Matthias Frett was born in Virneburg, Rheinland-Pfalz, Prussia. In 1841 Frett emigrated to America and settled in Chicago where he married Mary Freund in 1851. They made their way to Silver City Nevada where Matthias established a saloon, which grew into the Bonanza Hotel, which in turn grew into the Bonanza Hotel and brewery. Frett died on August 21, 1882 at age 55. Upon his death Mary moved back east and died in 1900 at age 67.