Conrad Geiselhart, of Union Township, is one of the early pioneers of Carroll County, he having settled here in the woods in 1855. He is a native of Germany, born November 10,1822, a son of Joseph and Julia Geiselhart. He was reared in his native country, where he attended school until fourteen years of age. He then worked at the stonemason and plasterer's trade for four years. In 1841 he came to America, first locating at Pittsburg, Pennsylvania, where he worked at his trade, and some time later removed to Lisbon, Columbiana County, Ohio. He was united in marriage in 1846 to Miss Nancy Butts, a native of Columbiana County, who died March 14, 1884, leaving at her death six children: John, Maggie, Ella, Ida, Frank and Ira. In 1851 Mr. Geiselhart returned with his family to Pennsylvania, locating in Mercer County, and one year later located at Pittsburg, where he remained until 1855. He then came West via the Ohio River, then up the Mississippi River, thence to Keokuk, and from there to Des Moines, Iowa. His first location in Iowa was where Coon Rapids is now situated, and some time later he removed about six miles to the west, on Brushy Creek. In 1848 he located on his present farm, where he first built a log cabin, 14 x 18 feet, and here he experienced many of the hardships and privations incident to pioneer life. He has improved his farm from a state of nature and brought it under a fine state of cultivation, and his log cabin of pioneer days has given place to his present good frame residence, and the rude sheds to a fine barn and other comfortable out-buildings. He is a thorough, practical farmer, as the surroundings of his farm well indicate. His farm contains 170 acres of as good land as can be found in the county, and is located one and a half miles from Coon Rapids. He has also a fine orchard which covers two acres. In his political views Mr. Geiselhart affiliates with the Democratic party. Since becoming a resident of Carroll County he has filled most of the township offices, serving with credit to himself and to the best interests of his township.

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