Background
GLASSEY, Thomas was born on February 26, 1844 in Markethill, Company Armagh. Both parents very poor.
GLASSEY, Thomas was born on February 26, 1844 in Markethill, Company Armagh. Both parents very poor.
Studied at got groundwork of education at Sunday school. Self - taught.
Went to work when little more than six years of age, assisting handloom weavers at Idaho (United States.) per day and food. Letter carrier at seven years of age. In factory at eight, and continued to work in same for five years, wages Gd., 7d., and Sd. per day.
At thirteen went to Scotland and began coal-mining, wages Is.
6d. per day of thirteen hours. Followed mining in Scotland and England nearly twenty years.
At thirteen became an ardent trades unionist, and held position of delegate at miners’ conferences, both local and national, in Scotland and Northumberland,England. Originated the franchise movement amongst the miners of Northumberland, which culminated in the return of Thomas Burt to Parliament, 1874.
Was member of Board of Health in Bedlington, and Poor Law Guardian at Morpeth.
Immigrated with family—wife and eight children—to Queensland at end of 18S4. Elected as Labour (first in the State) Member for Bundamba, 1888. Was defeated after a fierce contest, 1893.
Elected for Burke, 1894.
Bundaberg, 1896, was first home in the State. Leader of the Opposition in Parliament from 1896-1899.
Was a strong Federalist, and took active part in Referendum Campaign on Federation, 1899. One of the six senators elected to first Federal Parliament, 1901, and also one of the five representatives from Queensland in the old Federal Council of Australasia prior to the adoption of Federation.
General Agent.