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William Florence (Bill) O'Connell (1906–1981)

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William Florence (Bill) O'Connell (1906-1981) miner and trade union official

Birth: 29 January 1906 at Silverton, Broken Hill, New South Wales, son of Michael O’Connell (1863-1932), mineworker, born in Ireland, and Margaret Pauline (Maggie), née McQuillan (1871-1911), born at Narridy, South Australia. Marriage: 1927 at Broken Hill, to Ida Olive Moore (1908-1989). They had three sons. Death: 16 September 1981 in the home for incurables at Adelaide; usual residence James Street, Rosewater. 

  • Worked as a miner in Broken Hill. Had become check inspector, Workers Industrial Union of Australia, Barrier Branch, by 1947. Advocated for all aspects of safety along the line of lode.
  • On leaving union position, returned to work as a miner.
  • Was foreman, Broken Hill and District Hospital laundry.
  • Lived in Adelaide in later years.
  • Cause of death: cerebral haemorrhage, arteriosclerosis and diabetes.

Sources
Common Cause, 30 September 1981 p 3.

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Citation details

'O'Connell, William Florence (Bill) (1906–1981)', People Australia, National Centre of Biography, Australian National University, https://peopleaustralia.anu.edu.au/biography/oconnell-william-florence-bill-34533/text43397, accessed 8 December 2024.

© Copyright People Australia, 2012

Life Summary [details]

Birth

29 January, 1906
Broken Hill, New South Wales, Australia

Death

16 September, 1981 (aged 75)
Adelaide, South Australia, Australia

Cause of Death

brain hemorrhage

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