James (Shearblade Jim) Martin (c. 1862–1913)
James Martin, 1891
Queensland State Archives, ITM341532, DR17774
Another of the "old brigade" gone. Barrier 'Truth' of November 17 tells of the death, by falling down a staircase at Wright Bros., of the Barrier city, of Jim Martin, who was one the best unionist workers in Central Queensland in the latter '80's and early '90's. After a three years' term at St. Helena through the '91 strike, he was on his release, in '93, appointed central organiser for the A.L.F.
After sundry collisions with the authorities, 'Shear-blade Jim,'' to give him his regimental soubriquet, left Queensland, but on returning in 1895 he was arrested, together with Jack Loyola, Davy Bowes, and Ted Cowling, and charged with implication in the burning down of Ayrshire Downs. For this charge he got 15 years, and his mates 10 each. He was released in 1901, at the time of the Commonwealth celebrations. Since then the brave battler has been a wanderer all over Australia. Vale!
Original publication
Additional Resources and Scholarship
- is sentenced to two years gaol for sedition, Morning Bulletin (Rockhampton, Qld), 21 May 1891, p 5, column 3
- article by Martin promoting a co-operative scheme, Worker (Brisbane, Qld), 7 April 1894, p 2
- is found guilty of burning down woolshed at Ayrshire Downs and sentenced to 10 years gaol, Worker (Brisbane), 20 June 1896, p 7
- Martin is moved to the notorious Townsville gaol, supposedly for his own welfare, Worker (Brisbane), 10 October 1896, p 9
- interview with Martin after his release from gaol, Worker (Brisbane), 22 December 1900, p 9
- Adam Tramp interview with Martin, Worker (Brisbane), 29 December 1900, p 6
- report of Martin's death, Barrier Miner (Broken Hill, NSW), 14 November 1913, p 2
- inquest, Barrier Miner (Broken Hill, NSW), 15 November 1913, p 4
- prison entrance record, 1891, Queensland State Archives, ITM341532, DR17774 (pdf)
- prison discharge record, 1893, Queensland State Archives, ITM92278, DR69472, p 269 (pdf)
- prison record, 1896-1900, Queensland State Archives, ITM92278, DR23440, p 217 (pdf)
Related Entries in NCB Sites
- Martin, James (Shearblade Jim)
- Bowes, David John (colleague)
- Cowling, Edward (colleague)
- Loyola, John (colleague)
- Ryan, Thomas Joseph (acquaintance)
- Morrison, George Ernest (acquaintance)
- Amor, John Squire (acquaintance)
- Lane, William (supported)
- Harding, George Rogers (judge)
- Miller, Granville George (judge)
Citation details
'Martin, James (Shearblade Jim) (c. 1862–1913)', Obituaries Australia, National Centre of Biography, Australian National University, https://oa.anu.edu.au/obituary/martin-james-shearblade-jim-32345/text40090, accessed 14 April 2025.
James Martin, 1891
Queensland State Archives, ITM341532, DR17774
Life Summary [details]
Birth
Death
14 November,
1913
(aged ~ 51)
Broken Hill,
New South Wales,
Australia
Cause of Death
Cultural Heritage
Includes subject's nationality; their parents' nationality; the countries in which they spent a significant part of their childhood, and their self-identity.
Religious Influence
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