Untitled Document

JOSEPH GEIGER

Mr. Ggiger was born at New Orleans in 1859, a son of Reinhart Geiger, born in Germany, who came to the United States in 1854. He and his wife had six children: Joseph; Sophie, Mrs. Joseph Burkhart; August of Rock Island; Reinhart, also of Rock Island; John of California; and Frank of Denver. After Mr. Geiger's birth, the family moved to New York City and later to La Salle and Ottawa, Ill., coming to Rock Island when he was ten years old.

As Joseph Geiger began working at an early age in a cigar factory here he had but little opportunity to study, his schooling being limited to three terms at public and parochial schools. By the time he was sixteen years old, he had learned the trade of cigar making. Later, he went to Chicago, and then to Milwaukee. In the latter place he was married, in December, 1882, to Margaret Ruth. That same month, they came to Rock Island, and he began manufacturing cigars in the corner of a living room on Sixteenth street, between Third and Fourth avenue. His stock consisted of five dollars worth of tobacco. He bought in these small quantities, and made his cigars alone. So excellent was his quality, that within eight months, he had to employ a helper, and in two years, he rented his first store room at No. 801 Third avenue, where he gave employment to four men. In 1886 he moved to No. 1312 Third avenue, when he gave employment to eight men, and he remained in that location until 1891, when he came to his present factory, and here he has built up his immense business.

Mr. and Mrs. Geiger have had the following children: Joseph, Frank. Emma and Elizabeth, deceased; Delia and Albert at home; Minnie, Mrs. George Aster of Rock Island; and Walter, Frank. Margaret and Lillian, living at home. Mr. Geiger belongs to the Roman Catholic church. Politically, he is a democrat and in 1890, was elected alderman from the third ward of Rock Island. He belongs to the Knights of Columbus, Modern Woodmen of America, Elks, Eagles and Rock Island Maennerchor. Singing Society, of which he is now president He has held offices in the other orders. An excellent business man, and public spirited citizen, Mr. Geiger has many friends and is a recognized factor in the commercial life of Rock Island county.

Submitted by Tom Moore

Illinois Ancestors

030907