Biography of Joseph A. Geddes, 1902, Baker Co. Oregon: Surnames: Geddes, Moore, Freligh.

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Transcribed for use in USGenWeb Archives by:
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An Illustrated History of Baker, Grant, Malheur and Harney Counties, pub. 1902
by Western Historical Pub. Co. of Chicago. page 287

Joseph A. Geddes

Mr. Geddes is a native of Canal Dover, Tuscarawas county, Ohio, born November
2, 1850, his parents being Joseph and Catherine (Moore) Geddes. In 1854 the
family removed to Williams county, in the subscription and public schools of
which he received a meager education. When he was nine years old his father
died, leaving a family of twelve children, so, youthful though he was, he had
to begin life's battle on his own account. He worked on the farms in his
neighborhood at whatever he could get to do. Though his earning capacity
increased, of course, as he grew older, he continued in the same line of
activity, namely, farm work, until he reached his majority, then he came west
by railroad to Kelton, Utah, thence by stage to Baker City, Oregon. For the
first two years after his arrival he sought his fortune in mining, but he then
determined to try the surer business of farming and stock raising, so he
purchased two hundred and forty acres of land about four miles north of town.
He followed these kindred industries until 1889, in which year he left his
farm in other hands and himself engaged in the meat market business in the
town. Two years later William Pollman bought in with him, forming the firm of
Geddes & Pollman. Mr. Geddes still owns the old home place and the firm to
which he belongs has title to about twelve hundred acres in the county, upon
which mammoth domain a large number of cattle find pasture. The firm is also
the owner of considerable city property.

Thus it will be seen that from a very humble beginning Mr. Geddes has wrought
his way until he has gained a place of no little prominence and power in the
commercial world. It must not be supposed, however, that business success is
the only form of achievement which has been his. He has ever been quite a
potent factor in the progress and development of his section, taking a lively
interest in the affairs of county and state, and for a number of years he has
served as a member of the city council.

Fraternally our subject is affiliated with the local lodges of the I.O.O.F.
and the A.O.U.W. His marriage was solemnized in the state of Indiana on
February 19, 1871, on which date Miss Eva J. Freligh became his wife. Their
union has been blessed by the advent of six children: Frank A., county clerk
of Baker county; Ora H., William E., J. Logan, deceased; Eva. M.; Josephine,
deceased.