Jacob Moritz
Jacob Moritz | |
|---|---|
| Born | February 1849 Ingenheim or Bavaria, Germany |
| Died | June 1910 Germany |
| Occupation(s) | Brewer, entrepreneur |
| Known for | Founder of Salt Lake Brewing Company |
Jacob Moritz (February 1849 – June 1910) was a prominent brewer and entrepreneur based in Salt Lake City, Utah, active during the late 1800s and early 1900s. He founded the Salt Lake Brewing Company, which evolved into one of the largest brewing operations in the western United States. Moritz’s burial site, commonly known as "Emo's Grave," has become a focal point of local myths and urban legends.
Early life
Moritz was born in Germany in February 1849, with records indicating either Ingenheim or Bavaria as his place of birth. At age 16, he emigrated to the United States in September 1865. His early career included employment at New York City’s F.M. Schaefer Brewing Co. and later at Anheuser-Busch in St. Louis. He also briefly engaged in mining activities in Helena, Montana before relocating west.
Salt Lake Brewing Company
In 1871, Moritz settled in Salt Lake City and launched the Little Montana Brewery, which rapidly gained success. Subsequently, he opened a larger brewery at the intersection of 10th East and 5th South, renaming it Salt Lake City Brewing Co.; part of this facility now serves as the Anniversary Inn.
Established in 1891, the Salt Lake Brewing Company expanded to become one of the largest breweries outside of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, boasting an annual production capacity of 100,000 barrels. Moritz oversaw both brewing and distribution while owning 36 saloons throughout Utah that exclusively retailed his beer brands, including "American Beauty" and "Budweiser." At that time, "Budweiser" denoted a beer style; Moritz later engaged in a legal dispute with Anheuser-Busch over trademark rights but ultimately did not prevail.
In a 1903 letter addressed to business associates, Moritz emphasized his brewery’s commitment to quality and modernization, highlighting new equipment installations and the use of Bavarian hops imported directly from Europe.
The Salt Lake Brewing Company significantly contributed to Utah’s economy during this period. After Utah enacted prohibition in 1917, Moritz’s brewery adapted by shifting production toward soft drinks to maintain business viability.
Community involvement and later years
Moritz was deeply involved in Salt Lake City’s civic and political life. In 1889, he married Lahela Louisson from Hawaii, who served as president of the Hebrew Ladies' Relief Society. He also held the position of president at the Salt Lake City branch of B’nai Israel Temple and was active within Utah’s Liberal Party. Despite his involvement with alcohol manufacturing and liberal politics, he retained respect within the predominantly Mormon community.
Due to deteriorating health in 1909, Moritz and his wife traveled to Europe seeking treatment at mineral springs. He passed away in June 1910 in Germany from lung and stomach cancer at age 61. His ashes were initially placed in a mausoleum located in the Jewish section of Salt Lake City Cemetery; however, the urn was later returned to family custody, and its present whereabouts remain unknown.
Emo's grave
Moritz’s gravesite, commonly referred to as "Emo's Grave" in local folklore, is surrounded by supernatural tales involving eerie phenomena when visitors circle the tomb while chanting "Emo." Legends describe sightings of glowing eyes or ghostly apparitions near the mausoleum. These stories have established the grave as a notable cultural landmark within Salt Lake City, despite originally serving as Moritz’s burial place.