Deaths on May 2

Eberhard Anheuser, German-American businessman, co-founded Anheuser-Busch (b. 1805)

The story of Eberhard Anheuser, a German American entrepreneur, is intrinsically woven into the foundational fabric of one of the world's most recognizable brewing companies. Born on September 27, 1806, and passing away on May 2, 1880, Anheuser began his American journey not in brewing, but as a skilled soap and candle maker. His most enduring legacy, however, stems from his pivotal role in rescuing a struggling brewery and, critically, becoming the father-in-law of Adolphus Busch, the visionary who would propel the enterprise to international fame as the Anheuser-Busch Company.

Early Life and Transatlantic Journey

Eberhard Anheuser hailed from Kreuznach, a historic town in Germany's Rhineland-Palatinate region, renowned for its viticulture. His family roots in winemaking ran deep, with their vineyard operations tracing back as far as 1627, instilling in him an early understanding of agricultural business and possibly, the fermentation process itself. In 1842, driven by the widespread economic and social opportunities beckoning across the Atlantic, Eberhard, along with two of his brothers, made the significant decision to immigrate to North America, joining a considerable wave of German settlers seeking new lives and prosperity in the burgeoning United States.

From Creditor to Company Owner

Upon establishing himself in the United States, Anheuser proved to be a shrewd businessman, accumulating wealth through his successful soap and candle manufacturing. This financial standing allowed him to become a major creditor to the Bavarian Brewery Company, a relatively young enterprise founded in St. Louis in 1853, which, unfortunately, found itself in significant financial distress. By 1860, facing imminent collapse, Anheuser seized a critical opportunity. He strategically acquired the interests of the other, smaller creditors, thereby taking full ownership and control of the struggling brewery. This bold move marked his direct entry into the brewing industry.

A New Name and Crucial Family Ties

Under Anheuser's leadership, the company underwent an immediate transformation. He assumed the roles of president and CEO, and to signify his direct ownership and vision, he promptly renamed the enterprise to the Eberhard Anheuser and Company. The following year, 1861, proved to be even more transformative, not just for the business, but for the Anheuser family itself. In a notable double wedding ceremony, his daughter Lilly Anheuser married Adolphus Busch, a dynamic brewery supply salesman whose industry knowledge and connections would prove invaluable. Simultaneously, Lilly's older sister, Anna Anheuser, married Adolphus's brother, Ulrich Busch, further intertwining the two influential families and forging a powerful dynasty that would define the future of American brewing.

Navigating the Civil War and Succession

The dawn of the 1860s brought unprecedented challenges with the outbreak of the American Civil War. Despite the national turmoil, Eberhard Anheuser's brewery in St. Louis managed to remain remarkably competitive. A key factor in its survival and sustained operation was a unique circumstance: while the Union Army, seeking to maintain discipline and morale, often banned the consumption of hard liquors by its soldiers, lager beer, with its lower alcohol content and association with a more moderate form of refreshment, was generally permitted. This regulatory distinction provided a crucial advantage to breweries like Anheuser's, allowing them to continue production and sales during a period when many other businesses struggled or shuttered.

As Eberhard Anheuser advanced in age, the capable Adolphus Busch increasingly shouldered more of the company's operational duties and leadership responsibilities. Busch’s innovative spirit and business acumen became central to the brewery’s growth. Recognizing this natural succession and the powerful partnership that had developed, the company was officially renamed Anheuser-Busch in 1879, a name that would soon become synonymous with American brewing excellence.

Eberhard Anheuser passed away shortly thereafter on May 2, 1880, leaving behind a remarkable legacy of entrepreneurial spirit and a foundational contribution to a burgeoning industry. He was laid to rest in Bellefontaine Cemetery in St. Louis, a historic and prominent burial ground often chosen by the city's most distinguished citizens, reflecting his significant impact on the community and commerce of his adopted home.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Who was Eberhard Anheuser?

Eberhard Anheuser was a German American soap and candle maker who became a pivotal figure in the American brewing industry. He rescued and took over a struggling brewery in St. Louis in 1860, laying the groundwork for what would become the Anheuser-Busch Company. He was also the father-in-law of Adolphus Busch, the entrepreneur who would later drive the company to national prominence.

What was the original name of the Anheuser-Busch Company?

The brewery that Eberhard Anheuser took over was initially known as the Bavarian Brewery Company. After he purchased it in 1860, he renamed it the Eberhard Anheuser and Company. It was later renamed Anheuser-Busch in 1879, recognizing the contributions of his son-in-law, Adolphus Busch.

How did Adolphus Busch become involved with Anheuser's brewery?

Adolphus Busch, who was a brewery supply salesman, married Eberhard Anheuser's daughter, Lilly, in 1861. This marital union brought Busch directly into the Anheuser family and, subsequently, into the management and eventual leadership of the brewery, transforming it into the powerhouse it would become.

How did the American Civil War impact Anheuser's brewery?

Despite the severe economic disruptions of the Civil War, Anheuser's brewery remained competitive because the Union Army generally did not ban lager beer, unlike hard liquors. This allowed the company to continue its operations and sales relatively unimpeded, providing a significant advantage during a turbulent period.

Where did Eberhard Anheuser immigrate from?

Eberhard Anheuser immigrated from Kreuznach, a town in Germany's Rhineland-Palatinate region, known for its winemaking traditions. He moved to North America in 1842 with two of his brothers.

When was the company officially renamed Anheuser-Busch?

The company was officially renamed Anheuser-Busch in 1879, marking the formal recognition of the partnership and the increasing leadership role of Adolphus Busch as Eberhard Anheuser began to withdraw from daily operations due to age.