Danny,
The Esslinger Brewery, what is left of it, is still located at 10th and Ridge Ave. in Phila. I don't know what history you have re. the brewery, but it was sold to a person by the name of Brown. I believe this occured in the 40's, but would have to look it up. They lived in what I think was Merion or Bala Cynwyd. Were friends of my parents. Only their children remain alive. The brewery changed hands after that several times.
The original brewery has been a chemical factory for some time. I asked the owner for the brass Esslinger and son plates by the door and was told to come back a week later and pick them up. When I came back, they had been removed from the front door. I was told that they had been stollen a few days before and that they could not give them or sell them to me. Think that I put a been in their bonnet. Someone there has the original brass plates! They were there for ages.
I have no idea who the parents of George Esslinger, who started the brewery, were. He might have come from Dornhan, Germanyj. Know that he came from Wurtenberg, Germany. I am not aware of any relatives of his that lived in Phila. around 1860. The only family information I have goes on from there, but I do not know you and feel strange giving info. over such a public medium. If you want to send me your phone no., I could give you a call. You did not tell me if your mother is an Esslinger