Jacob C GIMLICH
2011 - Day 155: Jacob Gimlich - By Brian Sullivan, Berkshire Eagle Staff

Jacob Gimlich was born in Weisenheim, Bavaria, in the year 1845. Ah, now it makes sense.

Gimlich came to Pittsfield as a young teen in 1860 and was nothing more than a hard- working " toiler" through much of his early life.

Maybe that's where he learned to appreciate a well- earned glass of beer at the end of a hard day.

Having lived a life of self- denial during his early years, Gimlich did a nice turnaround and, with silent partner John White, put together the Berkshire Brewing Co., which remained successful right up to the beginning of Prohibition.

The brewery, which was built in 1890, was the only one of its kind for miles around and pumped out 75,000 barrels of beer annually.

Being around all that beer didn't compromise Gimlich's business sense. He was " importantly" connected with helping to organize The Berkshire Loan & Trust Co., City Savings Bank and the Musgrove Knitting Co.

In 1884 through 1885, he represented Pittsfield in the state Legislature. Gimlich was true to his roots and was a generous supporter of the German Lutheran Church.

There were no tricks up Gimlich's sleeve. He was fond of good companionship, music and home life in general. He was too young to serve in the Civil War, but old enough to understand what the conflict was about. To that end, Gimlich treated Civil War veterans in a special way whenever he could, and proved to be a patriotic sort on general terms.

Gimlich died in January 1912, and no doubt glasses were raised in his memory shortly after.


The Berkshire Eagle
Pittsfield, Massachusetts
Saturday June 4, 2011

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