Today is the birthday of Anton Simon (November 2, 1848-March 27, 1927). He was born in Alsace, France, but moved to Vincennes, Indiana when he was fourteen, in 1862. After working in a series of jobs, in 1875, he and a partner, Eugene Hack, bought a small brewery in Vincennes, Indiana from John Ebner, who had established in 1859. They continued to call it the Eagle Brewery, although it was also referred to as the Hack & Simon Eagle Brewery, though in 1918, its official name became the Hack & Simon Brewery, until closed by prohibition. The brewery briefly reopened after prohibition as the Old Vincennes Brewery Inc., but they appear to have never actually brewed any beer, before closing for good in 1934.
And this account is from “Vincennes in Picture and Story: History of the Old Town, Appearance of the New,” written by J.P. Hodge, and originally published in 1902. There’s a short biography of Simon in the final paragraphs.
A brewery paperweight.
Anton’s actual name was Simond which was changed at Ellis Island. I am Louis J. Simon Jr.’s youngest son. The Simond family that remained in France were some of the manufacturer’s ice axes.
Thank you for this wonderful article. I am Anton Simon’s great grand daughter and my middle name is in memory of Anton. My grandfather was Louis Joseph Simon, and my father Louis Joseph Simon Jr.
Wonderful! As one of Anton Simon’s great great grand daughters (above are notes from my aunt and uncle) this was such an inspiration to read. It is very cool to see the faces of my grandpa, uncle, and father subtly within in Anton’s photo.
I was about to buy my husband a beer making kit, but am now thinking that I should be one the try it since it runs deep in my blood.