Richard Edward Mueller was born in Saxony.  In 1847, he came to America with his parents, Edward and Johanna Mueller, and they settled in the County of Manitowoc, Wisconsin.  In 1848, Edward built a brewery and the not-yet chartered town of Manitowoc grew up around it.  Edward continued the business until his death, in 1871, at age 63 years.

Richard Mueller grew up in the brewery and was well able to succeeded his father in the business.  The brewery made him a wealthy and popular man.  He was elected Alderman and County Supervisor in the young city of Manitowoc. In 1867, he married Miss Katherine Hobzkneight, who was a native of Bavaria. They had three children. 

Richard Mueller died on May the 2nd, 1894 at age 54.  The brewery his father built would eventually become the Two Rvers Beverage Company, and brew beer right up until 1966.