John Williams Russert was born on October 20, 1849, in Manheim, Germany. He immigrated to the United States in 1868.
In 1887, he became the proprietor of the Crystal Spring Brewery in La Porte, which had previously been owned by Clemens Dick, a position he held until 1896, when he sold the business to Fritz and John Guenther. It then became the Guenther Bros. Brewing Co. The brewery was located on the corner of Lake & Tyler Street.
He later relocated to New Brunswick, New Jersey, where he purchased the Rock Spring Brewery in May 1898.
He died on August 13, 1905, at his home in Highland Park, New Jersey, while taking a bath, from apoplexy.
More information can be found in the articles tab and down below.
1) RUSSERT ARRIVED IN TIME TO STOP HIS HORSE FROM BOLTING
John W. Russert, of Highland Park, was a lucky man this morning. He left his horse tied in front of Solomon’s cigar store on George street for awhile. He was just returning from a trip to a near by office when he saw his horse starting to bolt, after having broken away from the post. He arrived in time to stop the animal’s running away. A passing auto is thought to have started the animal. The Central New Jersey Home News, May 1, 1905
2) BUSINESS MAN DIES SUDDENLY.
John W. Russert, a Brewer of New Brunswick, Found Dead in Bathtub.
New Brunswick, Aug. 15.—John W. Russert, president of the borough council of Highland Park, and one of the leading business men of this place, was found dead Sunday in the bathroom. He had been in New York Saturday, and when he returned Sunday he went to take a bath before retiring.
He was attacked with apoplexy while in the tub and death must have been practically instantaneous.
He made a fortune in the brewing business in New York and nine years ago came here. He purchased the Rock Spring brewery, and had continued it up to the time of his death. The Courier News, August 15, 1905.
1893-1894 – Russert John, W, proprietor Crystal Spring Brewery, corner of Tyler and Lake, home at 1212 Washington.
Bottle Type: Pint, applied blob top with Baltimore loop seal.
Embossing: J. W. RUSSERT / LA PORTE / IND.
Glass Maker: D.S.G. Co. (embossed on base), De Steiger Glass Company, LaSalle, Illinois.
Other Marks: THIS BOTTLE NOT TO BE SOLD (embossed on back).
Notes:
Photo Credit: Indiana Bottle Collectors
