Mayor Mueller

John Anton Mueller, a German immigrant, was a brewer by trade and spent his early years in the business, becoming a brewer’s apprentice at the age of twelve. After coming to the states, he joined his brothers who were working at breweries in Illinois. In 1880, he completed studies at a brewer’s academy in New York State and, over the next ten years, was employed at a number of eastern breweries before heading west.

Mueller was a strong presence in the community, serving as school board president and organizing the district’s water, lighting and sewer systems. Mueller also helped establish the Rainier Volunteer Fire Department and served as its chief. He was elected Georgetown’s first mayor after it was incorporated as a city in January 1904. According to an editorial in the Georgetown-South Seattle News (December 3, 1904), his first year in office was a success:

For three years past Mr. Mueller has interested himself in public affairs where he has exhibited the same traits of sagacity and honesty that made his success in business. The Georgetown high school building is the result of his faithful work on the part of Mr. Mueller…The record Mr. Mueller has made as mayor for the first year of Georgetown is altogether commendable…Any man can rest assured that as mayor of Georgetown Mr. Mueller assumes personal responsibility and if he makes a mistake, you do not have to go to any man but Mueller for its correction. A vote for John Mueller is a vote for an honest, capable administration of the city affairs, and his past record is proof positive for this statement.

Special thanks to Gary Flynn of Brewery Gems who sent this wonderful photo of Mayor Mueller. The Mueller residence can be seen at the corner of Carleton and Bailey (please do not disturb the current residents).