George Sydney Aldridge
George Sydney Aldridge | |
|---|---|
| Born | Error: Invalid birth date for calculating age London, England |
| Died | 21 August 1911 (aged 64) |
| Occupation(s) | Entrepreneur, auctioneer, stock exchange president |
| Known for | President of the Adelaide Stock Exchange |
George Sydney Aldridge (23 July 1847 – 21 August 1911) was a prominent Australian entrepreneur and served as the president of the Adelaide Stock Exchange for many years.
History
Originally from London, Aldridge was brought to South Australia as a baby and received his education at St Peter's College, where he distinguished himself academically. After completing his studies, he began his career as a clerk and accountant before participating in G. W. Goyder's 1868 expedition to the Northern Territory. He subsequently entered into mining partnerships with J. le M. F. J. Servante and Wickliffe Snow, during which time they discovered and managed the Woolwonga Mine for approximately one year. His mining pursuits at Sandy Creek were promising, but illness due to malaria compelled him to return to Adelaide.
Following this period, Aldridge established an auctioneering business in collaboration with his schoolmate Theodore Bruce. Alongside W. T. Perrers, they also launched a brewery located in Port Augusta. In 1888, Aldridge became a member of the Adelaide Stock Exchange and eventually took over as president from its inaugural leader Henry Bellingham (1807–1889). He held this position for more than thirteen years, overseeing significant mining expansions in Broken Hill and Kalgoorlie.
His death on 21 August 1911 prompted the immediate closure of the Stock Exchange, which was also shut on the day of his funeral as a tribute.
Family
On 20 October 1880, Aldridge wed Marion McFie (circa 1860 – 9 July 1953); the couple did not have children. Marion was notably involved in patriotic efforts, including active participation in the Cheer-Up Society during World War I.
His brother, James Henry Aldridge (4 July 1849 – 11 November 1929), was known for his work as a hotelier and his passion for horse racing.