My Genealogy Hound

Capt. S. Geisreiter, planter, Pine Bluff, Ark. There are few men of the present day whom the world acknowledges as successful, more worthy of honorable mention, or whose history affords a better illustration of what may be accomplished by a determined will and perseverance, than Mr. Geisreiter. He was born in Bavaria, Germany, May 30, 1840, being the son of Jacob and Mary E. (Van Smuck) Geisreiter, natives of the same country. Capt. Geisreiter was left motherless when quite small, and his father was married the second time, after which, or in 1854, they emigrated to America, taking passage at Bremen and arriving in New York after a forty days’ ocean voyage. They remained there until 1858, and the father carried on his trade, that of architect, builder and cabinet maker, having, while in the old country, also conducted a large furniture manufactory. In 1858 he moved to Washington, Iowa, where he died one year later. Capt. S. Geisreiter was educated in Germany, and learned the cabinet maker’s trade, but soon found other pursuits more congenial to his taste and ability. After going to Washington, Iowa, he entered college, attending two terms; but meantime the war broke out; his patriot brother had enlisted from Minnesota and was killed at the battle of Gettysburg. Capt. S. Geisreiter promptly took his brother’s place and served until the close of the war. He ranked as first lieutenant, but by reason of the many duties he was called upon to perform, was given the title of captain. After cessation of hostilities he located at Pine Bluff (the army having brought him there on detached service), and was engaged in the real estate and insurance business, which he carried on for nine years. He then began planting, has since carried it on, and is now the owner of much choice land, while he also manages the plantations of his father-in-law, Mr. Joseph Merrill. The Captain is one of the most enterprising and successful men of the county, is honorable and upright in all his dealings, and as a useful, influential citizen, holds a conspicuous position in the community. He selected for his companion in life Miss Mary O. Merrill, now deceased, whom he married in November, 1877. After remaining a widower for eleven years he married Miss Linda Chinn, daughter of the late Dr. Rolla Chinn, of Shawhan, Bourbon County, Ky. Capt. Geisreiter is more than ready to do all he can for the advancement and permanent prosperity of his long-time home, the State of his selection and the country of his adoption. He is an active member of the Masonic fraternity and of the order of Knights of Pythias.