My Genealogy Hound

Charles D. Eitzen, one of the oldest merchants and conceded to be among the most influential citizens of Gasconade County, was born in Bremen, Germany, August 20, 1819, and immigrated to America and located in Hermann in 1838, a short time after this town was laid out. For three years he clerked in the first and only store in the town, and in 1841, when but twenty-one years of age, purchased the store and began on his own account, a business in which he has continued to the present. In 1855, before the completion of the railroad to Hermann, he engaged largely in the lumber business, meeting with success, and shipping great quantities of yellow pine to points up the Missouri River. At the same time, as agent for the Meramec Iron Company, he shipped iron to different places on the Mississippi and Ohio Rivers. In all public affairs Mr. Eitzen has taken a prominent part. Politically he is a stanch Republican, and during the war firmly supported the Federal Government, and part of the time was captain of a company of militia in active service. In 1861 he was elected from his senatorial district (comprised of the counties of Franklin, Osage and Gasconade) a member of the Constitutional Convention, in which body he labored in opposition to secession; in 1875 was elected to the State Constitutional Convention, and in 1876 was elected to the Twenty-ninth General Assembly of Missouri. In 1871 he became identified with the public schools of Hermann, which were at that time in poor condition, but under his management and inspiration a two-story commodious school building was erected—an ornament to the city. Since then educational interests have constantly increased. Mr. Eitzen is now a member of the board of trustees. For twenty-five years he has been connected with the town board of trustees, during most of which time he has served as mayor. In April, 1844, he was married to Miss Jane Kehr, who has borne him seven children, three of whom survive.