Ernst Hummel was born in Wurttemburg, Germany. He was Partner with Charles Brand in the Brand & Hummel South Chicago Brewery of Illinois. In addition to his his brewing career he was active in local Chicago politics. Hummel died just days before the repeal of Prohibition in February of 1933. He was 90 years old.

Chicago brewing pioneer Rudolf Brand was born in Odenheim, Rheinhessen, Germany.

Charles "Carl" Brand was born in Hesse, Darmstadt Germany. After his father died in 1872, Brand emigrated to America to work with his brother Rudolph in the family brewery in Blue Island, Illinois.  In 1881 He married Sophie Voss, and had 5 children by her. 

Some time after 1900 he returned to Germany.  Brand died there on October 26, 1910.

The South Chicago Brewing Co. of Illinois was issued a license to incorporate.  The incorporators were Carl Brand, Ernest Hummell and Frederick Keller.