Geeslin, Mark 2005-06-23
Mark Geeslin talks about his early life and education in West Texas, his service overseas in World War II, and his career as a county extension agent and county judge in Kent County, Texas.
General Interview Information
Interviewee Name: Mark Geeslin
Additional Parties Recorded:
Date: June 23, 2005
Location: Jayton, Texas
Interviewer: David Marshall
Length: 01:36:44
Abstract
Introduction; Background; Family history; Living in Stephenville, Texas; Father’s interest in dairy business; Chores on the farm as a boy; Living on the edge of town; Agricultural activities; Future Farmers of America; President of FFA; Qualifying for ranks; Boy Scouts of America; Activities while in Boy Scouts; Religious background; Influences in life; High School graduation and enlistment; Going overseas with the military; Belgium during WWII; Heavy combat in Germany; Units in World War II; Worms, Germany; Thoughts of death during the war; Bitter feelings towards German soldiers; Liberation of concentration camps; Piles of bodies found; Reactions from camp survivors; Ending of WWII; Assisting in burials; The war’s affect; Work as a military police; Discharge from the military; Life after the war; Finishing college; Moving to Dallas, Texas; Work as a lab assistant at a dairy; Becoming an instructor in Arkansas; Early aspirations; County agent in Graham, Texas; Agriculture emphasis in Graham, Texas; Beginnings of the 4-H Club; Seaman A. Knapp and the Porter Farm; Moving to Kent County in Texas; Drought in 1952; Mineral deficiencies in cattle; Public blame as a county agent; Boll weevil problems; Field work done by county agents; Cotton production in Kent County, Texas; Changes in Kent County; Wildlife management more important; Beef production; Land usage; Reasons for population decline; Migrant labor; Minority families in Kent County, Texas; Changes in Mesquite growth; Intensity of dust storms over the last 50 years; Voting to move county seat; Challenging the vote; County seat move to Jayton, Texas; Courthouse burned down; School consolidations; Transition from county extension agent to county judge; Retiring from county agent; Appointed to county judge; Out of office; Father’s death; Elected as county judge by write-in votes; House burned; Memorable events as county judge; Committee on Aging; Enjoying retirement; Prison ministry; Speaking opportunities.
Access Information
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Transcript: No transcript available
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