Family background
Thomas Fanning was born on 18 August 1855 at East Gosford, NSW, the son of Captain John Patrick Fanning and Ellen (Eleanor) Hynes.
He married Teresa Mary Lawler (1852-1922) at Sydney on 30 April 1878. The pair had 1 son and 7 daughters. The family lived at 280 Abercrombie Street, Redfern.
Fanning died at Darlinghurst, NSW on 14 August 1926 and was buried at Waverley Cemetery. He left a will and his estate and assets were assessed at £1,700.
Occupation & interests
Before coming to Sydney, Thomas Fanning was engaged contracting on the Tweed and Richmond Rivers, and completed a number of public works. In Sydney he worked as a builder/contractor and erected a large number of buildings. He also established strong links with the community. Fanning was declared bankrupt 2 March 1906 and following this he retired as an alderman.
Community activity
Thomas Fanning was one of the original parishioners of St Kieran’s Church, Golden Grove, Redfern. While in office he was one of the prime movers in obtaining the Erskineville tram service, and forwarding a number of charitable works in the district. Fanning was a justice of the peace (JP).
Local government service
Thomas Fanning was elected as an alderman for Golden Grove Ward in 1899.
References
‘Advertising’, Evening News, 15 February 1899, p.1, https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/113705764