August Anheuser Busch Sr.

Career

When his father died in 1913, August Anheuser Busch Sr. took over as president of Anheuser-Busch. He steered the company through World War I, Prohibition, and the Great Depression by branching into corn products, baker's yeast, ice cream, soft drinks, and refrigeration. Most of these sidelines were dropped after Prohibition ended in 1933. He also constructed the Bevo Mill, located between his home and the brewery.

Death and legacy

In later life, Busch suffered from heart disease, dropsy, and gout. After several months of severe illness, he died by suicide on February 10, 1934, at the Busch Mansion at Grant's Farm, shooting himself in the abdomen. He left a note reading, "Goodbye precious mommie and adorable children." The St. Louis County coroner's jury heard testimony from his chauffeur and from Dr. P.E. Rutledge, who had given Busch morphine seven hours earlier. The jury ruled the death a suicide due to long illness.

Thousands mourned at the mansion, including senators and brewers. Busch's lawyer, Daniel N. Kirby, spoke at the service. Busch was buried at Sunset Burial Park near Grant's Farm, with police controlling crowds at the grave. In 1947, his widow Alice donated $70,000 toward the August A. Busch Memorial Conservation Area in his memory.

Did You Know?

• Busch married Alice Ziesemann on May 8, 1890.
• In 1922, Alice Busch was selected as Queen of Love and Beauty at the Veiled Prophet Ball.
• Busch had eight brothers and five sisters.