John B. (Johann Baptiste) Garnier, was born in Saarburg, Moselle, Lorraine, France.  He came to America in 1840 and settled in Lawrenceburg, Indiana, where he started a brewery.  He married recent German emigree Mary Eva Deffner there in 1849 and they had three children.  When Civil War broke out Granier answered the patriotic call of duty of his adopted country and enlisted in the Union Army. 

When the war ended he partnered with his younger brother August in a brewery in Lawrenceburg, Indiana.  When August died in 1873 Johann managed the brewery as a sole proprietor funtil his death at age 76 on March 7th, 1897.  When he died the fortune he amasses in his brewery was estimated to be over $600,000.