Barry, William Peter (1859–1939)
William Peter Barry (Snr) (1859-1939) labourer and trade union leader
Birth: 11 June 1859 at Westbury, Tasmania, eldest of ten children of Irish-born parents James Barry (1811-1885), ex-convict, and Ellen, née Hegarty, later Nugent (1834-1902). Marriage: 7 April 1890 at Collingwood, Melbourne, to Susan Agatha Robinson. They had three daughters and two sons. Death: 26 August 1939 at North Carlton, Melbourne, Victoria, Religion: Catholic.
- Led Mount Bischoff strike c.1889 in Tasmania.
- Moved to Melbourne where established Quarrymen’s Union.
- After period gold mining in W.A. returned to Victoria to take active part in forming first Engine Drivers’ and Firemen’s Union; also member of Australian Workers’ Union committee. Organised Municipal Employees’ Union in Victoria, then travelled interstate to replicate initiative, assisting rise in membership from 400 to 4000.
- Foundation member of Australian Labor Party Carlton branch.
Sources
Labor Call, 31 August 1939
Original Publication
Additional Resources
- funeral, Age (Melbourne), 29 August 1939, p 10
Related Entries in NCB Sites
- Barry, William Peter
- Barry, William Peter (son)
- Nugent, Ellen (mother)
- Barry, James (father)
Citation details
'Barry, William Peter (1859–1939)', People Australia, National Centre of Biography, Australian National University, https://peopleaustralia.anu.edu.au/biography/barry-william-peter-32059/text39623, accessed 17 May 2022.
Life Summary [details]
Birth
11 June,
1859
Westbury, Tasmania, Australia
Death
26 August,
1939
(aged 80)
Carlton, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
Cultural Heritage
Religious Influence
Occupation
Key Organisations
- Australian Workers' Union (Vic)
- Federated Engine Drivers & Firemens Association of Australasia (Vic)
- Federated Municipal Employees' Union (Vic)
- Quarrymen's Union (Vic)