The Gus Kiesow Story

Facts from Annella A. Kiesow

The story of Gus W. Kiesow is the story of Jacksonville's being motorized. It was on March 4, 1912, that G. W. Kiesow delivered a new Cadillac to Mrs. S. E. Jones in Jacksonville. She had selected it from a catalog. It was his intention to remain a few days for the purpose of familiarizing the owner with operation of the new automobile. It was the first car delivered in Cherokee County which had an electric self-starter. It was driven here from Houston by Mr. Kiesow over almost nonexistent roads.

Proving his familiarity with the mechanism of this vehicle, as well as other makes, Mr. Kiesow was induced by several business men to remain and embark in the automobile service and repair business. There were but 22 cars in Jacksonville then, mostly new; so it was a venture of doubtful outcome to enter upon an exclusive repair business at that time.

On March 18, 1912, he opened a repair shop on South Bolton and Rusk streets, adjoining Claude Braly's blacksmith shop. Two months later the shop was moved to what was the old creamery building on Commerce Street, a building better adapted to the business. This location was about where Staton Building Materials is located today. Business came slowly at first and the outlook for several months was discouraging for Jacksonville Motor Company.

After a prosperous fruit season the same year, several business men purchased automobiles from Jacksonville Motor Company and things took a turn for the better. Continuous increase in number of cars and expert workmanship created more business for the company. On April 1, 1913, the repair department was sold and sales and service department was continued for about another year.

In March, 1914, a modern brick building was erected at the corner of South Ragsdale and Wilson streets and all departments of automobile repair work and service resumed including agency for sale of Packards. This building still stands and is in use today. Additional mechanics were added as business increased. In addition to tools for ordinary repair work, the company advertised in the Cherokee County Banner that they could provide many other services, including "free air, supplies, gasoline, storage battery service, magnetizer, forge, oxygen carbon remover and oxy-acetylene welding outfit." Another ad stated that "Jacksonville Motor Company is prepared to overhaul your car from radiator to tail lamp and from tires to top."

A native of Mantiwoc, Wisconsin, Kiesow became a Texan upon arrival here at age 18 and typically, always sang the praises of his adopted State and town. He died on April 10, 1956, at age 66.

His wife, Mrs. Annella (Armstrong) Kiesow, assisted by Percy Hall, manager, closed the business after his death. Mrs. Kiesow continues to reside here.

Gus Kiesow, age 18.

Kiesow's Garage where Jacksonvilleites had cars serviced for many years until his death in 1956. Corner of S. Ragsdale and Wilson streets.