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The Guinness Story 
Arthur Guinness was born in Celtridge, Co. Kildare in the year 1725. After the death of his father, Arthur and his younger brother used their inheritance to lease a brewery in
Leixslip. In 1756 he left this first brewery in his brother's care and took over another in Dublin, at which time he began brewing beer or ale. In a stroke of genius, Arthur signed a 9000 year lease on the brewery, ensuring that it would
be his for as long as he needed it.
Within a short span of years Arthur became Master of the Dublin Corporation of Brewers. He married Olivia Whitmore in 1761 and began a family, which grew to include 21 children, though, sadly, only 10 survived.
Arthur Guinness and his successors were well known for their generosity to the community, and, especially to their employees. Wages were typically 20% higher than average. Workers received paid holidays, homes, education, free medical care, guaranteed widows pensions, and free Guinness® daily to boot! Any employees who preferred not to receive the daily Guinness were given a special "beer allowance" in addition to their wages.
Arthur died in 1803, a few years after handing control of his company over to his sons. Fortunately, his descendants continued his good business practices and we can all still enjoy a good glass of Guinness® today. Salut!
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