George Threlfall (1819-1897)
George Threlfall (1819-1897) of the Phoenix Foundry Co (of Ballarat)
1819 Born in Lancashire the son of William Threlfall and his wife Catherine Pollett (possibly- needs confirmation. Some sources say he was from Blackburn.)
Trained as an engineer
1851 Emigrated to Australia and arrived at Williamstown, Victoria where he set up an engineering business.
1852 Set up business in Ballarat at the height of the gold rush, making and repairing picks and tools for miners and mining machinery.
1854 Business was renamed Carter & Co in Armstrong Street, Ballarat with the addition of partners, iron-founder William Henry Shaw, moulder Robert Holden and engine smith Richard Carter, producing a wide range of products.
1858 Left this business in January. The business was later renamed the Phoenix Foundry employing 96 men by November 1861.
1861 He married Bridget Hickey in Ballarat and had nine children, eight reaching adulthood.
He remained in Ballarat for many years becoming a shareholder in the Sons of Freedom Gold Mining Company at Napoleon Lead near Buninyong in 1863.
He remained at Ballangeich until his death at his residence, Hopkins-house on 8 April 1897 at the age of 78. His widow remained at the Ballangeich homestead until her death in 14 January 1926 at the age of 86.