Lemmon, John
Born 15 July 1875
(Carlton, Victoria)
Died 28 October 1955.
(Hawthorn. Springvale crematorium)
Parents: Samuel, wood turner and Trades Hall caretaker, b. England, and Matilda Thompson, b. Ireland
Marriage: 25 Apr 1905 Edith Ruddock; 1s. 2d.
Occupation: Carpenter, cutter and union organiser
Religion: Presbyterian
Education: Rathdowne St State School, Trades Hall School, and Workingmen's College
Career: Carpenter for five years, then cutter; member Timber Workers Union at 15, representative Cutters and Trimmers Union on Trades Hall Council; honorary secretary Trades Hall Council Organising committee 1900, with S. Barker and J. W. Billson (q.v.), organised approximately 50 unions; prominent in anti-sweating movement; honorary secretary Vic. Association of Friendly Societies; chief president Australian Natives Association 1911, director 1907-1948, trustee 1923-1954; president Workingmen's College 1910; member Melbourne University Council 1932-1939; MCG trustee 1946. Son Nelson Lemmon was MHR Forrest 1943-1949, St George 1954-1955, and Minister for Works and Housing 1946-1949.
Party: Labor; Australian Labor Party
Party Note: Parl. secretary 1913-1938
| House | Electorate | Start * | End * | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| MLA | Williamstown | June 1904 | April 1955 |
Other seats contested: Footscray 1901 (b/e), 1902, 1902 (b/e)
Appointments: Senate 1903. Minister of Public Instruction and of Labour Dec 1913, July-Nov 1924, May 1927-Nov 1928. Minister of Labour Dec 1929-Mar 1932. Minister of Public Instruction Dec 1929-May 1932. Royal commission Murray Waters 1909-1910. Marketing and Transportation of Wheat committee 1911. Royal commission Marketing and Transportation of Grain 1912-1913. Public Accounts committee 1918-1924.
References: Who's Who in Australia 1927-1955; Victoria, 'Parliamentary Debates' 2 Nov 1955, 1321-3; Melbourne Punch 18 Dec 1923, 9 Apr 1924; Labor Call 4 Sept 1924; Table Talk 20 Oct 1927; Sunraysia Daily 16 Mar 1934; Herald 15 July 1938, 18 May 1954, 29 Oct 1955; Age 2 June 1954, 29 Oct 1955; Williamstown Advertiser 4 Nov 1955; Blake, L. J. (ed.), 'Vision and Realisation: A Centenary History of State Education in Victoria', Melbourne, 1973
Initial data source: Browne, G, 'Biographical Register of the Victorian Parliament 1900-84', 1985
Last update: 1985 (last date the record was checked and updated)
*The Start date for Members elected after 1900 is the date they were elected. The start date for pre-1900 Members is the date they were sworn in.