Colonel George Anton Bassermann was born in Babenhausen, Germany.  He emigrated to America at age 19 and landed in New York City, where it appears he met and married a woman named Johanette.  They proceeded at once to New Haven, Connecticut where George established a meat market at the corner of Church & Center Streets.

In 1861, at age 29, he enlisted in Company B, Second Regiment of the Connecticut National Guard, where he reached the rank of Colonel in 1868.  It was one of many civic responsibilities he would assume for the town of New Haven.

After 17 years running the maeat market Basserman amassed a considerable nest egg which he was keen to invest in the new and popular lager beer brewing business.  In 1868 He built the Rock Brewery at the foot of Snake Rock near State Street.  The brewhouse was a three-story structure measuring 185 by 80 feet, the first two levels made entirely of grey east rock stone.  Carved into the earth he excavated an aging cellar measuring 200 feet deep, 24 feet wide and 16 feet high.   Adjacent to the brewery were park, a beer garden and a pavillion.  The brewery grounds instantly became the center for German social life in New Haven.  In later years it became one of the first areas in the city to be lit by electric light.

Despite Basserman's position in the community it was reported in the Hartford Courant 28th, Sept., 1887) that "He has been almost constantly engaged in litigation for fifteen years because of his private construction of the liquor law, which happened to differ from that of authorities."

During this time he also met with personal losses.  Johannette died in 1878.  Their son Chalres died in 1886 after returning from an extensive stay in Germany to learn the art of brewing.  Deprived of an heir to his business, Basserman developed a heart conditon, and despite having the best medical care available, he did not recover.  George Anton Bassermann died on September 27th, 1887 at age 54 years.