Thomas Nessler is one of Rock Island’s well and favorably known German-American citizens, where he occupies the position of brew master for the Rock Island Brewing Company. He was born December 18, 1869, at Obernhibeim, Germany, his parents being Donatus and Barbina Nessler. After completing a common school course in his native land he entered a brewing academy at Versuchs Statum, Germany, and there received instruction in the trade which he expected to follow throughout his life, having previously served two years apprenticeship in Aldvisebach, Germany. After being employed for several years in breweries of Germany, he came to the United States in 1892, and later came to Chicago, where from 1898 to 1899 he took an advanced course in the art of brewing in Wahl & Henius Institute in that City.
In 1892, upon locating in Chicago, he was connected with Joseph Junk’s brewery for three years, then with the Standard Brewing Company for three years and for one year was with Walker & Burke Brewing Company of the same city. Then, after completing his course at Wahl & Henius Institute, he removed to Danville, where he was brew master for the Danville Brewing & Ice Company, which position he held until 1901, when he came to Rock Island to accept a position as brew master for the Rock Island Brewing Company, which position he now holds. During his connection with the Rock Island Brewing Company he has devoted his knowledge and energy to increasing the excellency of that company’s product and how well he has succeeded is attested by that company’s constantly increasing patronage.
September 15, 1894, Mr. Nessler was married to Miss Katherine Dimer, and to them one child has been born, a daughter, Katherine B. Nessler.
Mr. Nessler is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, having joined that fraternal organization at Danville, Illinois, and being still affiliated with Lodge No. 499 of that city.
He is not affiliated with any of the regularly established political parties, but prefers to give his support to men and measures rather than to any political party, and consequently casts his vote independently.
He is a master of the art of brewing, and constantly strives to serve the interests of his employers by bringing their output up to a standard of perfection excelled by none and equaled by few.