James Vernor
James Vernor Sr. | |
|---|---|
| Born | Template:Birth date Albany, New York, U.S. |
| Died | October 29, 1927 (aged 84) Grosse Ile, Michigan, U.S. |
| Occupation(s) | Pharmacist, Druggist |
| Known for | Launching Vernors brand of ginger ale |
James Vernor Sr. (April 11, 1843 – October 29, 1927) was an American pharmacist and druggist recognized for launching the Vernors brand of ginger ale in 1880.
Biography
Originally from Albany, New York, Vernor relocated with his family to Detroit, Michigan. While employed at Higby and Sterns' Drug Store, he began developing his own ginger ale recipe. During the American Civil War, he served as a Second Lieutenant in the 4th Michigan Cavalry from 1862 until 1865.
According to company lore, Vernor left ginger ale syrup aging in an oak barrel prior to his military service, allowing it to mature during the war and produce a distinctive taste. However, historical records suggest that the Vernors formula was actually created after the war ended, with commercial sales commencing in 1880.
In 1896, Vernor and his son, James Vernor II, shut down their drugstore to open a soda fountain on Woodward Avenue and launched a production facility. By 1915, they had expanded operations to include a bottling plant that distributed Vernors Ginger Ale on a large scale.
Vernor was instrumental in founding the Michigan Board of Pharmacy in 1887 and maintained License No. 1 throughout his professional life. Additionally, he served on the Detroit City Council for a quarter of a century.
He passed away at age 84 on October 29, 1927, in Grosse Ile, Michigan, succumbing to pneumonia and influenza. His final resting place is at Woodmere Cemetery in Detroit.