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Richard (Dick) Brown (1881–1972)

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This entry is from People Australia

Richard (Dick) Brown (1881-1972) potter, trade union leader 

Birth: 1881 in Brunswick, Victoria, son of Richard Brown, carter (or butcher), and Agnes, née Blair or Morgan. Marriage: 11 April 1901 in Brunswick to Mary Ellen Loughton, tailoress. They had one daughter and one son. Death: 14 February 1972 at Preston, Victoria. Religion: Baptist. 

  • First job minding cows for Brunswick (Victoria) dairy. Later, as carter, took clay from Campbellfield to potteries, then at Cornwell’s Pottery, Brunswick.
  • 1910 employed at Hoffman’s pottery, Brunswick, remained there until retirement in 1962.
  • Poor conditions had led to formation of union in 1898 and Brown was issued with No. 1 card. Founding member, Victorian branch of the Federated Brick, Tile and Pottery Workers’ Union, and president of branch for 40 years.
  • Spent much of working life in Brunswick. In 1910 was union steward. Delegate to Melbourne Trades Hall Council. Delegate to Australian Labor Party State conference.
  • Lived at Coburg.

Sources
The N.S.W. Clayworker, May 1972.

Original Publication

Citation details

'Brown, Richard (Dick) (1881–1972)', People Australia, National Centre of Biography, Australian National University, https://labouraustralia.anu.edu.au/biography/brown-richard-dick-32419/text40208, accessed 9 May 2025.

© Copyright Labour Australia, 2012

Life Summary [details]

Birth

1881
Brunswick, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia

Death

14 February, 1972 (aged ~ 91)
Preston, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia

Religious Influence

Includes the religion in which subjects were raised, have chosen themselves, attendance at religious schools and/or religious funeral rites; Atheism and Agnosticism have been included.

Occupation or Descriptor
Key Organisations