Franzisker Jetzer (née Hauck) was born in Baden, Germany. Her family emigrated to America in 1860 and settled in Harrison County, Texas. That same year she married John Jetzer, a fellow emigree from Switzerland.

In 1868 her husband and older brother Theodore took an opportunity to start a brewery on some good land a mile and a half east of Dallas. During the 150 mile overland route from Marshall to Dallas John took ill. He was nursed for a time in the home of Henry Boll, a prominent Dallas grocer, but it was not enough. John died some time later and was buried in the Boll family garden. By this time the brewery was built and people had been hired so Mrs. Jetzer continued with her husband's plans. The brewery opened on September 11th, 1869. It was one of the first breweries in Dallas.

A year later she began advertising for an experienced brewer. Charley Webb was hired, but lasted only a few months. Next up was Charles Meisterhans, who in 1872 became Jetzer's brewmaster. Then, in 1876, he became her husband. The brewery lasted a few more years, gradually transitioning into a standard saloon. In 1880 Charles became the Dallas agent for the Lemp Brewery of St. Louis, and Franzisker was a housekeeping mom to four children. Franzisker Jetzer died on March 21st, 1914, at age 74 years.

Charles Meisterhans was born in Switzerland. He came to Dallas in 1870 with the Swiss Colony of Ben Long.

In 1872 he was hired by Franzisker Jetzer, the pioneer brewer of Dallas. She had been widowed four years earlier and was seeking someone to replace her brewmaster husband in the family business. Charles fit right in. In fact he fit in so well the two were married a few years later. Gradually the Dallas City Brewery evolved into a traditional saloon.

In 1880 Meisterhans was appointed agent of the Wm. J. Lemp brewery of St. Louis and the brewery was made over into a tied house. The Meisterhans were very popular in the social circles of Dallas and were known for their big parties and benefits at their beer hall south of town. Charles Meisterhans died on March 17st, 1913 at the age of 68.