History of Saint Louis City and County, from the earliest periods to the present day: including biographical sketches of representative men, Part 75

Author: Scharf, J. Thomas (John Thomas), 1843-1898
Publication date: 1883
Publisher: Philadelphia : L.H. Everts
Number of Pages: 1358

USA > Missouri > St Louis County > St Louis City > History of Saint Louis City and County, from the earliest periods to the present day: including biographical sketches of representative men > Part 75

Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).

In 1810 the table beer of St. Vrain & Habb, brewed in St. Louis, sold at ten dollars cash, or twelve dollars in produce, per barrel, and that of the St. Louis brew- ery at about the same. In 1854 the price of com- mon beer was five dollars per barrel, and seven dol- lars for lager. In 1860 the average price of lager was eight dollars per barrel. The beer garden fol- lowed quickly upon the general introduction of lager as a beverage. In 1857, Lemp's saloon is mentioned as " one of the largest of the class," and " about nine o'clock at night a perfect beer babel," where around a num- ber of tables excited coteries were assembled, " quaff- ing incredible quantities of beer and uttering almost impossible successions of vocal sounds, and boys rush- ing enthusiastically from the bar to the tables with more glasses of beer than it would seem within the power of two human hands to carry."

Since 1857 the consumption of beer has increased enormously. It was estimated by Henry H. Rueter, president of the United States Brewers' Association, that the beer production of the whole country for 1879 reached 10,000,000 barrels, and that of Mis- souri 507,963 barrels, which, according to the tax paid, had increased to 877,663 barrels in 1881. We have seen that in 1854 the Republican ascertained

1332

HISTORY OF SAINT LOUIS.

that "one barrel of thirty gallons gives about three hundred glasscs," and that then St. Louis consumed eighteen millions of glasses in a single spring and summer. Applying the same calculation to the pro- duction for 1881, we find that the $816,226.51 paid for stamps, at ninety-three cents per barrel, gives a production of 877,663 barrels, which, at three hun- dred glasses per barrel, would allow 263,298,900 glasses. This would give a consumption, assuming the population to be 400,000, of 658 glasses for every person during the ycar. In addition to this 1,252,344 packages of ale and beer were shipped from the city.

The following table of statistics is translated from the Mississippi Handels-Zeitung, a German commer- cial newspaper published in St. Louis. It exhibits the names of the breweries existing in that city in 1860, the names of their several proprietors, and the amount and value of the beer manufactured by each :

" Name of Brewery and Proprietor.

Bbls. Bbls. Lager Common of Beer.

Arsenal, G. Steinkanler ...

4,000

3,000 ...

Bavarian, Gottschalk & Co.

2,700

500

...

Brondway, G. G. Zuller & Co.

1,800

3,000

Bellefontaine, Pearson. Smith & Co ..

2,000

2,500

Busch's, Fritz, Wainwright & Co.

8,500

6,500

Camp Spring. Joseph Uhrig & Co.

9,000

5,000

City, Chr. G. Stifel

5,500

600

Excelsior, Chr. Kohler & Co.

1,500

1,000

Fortuna, Bergescli, Feric & Co ..

700

600

....

Franklin, Tinker Brothers & Co.

1,000

800

400

Gambrinus, Anton Jager.

1,500

1,000

....

Green Tree, Joseph Schnaider & Co.

4,500

3,000

...

German, Eckerle & Weiss

2,500

1,800

Hickory, Conrad Elliott.

500

250

Jefferson, Brunning & Wettekamp ..

2,500

Iron Mountain, Adolph Gebhard

3,000

2,300

Jackson, Joseph Steuber.

900

600

Lafayette, Theodore Brink worth ....

2,700

1,800

Laclede, Ch. Stolzlı.

800

500

Missouri, G. Bautenstrauch

500

300

New Bremen, Spangler & Smith

2,500

2,000

National, Fred. Wagner.

2,500

2,000

Oregon, Stock Brothers.

3,000

2,000

Pacific. Kontz & Hofmeister

2,500

1,500

Philadelphia, A. Deutelmoser.

2,500

1,500

Phoenix, C. Stachlin.

9,500

6,000

Pittsburgh, Coste & Lensler.

