Bios: Eisenhowers : Reading, Berks Co, PA

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From:  Morton L Montgomery, "Historical and Biographical Annals of Berks
County, Pennsylvania.  Chicago, J. H. Beers & Co., 1909.  p 1489

Surnames mentioned:
Eisenhower, Fichthorn, Fink, Frill, Green, Mohn, Mowrey.

Note: Surnames of related families have been capitalized, but are lower case
in the original.

JAMES EISENHOWER, a retired citizen and native of Reading, Pa., is a son of
Nathan M. and Margaret (MOWREY) Eisenhower, and a grandson of John and
Margaret (MOHN) Eisenhower.

John EISENHOWER was of German descent and was an early pump-maker of
Reading, his place of buisness being on South Tenth street, Reading, where
he died in 1839, aged about seventy-two years.  In religious belief he was a
Lutheran, and he and his wife were the parents of four children: Nathan;
David; Angelina m. John FINK, and Polly m. Solomon FRILL.

Nathan M. EISENHOWER was born in the city of Reading in 1812, and received
his education in the subscription schools of Reading, and when a young man
apprenticed himself to the carpenter and joiner's trade, with a Mr. Henry,
who was the builder of Trinity Lutheran Church.  After completing his
apprenticeship, he worked for some years as a journeyman, and then engaged
in contracting and building, at one time being one of the leading men in his
line of business in the city.  A stanch Republican, he took quite an active
part in political matters, and in 1864 was prevailed upon to run for the
office of mayor, to which he was elected by a large majority, filling that
office from 1865 to 1867.  Many reforms were inaugurated during his
administration, among them the organization of the first uniformed police
squad in the city.  Mr. Eisenhower's death occurred in 1877.  He was a
member of Lodge No. 62, F.& A.M., Chapter and K. T. Commandery No. 42.  He
was a captain in the State Militia, being in Colonel Knoderer's regiment,
and was a member of the Reading Artillery in 1846, taking an active part in
the military maneuvers until its disbandment.  Mr. Eisenhower was a member
of Montgomery Lodge of the I.O.O.F.

The children born to Captain Eisenhower and his wife were:  William, born
Dec. 17, 1834; George, who went to California after the Rebellion and died
there; Charles, who died at the Soldiers' Home in Erie, was a member of Co.
B, 128th P.V.I.; Daniel, who was a member of the 46th P.V.I.; James; Nathan
M., a carpenter of Reading; and Emma m. Joseph GREEN.  In religious belief
Mr. and Mrs. Eisenhower were members of the Lutheran Church.  She died in
1881, aged seventy-two years.

James EISENHOWER received his education in the common schools of Reading,
and as a boy apprenticed himself to Douglas & Connard, machinists, working
with them until 1861, when he enlisted with the old Reading Heavy Artillery
under Capt. George W. Alexander.  Having served out his term of enlistment,
he re-enlisted with Company B 128th P.V.I., Aug. 14, 1862, under Capt.
William McNall and Colonel Crosedale, the latter of whom was killed at
Antietam, being succeeded by Colonel Matthews.  Mr. Eisenhower entered the
service as second sergeant, and was then promoted to ambulance sergeant,
serving as such during his term of enlistment.  Receiving his discharge June
19, 1863, he re-enlisted in 1864 in the 3d Heavy Artillery, serving in
Hampton Roads and at Fortress Monroe until his discharge in 1865.

After his discharge Mr. Eisenhower returned to Reading and completed his
trade with Douglas & Connard, remaining with them for a period of two years
and then went to Corry, Pa., engaging with the Atlantic & Great Western
Railway Company as machinist.  Returning to his former employers he
continued with them until his retirement.

Mr. Eisenhower married Miss Mary FICHTHORN, daughter of William FICHTHORN,
and five children were born to this union.  We have record of James; Paul,
who was drowned; and two children who died in infancy.  Mr. Eisenhower is a
member of Mt. Penn Lodge, No 65, K.P.  In politics he is a Republican.