USA > Missouri > Buchanan County > The history of Buchanan County, Missouri > Part 73
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JOHN G. GEIWITZ,
is a native of Germany and was born in Wurtemberg, October 3, 1827, was there reared to manhood, educated and learned the miller's trade, and also became proficient in the mechanical department of mill build- ing, wood, iron, stone work, etc. In 1851, he came to the United States, locating in Louisville, Kentucky, where he was engaged at steamboat building. In 1858, he came to St. Joseph and engaged in working at his trade. He worked on the line of the overland stage route in building the stations between Fort Kearney and Julesburgh, and for a number of years was engaged in contracting and building many substantial and attractive buildings in this city. He has but few equals in the general branches of mechanism. The position he has filled with the St. Joseph and Western Railroad for several years-that of having under his con- trol the wood work of the machine department-requires great care and is a responsible charge. He was married in 1853, to Miss Barbara Weymiller. They have by this union nine children, William, Emma, Charles, John G., Rosa, Henry, Edward, Clara and Oscar. He is a mem- ber of the Druids, Wallhalla Grove.
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DR. JACOB GEIGER.
Jacob Geiger was born in Obernarie Province of Wurtemberg, Ger- many, July 25, 1848, and is the son of Anton and Mary Geiger, both natives of the same place. His father died May 2, 1851, leaving a widow and five children, of which the subject of our sketch is the young- est. In 1857, in company with his mother, his sister and her husband and brother, he emigrated to America, and on the 2d of May of that year landed at. New York. They first settled in Champaign County, Illinois. During his stay in Illinois, Jacob attended the country schools, and soon learned the English language perfectly. In 1858, they removed to Brown County, Kansas, where they purchased a farm. On the IOth of November of the same year, Mrs. Geiger died, and the subject of our sketch, with an older brother, came to St. Joseph. In 1860, his brother and family having returned to Illinois, Jacob followed them, and during the summer months assisted his brother in order that he might go to the Homer Seminary in the winter. In 1865, he returned to St. Joseph, where he took a course in Bryant's Business College. While pursuing his studies he became acquainted with Dr. Bishop. At this time Mr. Geiger had a very delicate operation performed on his foot by Dr. Bishop, requiring much time and the greatest skill. This required him to be away from his studies much of the time, and after a year's continuance at the college he left and entered his brother's store. He early formed a desire to study medicine, and soon commenced the study with Dr. Bishop as preceptor, but being unable, both financially and physically, to devote his entire time to that study, he entered the drug store of Penick & Loving, where he remained nine months. During this time he did not cease his study of medicine, his only opportunity being the latter part of the evening, two o'clock in the morning often finding him at his books. After leaving the drug store, he resumed reading with Dr. Bishop, and at the same time getting considerable practice. He had by this time accumulated sufficient means to enable him to attend lectures at the Medical University at Louisville, Ken- tucky, where he went in 1871. Here he passed a successful examina- tion and received a diploma. He then returned to St. Joseph and opened an office, and has succeeded in building up a large, successful and profitable practice. In the fall of 1879, the College of Physicians and Surgeons was organized, and Dr. Geiger was chosen to fill the chair of Professor of the Principle . and Practice of Surgery and Clinical Sur- gery, which he still holds. The Doctor possesses a talent for surgery, and has turned his attention almost exclusively to that branch. He has performed nearly all of the major operations in surgery, and the profes- sion and people are a unit in giving to him the honor of being the lead- ing surgeon in the Northwest. He has figured prominently in all of the
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medical organizations of the state; was one of the founders, and, for five years, the Secretary of the District Medical Society of Northwest Mis- souri; was Vice President of the State Medical Society of Missouri, and Secretary of the St. Joseph Medical Society, and is a member of the American Medical Association. The Doctor has been very successful, and has accumulated a large amount of city property, and has an elegant residence and office. Dr. Geiger has been favored in obtaining every- thing to make life happy, with the exception of a wife, he being yet unmarried.
