Edward Franklin 'Pop' Geers

(1851-1924) Edward Franklin ‘Pop’ Geers was a dominant figure in American harness racing and a celebrity within the sport. Born in Lebanon, Tennessee, Geers worked as a stable boy before transitioning to training and driving horses in competitive racing. Geer’s humble and modest demeanor, as well as his disciplined handling of horses earned him the nickname “Pop”.

His reputation extended past the track, as Geers was instrumental in developing and promoting Standardbred bloodline to produce superior horses, both pacers and trotters.

Geers was perhaps best known in Maury County for his handling of such famous racing horses like Hal Pointer and Napoleon Direct. “The Silent Man from Tennessee” set a record with Napoleon Direct in 1916, covering a mile in under two minutes. Geers tragically passed in 1924 after suffering injuries during a racing accident.

He was laid to rest in Rose Hill Cemetery and in 1926, a memorial park complete with granite obelisk was dedicated in Geer’s honor. He was inducted into the Grand Circuit Hall of Fame in 1958 in recognition of his many victories in harness racing.

Information provided by Tom Price, Director of The Maury County Archives.