| Sir Peter George FitzGerald |
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|---|---|
| Born | 15 September 1808 Dublin, Ireland |
| Died | 6 August 1880 (aged 71) |
| Nationality | Irish |
| Known for | 19th Knight of Kerry |
Sir Peter George FitzGerald (15 September 1808 – 6 August 1880) was the 19th Knight of Kerry.
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Born and raised in the banking house of his maternal grandfather in Dublin, FitzGerald was the eldest surviving son of the Right Hon. Sir Maurice FitzGerald, 18th Knight of Kerry of Gleanleam and his wife Maria, the daughter of the Right Hon. David la Touche of Marlay.
FitzGerald entered the civil service and was appointed Vice-Treasurer of Ireland in the last ministry of Sir Robert Peel. In 1849, he succeeded his father and resided almost constantly on the island of Valentia, devoting himself indefatigably to the duties of an Irish landlord, the improvement of his estates, and the welfare of his tenantry. He especially earned the thanks of the people by the erection of substantial homesteads in place of the wretched cabins, with which the middleman system had covered the west of Ireland. FitzGerald manifested a keen interest in all questions which had a practical bearing on the progress or prosperity of Ireland; and, in able contributions to The Times, he deprecated the censure which at that time and since was cast indiscriminately upon all Irish landlords.
His own admirable personal qualities, his hatred of abuses, his engaging manners, and his generous nature, made him a great favourite with the Irish peasantry. His hospitality at Glanleam was enjoyed by the Prince of Wales and other distinguished guests. The Atlantic cable had its British termination on his estates, and he evinced much public spirit and energy in connection with the successful laying of the cable.
FitzGerald suffered from a dangerous malady and died on 6 August 1880. He was succeeded in the title and estates by his eldest son, Captain Maurice FitzGerald, who served with distinction in the Ashantee war, being present at the battles of Amoaful, Becquah, and Ordahau, and at the capture of Coomassie.
In 1838, FitzGerald married Julia Hussey, daughter of Peter Bodkin Hussey of Farranikilla House, co. Kerry, a lineal descendant of the Norman family of Hoses, which settled on the promontory of Dingle in the thirteenth century. By this lady he had four sons and seven daughters. FitzGerald was a magistrate and deputy-lieutenant for co. Kerry, and was high sheriff of Kerry in 1849, and of co. Carlow in 1875. On 8 July 1880 the queen conferred upon him a baronetcy.
This article incorporates text from a publication now in the public domain: "FitzGerald, Peter George". Dictionary of National Biography. London: Smith, Elder & Co. 1885–1900.