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Andrew Forrester (1829–1918)

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Andrew Forrester (1829-1918) engine driver and trade union official 

Birth: 1829 at Barrhead, Renfrewshire, Scotland, son of William Forrester, manager, and Jane, née Miller. Marriage: 26 January 1863 at Geelong, Victoria, to Margaret Morgan (1834-1919), born at Cardiff, Wales, United Kingdom. They had three daughters and one son. Death: 25 July 1918 in his residence at South Ballarat. Religion: Presbyterian. 

  • For many years followed the occupation of a mill mechanic in Glasgow, Scotland.
  • Arrived in Victoria in 1854 and engaged in mining at various gold diggings. Was working as a sawyer at Apollo Bay when he married in 1863.
  • From 1881 to 1914 was foundation secretary of Mining Engine Drivers’ Association, Ballarat branch. Foundation general secretary of Amalgamated Engine Drivers’ Association of Victoria from 1884 to 1911.
  • Granted annuity for life by union as token of esteem.
  • For many years he and his family were members and constant attendants at Ebenezer [Presbyterian] Church.
  • Obituary reported him as “a man of intelligence, and greatly beloved by his fellows for his unassuming and kindly disposition”. Cause of death: morbus cordis and asthenia.

Sources
The Safety Valve, 1 August 1918.

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Citation details

'Forrester, Andrew (1829–1918)', People Australia, National Centre of Biography, Australian National University, https://peopleaustralia.anu.edu.au/biography/forrester-andrew-33681/text42153, accessed 14 March 2025.

© Copyright People Australia, 2012

Life Summary [details]

Birth

1829
Barrhead, Renfrewshire, Scotland

Death

25 July, 1918 (aged ~ 89)
Ballarat, Victoria, Australia

Cause of Death

heart disease

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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