Geck, Louis William

Louis W. Geck was a Polish national and veteran of the Mexican War who settled in Dona Ana County, New Mexico and became a prominent merchant. Geck was born in Warsaw in 1818, came to the U.S. in the 1830s, enlisted in 1841 and served two five year terms in the First United States Dragoons. Upon his discharge he received his Military Land Bounty, bought more land in Dona Ana County and Mesilla, New Mexico, married Sarah Aguiree and became a U.S. citizen. During the 1860s he conducted business with the Confederate Army and was accused of treason by the U.S. Army. He was exonerated by a military court and his confiscated goods were returned to him.