Yeakel Family History - The Alton Years

Philip Ludwig Yeakel and Maria Elizabeth Hohn immigrated with their two infant sons to the United States from Sonnenberg, near Wiesbaden, Germany in 1836 . In Germany, Philip worked in a brewery while Maria was an opera singer. After settling in Alton, IL, Philip established the city's first brewery, operating as Union Brewery. The brewery remained in operation for 115 years and is listed in the National Register of Historic Monuments along with the family home, Yakel-Netzhammer House built by Philip's son, George Yakel in 1863. The home overlooks the brewery located on the edge of town on five acres. The brewery remained in the family until 1882 when it was purchased by the William Netzhammer family and changed the name to the Bluff City Brewery. There is a very informative article written on the web titled The Breweries of Alton, IL with in-depth information. <next page>