Summary

This archive consists of Edward Yule Lowry's collection of his published letters and various correspondences. Lowry was a prominent socialist who was active in trade unionism and labour politics in Townsville and surrounding districts during the 1880's and 1890's. Born in London in 1846, he arrived in Australia in 1866 as a crew member aboard the "Sultana". Settling in Maryborough, Qld, Lowry married Ellen McKenzie on 9 September that same year.

In February 1878, while working as a Lighterman, Lowry nominated as a candidate for alderman in the Maryborough Municipal election. His bid for office was unsuccessful. In 1884 Lowry moved to Townsville where he continued in his occupation as a lighterman and also undertook the role of secretary of the Townsville branch of the Federated Wharf Laborers' Union of Queensland. He later became the Associated Workers' Secretary and Organiser, and secretary of the Federated Seamens' Union. In 1893 Lowry stood as the Labor candidate for Townsville in the state election, though he was unsuccessful. In June 1985 he was the sole nominee for a vacancy in the North Ward seat of Townsville municipal council and was accordingly declared duly elected.

Lowry travelled widely across North Queensland promoting the labour movement and the principles of the eight-hour day. He helped organise wharf labourers in Townsville in 1887, supported the families of gaoled strikers during the 1891 Shearers' Strike, and was agent to the Seamen's Union of Australia in Townsville in 1898.

A ubiquitous and eloquent writer, often quoting Shakespeare and Shelley, Lowry signed his many letters to editors using the nom de plume "Socialist." On 15 November 1898, two weeks after the marriage of his third daughter, Susannah Lucy, Lowry died suddenly at the age of 52 while attending a Prevention of Cruelty to Animals meeting. His funeral was reported as one of the largest ever seen in Townsville. According to his wishes, he was buried in an unmarked grave.

This archive can be read in conjunction with the Charters Towers Historical Photographs (see Related URLs)

List of this archive's contents

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Item from the archive - EYL 8 Notice ‘Reasons Why You Should Join The Associated Waterside Union'

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