Mayor of Shantytown

Discover the inspiring story of Father James R. Cox in "Mayor of Shantytown," written by Richard Gazarik and published by McFarland & Co Inc in 2019. This compelling biography, spanning 215 pages, delves into the life of a remarkable social reformer who became the voice of the jobless and poor during the Great Depression in Pittsburgh. Father Cox served over 2.2 million meals to the hungry and earned the title of the ""mayor"" of a shantytown, where homeless men lived in makeshift hovels next to St. Patrick's Church in the historic Strip District. Gazarik's narrative highlights the courage and compassion of a clergy member dedicated to uplifting those in need. This book is a must-read for anyone interested in social reform, the Catholic Church's role in community support, and the resilience of the human spirit during challenging times.