The original name for this company was Weideman & Co, Wines and Liquors. First opened in 1861 by John Cristian Weideman and Jacob D. Hildebrand. Mr. Hildebrand had previously owned a distillery at 76 River Rd. Mr. Weidemann had previously worked for the grocery firm of Edwards and Iddings on Water St. (now West 9th.) The new firm was established at 138 and 140 River Rd.

The following year, Mr. Weideman sold his interests in this firm and began a partnership with his long-time friend Hannes Tiedemann. Tiedemann was the man most famously known today as the builder of Cleveland's Franklin Castle, regarded by many to be the most haunted house in Ohio. The new firm was called Weideman and Tiedemann, Wholesale Liquor and was located at a building at 70 Merwin Street in the flats. Mr. Hildebrand meanwhile retained the building on River Rd. and continued in the Liquor industry.

Hannes Tiedemann, 1908

A few years later, Mr. Weideman and Mr. Tiedemann took on a partner named Oliver Granger Kent. The new name was Weideman, Tiedemann and Kent.

During the late 1860's another partner was added to the firm: Clark Thomas Hasbrouck, thus the company was now called Weideman, Tiedemann, Kent and Co. The firm also moved to a larger store at 30 Merwin Street.

Around 1871, Hannes Tiedemann sold his interests in the firm to O. G. Kent and retired for a time before becoming involved in the founding of many Cleveland Banks (one in particular in 1883 with J. C. Weideman).