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Thomas Madders (1897–1955)

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This entry is from People Australia

Thomas Madders (1897-1955) coal miner and trade unionist

Birth: 30 September 1897, Torbanlea, Queensland. Son of John Madders, miner and unionist, and Mary Jane nee Evans. Brother of David and Robert. Married: Alice Matilda Lewis on 20 January 1923. Died: 25 December 1955, Maryborough, Queensland. Methodist.

  • Served in 1st AIF.
  • Miners' branch chairman on Howard coalfield (Qld.);
  • after moving to Ipswich, became member of Committee of Management of Queensland Colliery Employees' Union.
  • As Militant Minority Movement candidate, came close to displacing Charles Kilpatrick from union's presidency in early 1930s.
  • Delegate to peace conference organised in Brisbane by Movement Against War & Fascism 1936.
  • In late 1930s supported Miners' Federation campaign and strike (1938) for paid annual leave and reduced working hours, contributing many articles to union paper Common Cause. 

P. Thomas, 1986.

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Citation details

'Madders, Thomas (1897–1955)', People Australia, National Centre of Biography, Australian National University, https://labouraustralia.anu.edu.au/biography/madders-thomas-31944/text39408, accessed 9 May 2025.

© Copyright Labour Australia, 2012

Life Summary [details]

Birth

30 September, 1897
Torbanlea, Queensland, Australia

Death

25 December, 1955 (aged 58)
Maryborough, Queensland, Australia

Cultural Heritage

Includes subject's nationality; their parents' nationality; the countries in which they spent a significant part of their childhood, and their self-identity.

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
Military Service
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