Fred Kaiser

From the Franklin County Historical Register

George Frederick Kaiser: (Fred) was born on December 13, 1869, six months after his parents arrived in Ottawa. He was named after his mother's brother, Frederick Daab, and the name Frederick was passed down through the next four generations. Fred attended Ottawa University and graduated from the University of Kansas, School of Pharmacy in 1889. For eight years he worked at the S.H. Lucas Drugstore at 232 South Main. In 1897 he purchased the store and it became the Kaiser Palace Pharmacy. Fred was a popular and successful businessman, and, like his father, Peter, Fred was a social and civic-minded member of the community.

Fred died at age 58 in 1927, six months before his two older sons graduated from Kansas University.

Portrait and Biographical Record

George Fred Kaiser, who is successfully engaged in the drug business in Ottawa, of which city he is a progressive and public-spirited citizen, was born here December 13, 1869, a son of Peter and Elizabeth (Daab) Kaiser. He attended the high school of Ottawa, from which he graduated in 1885. Afterward for two years he carried on a course of study in Ottawa University. In 1887 he entered the department of pharmacy, State University of Kansas, where he took a complete course, graduating in 1889, with the degree of PH. G. He stood high in his class and was honored by being made valedictorian at the commencement exercises. He was a member of the Phi Gamma Delta and one of its leading workers.

In 1889 Mr. Kaiser became registered pharmacist in the drug store of S. H. Lucas, with whom he continued for a number of years, gaining meantime a thorough knowledge of the business. In 1897 he purchased his employer's store, at No. 232 South Main Street, and established Kaiser's pharmacy, which is well known as one of the reliable establishments of its kind in the city. A complete assortment of drugs is carried, as well as the other articles usually found in a drug store. Fraternally he is connected with the blue lodge and chapter of Masonry in Ottawa, is also a member of the Knights of Pythias and regent of the Royal Arcanum. At the organization of the Ottawa Camp Sons of Veterans he became one of its members, and continued with it until its disbandment. He is identified with the State Pharmaceutical Association and is a charger member of the Commercial Club. In his political views he is in sympathy with the Republican principals and has become actively connected with the party in his home town. At this writing he is a member of the city committee and during 1869 he served as secretary of the county committee.