Adolphus Busch

1838–1913 (age 75)

businessman

Biography

Adolphus Busch (1838–1913) was a German-American businessman and brewer who built one of America's most successful beverage companies. Immigrating to the United States in 1859, he quickly established himself in the brewing industry through innovation and shrewd business acumen.

In 1865, Busch married Lilly Anheuser, daughter of a prominent St. Louis brewer, and together they transformed the Anheuser-Busch Company into a national powerhouse. Busch pioneered the use of pasteurization and refrigerated railroad cars, revolutionizing beer distribution across America. His business vision and marketing expertise made Budweiser a household name, and his company became a cornerstone of American industry. Busch's legacy extends beyond business to his significant philanthropic contributions to St. Louis.