brewer, b. Hesse-Darmstadt, Germany. He learned the brewing trade in his native land and for a time operated a small brewery in Mettenheim before migrating to the U.S. and to Milwaukee in 1844. In Milwaukee Best joined his two sons who had preceded him to America in 1840 to scout the economic opportunities. Together they organized a brewery and distilling business, and Best soon took his two younger sons into the firm. Eventually dropping the production of whiskey and vinegar, the Bests concentrated on making a light lager beer, at first operating at the rate of about 300 barrels per year. For a time the brewery was known as the Empire brewery, but the name was later changed to Best and Co., and its beer eventually became one of the most successful in the Milwaukee area. Jacob Best, Sr., continued active in the business until his retirement in 1853, and after that date it was operated by his sons, principally Phillip Best (q.v.), eventually coming under the control of Phillip Best's son-in-law, Frederick Pabst (q.v.), who became president of the firm in 1873. In 1889 it was renamed the Pabst Brewing Co. After retiring in 1853 Jacob Best, Sr., devoted his time to local politics, held minor political offices, and was active in Milwaukee civic affairs. T. C. Cochran, Pabst Brewing Co. (New York, 1848); B. Still, Milwaukee (Madison, 1948); Milwaukee Sentinel, Jan. 28, 1861; WPA MS.

View pictures relating to brewing at Wisconsin Historical Images.

Learn More

Dictionary of Wisconsin History

Explore more than 1,600 people, places and events in Wisconsin history.

[Source: Dictionary of Wisconsin biography]