Heinrich “Henry” Hooss was born in Germany.  He emigrated to America in 1836 and worked as a carpenter in Virginia and bridge builder in Illinois before settling in Perryville Missouri in 1841. He ran a general store there before opening the White House Hotel, a business that finally made him successful.  

In the White House Hooss employed a brewer named Francis Merk.  In around 1863 he was replaced by George Koch.

Henry Hooss died on December 28th, 1868 at the age of 58 years.