STEPHEN GEIGER
was born in the Province of Wurtemberg, Germany, December 25th, 1838, and came to this country in 1852, settling in Delaware County, Pennsylvania. He came to this city June 16th, 1858, and immediately commenced the dairy business and continued in it for five years, when he engaged in the dry goods and grocery business and this he has since followed. In 1862, he was awarded a contract to furnish the army hos- pital with milk and other articles, which he continued for two years, to the great satisfaction of the government. He has always been a true Union man and a Republican, but was so reasonable in his views that he has always maintained an honorable position with those who differ from him in their political views. Mr. G. began business very poor, but by great energy, enterprise and economy he has accumulated a fine property and enjoys the respect and confidence of the entire community. His education was very limited, but he has closely applied himself and is a scholarly business man. He was elected councilman from the First Ward in 1880, and a better and safer officer for the proper care of a city could not be found. He is a self-made man and his life has been a suc- cess. He married Nannie A. Carroll, in this city, January 10th. 1860. They have five children : Delia, Wm. H., Emma, Veta and Ole.
WILLIAM GERNANDT,
wholesale dealer in hides, leather and wool, was born June 18, 1833, at Gundersblum, Hessen Darmstadt, Germany, and, after being educated, he learned the trade of barber. In 1852, he went to Liverpool, and thence came to the United States, and landed at New York City. After having been employed there for nine months, he left for Auburn, New York, to work with his brother, Jacob. After a time, he felt desirous to work for himself, and made his desire a reality by going to Binghampton, New York, and carrying on his own business for one year there, and, afterwards, three years in Indianapolis, Indiana. Then he kept a barber shop at Syracuse, New York, for one year, and at Leavenworth, Kansas, for three months. He came to St. Joseph in March, 1858, where he at
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once opened and carried on for years a barber shop. In 1862, he paid a visit to his native home. There, at Gundersblum, he married Miss Charlotte Loos, and returned with her on the Great Eastern, and arrived at New York City, July 13, 1862, coming directly to St. Joseph, Missouri, and to carry on his old business. In 1869, he discontinued this, and went into the tanning business. One year later, he connected with this a wholesale hide, leather and wool business, which enlarged every year. By his energy and integrity. he has gained a high standing in commercial circles. Mr. and Mrs. G. have two children : Wilhelm Frederick, born September 24, 1863 ; George Otto, born October 18, 1865.
H. E. GIBSON
was born September 30, 1842, and was among the first born in the county. He was educated in the schools of St. Joseph, and until 1874 was a farmer. In that year he came to this city, and engaged in merchandising, and continued it for five years, when he entered the employ of S. H. Rice & Co., and there has since continued. For many years Mr. G. has been interested in the fire department, and in 1878 was appointed Assistant Chief, and in 1880 was elected Chief. His judgment and prompt action at fires and command over men has won for him hosts of friends. He married Miss Mary L. Cross, of this city, December 24, 1868. They have three children-Annie Estella, Edward R. and Jessie May.
THOMAS J. GIBSON,
farmer and gardener, section 15, post-office St. Joseph, was born in Clay County, Kentucky, November 13, 1828, and when about eleven years of age his parents moved to Grundy County, Missouri, and came to Buchanan County in the spring of 1840. He was educated in the com- mon schools and Maj. Ramey's College and the Academy of St. Joseph. From 1846 until 1847, he acted as assistant wagon master, his father being general wagon master. In 1850, he went to California and remained till 1858, and was there engaged in mining, farming and freighting. His landed estate consists of fifty acres, containing a fine orchard and a small vineyard. He was married November 4th, 1858, to Miss Sarah J. Payne. She was born in Spencer County, Kentucky, June IIth, 1839, and died March 2nd, 1881. They have had ten children, seven of whom are living : Wm. D., Mollie, Eliza O., Frank, Henry T., Katie T. and Josie.
MARTIN GILL,
of the firm of Gill & Son, dealers in staple and fancy groceries, is a native of Ireland, and was born in the County Galway, November 8th, 1831 ; was there reared and educated, and in 1852 came to America,
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residing in different places, until 1858, when he became a citizen of St. Joseph. For a time he was in the employ of the Hannibal and St. Joseph Railroad, and for a number of years was car inspector of the Kansas City, St. Joseph and Council Bluffs Railroad. In 1877, he engaged in his present business. His trade, which is large and increas- ing, is a sufficient testimonial of his popularity. He married, March 4th, 1854, Miss Maria Winston. By this union they have five children : John T., Martin J., Michael F., Charles P. and James H.
ELISHA GLADDEN,
was born in Franklin, Howard County, Missouri, October 3, 1818. He came to this city in 1834, when there was no other man here but J. Robi- doux. Young Gladden went into Mr. Robidoux' small store as clerk, all their customers then being Indians. He remained with him until Janu- ary 1838. He made a claim and sold it to Mr. Highly, and was helping Mr. Robidoux more or less until the county organization. He has been in various kinds of business, speculating in anything he could make pay. He is and will always be known and remembered as "Lish Gladden." His recollection of events connected with early life are fresh in his mem- ory, and we are indebted to him for many early reminiscences. He mar- ried Miss Eliza Jane Bailey, of Ohio, January 27, 1848. They have two children, Corinne, who married W. L. Pappan, of this city and Mabel, wife of J. L. Haggett. He lost one son, Elijah, who died in August, 1850.
