Biography - ANDREW J. KEISER

Andrew J. Keiser, one of the prosperous and progressive citizens of Macoupin county, is successfully identified with business interests as the secretary and treasurer of the firm of Keiser Brothers, proprietors of the Anchor Rolling Mills at Mount Olive. His birth occurred in Prussia, Germany, on the 28th of September, 1845, his parents being John J. and Geske (Heien) Keiser, of whom more extended mention is made on another page of this work in connection with the sketch of C. J. Keiser, a brother of our subject. In 1854 our subject accompanied his parents on their emigration to the new world, the family home being established in Macoupin county, Illinois, where he acquired a good education in private and public schools. In 1869 he started out as an agriculturist on his own account, coming into possession of a tract of one hundred and eighty acres of valuable land, to the development of which he gave his undivided attention for several years. This farm is situated just across the line in Montgomery county. In 1875 Mr. Keiser purchased an additional tract of two hundred acres adjoining his first farm, bringing the property under a high state of cultivation and improvement. The farm early became known as one of the most valuable and best improved in the community, the various buildings thereon being both modern and substantial. In 1874 Mr. Keiser became associated with his brother, C. J. Keiser, and others in opening and operating mines under the firm style of the Mount Olive Coal Company. The brothers had personal control of the mines and took out some sixty car loads of coal daily. The property was later voted to be transferred to the Consolidated Coal Company of St. Louis, under whom, with broader facilities, the output was increased two or threefold. These mines are said to be among the best in the state. For the past three decades Mr. Keiser has been associated with the Anchor Rolling Mills, acting as the secretary, treasurer and business manager of the concern. The mills are among the largest in this section of the country and the business has reached extensive and profitable proportions, being both domestic and foreign. The elevator which is conducted in connection with the mills has a capacity of twenty-five thousand bushels. Mr. Keiser possesses untiring energy, is quick of perception, forms his plans readily and is determined in their execution, and his close application to business and his excellent management have brought to him the high degree of prosperity which is today his.

Mr. Keiser has been married twice. In 1869 he wedded Miss Anna Ross, a daughter of Gerd and Mareke (Arkebauer) Ross, natives of Germany, who emigrated to the United States in early life. Their union was blessed with three children, namely: Mary and John, both of whom are deceased; and Anna G. The wife and mother passed away in 1875 and in 1876 Mr. Keiser was again married, his second union being with Miss Frances L. Ross, a sister of his first wife and a native of Alton, Illinois. Four of the nine children born to them died in infancy. The others are John G., Herman A., Andrew J. F., Ida and Edna.

Mr. Keiser is a republican and his fellow townsmen, recognizing his worth and ability, have chosen him to serve in a number of local offices. He has discharged his duties with marked ability and fairness, for he is a most loyal, public-spirited citizen. As a business man he has been conspicuous among his associates, not only for his success, but for his probity, fairness and honorable methods. In everything he has been eminently practical and this has been manifest not only in his business undertakings but also in social and private life. In religious faith he is a Lutheran and his wife and children likewise belong to the church of that denomination.

Extracted 15 Nov 2018 by Norma Hass from History of Macoupin County, Illinois: Biographical and Pictorial, by Charles A. Walker, published in 1911, Volume 2, pages 442-445.