He was one of few African - American iron works shop foremen during his era .
Richard Mason Hancock ( November 22 , 1832 -- June 5 , 1899 ) was a carpenter and shop foreman and civil rights activist in the American Northeast and Chicago .
Richard Mason Hancock was shop foreman of few African - American iron works shop foremen during Richard Mason Hancock 's era .
Richard Mason Hancock ( November 22 , 1832 -- June 5 , 1899 ) was a carpenter and shop foreman and civil rights activist in the American Northeast and Chicago .