Michael Diversey
Michael Diversey | |
|---|---|
| Born | Template:Birth date Illingen, Kingdom of Prussia |
| Died | December 12, 1869 (aged 59) |
| Occupation(s) | Brewer, businessman, politician |
| Years active | c. 1841–1868 |
| Known for | Proprietor of Diversey Beer Brewery; Chicago alderman |
Michael Diversey (originally spelled Diversy on his tombstone; December 10, 1810 – December 12, 1869) was a notable American brewer and proprietor of the Diversey Beer Brewery. Born in Illingen within the Kingdom of Prussia, he emigrated to the United States in 1830. Around 1841, he formed a business partnership with William Lill, an English immigrant. Their enterprise, known as Lill & Diversey Brewery or The Chicago Brewery, held a prominent position in Chicago’s beer industry until it was destroyed during the Great Chicago Fire of 1871.
In addition to his brewing career, Diversey held public office as a Chicago alderman from 1844 to 1845 and again from 1856 to 1868. During the 1850s, he was actively involved in opposing temperance advocates who aimed to prohibit alcohol sales and manufacturing.
The name Diversey Parkway in Chicago commemorates him. He also contributed land for the establishment of St. Michael’s Catholic Church in Chicago, which was named after him and remained the tallest structure in the city until 1885.
His spouse was Angela Diversy (June 10, 1810 – November 9, 1883). The Chicago History Museum preserves portraits of both Michael and Angela Diversey.