MICHAEL GLEASON,
City Weigh Master, was born in County Galway, Ireland, in November, 1843, and came to this country and city in July, 1863. He engaged in the grocery business, and then commenced running an express and hack line, and for six years has been Weighmaster at the city scales. By his faithful and upright course he has won the confidence of the public. From an injury received on one of his limbs at eleven years of age, in 1877 he was obliged to suffer its amputation. He married Bridget Ryan in June, 1869. They have five children, Mary, John, Patrick, Michael and Agnes.
J. GOODLIVE, JR.,
jeweler, was born in Morgan County, Ohio, July 26, 1838, and there was raised and learned the jeweler's trade. His father, J. Goodlive, Sr., was a hotel keeper in McConnellsville and other points. In 1858, he came to St. Joseph, engaging in the wholesale grocery trade, which he con- tinued until 1861. The subject of our sketch was engaged in business at various localities until 1871, when he purchased his present site.
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His store is conveniently situated and very complete in all its appoint- ments. He was married in 1860, to Miss S. E. Miller, a native of Mis- souri. She is a daughter of Isaac Miller, one of the first settlers of Buchanan County.
H. G. GORDON, SR.,
farmer, Section 25, Postoffice Saxton, was born in Surry County, North Carolina, August 10, 1820, and when eighteen years of age he went to Shelby County, Kentucky. In 1842, he came to Buchanan County. Was raised on a farm, and when twenty-two years of age he learned the car- penter's trade, and has worked at it more or less during life. He has also dealt quite extensively in stock, and he now owns one hundred acres of land. But a few years ago he was a heavy landholder in this county. Was married May 9, 1861, to Miss Violet Jackson. She was born in the same county as himself, in 1833. They have four children-Lucy J., Andrew L., Harden G., Jr., and Murray.
JOSHUA ALLEN GORE, M. D.,
was born in Nelson County, Kentucky, November 27, 1823, and moved to Paris, Monroe County, Missouri, and practiced for nine years, and then to Gentry County and practiced seven years. In April, 1861, he came to this city, where he has since been in the active practice of his profession. He married Elizabeth E. Davis, of Bloomfield, Kentucky, in January, 1846. She died twenty-two months after her marriage. In October, 1848, he married for his second wife, Zuelda Vaughn, of Ken- tucky. They have three children living: Thomas A., Annie E. and Walter Ogden. He received a good education at the St. Joseph College, Beardstown, and studied medicine with Drs. Merrifield and Beemis, of Bloomfield, Kentucky, and attended the medical course at Louisville, Kentucky. He was appointed Health Officer of this city in 1870, and again in 1878-9. He is a man of good judgment and of great experi- ence in his profession. He is a member of the State Medical Society. Dr. Beemis, his honored preceptor, is now a Professor in the Medical College in New Orleans, and a member of the National Board of Health.
SAMUEL GOSNELL,
carpenter and builder, was born in Vigo County, Indiana, June 3, 1831, and was there raised and educated. In early life his vocation was that of a farmer. His father, Jehu, was an early settler in the Hoosier State, locating four and one-half miles northwest of Terra Haute. He was as carpenter by trade and Samuel adopted that profession. He there resided until 1856, and then came to Worth County, Missouri, engaging in agricultural pursuits. In 1859, he came to St. Joseph, and during the
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summer season he has principally followed his profession. During the winter season, for thirty-four years, has worked in pork packing houses, and is very proficient in this important branch. During his residence here he has worked in all the leading houses, and as a carpenter and builder is a success. October 1, 1857, he was married in Indiana to Miss Rhoda Ransdell. They have four children, Isabelle, David, Eddie and Frank.
WILLIAM GOULDING,
carpenter and builder. A typical mechanic and a skilled workman is our subject. He was born in Manchester, England, August 14, 1837, and was raised, educated, and learned his trade in his native city. In 1861, he came to the United States, and for one year resided in Buffalo, New York, after which he returned to his native country, sojourning there for eight years. He again came to this country, and for a number of years worked in Chicago, Illinois, and Manistee, Michigan, when he again visited England, remaining a short time. After returning, he located in Kansas and worked at his trade, and during the winter of 1879 came to St. Joseph. He was married in England to Miss Mary Harrold.
