BIOGRAPHIES

Source:
History of Noble County, Ohio
with portraits and biographical sketches of some of its pioneers and prominent men. 
Chicago:  L. H. Watkins & Co., 
1887

For Reference: Noble County was formed in 1851

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Geo. E. Geddes

Noble Twp. - GEORGE E. GEDDES - This gentleman, one of the prominent citizens of Noble Township, was born in Manchester Township, Morgan County, Ohio, Mar. 6, 1833.  His father, James Geddes, was one of the early settlers of this township, was born in Philadelphia County, Pa., in 1788, moved to Columbiana County, Ohio, about the year 1800, and from thence to Morgan County, Ohio, in 1817.  He was of Scotch parentage, and was a soldier of the War of 1812 with Great Britain.  He served under Gen. William H. Harrison, and died in 1853.      George E., the Subject of this narrative, started in life a poor boy, with poor health, having inherited by nature a very frail constitution.  By industry, economy and good business habits, he has placed himself among the most successful farmers of the county.  He received a good English education, having studied surveying and the higher mathematics; followed teaching from 1865 till 1862; was elected justice of the peace in Noble Township in 1859, and re-elected in 1862.  On July 4, 1863, he was commissioned, by Gov. Todd, captain of Company H, First Regiment Ohio Militia, and on Sept. 4, 1863, was Commissioned as lieutenant-colonel, by Gov. Todd, of the First Regiment Ohio Militia.  In 1878 he was the Greenback candidate for Congress in the Fifteenth Congressional District, composed of the counties Monroe, Morgan, Washington, Athens and Noble.  His name has frequently been mentioned in connection with offices of trust and responsibility in the county.  In 1855 Mr. Geddes was married to Miss Mary A. Brown, a lady of rare good common sense, and of excellent family, but handicapped, like her husband, with a frail and weak constitution.  Her father, Edward G. Brown, came from Rhode Island.  Two sons were born to Mr. and Mrs. Geddes: James Kennon and Edmond Burns.  James K. married Miss Irene Young, of Chandlersville, Ohio; Edmond B. married Miss Effie M. Rummer, of Lowell, Ohio.  Both of these young men are surveyors and civil engineer, who have become conspicuous in their profession.  George E. was raised and education a State-rights Democrat, but the late civil war, with its threatened disintegration of the Union, revealed to him the fact, that the right of a State to withdraw form the Union at pleasure, was fatal to a general government.  He is now a strong Protectionist, believing it to be the duty of the general Government to foster, encourage, develop and protect our home industries.  He is an extensive reader, well versed in the politics of our country.  Progressive in thought, he stands well abreast in all the political, social and religious reforms of the country.  Though raised a Methodist, he believes strongly in the decrees and ordinations of God.  Socially, Mr. Geddes is gentlemanly and agreeable. Source:  History of Noble County, Ohio - Publ. Chicago: L. H. Watkins & Co., 1887 - Page 505