Born in Enfield, Eades' father died when he was a young child, following which the family moved to Birmingham.
He was a leading figure in advocating for higher wages, and also represented his union at the Birmingham Trades Council, becoming vice-president in 1893, and then president in 1895.
[1] In 1893, Eades stood unsuccessfully for Birmingham City Council as an independent labour candidate.
He was also unsuccessful as a Trades Council candidate for the Birmingham School Board in 1896, but won election as an independent in 1897, and served on it for many years.
He raised funds for scholarships to the University of Birmingham, and became the only working class member of its Board of Governors.