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HANS KEISER

Hans Keiser, who, like many of the enterprising citizens of this locality, is an American by adoption only, was born in Gelterkinden, Switzerland, June 16, 1868, the son of Jacob and Mary (Luescher) Keiser. The father was a well known educator, having taught in the public schools for a period of fifty-four years, he being well educated and by nature qualified for this special line of work. He received his education at the Peach Seminary, Beuggen, Germany. He and his wife were the parents of seven children.

Hans Keiser was educated in Schiers College, Switzerland. Owing to ill health lie left that institution and came to America in 1887, coming direct to a farm in Fayette county, Iowa, on which he worked for one year, then worked in a furniture store and the post-office in Elgin, Pleasant Valley township, the post-office being kept at that time in a grocery store; Mr. Keiser worked at this for about four years, then he entered the insurance business in connection with music teaching, having received his musical education in Switzerland and being naturally gifted he made a success of this line of work. His services were in demand and he followed that until 1898, when he was appointed postmaster and has since held the office to his credit and the entire satisfaction of the department at Washington and all concerned. He is obliging, courteous and prompt in his duties and is popular with all classes here. He also still continues to do a good business in insurance and music teaching! , thus being kept very busy, but he never slights any part of his many duties.

Mr. Keiser was married in 1894 to Mary Falb, a native of Switzerland and the daughter of John and Katherine (Waelti) Falb, who came to America, direct to Fayette county Iowa. the father being a miller by trade and he operated a mill about two miles from Elgin. The following children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Keiser: Edith, Katherine. Harry Jacob and Julius, the last named dying when thirteen months old. Mr. Keiser is a member of the German Baptist church and politically he is a Republican. He is a member of the school board and also teaches the choir of the Baptist church. He takes considerable interest in party affairs and is always ready to do his part in furthering any movement that is calculated to improve the condition of Fayette county. He is well liked in all circles, and he numbers his friends only by the limits of his acquaintance.

~transcribed for the Fayette Co IAGenWeb Project by Ann Borden