4,000

Rock Branch, Charles Zoller

3,000

1,500

Steam, F. Boyd & Co ..

2,500

2,000

4000

Sonthern, Keitz, Schricker & Co

2,600

1,500

Schlop, L. Koch.

300

200

S hnerr's, Const. Schnerr.

3,500

2,500

Schumann's, Ch. Schumann.

300

200

Stumpf's, Wilh. Stumpf & Co.

4.000

2,000

Stern, Ch. Longuemare.

3,600

3,500

Union, Winkelmeyer & Schiffer.

10,000

6,000

Wash Street, Hamm & Hoppe.

3,500

3,300

Washington, Ch. Schneider & Co

1,200

750

Western, A. Lemp ..

4,800

3,500

Whole number, 40.

122,400

85,500

4400

In 1858 the whole number of barrels amounted to. 110,800

74,400

4200

Increase In the number of barrels over last year .. 11,600 11,100

200

The average price of lager beer last year was $8 per barrel, måking a total of ..

$979,200

85,000 barrels common beer, at $6 per barrel.

5.,000

4400 barrels of ale, at $8 per barrel.

35,200

Altogether. $1,523,400

" Now, reckoning the working capital of cach brew- ery represented at an average of $15,000, we get the furtlıcr sum of $600,000 invested in beer, making a grand total of $2,124,400.

" It may then be taken for granted that a capital of

at least $2,000,000 is annually expended in the pro- duction of beer in this city."

We have spoken of the people of St. Louis and their calm composure in adversity, their steadfast assurance that every cloud had its silver lining. We have shown in part how capital and energy have rallicd to the sup- port of struggling industries, and how every trade, and every encouragement to trade, has been at once worked up to its full capacity and utmost tension. The history of her manufacturcs shows how continual this power has been of utilizing every resource ; how the cotton trade sprung up out of Southern railroad extensions, bringing in its train an immense expansion of the general business in merchandise. In the same way the manufacture of hog and beef products has grown up about the Texas cattle trade and the live- stock and distillery business, and the development of the brewing business and the export of malted liquors have sprung up from the grain trade. This brewing business and its correlated industrics of bottling and exporting beer arc, as we have shown, enormous, and so extensive an industry as beer-brewing necessarily requires the products of many trades and manufac- turcs to supply its wants. Boilers, engines, pumps, ice-machines, mashing-tubs, tanks, and mills, and other copper, iron, and brass works are necessary in the first instance, and need repairs and renewal, thus giving employment to hundreds of workmen.

Again, cooperage is daily required, and the extent of the demand may be inferred from the simple state- ment that the Missouri brewcrics have 267,800 pack- ages in constant use.

They also require the services of bricklayers, ce- ment- and asphalt-workers, wagon- and harness-makers, bung and cork manufacturers, painters and label- printers.

As nearly as can be ascertained, the capital invested in the several trades and manufactures comprised in the above enumeration over and above what would be required were it not for the wants of the brewing business amounts to $500,000, and making and con- structing what the breweries require gives constant occupation to 1000 skilled workmen.

If, thien, all the facts be brought together in one comprehensive view, it will be found that the lager- beer brewing industry of Missouri supports 16,210 persons (without taking at all into account tlic retail venders), and directly sets in motion annually, in pur- chasc and sale, over $20,000,000. It seems to be the most important industry in the State.1

Among the brewers of St. Louis one of the most

1 Report of Bureau of Labor Statistics.

St. Louls. E. Engilsh.

3,000

2,000

Total

Bbls.

Beer. Ale.

LIBRARY OF THE UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS.

Insehr Schwander

1333

TRADE, COMMERCE, AND MANUFACTURES.

prominent and successful was Joseph Schnaider. Mr. Schnaider was born at Zell am Hammersbach, Baden, Feb. 2, 1832. At the age of fifteen he went to Ras- tadt, where he was apprenticed to a brewer, and at the age of eighteen removed to Strasburg, where he be- came the foreman of a large brewery. He remained but a short time in that position, and being desirous of seeing more of the world, he made a tour through France, working at his business in various places.

