Alexander Schwab

On Wednesday, December 2, 1959, Comrade Alexander Schwab, died in Los Angeles, Calif., at the age of 61, following a heart attack.

He was one of the few Russian-speaking anarchists who had escaped the clutches of the infamous Palmer raids in 1918, directed chiefly against the then very active anarchist Union of Russian Workers. Along with other Russian-speaking comrades he helped in the founding of the International Group in San Francisco wherein were gathered Chinese, Italian and Jewish-speaking comrades, subsequently launching the monthly publication of “MAN!”

Although very seldom participating in the heated discussions that arise from time to time, he nevertheless had an independent opinion (as I often learned personally from him) closely in harmony with our ideal.
Another striking characteristic in Comrade Schwab was his ever readiness to encourage new projects as well as lend support to them.

Peaceful by nature was Comrade Schwab and then, occasionally, happenings arose that would easily anger anyone else, he would make a joking comment and let it go at that.

The hospitality of his house to every one of our comrades was always made that much more pleasant by his life companion– Blanche – who showed every consideration of friendship – although she did not embrace our ideal. He also left two sons, who were equally as friendly.

The passing of Comrade Schwab is a great loss to both the Russian-speaking movement in the United States, as well as to the “MAN!’’ Group, in which he had participated until his death.

The “MAN!” Group of Los Angeles has within the last score of years also sustained the loss of equally devoted comrades: De Fillipo, Friedman, both Planas’s, Archie and Weiss.

Marcus Graham.

Freedom 13 February 1960