Benjamin Edhouse

Benjamin Edhouse arrived in New South Wales at the age of 17 as a convict aboard the Aurora on 3 November 1833. He spent his fourteen year term at Parramatta in New South Wales. It is likely that he learned his trades as a brick layer and brewer while serving his time at Parramatta.

At the age of 24, he married Mary Shaw who was 20. Having received a Certificate of Freedom in 1848, the couple travelled north to Moreton Bay. Their son John who was born in Ipswich on 20 October 1849, was the first to be recorded in the Baptismal Register at St. Mary's Church in Ipswich. Rev. James Hanly performed the baptism and the sponsors were Daniel and Mary Hickie.

On 2nd September 1848, Edhouse's name was listed in the local paper for receiving a parcel on the 'Tamar'. By 1849, Edhouse was operating the former convict lime kiln. He was producing lime, initially to build two cottages in East Street in Ipswich for George Thorn and later to sell in Brisbane. In 1850, Edhouse advertised Stone Lime for sale in Ipswich.

Benjamin Edhouse appears in the Moreton Bay Times, including his venture, prospecting for gold in the Brisbane area.  He and his family "followed the gold" to the Victorian gold fields, where he operated a brewery. By 1855, Edhouse had established the Loddon Brewery.