Premier & Colonial Treasurer 21.10.1910 - 26.11.1911
(McGowen Ministry No.34 21.10.1910 - 29.6.1913)
Born at sea on Western Bride, 6 August 1855, son of James, boilermaker, and Eliza Ditchfield.
Emigrated with parents to Melbourne then to Sydney 1867. Limited education. Assisted father in bridge building throughout New South Wales. Apprentice boilermaker 1870, later at Eveleigh Workshops 1875-1891
Trade Unionist and instrumental in building Trades Hall. Foundation member of the Labor Party in New South Wales and was the first Labour Premier of New South Wales. ‘Honest Jim’ was 'a plain, bluff man', and represented Redfern 1891-1917 and Member of Legislative Council 1917-1922.
Premier 1910-1913.
Married Emily Towner at Redfern in 1878.
Died suddenly at his residence Newstead, 6 Palace Street Petersham, of a heart complaint on 7 April 1922. McGowen was buried in the Anglican section of Rookwood cemetery after a service at St Paul's Church Redfern. He left a widow, five sons and two daughters.
NSW Treasurers
Last updated: 04/02/2021
