Israel Updegraff was born in York, Pennsylvania.  He was the first Brewer in what is now the state of West Virginia.  His ancestors were Friends of Quakers, who came to America in 1683 with the family of William Penn.  Israel came to Wheeling in 1807 abd bought nineteen acres of land north of the creek and east of the Market Street bridge. There he built a small stone brewery in which he made ale for a few years.  He was deeply religious and opposed slavery.  He was an utmost patriot who fought for America in the War of 1812.

Israel Updegraff died of pneumonia in March of 1843.