In 1854 he embarked for America, settling in the city of St. Louis, where he soon became foreman of the Philadelphia Brewery, then located on Morgan Street. In 1856 he erected the Green Tree Brewery, on Second Street, associating himself with Max Feucr- bacher. In 1863 the firm built a new and larger brewery on Sidney Street. In 1865, Mr. Schnaider sold his interest in this establishment to his partner, and erccted a brewery on Chouteau Avenue, between Mississippi and Armstrong Avenues. In 1865 he established, adjacent to the brewery, a large beer garden, which, together with the brewery, was subse- quently enlarged until they both reached their present dimensions.

In 1879 the Joseph Schnaider Brewing Company was organized, mainly in order that, in case of death (Mr. Schnaider then not enjoying good health), the business should continue without the disturbance or hindrances frequently consequent upon the sudden death of the head of a large concern. Unfortunately the apprchensions then entertained by him found a speedy realization. While seeking health in the con- genial climate of the Fatherland he succumbed, in Oc- tober, 1881, to the ravages of an ailment of protracted standing, closing his in many respects remarkable ca- reer in the prime of his life, at the city of Heidelberg, Germany, far away from the scenes of his earthly use- fulness and success. He was nursed by a loving wife until all human aid proved in vain and death ensued, and his remains were carried across the ocean to his once happy home, from where they were interred with honors bordering on a public demonstration. In him St. Louis lost one of her most enterprising citizens, and a man who, by his kind and humanc impulses, had won for himself the affection and sympathy of his fellow-citizens and the name of public benefactor.

Mr. Schnaider was married in 1856 to Elizabeth Sedler, and leaves seven children, three sons and four daughters, the oldest son, Joseph M. Schnaider, being one of the managing stockholders in the brewing company.

Another representative brewer of St. Louis was Eberhard Anheuser. Mr. Anheuser was born in Germany in 1805, and came to the United States in

1843, locating first in Cincinnati. Two years later he removed to St. Louis, and engaged in soap manu- facturing with Nicholas Schaeffer and others. He continued in this business fifteen years, and about 1860 established himself in the brewing business with William D'Oench. Out of this alliance grew the im- mense business subsequently carried on by Mr. An- heuser and his son-in-law, Adolphus Busch, under the corporate name of the Anheuser-Busch Brewing Association. Mr. Anheuser was known far and wide throughout the country, and in the summer of 1879, when it was announced in the National Brewers' Con- vention that sickness would prevent him from attend- ing the session, a resolution of regret was unanimously adopted. His business gave employment to many hundred men, and made St. Louis enterprise known in all quarters of the globe. Mr. Anheuser, who died May 2, 1880, left five adult children, three daughters and two sons, the daughters being Mrs. Ulrich Busch, of Chicago; Mrs. Adolphus Busch, of St. Louis ; and Mrs. Peter Shoettler, of Chicago ; and the sons William and Adolph Anheuser.

Beer Bottling .- Beer bottling has lately become en- titled to recognition as a business almost distinct from brewing. The industry is of comparatively recent origin, but already St. Louis is the largest bottling point in the United States, and probably in the world. The " Budweiser" beer of C. Conrad & Co. is not only shipped to all parts of the United States (including the Territories), but exported to Canada, Mexico, South America, and large quantities to Europe, Asia, and to the Cape. Indeed, one St. Louis establish- ment has more than a score of agents on the Conti- nent, and boasts an annual product of nearly five million bottles. The total bottling product of the brewers and others engaged in this industry is 20,- 000,000 a year, and the sales in 1881 aggregated $2,598,783. The number of hands employed is 700. The exports during the same period aggregated 1,252,344 packages.

Ice Company .- The St. Louis Ice Company was or- ganized in September, 1854, with a capital.of twenty- five thousand dollars, in shares of twenty-five dollars each, "and no one person to be allowed more than eight sharcs." This, we are told, was the original proposition, and it was thought that if this could be done the scheme would be practicable. The gentleman proposing it accordingly started out to see what could be done in the way of subscriptions. The plan was universally applauded, and in the space of six days from the time the subscription-list was open the whole proposed stock of twenty-five thousand dollars was taken.

1334

HISTORY OF SAINT LOUIS.

