G. E. EIS is one of the thrifty and enterprising citizens of Centralia, and by his progressive spirit has done much for the upbuilding and advancement of this place. He is ever alive to its best interests, and its leading enterprises always receive his hearty support and cooperation. He is now sole owner of the Big Injun Cigar Factory, and is a manufacturer of and wholesale dealer in cigars and tobacco.
Mr. Eis was born in Dayton, Ohio, January 6, 1855, and is a son of John Eis, a native of France, who emigrated to America in 1844 and located in Newark, Ohio, where he engaged in farming. Later he engaged in teaching French in Dayton, Ohio, until 1861, when, on the first call for volunteers, he entered the service of his adopted country. After serving for three years he re-enlisted, and started home on a furlough, but it is supposed that he was murdered and thrown in the Licking River. His wife bore the maiden name of Mary Engle, and was a native of Byrne, Germany.
At the age of seven she came to this country with her father, George Engle, who located in Dayton, where he engaged in the grocery business. Seven children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Eis, of whom the following are living:
At the age of nine years our subject left his native city and went to Boone County, Ky., where he served a three years apprenticeship to the trade of cigar making. He worked in that locality until fifteen years of age, and then followed the same line of business in Kenton County, Ky., for two years, after which he went to Franklin, Ind. There he was employed for three years, when in 1881 he came to Centralia. Here he embarked in the manufacture of cigars with Joseph Heisermau, under the firm name of Heiserman & Eis, which connection continued for six months, since which time Mr. Eis has been alone in business. He has built up the largest cigar manufacturing business in this part of the state and has a most extensive sale. Among the leading brand of cigars are La Flor de Eis, Potillio, Silk Hat, Cuban Hand, etc.
Mr. Eis was married in Centralia, September 26, 1883, to Miss Annie Merkel, daughter of Edward Merkel, a native of Germany, who came to America in 1855 and settled in Centralia. He was a baker and confectioner, and built and owned the first business block on Chestnut Street. His daughter is a native of this city. Mr. and Mrs. Eis now have three children,
In politics, Mr. Eis is a stalwart Democrat, has served as Alderman from the Second Ward for two years, and has frequently been a delegate to the conventions of his party. He is a member of the Knights of Pythias and of the Uniformed Rank.
He has also been connected with various business interests which are numbered among the leading industries of the city. He is a stockholder and Director of the Centralia Light and Power Company, is a Director and the largest stockholder in the Centralia and Central City Street Railway Company, and was one of the originators of the old electric light company. He is a large stockholder in the building and loan association, and Treasurer of the Centralia Provident Association, a charitable organization. He owns a sixth interest in the electric light plant of Creal Springs, has an interest in forty town lots, owns the Saddler's Block and some fine residence property. Through the legitimate channels of business, Mr. Eis has achieved a success which has materially promoted the prosperity of Centralia and has made him one of its substantial citizens. He is very prominent in business circles, and has the confidence and regard of all with whom he has been brought in contact.
Source: "Portrait and Biographical Record Clinton, Washington, Marion and Jefferson Counties, Illinois"
Chapman Publishing Co, Chicago, 1894
Pages 320-321
Submitted by Sandy (Whalen) Bauer