Rudolph Selzer

As printed in 1904

RUDOLPH SELZER.

Rudolph Selzer, the pioneer brewer of Sioux City and the founder of what is still one of the leading industrial enterprises of the city, long figured in business circles here, and was widely known for his reliability as well as his energy and laudable ambition. He was born in Geissen, Germany, Sunday, September 28, 1828, was reared in that country and in early life became a student in a university there, in which he studied theology, his grandfather intending him for the ministry, but after his grandfather's death he abandoned the idea of entering the church in order to take up a business career.

Mr. Selzer was married in Germany to Miss Theresa Wasser and in 1853 they came to the United States, residing for a brief period in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, after which they removed to Rock Island, Illinois, in the spring of 1854. In early life Mr. Selzer had learned the shoemaker's trade and he followed that pursuit in Pennsylvania, in Illinois and after his removal to Council Bluffs, Iowa, in 1857. In 1858 he became a resident of Omaha, Nebraska, where he was associated with Fred Krug in the establishment of what was known as the Fred Krug Brewery, Mr. Selzer furnishing the capital while Mr. Krug supplied the experience, being a practical brewer. They began operations on a small scale, under the firm style of Krug & Selzer, and the extent of their early operations is indicated by the fact that they delivered their product from a wheelbarrow. This was the first brewery in Omaha. The business, however, rapidly increased and became a profitable investment. In 1860 Mr. Selzer sold his interest to Mr. Krug and came to Sioux City, where the same year he established the first brewery of this place, on Fourth street, between Iowa and Court streets, but. later moved to the corner of Ninth and Douglas streets, his previous experience in Omaha qualifying him for the successful conduct of a similar enterprise. His trade rapidly increased

As printed in Past and present of Sioux City and Woodbury County, Iowa (1904). See the original pages. Wording is the original; obvious scanning errors have been corrected, and a few may remain.