Labour Australia

  • Tip: searches only the name field
  • Tip: Use double quotes to search for a phrase

Browse Lists:

Cultural Advice

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people should be aware that this website contains names, images, and voices of deceased persons.

In addition, some articles contain terms or views that were acceptable within mainstream Australian culture in the period in which they were written, but may no longer be considered appropriate.

These articles do not necessarily reflect the views of The Australian National University.

Older articles are being reviewed with a view to bringing them into line with contemporary values but the original text will remain available for historical context.

Thomas Madders (1897–1955)

This article was published:

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.

Additional Resources

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 19 March 2024.

© 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
Military Service
Key Organisations