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Charles Henry Eighmey
Extracted from Portrait and Biographical Record of Dubuque, Jones and Clayton Counties, Iowa, 1894 Reprinted by Higginson Book Co., Salem, Massachusetts, p. 131

CHARLES HENRY EIGHMEY, of Dubuque, has since 170 been connected with the First National Bank of this city, and is now recognized as one of the most successful and able financiers of this state. He was born in Saratoga County, N. Y., November 23, 1834, and on the paternal side is of German descent, while on the maternal side he is of English lineage. His Grandfather Eighmey was a soldier in the War of 1812, and met hid death in battle by a bullet from a British musket. The father of our subject was Leamon Eighmey. In 1848 he removed with his family to the west and cast in his lot with the early settlers of Dubuque, Iowa, where he engaged in lead mining, meeting with reasonable success in his undertakings.

Midst play and work the early boyhood days of Charles H. Eighmey were passed. The first fourteen years of his life were spent in his native state, and in 1848 he accompanied his parents on their removal to the west. He entered Cornell College, of Mt. Vernon, Iowa, and was later a student of Mt. Morris Seminary, of Mt. Morris, Ill. When his literary education was completed he studied law in the office of ex-Governor Hempstead, was admitted to the Bar in 1860, and for ten years successfully practiced his profession, and was a member of the well known firm of Cooley & Eighmey. In 1870 he became Cashier of the First National Bank of Dubuque, was afterward Vice President, and in 1890 was elected President. This bank is considered one of the solid financial institutions of the county, and its success is largely due to his able administration of affairs. He possesses most excellent business and executive ability, and his progressive spirit is tempered by foresight and careful management. The bank was organized in 1864, and now has a capital stock of $200,000.

Mr. Eighmey is also interested in various other enterprises. He is a stockholder in the Novelty Iron Works Company, of the Dubuque County Bank, and of the First National Bank of Plattville, Wis. He has been President of the Norwegian Plow Company, and also of the Westphal Hinds Hardware Company. He has been President of the Board of Trade, and takes an active and commendable interest in all enterprises that are calculated to prove of public benefit.

In 1864 Mr. Eighmey led to the marriage altar Miss Elizabeth J. Stewart, of Dubuque, daughter of William G. Stewart, President of the Dubuque County Bank, and one of the old pioneers of the City, and one daughter, Augusta, blesses their union. Their home is a palatial residence, tastefully and richly furnished, and the interior furnishings are all of hard wood. It is one of the most beautiful homes of the city and in it Mr. Eighmey takes great delight. He cannot do too much to promote the welfare and enhance the happiness of his family, and in the home circle he finds great enjoyment.

Mr. Eighmey is a member and Trustee of the Main Street Methodist Episcopal Church. The congregations have arranged to build a fine new church edifice, to the erection of which Mr. Eighmey has donated $8,000. He is a strong advocate of the principles of Republicanism, and though not a politician in the sense of office seeking takes an active interest in all national affairs, as all true American citizens should do. With the exception of the office of Deputy Collector of Internal Revenue lie, he has never held a political position. His life has been well and worthily spent and it is with pleasure that we present its record to our readers.