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Neil Francis (Frank) Ferry (1896–1954)

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Neil Francis (Frank) Ferry (1896-1954) coal lumper and trade union official

Birth: 29 November 1896 at upper Fort Street, Millers Point, New South Wales, son of Irish-born parents from County Donegal, Neil Francis Ferry (1862-1929), labourer, later hotel keeper, and Bridget, née Ferry (1864-1931), who signed with a mark. Marriage: 7 September 1918 in St Patrick’s Church, Sydney, to Mary Marguerite Power (1895-1977). They had one daughter. Death: 8 December 1954 in Sacred Heart Hospice, Sydney; usual residence Cottenham Street, Glebe. Religion: Catholic. 

  • Coal lumper/waterside worker victimised after 1917 strike. Joining Waterside Workers’ Federation, became guardian, Sydney branch, and treasurer 1930, vigilance officer 1935, assistant secretary from 1940 to 1954.
  • Appointed justice of the peace in September 1941.
  • Staunch Australian Labor Party member.
  • ‘…considered it almost a crime to arrive even minutes late for work’.
  • Cause of death: carcinomatosis.

Maritime Worker, 12 Oct 1954; Tribune (Sydney), 15 December 1954.

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Citation details

'Ferry, Neil Francis (Frank) (1896–1954)', People Australia, National Centre of Biography, Australian National University, https://peopleaustralia.anu.edu.au/biography/ferry-neil-francis-frank-33680/text42151, accessed 28 April 2024.

© Copyright People Australia, 2012

Life Summary [details]

Birth

29 November, 1896
Millers Point, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia

Death

8 December, 1954 (aged 58)
Darlinghurst, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia

Cause of Death

carcinomatosis

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.

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