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Robert Martin Rose (1885–1921)

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Robert Martin Rose (1885-1921) fumigator and IWW activist

Birth: 1885 at Hobart, Tasmania. Unmarried. Death: 13 February 1921 at the New York Hotel, George Street north; late of Macarthur Street, Sydney. Religion: buried with Methodist service. 

  • Pest exterminator in Perth, then Adelaide, then moved on to Sydney. Was employed as a fumigator.
  • One of the founders of the Industrial Workers of the World in Australia. Described as an ‘Enthusiastic Industrialist’.
  • While visiting Brisbane in 1913 he was fined for speaking without a permit on the streets in support of public speech. Choosing to be imprisoned rather than to pay the fine, he served time in goal. Joined a hunger strike for 14 days while in prison.
  • Travelled to America and Africa and continued advocating for the IWW.
  • Died from cyanide poison gas whilst working as a pest exterminator. Cause of death: “cyanide poisoning (accidentally poisoned while fumigating)”.
  • Colleague of Charlie Reeve.

Sources
Westralian Worker
(Perth), 25 February 1921 p 5; Australian Communist, Vol. 1 No. 10, 25 February 1921 p 3.

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Citation details

'Rose, Robert Martin (1885–1921)', People Australia, National Centre of Biography, Australian National University, https://peopleaustralia.anu.edu.au/biography/rose-robert-martin-34733/text43707, accessed 17 March 2025.

© Copyright People Australia, 2012

Life Summary [details]

Birth

1885
Hobart, Tasmania, Australia

Death

13 February, 1921 (aged ~ 36)
Sydney, New South Wales, Australia

Cause of Death

workplace accident

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