Maurice Joseph (Joe) Fagan (c. 1875–1938)
This article was published:
- in the Biographical Register of the Australian Labour Movement, 1788-1975
- online in 2023
Maurice Joseph (Joe) Fagan, also known as Morris Fagin (c.1875-1938) gaoled wharf labourer, Socialist, painter
Birth: about 1875 at Mogilev, 160 kilometres from Smolensk, in Russia [now in Belarus], son of Michael Fagan, tradesman and Bessie née Molotneow. Marriage: 6 June 1923 in Registry Office, Sydney, to native-born Mary McLaughlin (188431945). Death: 12 July 1938 in hospital at North Sydney. Religion: buried with Catholic rites.
- Arrived in Australia in 1910. Worked as wharf labourer and glazier.
- Leading member of Chicago local of Industrial Workers of the World in Sydney, establishing links with Sydney's Russian community; by 1913 was local's literature secretary.
- One of the 'IWW Twelve' arrested on 22 September 1916 on charge of conspiracy to commit arson. On 2 December Judge Pring sentenced him to 15 years hard labour. After an inquiry by Judge Ewing Fagan was released on 3 August 1920.
- Evaded deportation by marrying and settling in Sydney.
- Though “crippled physically and financially”, worked for Labor cause in North Sydney in 1925 State elections; an appeal raised funds for his benefit.
- Gave notice of his intent to apply for naturalisation in December 1930. Left his wife in 1932. Arrested in Brisbane, was charged with desertion and returned to his wife.
- On platform with others of IWW twelve in October 1936.
- Cause of death: empyaemia and lung abscess.
Sources
Frank Cain, The Wobblies at war; A history of the IWW and the Great War in Australia (Melbourne, 1993); Workers' Weekly (Sydney), 22 July 1938.
Additional Resources and Scholarship
- is sentenced to 15 years gaol, Sydney Morning Herald, 4 December 1916, p 8
- is released from gaol, Evening News (Sydney), 4 August 1920, p 4
- was injured during the recent NSW electoral campaign, Labor Daily (Sydney), 16 June 1925, p 6
- an appeal for financial assistance is made on his behalf, Labor Daily (Sydney), 14 July 1925, p 7
- thanks those who gave assistance, Labor Daily (Sydney), 2 September 1925, p 3
- applies for naturalisation - as Morris Fagin, Sydney Morning Herald, 20 December 1930, p 13, column 1
- has disappeared, Daily Telegraph (Sydney), 5 August 1932, p 1
- joins a platform of former IWW-12 speakers, Workers' Weekly (Sydney), 30 October 1936, p 1
Related Entries in NCB Sites
- Fagan, Maurice Joseph (Joe)
- King, John Benjamin (colleague)
- Hamilton, John (colleague)
- Reeve, Charles Thomas (colleague)
- Larkin, Peter (colleague)
- Glynn, Thomas (colleague)
- Moore, Thomas (colleague)
- Teen, Thomas William (colleague)
- Beattie, William (colleague)
- McPherson, Donald (colleague)
- Grant, Donald McLennan (colleague)
- Bessant, Bernard Bob (colleague)
- Pring, Robert Darlow (judge)
- Ewing, Norman Kirkwood (judge)
- Scully, Henry Christopher (related entry)
Citation details
Frank Cain, 'Fagan, Maurice Joseph (Joe) (c. 1875–1938)', People Australia, National Centre of Biography, Australian National University, https://peopleaustralia.anu.edu.au/biography/fagan-maurice-joseph-joe-33461/text41840, accessed 23 May 2025.
Maurice Fagan, 1916
Sydney Mail, 18 October 1916, p 7
Life Summary [details]
Alternative Names
- Fagin, Morris Joseph
Birth
Death
12 July,
1938
(aged ~ 63)
North Sydney, Sydney,
New South Wales,
Australia
Cause of Death
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.