Geary Street in San Francisco is named after John Geary, San Francisco's first mayor. So are Geary Counties in Pennsylvania and in Kansas where he served as governor. Geary, a giant of a man, standing over 6-foot-6 and weighing 250 pounds, ruled over more territories, cities and states in his short life than befalls the most ambitious politician. Undoubtedly his size, penetrating gaze and mercurial temper intimidated friends and foes alike, but his ability to lead was never in question. Whether appointed by the President or a general or elected by the populace, Geary assumed the top posts and served with distinction, bravery and a strong ethical streak that grated on his political enemies. Award-winning author Daniel Alef's biographical profile describes Geary's political and military career from the Pacific to the Atlantic, a story of a rare breed who never wavered from his vision or tenets, a brawler equally adept in a bar fight, a war or in the political battles common to smoke-filled rooms of political machines. This is also a tale of great tragedies in one very successful man's life. [1,648-word Titans of Fortune article]
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