D. B. GRAY,
architect, contractor and builder, was born in Holmes County, Ohio, April 7, 1837, and in 1848, removed to Iowa, his father, Samuel, locating with his family at Des Moines. He is still a resident of Polk County. D. B. was there raised and learned his trade. For a time he pursued his vocation at Leavenworth, Kansas, and for two years was in the employ of the Rock Island road as bridge builder. In the spring of 1877, he took up his permanent abode in St. Joseph, and has since been recog- nized among its prominent builders. Samuel Gray was identified with the early history of Polk County, Iowa, and in 1849 held the office of county judge, and was well known in political circles. Our subject was married, in 1861, to Miss Sarah A. Brown, of Des Moines. By this union they have four children, Clara, William, Florence and Robert.
W. S. GRANT,
lessee of Contrary Lake Club House, was born in Connecticut, February 3, 1842, and received a good common school education. Emigrated to Indiana in 1871. Was married to Mary A. Bruder, a native of Indiana. She was born March 3, 1854. By this union they had one child, which died when four years old. Mr. G. removed to Chicago in 1877, and thence to St. Joseph May 24, 1881. He has been connected with hotels, etc., for twenty-five years. Mr. J. W. Bailey owns the above described
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property, and Mr. Grant devotes his time and talent to the enterprise. He has a large and attractive house, refurnished throughout. The Club House has two ten-pin alleys, billiards, croquet, lawn tenis, archery, lawnette, grace hooks, DeSoto, rolette, and all new games suitable for ladies and gentlemen. Bath houses and ample stabling in connection with the hotel. He has fifteen fine boats, and one twenty-five feet cedar boat, upholstered in gorgeous style, suitable for the most fastidious.
R. F. GREER,
dealer in general merchandise, was born in Edgar County, Illinois, Sep- tember 23, 1830, and when quite young, removed with his parents to Vigo County, Indiana. He remained in that state until August, 1862, when he tendered his services to the Union cause, enlisting in Company E, Seventy-first Indiana, and served two years and ten months, when he was honorably discharged. In 1865, he came to Missouri, and engaged in trade six miles east of St. Joseph, continuing there for several years. After this he was in the employ of A. A. McIninch, for five years. Mr. Greer carries a very complete stock of goods, and being favorably known throughout the city and county for square dealing, does a lucra- tive business.
A. S. GREENE,
grocer, is a native of New York, and was born in Berlin, Rensselaer County, November 10, 1839. His father, Nicholas, was a son of John Green, a gen- eral of note in the Revolutionary War. The former died when A. S. was in his ninth year, and his educational advantages were limited, his early days being spent in tilling the soil. When he attained his nineteenth year he went on the road with a notion wagon, in the interests of D. B. Darrow, of Syracuse, New York, continuing one year, after which he entered the employ of Bordwell & Hopkins, of New York City, and was their representative for eight years. He was engaged in different pur- suits in New York, New Jersey and other eastern states, and a large por- tion of the time was in the patent right business. In 1870, he came West, and located in St. Joseph, on the 4th of July, of that year, and soon after engaged in trade at his present location. Mr. Green com- menced life in very meagre circumstances. He is of a liberal and sym- pathetic nature, and has had some heavy losses financially, by accom- modating other people. He has been twice married, first at Watertown, New York, in 1867, to Miss Azelman Van Pelt, her death occurred in St. Joseph, in 1871. In 1878, he married Miss Mattie Nelson, of Platte City, Missouri. Mr. Greene is a Master Mason, and a member of the I. O. O. F. Encampment.
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A. D. GREEN,
attorney-at-law, was born in Andrew County, Missouri, in 1855, and was raised on a farm. He was educated in the schools of St. Joseph and the State University at Columbia, Missouri. He made choice of the practice of law as a profession, and graduated from the Law Depart- ment of the State University in 1876. Since that time he has been actively engaged in the duties of his chosen occupation.