A meeting of stockholders was then called at the Merchants' Exchange, on Main Strect. William M. McPhecters was called to the chair, whercupon he stated the object of the meeting, which then pro- cccded to the appointment of trustces, and the follow- ing were elected :

Asa Wilgus, Kenneth Mackenzie, William M. Mc- Pherson, John J. Anderson, William W. Green, W. Patrick, Edward Brooks, John McNeil, T. E. Cour- tenay, S. Dorsheimer, John B. Carson, George Knapp, and B. F. Stout.

The board subsequently elected Asa Wilgus presi- dent, and B. F. Stout secretary and treasurer of the company. At a subsequent meeting of the board a resolution was passed to increase the capital to fifty thousand dollars, and the books were opened for that amount. Subscriptions were promptly made, and forty thousand dollars was taken, leaving the amount of ten thousand dollars to be subscribed.

The company " leased Mr. Finney's large ice-house on Fifth Street, and also leased a lot of ground from the public schools on the Levee, between Plum and Cedar Strects," on which they erccted a spacious building for the purpose of storing ice.

In 1881 there were eight wholesale and thirty- three retail ice dealers in St. Louis, and the volume of business, both wholesale and retail, is estimated at between four million and five million dollars.

Engraving, Photographing, etc. - Seventcen firms were engaged in 1881 in the business of en- graving, die-sinking, etc., in St. Louis, with a capital of eighty thousand dollars, giving employment to sixty- five hands, and paying wages annually amounting to seventy-three thousand dollars. The business trans- acted was estimated at about one hundred and fifty thousand dollars. In wood-engraving St. Louis has long enjoyed a special pre-eminence. In 1881 there were three large establishments in active operation, whose products realized the sum of forty thousand dollars, the industry employing twenty-four skilled workmen. There are also a number of photographers, some of whom enjoy a wide celebrity for the supe- riority and nicety of their work. Among the latter the well-known establishment of John A. Scholten is specially worthy of mncntion. Mr. Scholten was born in Recs, a town on the Rhine, in Prussia, and at- tended the schools of his native place until four- teen years old, when he emigrated with his parents to America, settling at Hermann, Mo. Here he remained for three years, and then removed to St. Louis, where he spent some time in the dry-goods store of Trueworthy Hoyt, a respected and highly successful merchant. In 1857, however, he aban-

doned commercial pursuits and turned his attention to his present calling, in which he soon won an cxten- sive local reputation for the correctness and artistic beauty of the likenesses which he produced. His success prompted him to choose a more central loca- tion, and he removed to Fourth Street, between Olive and Locust, and subsequently to the northwest corner of Olive and Fifth Streets. His rooms at the latter location were models of elegance and good taste.

In 1874 he removed to his present location, near Olive and Tenth Streets, which he had fitted up es- pecially for the delicate requirements of his profes- sion. On New Year's night, 1878, his establishment was burned, but in May, 1879, he resumed business at the same location, in a studio erected specially for him, and combining all the approved features of the most celebrated Eastern galleries, modified in such par- ticulars as Mr. Scholten's long and varied experience had shown to be desirable. He not only built a structure suitable in every way to his art, but pro- cured the most costly and perfect apparatus yet in- vented.

Mr. Scholten has applied himself to his calling' with unreserved devotion, and has been an enthusi- astic laborer, constantly experimenting and perfecting. Instead of being content with the accepted methods of others, he has investigated for himself, and in so doing has been the introducer of improvements hav- ing a permanent value. He was the first to introduce into St. Louis the popular carte de visite, and by lib- cral yet judicious expenditure has contributed materi- ally to the development of the photographic art in St. Louis. The estimation in which he is held by lead- ing citizens appears in the following testimonial :

" MERCHANTS' EXCHANGE OF ST. LOUIS.

" John Wahl, Prest. George H. Morgan, Sec. "ST. LOUIS, May 3, 1879.

" MR. JOIN A. SCHOLTEN :

" Dear Sir,-The undersigned, president and ex-presidents of the Merchants' Exchange, desiring to express to you their ap- preciation of your kindness in contributing to the ' records' of the Exchange the handsomely framed portraits of the 'presi- dents,' have had prepared the accompanying medal, which they beg you to accept as a token of the estcem in which you are held by them individually, and as a recognition on the part of the Exchange of your liberality and courtesy. They desire also to congratulate you on the opening of your new rooms, and trust you may receive the generous patronage which you so richly deserve as an artist and a gentleman.

