continent, and the atmosphere of those days clung to him through the constantly changing conditions during which he lived, until the end. Had he lived till July he would have been 85 years of age. A wonderful man, who, till quite recently, regularly attended our public and business meetings, and took part in the discussions.

Our late Comrade came to this country about 1876, from the town of Koenigsberg, East Prussia. His father was a schoolmaster, while he was apprenticed to, and followed the trade of a skilled cabinet maker.

As a young man he joined the revolutionary socialist movement; a very different one in those days, to the meaningless political electioneering of today.

In London, in the early 80’s of last century he was an active member of the Rose Street Club: to which the brothers Murry, Frank Kitz, and other English speakers, pioneers of the modern socialist movement belonged. It was this Club which took an active part in the defence of John Most when he was tried and sentenced at the Old Baily to a long term of imprisonment.

Always progressive in his outlook, unlike so many who in their youth are revolutionary and then turn back, he never became static or reactionary; but all his life kept his mind in touch with the best advanced thought on social and political subjects. It was this pleasing side of his character which accounts for the fact, that while he was really one of the “Old Guard” in our movement, he was at the same time quite up to-date; becoming more definitely Anarchist as he advanced in years. His life and work stands out as a beacon, lighting the way for others, while it is an example worthy of being followed by our younger comrades.

John Turner.

From: Freedom: a journal of libertarian thought, work and literature, no.36, April 1933.