Geiger was among the many local residents who, per local tradition, made a visit to the Whitley County Historical Museum on the Thursday of Old Settlers Days week and signed the roster of “Old Settlers.” As usual, settlers of all ages signed in – this year the ages ranged from age five to 97.
After tabulation by a committee of volunteers headed by Gloria Smith, Geiger was selected as the winner of both the Whitley County’s Oldest Settler and Longest Continuous Resident awards. The awards presentation of these awards has been an annual tradition since the first of such awards was presented at the first Old Settlers Day in 1904.
Born in Rome City, Geiger moved to Whitley County as a baby in 1916 and grew up just north of Churubusco on the family farm.
At the age of 18, he married Mabel Marie Cotton, and the couple moved to the home where they lived for their entire adult lives, where they raised their seven children and where he still lives today. Mrs. Geiger died in 1996.
Geiger’s seven children include Bonnie Nicodemus, Gene Geiger, Paul Lee Geiger, Darlene Delanoy, Junior Geiger, DeLynn Geiger and a son, Melvin, who is deceased.
He has 27 grandchildren and many, many great-grandchildren.
Primarily a livestock and grain farmer, Geiger cared for about four farms over the years. He also raised dairy cattle, hogs, chickens and, according to his son, DeLynn, did a fair amount of butchering over the years. Additionally, he drove a school bus.
Farming isn’t an easy job – and it can be dangerous too. In 1962, he lost one arm in a farming accident. Ten years later, in 1972, he lost his other arm in an accident involving a corn picker.
On April 21, 2007, he nearly lost his life in a fire – suffering significant burns on his body. But, with the tenacity he’s had to live his life, he fought and survived.
“Doctors said he’s a miracle guy,” said son DeLynn, smiling proudly as he looked at his father standing near the stage to accept his awards Thursday night.
So, at the age of precisely 97 years, five months and nine days, Geiger accepted his awards Thursday standing onstage before a vast lawn filled with festival goers, all cheering for him.
After accepting his award, Geiger demonstrated how he uses a spoon, fork, pencil and other utensils that were specially made for him by his brother. Geiger also has custom made tools for use on the farm as well.
Geiger shared how the Lord has promised a new body for him in heaven one day and said, “Do you think I’ll appreciate a new body now!”
His daughter, Darlene, also addressed the crowd, saying how much she appreciated the faith and Christian example set forth by her parents. She also thanked them for the work ethic they passed along to their children: “To this day, all of us are who are we are because of Mom and Dad’s teaching.”
Story and photos by Jennifer Zartman Romano of talkofthetownwc.com – a partner with buscovoice.com in the Whitley News Network.
