Transcribed by Mary Ann Kaylor
Page 1201:
EIFERT, DAVID, an old and well-known resident of Springfield, Ill., is a veteran of the Civil War and has lived in the city since 1859. He was born in Hesse-Darmstadt, Germany, May 24, 1837, and is a son of David and Catherine (Kimball) Eifert, both also natives of Germany. The father served in the German Army three years and the Grandfather Kimball served in the Russian War. Further than the fact that the Grandfather Eifert was a native of Germany, little is known of the ancestry of the family by the present generation. David Eifert Sr. was a shoemaker and musician, and the childhood of his son David was spent in a city, where he received his education. After leaving school the young man worked on a farm He has always been fond of outdoor amusements and sports.
In 1859 Mr. Eifert, subject of this sketch, emigrated to the United States and proceeded direct to Springfield, where he enlisted in June 1861, in Company C., Twenty-fourth Illinois Infantry, under Captain W. Eden, and served three years, being discharged at the end of this time. He was mustered out at Chicago, in August, 1864, having never been wounded or taken prisoner, although he had encountered many hardships and had many narrow escapes. He participated in the Battles of Chickamauga, Chattanooga, Lookout Mountain, Missionary Ridge and many skirmishes. He was a member of an expedition from Nashville, Tenn., to Huntsville, Ala., and their force captured may prisoners. He was also among a force that captured many prisoners. He was also among a force that fought bushwhackers in the hills of Missouri. He is proud of his record, as he has reason to be, and is a prominent member of the G. A. R. in Springfield.
Mr. Eifert was married, in Springfield, November 9, 1866, to Miss Catharine Doerfler, who was born in Germany, February 18, 1846, daughter of John A. Doerfler, a native of Germany, as were his parents. Ten children were born of this union: Annie, John D., Fred, Margaret, Amelia, Carrie, Paul, Atwood; Emma and Katie, both deceased.
After the war Mr. Eifert engaged in shoe making, which he learned both in Germany and America and is now engaged in business at 1158 North Sixth Street. He is a member of St. John's Lutheran Church and is a stanch Democrat in politics. Fraternally he belongs to the Maccabees and the Ancient Order of United Workmen. The family reside at 1156 North Seventh Street. Mr. Eifert is of a friendly, genial nature and is popular with his many friends.