" D. P. ROWLAND. WEB M. SAMUEL.

" GEORGE BAIN. JOHN A. SCUDDER.

" WILLIAM J. LEWIS. NATHAN COLE.

" THOMAS RICHESON. R. R. TANSEY.

"W. H. SCUDDER. E. O. STANARD.

" Attest :

" JOHN WALL, Prest. GEORGE H. MORGAN, Sec."

John A Scholten

LIBRARY OF THE UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS.

august Gast

1335

TRADE, COMMERCE, AND MANUFACTURES.

Copper and Tin .- In 1816, John Dowling com- menecd the business of a copper and tin manufacturer in St. Louis, in a shop " in the rear of Mr. Robidoux's store, and near Matthew Kerr's store." Copper and tinware were made and repaired. In 1817, Reuben Neal " commenced the manufacturing of copper and tinware in the house lately owned and occupied by Mr. Joseph Brazeau, opposite Mr. Hempstead's, in Church Street, St. Louis," where he made stills, fullers', hatters', wash-, stew-, and tea-kettles, and copper, tin, and shcet-iron ware of all deseriptions. In 1820, Neal & Liggett carried on a copper- and tin-shop on South Main Street, opposite Antoine Dangin, Block 36. According to the census of 1880, the number of manufactories engaged in the production of tin, cop- per, and sheet-iron ware was one hundred and twenty, but it is probable that there are over two hundred establishments in the eity where tinware is manufac- turcd. The value of the business has been estimated at one million two hundred thousand dollars per an- num.

Lithographers .- There were eleven firms en- gaged in the lithographing business in 1882, and St. Louis enjoys facilities in this respect possessed by few other cities in the country. One of the pioneer firms engaged in this industry is that of August Gast & Co. Its founder, August Gast, was born in Belle, a village in the princedom of Lippe-Detmold, Germany, March 10, 1819. He was educated at the Gymnasium at Detmold, and with his brother Leopold learned the trade of lithography, and worked at this business in Germany for several ycars. The disturbanees of 1848 prostrated business in that country, and the brothers determined to emigrate to America. They had very little money, their chief possession being a press and a small lithographie outfit which belonged to Leopold. They spent some months in New York, and about one and a half years in Pittsburgh, and finally, in 1852, arrived in St. Louis, and commenced business as lith- ographers in a little shop on Fourth Street, between Walnut and Elm Streets, where the " Southern Hotel" now stands. They started with the small outfit above mentioned, and the name of the firm was Lcopold Gast & Brother.

Up to that time there had been but one lithographer in St. Louis, Julius Hutawa, who eonfincd himself chiefly to the production of maps. His trade was small, and he soon went out of business, leaving Gast & Brother in sole possession of the field.

The brothers began on a very modest scale, but they did good work and soon began to prosper. In 1866, August Gast purchased his brother Lcopold's interest, and from 1866 to 1877 he had two partners.

In the latter ycar he purchased their interest also, and admitted E. F. Wittler to this firm. Wittler had been for some years traveling agent, and had distinguished himself by his industry and efficiency. In January, 1878, the firm was further enlarged by the admission of Louis Wall. Sinee that time the business has expanded rapidly, and the house now employs four color artists, fifteen engravers, fifteen transferers, ten steam-presses, several compositors, and hand-press printers, bookbinders, etc., and in May, 1882, the business of steel-engraving was added, the whole requiring a force of about one hundred and ten hands. It is one of the largest establishments of the kind in the West. It has devoted itself to the higher class of work, and enjoys a wide-spread reputa- tion for the beauty and elegance of its manufactures.

Mr. Gast landed in St. Louis without a penny in his pocket, and when he started in business he did no sınall share of the work with his own hands. What thirty years of industry have accomplished may be seen by going through his mamınoth estab- lishment in St. Louis and viewing the army of work- men employed there.

