Memory Minder

In 1869 John Toohey set up an auctioneering agency and cordial manufacturing business in Sydney. The following year, John and his brother James began brewing at the Metropolitan Brewery. In 1873 the brothers bought the Darling Brewery located in Cockle Creek, later named Darling Harbour. Before 1880 imported beer was preferred to the local product, but in the 1880s Toohey's beer quickly became popular.

James went on to hold the Legislative Assembly seat of South Sydney from 1885 to 1893. He was a good speaker, if a little impetuous at times. On James's death in 1895, John took over the brewery. John was a leading Catholic layman, benefactor to numerous Catholic charitable institutions and a financial supporter of the Irish nationalist movement. On Christmas Day 1888 Cardinal Patrick Moran invested him as a knight of the Order of St Gregory.

In 1902 the brewery became a public company, Tooheys Limited, with John as chairman. John went on a world tour with his family in 1902. He died in Chicago USA on 5 May 1903. His body was returned to Australia and was buried in the Catholic section of Rookwood cemetery, Sydney.

In 1869 John Toohey set up an auctioneering agency and cordial manufacturing business in Sydney. The following year, John and his brother James began brewing at the Metropolitan Brewery. In 1873 the brothers bought the Darling Brewery located in Cockle Creek, later named Darling Harbour. Before 1880 imported beer was preferred to the local product, but in the 1880s Toohey's beer quickly became popular.

James went on to hold the Legislative Assembly seat of South Sydney from 1885 to 1893. He was a good speaker, if a little impetuous at times. On James's death in 1895, John took over the brewery. John was a leading Catholic layman, benefactor to numerous Catholic charitable institutions and a financial supporter of the Irish nationalist movement. On Christmas Day 1888 Cardinal Patrick Moran invested him as a knight of the Order of St Gregory.

In 1902 the brewery became a public company, Tooheys Limited, with John as chairman. John went on a world tour with his family in 1902. He died in Chicago USA on 5 May 1903. His body was returned to Australia and was buried in the Catholic section of Rookwood cemetery, Sydney.