Peter Esch was born in Suelm, Prussia. his family emigrated to America to avoid the political unrest in their native country. The Esch family first settled in Chicago but eventually they relocated to Dubuque County, Iowa.

In 1869 17-year-old Peter and his younger brother Nicholas purchased the Germania Brewery in Dyersville from Gehringer & Nachtman. They ran the brewery until 1898.Peter Esch died on November 19, 1921.

Nicholas Esch was born in Suelm, Prussia. At age 13 his family emigrated to America to avoid the political unrest in their native country. The Esch family first settled in Chicago but eventually they relocated to Dubuque County, Iowa.

In 1869 25-year-old Nicholas and his older brother Peter purchased the Germania Brewery in Dyersville from Gehringer & Nachtman. They ran the brewery until 1898. Nicholas Esch died on the 2nd of January, 1929 at age 84 years.