[1] Born to a Prussian Jewish family in Schubin, Braunhart immigrated to America in 1862[2] and settled in San Francisco in 1871.

Establishing himself as a cigar salesman, he was first elected to the State Assembly in 1879 on the Workingmen's ticket.

After serving a single term, he left office and became active in the oil business.

He died the next year, his health made worse from the stress of the 1906 San Francisco earthquake.

[4] During his career in politics, Braunhart became known for his support of working-class causes, such as Chinese exclusion, anti-monopolism, and public ownership.