[1] Fitzgerald was born in County Tipperary, Ireland, on September 14, 1829.
His district included representation for Freeborn County.
Fitzgerald was driving to his home in Albert Lea when he was thrown from his horse-drawn wagon and suffered a fatal concussion.
He was buried in Saint Aidan Catholic Cemetery, located in Bath Township, Freeborn County, Minnesota.
[2] Fitzgerald's great-great nephew Tom J. Shea also served in the Minnesota Legislature.