The Eisenmenger family of Schenectady, New York, descend from Frederick Eisenmenger, a German patriot and co-worker in the cause of German liberty with Carl Shurz, Fritz Sigel and others of that devoted band. Like them he was forced to flee from his native land to escape the wrath of his monarch. His friendship for Sigel, under whom he afterward served, was continued through life. They were friends and comrades in the cause of liberty in two lands, and were both vigorous and helpful in their efforts. Ferdinand, when he learned that he was under suspicion as one of the conspirators against the government, fled from Germany and came to the United States. He was born in Mecklenburg, which was his home until 1848, the year of his coming to the United States. He was a machinist, and on landing from the ship "Troubee," Bremen to New York, secured work at his trade. He was shortly afterward joined by his wife. He removed to Schenectady where he worked at his trade until August, 1862, when he enlisted in Company K, One Hundred and Thirty-fourth Regiment, New York Volunteers. He was with the Army of the Potomac through all its hard fighting and campaigning until after the battle of Gettysburg, when he joined the Army of the Cumberland. At the battle of Resaca, Georgia, fought July 15, 1864, he received a severe wound from a rifle shot, and died fifteen days later. He was a good soldier, was several times commended for bravery in the field of battle, and gave his life for the cause he loved. He was a member of the Reformed church, earnest and sincere in his religion and conscientious in his daily life. He married, in Germany, Wilhelmina Lamann, born in Beighburgh, near Magdeburgh, Prussia, died in Schenectady, 1866, aged about seventy years. She was a member of the German Methodist Episcopal church. She came from a good, well-to-do German family, and was a woman of intelligence and womanly virtue. They were the parents of three children, two of whom, William and Pauline, died in childhood. Frederick, see forward.
(II) Frederick (2), son of Frederick (1) and Wilhelmina (Lamann) Eisenmenger, was born in New York, March 21, 1849. At the age of fourteen years he joined the One Hundred and Thirty-fourth Regiment, New York Volunteers, in which his father was serving. He was not allowed to enlist on account of his youth, and after a time was sent home to Schenectady. A little later he succeeded in enlisting, and in 1863 joined Company A, One Hundred and Thirty-fourth Regiment, New York Volunteers. He served with his regiment until the close of the war, when he received an honorable discharge and returned to Schenectady. He there entered the Ellis Locomotive Works as an apprentice. He attracted the attention and interest of Judge Austin A. Yates, who gave the boy great help in obtaining an education. He studied law with judge Yates, and obtained a good knowledge of legal practice and procedure. He never was admitted to the bar, but the knowledge gained, materially aided him in later life. In May 1882, he was appointed police justice of Schenectady, and served until December 31, 1903. Prior to his appointment as police judge, and during his years of study, he continued working at his trade. In 1904 he was elected mayor of Schenectady, and gave the city an excellent administration during his two years in office, retiring on account of failing health. In 1908 he was appointed county superintendent of poor, an office he still retains (1910). He is a faithful public official, and has filled every post entrusted to him with fidelity and honor. He is a member of St. George's Lodge, Free and Accepted Masons; Horsfall Post, No. 90, Grand Army of the Republic, and the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks. His political faith is in the Democratic party, and he is an active member of the German Methodist Episcopal church. He married, in Schenectady, September, 1874, Louisa, born in Germany, daughter of Louis and Louisa Pepper, who settled in Niskayuna, Schenectady county, New York, where Louis died in 1902. His widow, now aged eighty-eight years, resides with her daughter, Mrs. Louisa (Pepper) Eisenmenger. Her other living children are
- Professor Albert H. Pepper, formerly of Union University, now in South America;
- Sarah Pepper, unmarried, her mother's devoted companion, and
- Louis Pepper, of Amsterdam, New York.
Children of Judge Frederick and Louisa (Pepper) Eisenmenger:
- Frederick M., married Martha M. Vrooman.
- Clara, unmarried, resides at home.