Eisner, Milton Daniel, 1886-1959.

Biographical Sketch

Milton Daniel Eisner was born in San Francisco on July 15, 1886. His father, Milton S. Eisner was a prominent San Francisco attorney, his mother, Lena Reinstein Eisner was a member of a prominent San Francisco family, her brother Jacob B. Reinstein, having served as a Regent of the University of California at the turn of the century. Both of Eisner's parents were native Californians. He obtained his primary education in the San Francisco schools, graduating from Lowell High School in 1905. He was a student at the University of California during a part of 1905 and 1906. He married Belle Bluckman, a schoolmate, on September 11, 1910, and they had three children, Robet H. Eisner, Helen Eisner Rice, and Willard B. Eisner.

Eisner worked in real estate, and his business activity included long service with Citizens Federal Savings & Loan Association. Eisner served as Cititzen's director in 1921, its president from 1932-1953, and was the chairman of the board of directors until his death.

Notwithstanding his dedication to business activities, Eisner devoted much of his time to helping others. A leading member of the San Francisco Pacific Philatelic Society, Eisner conceived of the idea of introducing patients in Children's Hospital to stamp collecting. When that program was well established, Eisner then undertook to establish a similar program at Letterman General Hospital, becoming known as "Mr. Stampman" to the sick and wounded servicemen there. Eisner was also deeply involved in Boy Scouts of America, and served that organization for 35 years. In recognition of his services he was made a member of BSA's Court of Honor.

Eisner also took great interest in the accumulation of documents relating to the early history of the West, particularly California. He was an enthusiastic member of the California Historical Society for 25 years.

Milton Eisner died on Sunday, December 17, 1959.

(Adapted from Colbert Coldwell's tribute to Milton D. Eisner in the California Historical Society Quarterly, Vol. XXXLIX, No. 1, March 1960, pp. 77-79.)

From the guide to the Milton D. Eisner Papers, 1854-1961, (bulk 1933-1958), (The Bancroft Library)