Edward Fitzgerald (brewer)
Edward Fitzgerald | |
|---|---|
| Born | c. 1824 |
| Died | Error: Need valid birth date (second date): year, month, day |
| Occupation(s) | Solicitor, brewer |
| Known for | Founder of Castlemaine Brewery |
Edward Fitzgerald (circa 1824 – 19 March 1890) was an Australian solicitor and brewer who founded the Castlemaine Brewery, which later expanded extensively throughout Victoria, New South Wales, and Queensland.
Originating from a brewing family in Ireland, Fitzgerald received his education at Trinity College, Dublin and qualified as a solicitor. He emigrated to Victoria amid the Victorian gold rush and initially attempted gold mining near Castlemaine without success. Subsequently, he practiced law in the area and established the Castlemaine Brewery in 1857. In 1859, his brother Nicholas Fitzgerald became involved in the business. The brewery experienced rapid growth, launching branches in Melbourne, Newcastle, Sydney, and Brisbane, each eventually operating as independent companies. Additional breweries were also set up in Daylesford and Newbridge. Beyond brewing, Fitzgerald held stakes in these enterprises, invested in mining ventures, and contributed to the community as a councillor for the Borough of Castlemaine and trustee of St Mary's Orphanage.
Fitzgerald passed away on 19 March 1890 at his home Ardmore in Brighton after suffering complications from a serious fall at Melbourne's Athenaeum Club. His funeral, held in Castlemaine, attracted considerable attendance, and he was laid to rest at Campbells Creek cemetery. To honor his memory, a stained glass window was installed in St Mary's Catholic Church in Castlemaine.