Gottlieb Heileman
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Gottlieb Heileman | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Born | January 6, 1824 |
| Died | February 19, 1878 (aged 54) |
| Occupation | Brewery Owner |
| Known for | Founding the G. Heileman Brewing Company |
Johann Gottlieb Heileman (January 6, 1824 in Kirchheim unter Teck, Württemberg – February 19, 1878 in La Crosse, Wisconsin) was the founder of the G. Heileman Brewing Company in La Crosse, Wisconsin. Heileman founded the brewery in 1858.[1][2] His business strategy focused on producing the best local beer, rather than expanding nationwide like his company's contemporary Anheuser-Busch.[3]
Heileman was born into a family of bakers and brewers in southern Germany, and received training in those occupations during his childhood and early adulthood. In 1852 Heileman immigrated to the United States, staying briefly in Philadelphia before a few year stay in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, where he founded a bakery with another German immigrant. While in Milwaukee he met Johanna Bandel, another Württemberg native, and they moved permanently to La Crosse, Wisconsin, in 1858.[3]
Heileman and Bandel had eight children, seven daughters and one son.[2]
G. Heileman Brewing Company
Heileman met fellow German immigrant John Gund, and they founded the City Brewery in La Crosse, Wisconsin. Early production was modest, and continued with little growth in the 1860s and early 1870s. After a disagreement, Gund sold his share to Heileman, making Heileman the sole owner. He renamed the company G. Heileman Brewing Company. Heileman focused on regional sales, keeping the company small. [3] Following Heileman’s death in 1878, the company passed to Heileman’s widow, Johanna Heileman, who controlled the company until her death in 1917.[2]
