Brewery dynasty patriarch Franz Maxmillian Ruppert was born in Göllheim am Rhein, Germany. He and his wife, Wilhelmina (née Zindel), emigrated to America in 1836 and settled in New York City. Ruppert first engaged in the grocery business and later established a malt house at 13th Street and Avenue C. He became a naturalized citizen in 1842 in a ceremony that was witnessed by fellow brewer Henry Schaefer. In 1851 Ruppert's malt house had profited enough that he was able to take possession of a brewery at 45th Street at the East River. Ruppert named it the Turtle Bay Brewery and by 1859 it was recognised by New York Daily Herald as one of the "principal" breweries of "New York and its environs". The brewery hosted parties in the adjoining Turtle Bay Park for disembarking Union soldiers during the Civil War. The brewery was also the training grounds for Franz's son, Jacob. Jacob Ruppert, of course, would go on to become New York's famous brewery magnate of the early 20th century, and Yankees baseball team owner. Franz Ruppert retired from the brewery business in 1870 and opened up a tavern. He died on September 30th 1883 at age 71 years.

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