David John GIMLICH
Biography

GIMLICH, David J.,

Manufacturer. Financier.

David J. Gimlich, vice-president of the Gimlich and White Brewery, of Pittsfield, one of the leading industries of that thriving city, is a representative of a family of German extraction, from which country has been derived so many of our public-spirited and energetic citizens, men who have been loyal and faithful in their allegiance to their adopted country, striving ever to better the communities in which they locate.

The pioneer ancestor of the family was Jacob Gimlich, grandfather of David J. Gimlich, who was a native of Weisenheim, Bavaria, Germany, where he was the possessor of an excellent fruit farm, being one of the prosperous fruit growers and wine manufacturers of that section.
His republican sentiments caused him to join the movement which unsuccessfully sought to establish a change of government in 1848, and as a result he was forced to flee from his native land. Emigrating to the United States the same year, accompanied by his wife and six children, he settled at Albany, New York, where he engaged in the fruit business.

In the year 1860 he removed to Pittsfield, Massachusetts, and early in 1861 he enlisted in the Fifth Regiment, Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry, was among the first to arrive at the scene of conflict and took part in the battle of Yorktown. He served until his honorable discharge on account of physical disability. He then returned to Pittsfield, but died shortly afterward from the effects of disease contracted during his service in the army.

His wife was a widow prior to their marriage, with one son, David Greiber, who served as a sergeant in the Civil War, and contracted a fatal illness. By his manly courage and strict attention to duty he had gained the friendship of General Bartlett, and his funeral was a notable event in Pittsfield, it occurring during the progress of the war. Jacob and Marie Gimlich were the parents of ten children, namely: Jacob, of whom further; Dorothy, who became the wife of Lyre, of New York; Sophia, resided in New York City ; Katherine, widow of Frederick Andler, late of Pittsfield ; George ; Rachel, who became the wife of John White; Christina, widow of Leonard Kenyon ; Julia, who became the wife of - Roehm ; Charlotte, who became the wife of Frederick Thompson ; Mary, who became the wife of Charles Roathouse, and is now deceased. The mother of these children is living at the present time (1916).

Jacob Gimlich, Jr., father of David J. Gimlich, was born in Weisenheim, Bavaria, Germany, October 4, 1845. He obtained his education in the schools of Albany, New York, whither his parents removed when he was three years of age, and in addition to his other studies he acquired a knowledge of the German language. After the removal of his parents to Pittsfield, Massachusetts, he found employment in a woolen mill, where he learned designing. He was offered a lucrative position in that department, but preferred to accept another opening which promised better financial results. Forming a partnership with his brother-in-law, John White, the firm of Gimlich & White purchased at an assignee's sale a small brewery which contained but little in the way of fixtures. Commencing business on a limited scale, with a kettle of seven barrels' capacity, they soon placed the enterprise upon a paying basis, and in due course of time, owing to indefatigable labor, persistence and excellent business ability, were enabled to erect the present brick building, which is two hundred feet long, its highest portion containing seven floors. The enterprise proved highly successful and remunerative, as both partners were men of energy, activity and self-reliance, beginning life with nothing but their own inherent resources, and acquiring success solely through the exercise of these qualities. Mr. Gimlich invested his surplus capital in various local financial institutions, and thus added considerably to his earnings. He was one of the organizers of the City Savings Bank, of which he was a director and a member of the board of investment. He was also a director of the Berkshire Loan and Trust Company and of the Co-Operative Bank, and interested in the national banks. In addition to his interest in the property of the firm, he owned some valuable real estate, including his handsome residence, which is desirably located and elegantly furnished, and which is now occupied by his widow. He was a past chancellor of the local lodge, Knights of Pythias ; was a member of the Grand Lodge of Massachusetts and of the local camp of the Sons of Veterans.

Mr. Gimlich married Louise Ellen Feige, of Pittsfield, Massachusetts. Children : David J., of whom further; Matilda L., who became the wife of Carl Cyrus, of Bridgeport, Connecticut, has one son, Charles ; Minnie ; Marie ; Carrie, who died at the age of eighteen months ; Amelia ; Caroline ; Clifford ; Arthur. Mr. Gimlich died January 28, 1912, and his demise was sincerely deplored by all connected with him, in the home, in business and in social life.

David J. Gimlich was born in Pittsfield, Massachusetts, March 1, 1869. He pursued the primary branches of study in the public schools of Pittsfield, then attended a preparatory school in Allentown, Pennsylvania, and was subsequently a student in Muhlenberg College, graduating from that institution in the class of 1890 with the degree of Bachelor of Arts. During his junior year he was one of the ten members of the class to compete in the prize for oratory. He was editor of the college paper, took a lively interest in athletics, belonged to the various literary societies, and is now a member of the Phi Gamma Delta Society. After his graduation he filled a vacancy in the Pittsfield High School, teaching Greek, geometry and physical geography, for one term, or until a regular teacher could be provided.
He then entered the office of the Gimlich & White Brewery Company, and soon familiarized himself with the routine business of that concern, and prior to the death of his father ably assisted him in the management, thus relieving the latter of many responsibilities. He also traveled considerably in the interest of the concern, representing them on the road for twelve years, and at the present time (1915) is serving in the capacity of vice-president, discharging the obligations of that office with efficiency and fidelity. This brewery, which is the only one in Massachusetts west of the Connecticut river, has an output amounting to fifty thousand barrels a year, and it ranks among the extensive and profitable industries of that section of the State. In addition to this activity, Mr. Gimlich, who is a man of great executive ability, keen perception and untiring perseverance, is serving as a trustee of the City Savings Bank and trustee and member of the board of directors of the Massachusetts Co-Operative Bank, his services being highly valuable in both institutions.

He is equally prominent in the Masonic order, affiliating with Mystic Lodge, Berkshire Chapter, Council and Commandery, having been eminent commander of the latter named body.

Mr. Gimlich married, September 25, 1895, Mary B. Wilcox, of Pittsfield, Massachusetts, daughter of William E. Wilcox, a veteran of the Civil War. Children : Doris E., Donald W., Marjorie L., Marion R. Mr. and Mrs. Gimlich are members of the Evangelical Lutheran Church, in which Mr. Gimlich is serving as a member of the board of council, was formerly president of the Young People's Society, and a teacher in the Sunday school.

American Historical Society. Encyclopedia of Massachusetts, biographical--genealogical; (Volume 5)
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