HON. CHARLES EISENBEIS. – This wealthy resident of Port of Washington gained his eminence by sturdy industry and sagacious investment during the pioneer days. He is a native of Prussia, was born in 1832, and the fifth in a family of ten children. Of his father he learned the trade of a baker, and was prepared upon his arrival in America in 1856 to earn thereby, in company with his brother, an independent livelihood at Rochester, New York.
In 1858 he came via Panama to San Francisco, and in the fall of the same year arrived at Port Townsend. He here opened a shop and prepared for the market the first baker’s goods in the town, and probably the first in the territory, except at Vancouver. He was under engagement with the firm of Priest & Peterson, becoming a partner within a few months. The site was the same as that now occupied by his present fine building. Two years later he removed to Steilacoom, and after a sojourn of five years at this point, during which he engaged successfully in his former business and in brewing, returned to the city of his first choice, continuing a remunerative management of his shop, and investing his saving in real estate. by this means he has acquired some of the finest property in the city, and at Seattle has been very successful in that line.
Mr. Eisenbeis has served the city as mayor three terms, being the first to hold that office. He was also the first city treasurer. Three terms he has been a member of the Washington board of health.
He was married in San Francisco in 1865, to Miss Elizabeth Berghauser, a native of Prussia. She died in 1881, leaving him a family of two sons and two daughters, – Sophia, Charles, Frederick W. and Louise H. He was married recently to Miss Kate E. Marsh, a native of England, with whom he enjoys a most attractive home.