Edward Gallagher, who arrived in New Zealand at the age of two in 1844, fought as a cavalryman against Maori in the Waikato and Bay of Plenty. His subsequent career was primarily based around horses, having pioneer coaching and cartage businesses in Thames, Ohinemuri, and Te Aroha. When living in Thames he invested in local mines and even did some mining. For several years he also farmed at Puriri. After moving to Te Aroha, his coaches ran to Waiorongomai and elsewhere, profitably. He also did some carting and became a farmer (at Te Aroha West). His investments in Waiorongomai and Stoney Creek mines probably brought him no profit. Gallagher was very active in assisting the development of the Te Aroha district, being elected to several committees and becoming chairman of the town board and later the second mayor. His erratic and abrasive behaviour in his dealings with colleagues on these bodies was notable. In politics he was a strong supporter of the Liberal Party and of the rights of the Irish, but in practice he could be as oppressive as any Irish landlord. He was an important member of the community, but a flawed one.