People Australia

  • searches all National Centre of Biography websites
  • searches all National Centre of Biography websites
  • searches all National Centre of Biography websites

Browse People:

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.

James Graham (1856–1924)

This article was published:

James Graham (1856-1924) engine driver and trade union official

Birth: 10 March 1856 at Kircaldy, Fife, Scotland, son of Charles Graham (1826-?), journeyman flour miller, and Ellen, née Bissett (1831-?). Marriage: 19 April 1880 at Stawell, Victoria, to native-born Jane Smeaton (1857-1922). They had four daughters and five sons.  Death: 26 August 1924 at North Fitzroy, Melbourne. Religion: Methodist. 

  • Arrived in Victoria about 1879.
  • ‘Father’ of Federated Engine Drivers’ and Firemens’ Assocation, Victoria, 1888, serving 15 terms as president.
  • Over 35 years held continuous executive office, Wages Board delegate, Treasurer, President, and Federal Councillor from inception of union.
  • Held office in Eight-Hour Committee for 29 years and was delegate to Melbourne Trades Hall Council.
  • His wife made Engine Drivers badges and supplied the ribbons for early Eight-hour processions. In November 1921 both she and her husband received gold watches for their contribution to the union.
  • The couple visited Scotland in 1922.

Sources
The Safety Valve, December 1921.

Additional Resources and Scholarship

Related Entries in NCB Sites

Citation details

'Graham, James (1856–1924)', People Australia, National Centre of Biography, Australian National University, https://peopleaustralia.anu.edu.au/biography/graham-james-33718/text42205, accessed 28 April 2025.

© Copyright People Australia, 2012

Life Summary [details]

Birth

10 March, 1856
Kirkcaldy, Fife, Scotland

Death

26 August, 1924 (aged 68)
Fitzroy, Melbourne, Victoria, 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 or Descriptor
Key Organisations