Frederick Eisenmenger, Police Justice, Schenectady, N. Y., was born in this city, March 21, 1849, son of Ferdinand and Wilhelmina (Laman) Eisenmenger. The parents were born in Germany, the father about the year 1827.
In 1846, having acquired a good education and mastered the machinist's trade, he came to the United States, intending to engage in business. Instead of adhering to his original plan, he entered the employ of the Schenectady & Utica Railway Company, with whom he remained about sixteen years. In 1862 he enlisted as a private in Company K, One Hundred and Thirty-fourth Regiment, New York Volunteers, with which he served in the Civil War until fatally wounded in May, 1864, his death occurring on June 16 of the same year. Mrs. Wilhelmina Eisenmenger, his wife, was left with two children: Pauline, who died in 1865, aged five years; and Frederick, the subject of this sketch. The mother died in 1886, at the age of sixty-eight.
On August 11, 1862, Frederick Eisenmenger, when but thirteen years old, joined the same regiment in which his father enlisted, and was enrolled in the ranks of Company B, being one of the youngest volunteers to enter the service. He was detailed to serve at division headquarters under Major-general John W. Geary, commander of the Second Division, Twentieth Army Corps, and afterward Governor of Pennsylvania. While in front of Atlanta he received a severe wound in the jaw, and he was mustered out with his regiment in June, 1865. In 1868 he began a four years' apprenticeship at the machinist's trade in the Schenectady Locomotive Works, and he completed the term. Feeling the need of a better education, he studied nights, and while still employed at the works he began to read law under the direction of Judge Yates. He practised his profession until May 2, 1882, when he was appointed Police Justice. The duties of this position he has performed with marked ability for over sixteen years. His present term will expire in 1900.
In September, 1874, Judge Eisenmenger married Louisa, daughter of the late Louis A. Pepper, of this city. They have two children, namely: Frederick, who was graduated from the high school in 1895, and is now in the experimental department of the General Electrical Works; and Clara, now a student at the high school.
Judge Eisenmenger belongs to St. George Lodge, No. 6, F. & A. M.; is Past Commander of Horsfall Post, No. 90, G. A. R.; and president of the One Hundred and Thirty-fourth Regimental Association. He is a member and has been an official of the Methodist Episcopal church. His residence at 105 Union Avenue was built by him in 1887, and he purchased for his mother the house in which she spent her last years.