Emil N. J. Geisler Biography >From "History of Davenport and Scott County" Vol. II by Harry E. Downer-S. J. Clarke Publishing Co. 1910 Chicago. To view the picture of Emil J. Geisler that accompanies this biography, please go to the main Scott county, Iowa page at: http://www.celticcousins.net/scott/ and click on Pictures/ Documents section. Surnames: Geisler, Halkins, Clausen. In the beautiful semi-tropical and sunny land of southern California Emil N. J. Geisler is now spending the evening of life, but for many years was so closely and prominently associated with the growth and progress of Davenport and of Scott county as to render his history and integral chapter in the annals of this part of the state. He has passed the eighty-second milestone on life's journey, having been born on the 11th of April, 1828, in Lunden Dithmarschen, Schlesweig-Holstein, Germany in which country his father engaged in teaching. After his confirmation the son completed his studies at a university and then became a private teacher. In 1848 he enlisted for service in the war in which Germany was then involved and served as sergeant until the close of hostilities in 1851. Soon afterward he started for the United States to enjoy the liberties offered in the land of the free. He landed at New Orleans in June, 1852, and then came northward from the Crescent city to Davenport, which was then a small town of comparatively little commercial and industrial importance. He therefore accepted whatever work offered itself and was at different times employed at farming, in clerking and in private teaching. The years thus passed until 1857, during which time Mr. Geisler saved enough money with which to enter the grocery business on his own account. For seven years he conducted his store with good success, and in 1864 he sold the business and invested in a vineyard in West Davenport. He also gave his attention to the contracting business, building and selling houses, and his efforts as a speculative builder materially increased his financial resources. In 1875 he invested in farm lands and in company with several others laid out the now flourishing town of Marne. In all of his business affairs his efforts were so uniformly and capably directed that prosperity attended him and at the same time his efforts were of a character that promoted the welfare of the community as well as his individual success. In 1904 he removed to Coronado, California, where he now lives. Aside from business affairs Mr. Geisler was active in many ways whereby Davenport's interests were promoted. He assisted in bringing into existence the German free school and for many years was its president. He was also active in the erection of the Davenport Crematorium and served as its vice president. He became an enthusiastic member of the Academy of Science and his efforts in its behalf largely promoted its interests. He also joined the Turner Society and was ever an influential factor among the German people of this city. He has been made honorary member of various organizations, these societies being proud to have his name upon their membership roll. Mr. Geisler was married in Davenport on the 24th of December, 1855, to Miss Sophia Halkins, and in 1905 they celebrated their golden wedding in Coronado, California, their family, at that time consisting of a daughter and grand daughter, being present. Of their four children, two died in infancy, while one daughter, Adele, who became the wife of Otto Clausen, died in 1886. Mr. Geisler makes his home with his other daughter, Mrs. J. Clausen, his wife having passed away on the 15th of March, 1908. While now eighty-two years of age Mr. Geisler possesses uncommon vigor and activity for one of his years and in 1909 he made a trip to his old home in Germany, traveling all alone. Throughout his life he has been a man of friendly spirit, of hospitable disposition, and has ever looked upon the bright side, and because of his sterling qualities of manhood as well as his business activity and public spirit, he has won a host of friends who entertain for him the highest honor and respect. ~~~~~~*~~~~~~ Elaine Rathmann ACC Scott Co, IA USGenWeb Project List Adm: *IA-CIVIL-WAR *IA-DANES