Newly re-printed by Brentwood Christian Press and available directly from The Horse Soldier is this 216 page softcover book featuring a compilation of the writings of John Geiselman. His writing consists of his life story and poetry about meaningful subjects, places and people in his life. Text accompanied by numerous black and white photographs.

The book was first published in 1996 and sold out; this new second printing includes an added chapter. John Plank Geiselman (1916-2001) was born near Gettysburg but lived most of his life on the Geiselman family farm near Barlow, Pennsylvania. John's life story begins by covering his early life from becoming a foster child at the age of six, to his final adoption in adulthood and much more. Reflections vividly describes early twentieth century rural life. John's main life's work consisted of farming and custodial work. In his spare time, from childhood on, John collected Indian artifacts, Civil War relics and country store memorabilia. John was a gentleman with many talents. He was a writer, poet and artist. He also yodeled and played the harmonica quite well. He loved the students at Gettysburg Junior High School where he was custodian, and they respected him in turn.

Author Linda Cleveland, Gettysburg, compiled and edited Reflections. She received many requests for additional books but none were available. Several reported find the book at estate auctions. As items from the Geiselman estate were sold, many wanted to know the story behind the items. John's life story brings a conclusion to that question, and that prompted Linda to reprint the book. In life, John's desire and joy came from sharing and giving, and his legacy continues even now. Cleveland remarked, "One perfect exampale for having this reprint is nine-year-old Eric Hemler, who has a couple of dozen Indian arrowheads from the Geiselman collection and appreciates the historical value of them. Eric's uncle gifted him John's book, givin meaning to his treasure." The last chapter of Reflections explains how this is true as each item is cherished and cared for wherever it rests and is being shared with others.

This book provides insight in rural life in Adams County in days past, and provides a fine accompaniment to any of the items from Mr. Geiselman's extensive collection of Civil War relics.

The Horse Soldier is pleased to offer a number of items from the John P. Geiselman collection, a collection that was on display for many years at the Geiselman Country Store Museum on Barlow - Two Taverns Road. Geiselman began his collecting as a child in the early 1920s, and during the pre-World II period had access to artifacts that had been purchased earlier at the estate sales of the Trostle, Rogers, Rose, Weikert, and Wentz farms - local properties that figured prominently in the battle and its aftermath. During this period he had access as well to the Hill , Plank, and Stewart collections, and was able to acquire other items that had been sold from turn-of-the-century relics establishments such as the Danner, Ziegler, and Oak Ridge Museums. Furthermore, Geiselman carefully documented most artifacts, and collectors perusing the list will be able to note, in many instances, not only the source of the relic and the date of its recovery, but also the part of the battlefield from which it came. In other words, his collection is the last major grouping of Gettysburg artifacts assembled and documented by a local resident.