Family background
James Alfred Gillen was born in 1891 at Wagga Wagga, NSW, the son of James Paul Gillen and Alice Rebekah Nicholls. He married Frances Agnes Mary O’Brien (1893-1954) at Redfern, NSW, on 1 November 1913 and they had 4 sons and 5 daughters. The family lived at 28 Turner Street, Redfern. Gillen died 12 December 1954 at Redfern, NSW, aged 63 years. He was cremated at Rookwood Crematorium.
Occupation & interests
James Gillen was a blacksmith, farrier and locksmith. He enlisted in the Australian Imperial Force in June 1915 and March 1917, and departed Sydney on 24 April 1917. He saw action in France with the tunnelling company. He returned to Australia in August 1919. Gillen was a dedicated member of Redfern branch of the Australian Labor Party. In November 1934 he launched an intensive and well organised campaign promoting election of endorsed Labor candidates for Redfern Council.
Local government service
Gillen was an alderman on Redfern Council, representing Belmore Ward 1942-44.
References
‘Municipal and Shire Elections’, Sydney Morning Herald, 10 December 1941, p.6, https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/17778013
Gillen James Alfred : SERN 7243, NAA: B2455, GILLEN J A