Gettleman Brewing Company
Compiled and Edited by Michael R. Reilly, copyright 1996
Last Revised 11/08/2007
GETTELMAN, Adam, a resident of Wauwatosa, and president and treasurer of the A. Gettelman Brewing company, was born in Germantown, Washington county, Wis., April 27th, 1847. His father, Peter Gettelman, was a native of Germany, a farmer by occupation, and, with the thrift so often exemplified among people of his nationality, prospered in material matters, and at the time of his death was in very comfortable circumstances. A. Gettelman's mother, whose maiden name was Catherine Holl, was also a native of Germany, and the worthy companion of her prosperous husband.
A. Gettelman received his education in the public schools of his native place, which seem to have been efficient, as he had no other school training, and as he seems to have there [image: ADAM GETTELMAN.] laid the foundation of a successful business career. After leaving school he began, in November, 1865, an apprenticeship at the brewing business, and mastered all departments of beer-making; so that when the company was established for the control of the Menomonee brewery he was placed at its head. This company has attained a prominence among Milwaukee breweries as the manufacturer of a superior quality of beer, for its "natural process bottle beer" and for its "hospital tonic." While the plant is by no means as large as some of Milwaukee's notable breweries, it is steadily making its way toward the front rank among establishments of the kind, and is doing a large and prosperous business.
Mr. Gettelman was married November 24th, 1870, to Miss Magdalena Schweickhart. Six children have been born to them, the eldest of whom, Katie, is married to Albert J. Kraatz, and Mr. Gettelman is now a grandfather. The other children are Misses Emma, Amanda, Elfrieda and Masters Willie and Frederick, and a very happy household they form.
Other Reference Sources: American Breweries II by Dale P. Van Wieren; The Register of United States Breweries 1876-1976, Vol. I & II, by Manfred Friedrich & Donald Bull; The Pabst Brewing Company - The History of an American Brewer by Thomas C. Cochran; Breweries of Wisconsin by Jerry Apps; Badger Breweries: Past & Present by Wayne L. Kroll.; Men of Progress. Wisconsin. (pages 115-149) A selected list of biographical sketches and portraits of the leaders in business, professional and official life. Together with short notes on the history and character of Wisconsin.