WILLIAM GRILL,
musician, was born July 12, 1828, at Grossen Rhueden, Hanover, Ger- many, and when only one year old his mother died, and his father was shot by accident and died when W. was twelve years old. His uncle then took charge of him and sent him to school. After his education, having shown much talent for music, his uncle gave him permission to join a musical combination, which went to Russia. He was with them for one year, and returned to his birth-place to secure a thorough musical educa- tion. In 1843, he was sent to Salzgitter, and became a pupil of Otto Schmidt, the leader of the city musicians, where he served his appren- ticeship for five years. Then went to Hanover and joined the citizen's military band for one year and a half. Returning to his first teacher, he played with his orchestra at different watering places for several seasons. In 1853, he was a member of the First German Marine Band of the man- of-war, Ernst August, which made a concert tour for two years through Northern Germany. Having had the desire to see America, he formed in 1855 a musical band and came to New York. He performed there and at Baltimore. In 1855, they dissolved, and Mr. Grill enlisted as a musi- cian in the United States marines, on the man-of-war, Merrimac, which was dispatched on a long trip. They visited England, France, Spain and the West Indies, and returned, after a stoppage at all the principal com- mercial points there, to Boston, Massachusetts, where the musicians were transferred to the frigate, Roanoke, which made a trip to Key West, Havana and Aspinwall. As the ship was damaged in a storm, they returned to Boston, and Mr. Grill was discharged. He went to New Orleans, where he stayed one year, and from there to St. Louis. In 1860, he enlisted as musician in the Third Infantry Regiment for three months, and August 17, 1861, he became leader of the music band of the First Regiment Missouri Volunteers, which position he retained until March, 1862, when he returned to St. Louis. To recover his health and to take advantage of the good prospects St. Joseph offered to a musician, he came to this place in 1865, and joined the St. Joseph Band. By his fine qualities as a musician and his great experience, he succeeded in bring- ing his band to a high standing, and found his troubles well paid by the acknowledgement of the public. He has been twice married-in 1858,
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to Miss Emilie Grill, who died in 1867. In 1868, he married Miss Eliza- beth Knoth. They have five children-Mina Emilie and Elise, twins, born March 29, 1869, of whom Elise died when fourteen months old ; Johann Fleinrich, born October 28, 1870; Henrietta Ottilie, born May 17, 1873 ; and Elise Wilhelmina, born October 25, 1879.
HEINRICH GRONEWEG.
dealer in cigars and tobacco. Mr. G. is the pioneer in this line in St. Joseph, and was born April 24th, 1821, at Lemfoerde, Hanover, Ger- many, where he was raised. After having received his education he was employed as clerk in the revenue collector's office at Lemfoerde, which position he filled until 1848, with the exception of a year and six months, which he served as soldier. In this year he emigrated to America and went from New York city to Cincinnati, Ohio, where he remained two years, then removed to St. Louis and was employed until 1852, when he came to St. Joseph and engaged in the cigar business. One year after his arrival he opened his own cigar manufacturing and tobacco business, which he carries on very successfully. He was married April 26th, 1857, to Miss Catharine Becker. They have six children : Heinrich, Carolina, Charles, William, Emma and George.
AUGUST GROSS,
cooper. This enterprising workman was born in New York city, March 27th, 1854, and when ten years of age came to Missouri with his parents, his father and the family locating in Weston, Platte County. There our subject was raised, educated and partially learned his trade. He worked as journeyman at various points, eventually locating in St. Joseph in 1874. He is well up in the business in all its branches and does a large amount of work. In 1880, Miss Lizzie Veosteen became his wife.
C. L. GROSSCUP,
engineer on the Kansas City, St. Joseph & Council Bluffs Railroad, is a native of New York, and was born in Canajoharie, Montgomery County August 11, 1842. His father, Henry, was a stone mason by trade, but followed farming. The family emigrated to Illinois when our sub- ject was quite young, and after a short sojourn removed to Galesburg, Illinois. In 1865, he commenced railroading on the Chicago, Burlington & Quincy as fireman, and in 1867, took charge of an engine, continuing with this company until 1870, when he came on what is now the Kansas City, St. Joseph & Council Bluffs Railroad, and has since been in their employ. During the war he was a soldier in the One Hundred and Sec- ond Illinois Volunteer Infantry, Company D, and participated in sixteen
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hard battles and numerous skirmishes; served until the close of the war when he was honorably discharged at Washington, D. C. Mr. C. has a. versatile and inventive mind, and has recently invented a packing for locomotives, which promises to revolutionize the old system, being a great improvement. It is highly indorsed by all railroad men and will no doubt come into general use. Was married, March 17, 1861, to Miss Mary M. Keller. By this union they have five children, Ida L., Mary L., Ellen A., Hattie and Charles K. He is a Master Mason, Knight Tem- plar, and a member of the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers.
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