Background
WILKINSON, James was born on November 30, 1854 in Ipswich, Queensland. Son of Robert Wilkinson of Rochdale, Lancashire. Mother bom County Clare, Ireland.
WILKINSON, James was born on November 30, 1854 in Ipswich, Queensland. Son of Robert Wilkinson of Rochdale, Lancashire. Mother bom County Clare, Ireland.
Studied at Ipswich, Queensland: private, National, and Grammar Schools.
Later at night Schools. Started work at 124 years of age, cotton picking and growing. Farm work with parents until 1877.
Joined Queensland Railway Service, 1878.
Employed as engine driver until 1889. Resigned to take up duties of Secretary to Queensland Railway Employes Association.
Appoined Editor Queensland Railway Times, 1891. Contested Ipswich, 1893, 1896, and 1899.
Member of Parliament, 1894.
Took prominent part in advocating Queensland joining Federation. Returned to first Federal Parliament, 1901. Re-elected, 1903, for Electoral Division of Moreton.
Identified with Australian Labour Party.
Took prominent part in patriotic and loyalist movement in Australia during South African War. Ex-Member of Parliament. Ex-Member of House of Representatives, Parliament of the Commonwealth of Australia.
Spouse 1874, Louisa A. Smith.