This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 5/1/2026
August Busch Sr. letter signed to his mother Lilly Anheuser, the widow of Anheuser-Busch Brewery founder Adolphus Busch. At this time, August Busch Sr. was the President and CEO of Anheuser-Busch, which he assumed upon the death of his father. Although this happened six years prior, the estate appears to still be unsettled, with August mentioning ''family friction'' on account of the inheritance. Dated 15 December 1919 on Anheuser-Busch Brewing Association stationery, letter reads in part,
''My darling good Mother...Of course, I am unhappy at the thought of not having you with us this Christmas, but I understand that the family friction existing makes it easier for you to be away. However, this seems the fate of all families when money is left. I already feel that my little family, although they are good to one another now, will have friction over one thing or another when Alice and I are no more. I intend to leave the shooting grounds to the two boys, but I know in advance that some day this will brew trouble.''
August then mentions receiving a letter from his daughter Clara and seems to imply that the inheritance is still in probate, ''You will see from Clara's letter what a lucky thing it was that we brought you home, as you are now in position to help your children on the other side until we can have their estates released by our Government...
You write that you want to be just and fair to all, but you could not be otherwise as your character is molded on lines of righteousness and your heart is of gold. As to your son, he would not ask you to be anything else. / You are always with us in thought, but on Christmas night you will be more so than ever and I am sure there will be a tear in the eye of every one of my family when I drink to the health of the best and most wonderful Mother in the world...[signed] Gussie.''
Two page letter on two sheets measures 8.5'' x 10.75''. Folds and staple puncture to upper left. Very good plus condition.