Charles Liebmann
Charles Liebmann | |
|---|---|
| Born | Template:Birth date Schmiedelfeld, Germany |
| Died | June 12, 1928 (aged 90) New York City, U.S. |
| Occupation(s) | Brewer, entrepreneur |
| Known for | President of S. Liebmann Brewery (later Rheingold Breweries) |
Charles Liebmann (November 16, 1837 – June 12, 1928) was a brewer of German origin who became an American entrepreneur, serving as president of the S. Liebmann Brewery, which was later known as Rheingold Breweries, located in Brooklyn, New York. The brewery's flagship product, Rheingold Extra Dry, ranked among the leading beer choices in New York City during the mid-20th century, particularly from the 1940s through the 1960s.
Biography
Born in Schmiedelfeld in 1837 to Dara (née Selz) and Samuel Liebmann, Charles was raised within a family deeply involved in brewing and hospitality industries. The family moved to Ludwigsburg, where they managed the inn "Zum Stern" alongside its brewery operations. In 1854, they emigrated to the United States, establishing themselves in Williamsburg, Brooklyn. There, Charles initially worked as a cooper for F. & M. Schaefer Brewing Company while the family took over the old Maasche Brewery. Subsequently, they founded the S. Liebmann Brewery in the Bushwick neighborhood.
After Samuel Liebmann passed away in 1872, Charles and his brothers assumed control of the business, rebranding it as S. Liebmann's Sons Brewing Company. The siblings took turns serving as chief executive officers on an annual basis, with Charles fulfilling the role of technical director. In 1903, they stepped down from active management, entrusting leadership to six of their sons.
Personal life
On October 22, 1865, Charles married Sophia Bendix. Together they had four children:
- Henry Liebmann (1866), who died during childhood
- Julius Liebmann (1868–1957), who later became president and chairman of Rheingold Beer
- Alfred Liebmann (1871–1957), married to Alma Wallach; their offspring included:
- Dorothea Liebmann, who wed Roger Williams Straus Jr., thereby connecting the family to the Guggenheim heritage
- Philip Liebmann (1915–1972), who led the brewery and was married multiple times, including to actress Linda Darnell
- Amanda Liebmann (born 1872)
Charles Liebmann passed away on June 12, 1928, in New York City.