Thomas Cleeve facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Thomas Cleeve
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Sir Thomas Cleeve
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| Born | 5 June 1844 Cleveland, Quebec, Canada
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| Died | 19 December 1908 (aged 64) |
| Occupation | Businessman |
Sir Thomas Henry Cleeve (born June 5, 1844, died December 19, 1908) was a very successful businessman. He was born in Canada but lived most of his life in Ireland. He was even chosen three times to be the High Sheriff of Limerick City, an important local leader.
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Early Life
Thomas Cleeve was born in a place called Cleveland, Quebec, in Canada. He was the oldest son of Edward Elmes Cleeve, who had moved from England. His mother, Sophia Journeaux, had family from Ireland.
Building a Business
In 1860, when Thomas was 16, he traveled to Ireland. He went to stay with his mother's relatives in Limerick. They owned a business called J.P. Evans & Company that sold farm machines.
Young Thomas decided to stay in Ireland. He worked hard and eventually took over the family business.
Starting a New Company
In 1883, Thomas Cleeve started a new big company. It was called the Condensed Milk Company of Ireland. He worked with two other local businessmen to create it.
This company made many dairy products. They made condensed milk, butter, cheese, and even confectionery (sweets). Their main office was in Limerick city, right by the River Shannon.
Over the next 20 years, this company grew very large. It became the biggest of its kind in the whole United Kingdom.
Cleeve also helped lead another company. It was called the Cleeve Canning and Cold Storage Company. This company was based far away in British Columbia, Canada.
Thomas Cleeve was also the President of the Limerick Chamber in 1908-09. This group helps local businesses.
Public Service
In 1899, Thomas Cleeve was voted onto the Limerick City Council. This meant he helped make decisions for the city.
In that same year, his fellow council members chose him for a special job. He became the High Sheriff of Limerick City. This person was like the Queen's main representative in the city. He held this important job again in 1907 and 1908.
Becoming a Knight
In 1900, Queen Victoria visited Ireland. After her visit, Thomas Cleeve received a special honor. He was made a knight by the Lord Lieutenant. This meant he could be called "Sir Thomas Cleeve."
Later Life and Family
In December 1908, Sir Thomas Cleeve became very ill. He was at a public event when it happened. Even after surgery, he sadly passed away a few days later. He was 64 years old.
Newspapers at the time said his funeral was one of the biggest Limerick had ever seen. Crowds of people lined the streets to watch the funeral procession. He is buried in the churchyard of St. Mary's Cathedral in the city.
His Family
Thomas Cleeve married Phoebe Agnes Dann in 1874. They had five children together. The famous writer and broadcaster Brian Cleeve was a grand-nephew of Sir Thomas Cleeve.
