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Thomas (Tom) Ivey (1851–1937)

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Thomas (Tom) Ivey (1851-1937) blacksmith and trade union official 

Birth: 10 March 1851 at Truro, Cornwall, England, eldest son of Thomas Ivey (1827-1907), blacksmith, and Susanna, née Moyle (1830-1906). Marriage: 16 August 1873 at Kapunda, South Australia, to Mary Trewattha (1854-1934). They had six daughters and four sons. Death: 12 August 1937 at his daughter’s residence in Railway Town, Broken Hill, New South Wales. Religion: Methodist. 

  • Arrived in South Australia on 12 October 1865 aboard the barque Adamant, aged 14, with parents and siblings who settled at Kapunda. Soon after gained apprenticeship in engine-smith trade at H. B. Hawkes & Co., mining engineers. Employed with company for twenty years including last nine years as foreman-smith. Set up his own business and worked in it for eleven yrs.
  • About 1898 moved to Broken Hill, believing that opportunities for business were better. His 20-year-old son Thomas accidentally drowned there in June that year. Ivey was appointed engineer to the city council. Joined Enginedrivers and Fireman's Association in Broken Hill. Organised carters and increased membership from six to ninety eight in 1906. Sometime secretary of the Barrier Carters’ Union.
  • Represented Burke ward as Labor alderman in the city council from 1904 to 1907, and was elected mayor in 1906.
  • Secretary of Blacksmith's Society of Australasia, Broken Hill branch, from 1919 to February 1933 (retired). Founder and president of the Cottage Homes Association, which built homes for widows. Members of Broken Hill branch gathered at his home unexpectedly in August 1933 to present him with an illuminated address as a tribute to his work for the union.
  • An ardent church worker, for thirty years he was associated with the Nicholls Street Methodist church, where he was president of the young men’s class and lay preacher. A Freemason, he was also a member of the American Order of Oddfellows and the AOF.
  • In his later years spent his time composing poems. Was an enthusiastic member of the Radio 2BH Smilers’ Club.

Sources
Barrier Daily Truth, 2 Aug 1933, 11 July 1934.

Additional Resources and Scholarship

  • reminiscences, Barrier Miner (Broken Hill, NSW), 10 March 1936, p 3

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Citation details

'Ivey, Thomas (Tom) (1851–1937)', People Australia, National Centre of Biography, Australian National University, https://peopleaustralia.anu.edu.au/biography/ivey-thomas-tom-33296/text41548, accessed 15 March 2025.

© Copyright People Australia, 2012

Life Summary [details]

Birth

10 March, 1851
Truro, Cornwall, England

Death

12 August, 1937 (aged 86)
Broken Hill, New South Wales, 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.

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