Robert Martin Rose (1885–1921)
This article was published:
- in the Biographical Register of the Australian Labour Movement, 1788-1975
- online in 2024
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.
Additional Resources and Scholarship
- report on Brisbane trial for holding street meeting without permission, International Socialist (Sydney), 13 December 1913, p 3
- is on a hunger strike in gaol, International Socialist (Sydney), 20 December 1913, p 3
- some of his friends believe that he is not dead, but in a coma, Sun (Sydney), 16 February 1921, p 9
- has died from the effects of poison gas, Westralian Worker (Perth), 25 February 1921, p 5
Related Entries in NCB Sites
- Rose, Robert Martin
- Reeve, Charles Thomas (colleague)
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.
Life Summary [details]
Birth
1885
Hobart,
Tasmania,
Australia
Death
13 February,
1921
(aged ~ 36)
Sydney,
New South Wales,
Australia
Cause of Death
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.