Michael H. Geiselman

"MICHAEL H. GEISELMAN, farmer, P. O. Centennial, a native of this township, was born May 6, 1848, on the old homestead which his grandfather, Michael Geiselman, had purchased from McCreary, who bought it from the Indians and from the Government. Michael Geiselman, Sr., was born in York County, Penn., and came here from near Abbottstown, Penn.; married Catharine Keller, and had seven children: Daniel, Samuel, Mary A., Catharine, Sarah, Louise and Michael. The parents died in Hanover, Penn., aged seventy-four and eighty-three years, respectively. The paternal great-grandfather of our subject, a native of Prussia, married a Polish lady (both had immigrated to America in youth), and settled in York County, Penn., where they lived, died, and are buried. The grandmother was interred in winter time, under an apple tree, close to the house, which was on an embankment, fifty feet high, near Seven Valley, and over which the Northern Central Railroad now runs. Of the seven children born to Michael and Catharine (Keller) Geiselman, Samuel was born near Abbottstown, Adams County, Penn., has been a farmer all his life, but is now living retired in Hanover, Penn. He inherited the old homestead, and has much improved it. He married Catharine, daughter of Harry Felty, an old settler, whose father was a captain in the Revolutionary war. To this union were born seven children, two of whom died in infancy, and one, Samuel A., when twenty-two years of age. Those now living are Michael H., Mrs. Sarah A. Heaggy, Charles W., John C., a merchant at Hanover, Penn. Of these Michael H. was educated near home, has been a farmer all his life, and now owns a part of the old homestead. He was married to Miss Sarah E., daughter of George Basehoar, and by this union has six children: Mary K., Sarah G., Harris B., Annie M., Michael L. and Elsie I. Mr. and Mrs. Geiselman are members of the Lutheran Church. Politically he is a Democrat."