George Fiesman

Published in The Watch Word, July 1931:

"George Fiesman, a masterful engraver and die cutter, who has been a most valuable employee of Father Time's family for over forty-two years, retired on pension July 1 to enjoy a well earned vacation.

Mr. Fiesman, whose departure from the company will be keenly felt by officials as well as employees, has been paid the paramount compliment by those who know well of his marked ability, as being one of the most efficient die cutters in the country; a compliment that only a very few of his profession are deserving of.

Born in Bavaria, Germany, Mr. Fiesman came to this country in 1883 at the age of eighteen years. On June 26, of that year, this well known pensioner entered the services of the Elgin National Watch Company as an apprentice in the Engraving Department. His first duties in the factory were under the foremanship of the late A.F. Kelsey.

In 1889 the Seth Thomas Clock company of Thomaston, Conn., began the manufacture of watches. F.A. Goodrow, foreman of the Engraving department, was then head of the same room of the Seth Thomas company, and sent for Mr. Fiesman. Remaining with the clock company for about a year, Mr. Fiesman returned to Elgin and again entered the Engraving department on December 21, 1890, where he remained until September 11, 1891.

Having always been musically inclined, Mr. Fiesman became a member of the watch factory band during his early service with the company, and decided to leave the company and return to that profession. He went to St. Joseph, Mo., and also Omaha, Nebr., where he played the trombone in different theaters. He also was a member for two seasons of the famous Pryor band, and during the summers when the theaters were closed, he traveled with numorous shows, playing in everything from medicine shows to grand opera. He followed this profession for several years, during which time Mr. Kelsey of the Engraving department passed away during 1895 and F.A. Goodrow, then connected with the Western Bank Note company of Chicago, was made head of the Engraving room of the Elgin plant.

Mr. Goodrow, relaizing to the fullest extent Mr. Fieman's unusual ability as an engraver and die cutter, lost no time in inducing him to return to Elgin and he re-entered the factory on April 6, 1896, going again into the Engraving department where he worked continuously until his retirement.

During his long career of forty-two years and six months' service with the Elgin company, Mr. Fiesman gained wide experience and became most efficient and valuable to his employers.

Mr. Goodrow, who keenly feels the loss of Mr. Fiesman, who was more to him than an employee of his department, said in speaking of his retirement:

"I have never known an engraver who had the versatility, accuracy, speed, and artistic ability so evenly balanced as Mr. Fiesman. He would take any job that came along and carry it capably to a finish. He has certainly earned a long vacation and we all hope he enjoys it for many years to come. He leaves with the utmost respect and friendship of all, including the company officials. Personally, I shall miss him and his many helpful activities and companionship more than I can ever say."

During his long and faithful career in the Engraving department under Mr. Goodrow, Mr. Fiesman was classed as a jobmaster and during the absence of the foreman, had charge of the department.

With only workds of praise of the treatment received while an employee of Father Time's family, especially the factory officials with whom he came in contact, Mr. Fiesman bade his fellow workers adieu on June 30 and retired from active service."