Oysters to Angus: Three Generations of the St. Louis Faust Family

by Elizabeth Terry

In Oysters to Angus, German immigrant Tony Faust entered rough and rowdy St. Louis in the mid-nineteenth century. As patriarch of the Faust family, he lived lavishly while rebelling against those who wished to shut down his saloon. Tony’s savvy son, Edward, rose to the top of the St. Louis business elite, and in so doing, shunned his German-American heritage. In contrast, Tony Faust’s steady grandson Leicester quietly built his farm in St. Louis County. That land became his legacy: a park built upon the proud Faust name. Through it all, the Fausts navigate the timeline alongside the iconic Busch family, firmly entrenching themselves as movers and shakers of the St. Louis scene. A narrative that has never been told, Oysters to Angus is historically important to both St. Louis City and County; particularly relevant during the city’s 250th anniversary year.

251 pages, Paperback

First published April 11, 2014

About the author

Elizabeth Terry is a historian and author in St. Louis, Missouri. She earned her BA in history from the University of Nebraska at Kearney and her Masters in public history from James Madison University in Virginia. When not researching and writing manuscripts for publication, such as Oysters to Angus, Elizabeth maintains a full schedule managing a diverse range of projects through her historical research company. She also directs an archives for a St. Louis church.

Elizabeth Terry's second book, "Ethnic St. Louis (co-authored, Reedy Press), has recently been released to rave reviews.

Reviews

[Karen Huntsberger · Rating 5 out of 5]

Author Elizabeth Terry’s book, Oysters to Angus, is a fascinating read about the contributions of the Faust family to St. Louis, Missouri. I knew nothing about this family when I began the book, and now I want to learn more. Terry’s extensive historical research is evident throughout. Quotes from hundreds of sources and period photographs help the reader understand the context of the times. The book delves deeply into the contributions made by German immigrants to industry and culture in the St. Louis area. The book opens with seventeen-year-old Tony Faust establishing himself in St. Louis. The subsequent narrative continues through the lives of Faust’s son, Edward, and his grandson, Leicester. This history encompasses the Civil War, WWI, WWII, and the postwar era. The larger events in these times had profound effects on the Faust family. I found myself transported back in time and caught up in the events of these heady days. Terry’s compelling and skillful conveyance of the story of these three distinctive and powerful men, the strong women they married, and their philanthropic works kept me captivated from beginning to end.

[Sherry Beth Preston · Rating 4 out of 5]

When I open a book to find a family tree or a map, I know good things are coming and lucky for us this book starts with a family tree.

Author Elizabeth Terry has written a detailed yet very readable history of the Faust family. I am not at all familiar with St. Louis, but I really enjoyed learning about it through the Fausts. This well-researched book covers the Faust family for three generations, starting with Tony Faust who immigrated to the US in 1853. Tony opened a restaurant and a specialty market. His son, Edward, went into business and Tony's grandson became a farmer. The Faust family used the wealth that Tony acquired to become philanthropists, world travelers and patrons of the arts. Elizabeth Terry used a variety of family pictures and newspaper articles to illustrate this book.

Anyone who is interested in history, particularly the Gilded Age or St. Louis, will enjoy this book.