In March, 1853, Mr. Gast was married to Sophie Von Laer, a native of Schleswig. She died in 1864, and in November, 1865, Mr. Gast again married, his wife being Marie Barthel, a native of Leipsic, Sax- ony. Both are members of the Evangelical Lutheran congregation.

Early Trade Notes .- From the advertising col- umns of the newspapers, from pamphlets, and other sources not dircetly in the line of historical data many interesting facts are to be learned. On Aug. 24, 1808, C. Burns advertised for two or three jour- neyman tailors, "to whoin constant employment and good wages will be given." On September 14th of the same ycar F. Hinkle " wanted to hire a negro woman,-one without children will be preferred," and on September 17th, William · Harris, hatter, respect- fully informed " his friends and the public in general that he has commenced the hatting business in all its different branches on Main Street, next door below Dr. Saugrain's, where any person may be supplied on the shortest notice and on moderate terms." On the 14th of the following month a house was to be rented on application to M. P. Leduc, and the same day Samuel Solomon had twelve hundred gallons of good old whiskey for sale for cash. On Jan. 11, 1809, we find that " Joseph Coppinger proposes setting off for New Orleans, New York, Philadelphia, and Wash- ington on the 1st of February, to return in May. He takes this method of offering his agency to his friends and the publie, and expects reasonable compensation

1336

HISTORY OF SAINT LOUIS.

for any trust undertaken." Aaron Elliott & Son, of Ste. Genevieve, on the 7th of June, advertised in the St. Louis papers to the effect that " all those who have open accounts with Aaron Elliott, or Aaron Elliott & Son, are requested to call and close the same prior to the 1st August, 1809. Those who neglect this call will have their accounts to settle with an attorney," with a postscript stating that they had constantly on hand a complete assortment of drugs and medicines, " which they will sell either wholesale or retail on as good terms as can be purchased in this country." On July 5th, Michael Dolan, " tailor and habit-maker," Main Street, announced that he had opencd a shop at the house then occupied by Mr. Hampton, " breeches-maker." Cornelius Burns, also a tailor, begged lcave, on November 2d, to acquaint his friends and the public that he had commenced business on his own account at the house formerly occupied by Wilson & Price. On the 16th of the same month, Bernard Lalende made it known that he manufactured gentlemen's coats for $4.50, and pantaloons at $1.75, " well made and in the newest fashion." In 1811, Norman Mckenzie wanted a few carpenters, and Robert Wash announced himself as administrator of James A. Graham, and offered a re- ward of $20 for a fine cloak that had been stolen. J. Septlivres, on the 2d of June, 1812, published his card as house and sign painter. In an advertise- ment dated Aug. 5, 1813, we find that there "ar- rived a few days ago from the mouth of the Columbia River, Robert Steuart, Ramsey Crooks, Joseph Mil- ler, and Robert McClellan, and three hunters," whose narrative would appear the following week. In 1815, William Sullivan kept a livery-stable in St. Louis, and his terms were ten dollars per month, with no de- duction for any horse taken out unless he remained out a week or morc, $3 per week, 75 cents for twenty- four hours. Auguste Chouteau advertised at private sale, May 18, 1816, his lots lately laid out on the hill west of town, a plot of which might be seen at the printing-office. On the 8th of June of the same year, John Keesacker informed the " gentlemen of St. Louis that he has opened a barber-shop in Front Strect, near Mr. Paul's store building, and pledges himself he will give satisfaction in his line of business. Price of shaving per month, $1." On the 18th of June, Mrs. Baker started the millinery business in the brick building opposite Mr. Savage's auction- room. In 1829 the announcement was made that " the new bathing establishment of Mr. J. Sparks & Co. has about thirty-five visitors, and of that number not one has experienced an hour's sickness since the bathing commenced ; we should, for the benefit of the

Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.

History of Saint Louis City and County, from the earliest periods to the present day: including biographical sketches of representative men, Part 75

Author: Scharf, J. Thomas (John Thomas), 1843-1898 Publication date: 1883 Publisher: Philadelphia : L.H. Everts Number of Pages: 1358

Author: Scharf, J. Thomas (John Thomas), 1843-1898
Publication date: 1883
Publisher: Philadelphia : L.H. Everts
Number of Pages: 1358