Alexander Keith (politician)
Alexander Keith | |
|---|---|
| Born | Template:Birth date Caithness, Scotland |
| Died | December 14, 1873 (aged 78) Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada |
| Occupation(s) | Entrepreneur, politician, Freemason |
| Known for | Founder of Alexander Keith's Brewery |
Alexander Keith (5 October 1795 – 14 December 1873) was a prominent Canadian entrepreneur, politician, Freemason, and the creator of Alexander Keith's Brewery.
Business
Keith acquired brewing skills from his uncle in Northern England before relocating to Halifax, Nova Scotia in 1817. He initially took charge of a local brewery and became its owner by 1820. To accommodate growth, he moved the operation to larger premises in 1822 and established a new brewery facility in 1836.
With the decline in sugar supplies following the abolition of slavery in the British and French Caribbean colonies, consumer preferences shifted away from rum toward alternative drinks. Keith's brewery responded by producing spruce beer, porter, ginger wine, and robust ales. Presently, the brewery operates under the umbrella of Anheuser-Busch InBev.
Starting in 1837, Keith assumed executive positions across various organizations such as the Bank of Nova Scotia, Halifax Fire Insurance Company, Colonial Life Assurance Company, Halifax Gas, Light, and Water Company, and the Provincial Permanent Building and Investment Society.
Political career
In 1841, Keith secured a seat on Halifax's city council and subsequently served as mayor in 1843, 1853, and 1854. He was appointed to the Legislative Council of Nova Scotia in 1843 and led it as president from 1867 until his passing in 1873.
His leadership extended into fraternal and philanthropic circles where he served as president of the North British Society and held the position of Grand Master within the Freemasons.
Personal life
Born in Caithness, Scotland in 1795, Keith emigrated to Nova Scotia in 1817. He married Sarah Ann Stalcup in 1822; the couple had three children who died during childhood. Following Sarah's death in 1832, he wed Eliza Keith in 1833, with whom he fathered eight children. Architect William Hay commenced construction of Keith’s residence, Keith Hall, in 1863. This palazzo-style home incorporates baroque design elements alongside a mansard roof. Keith passed away in Halifax in 1873; his estate was appraised at $251,000.
See also
Alexander Keith Jr.: his nephew who acted as a Confederate secret agent and attempted an insurance fraud scheme involving the bombing of the vessel Mosel in 1875.