William H. Geist, b. 28 Oct 1841

DAVIS

Posted By: Donna Moldt Walker (email)
Date: 3/31/2004 at 08:22:02

William H. Geist, is a carpenter of Sterling, this country, and was born in Venango County, Pa., Oct. 28, 1841. His father was a native of Lancaster County, Pa., and was a farmer and carpenter. Mr. Geist received his education at the common schools of his native county, whence he came to Iowa in 1850, where he has continuously followed his trade, of which he has made a success. He was married on May 11, 1864, to Leonora Davis, daughter of Wescot Davis (deceased), a pioneer of this county.

Mrs. Geist is a native of this county, and is the mother of nine children: Mamie D., Phoebe Co., Sarah A., Jennie A., Julia M., Wilfred A., Frank M., Ralph A., and Roscoe L., who are all living at home. Mamie is a well-known music teacher; Phoebe and Sarah are school teachers. Mr. Geist has been a School Director and Justice of the Peace, and bears the reputation of being a level-headed man. He enlisted during the late war in Company A, of the 9th Iowa Infantry, and served four years. He was in the battle of Pea Ridge, Vicksburg, Lookout Mountain, Atlanta, and was with Sherman when he went to the sea. This brilliant record was ended at the grand review which occurred at Washington just before the armies were disbanded. Mr. Geist served under Gen. John A. Logan, the greater portion of the time he was in the army, and was a great admirer of that brilliant citizen-soldier's qualities as a general and as a statesman. He is a member of the G.A.R., and believes that order one of the best in existence; he is also a member of the Masonic fraternity, and worships at the Methodist Episcopal Church. Mr. Geist while not seeking political preferment, is enthusiastic in aiding the Republican party.

("Portrait and Biographical Album of Jackson County, Iowa", originally published in 1889, by the Chapman Brothers, of Chicago, Illinois.)