The Carthage Gazette
Carthage, Illinois
Friday
June 19, 1936
Page 4Mrs. Geo. M. Brandon
Passed Away June 13Laura Ann Geddes, daughter of Colonel Thomas and Susan Rebecca (Walker) Geddes, was born at the old homestead about one and one-half miles northwest of Fountain Green, March 23, 1844, and passed away at the home of her son, Lynn, and Mrs. Brandon and family, at Macomb, Ill., Saturday morning, June 13, 1936, after a short illness, aged 92 years.
Her's was an ancestry of noble and worthy pioneers. Her parents came here from Path Valley, Pa., in 1837. They were of Scotch Irish descent and being of deep religious conviction they did not rest until their efforts were successful and they secured the organization of a Presbyterian church in this community, and the names of Thomas and Susan Rebecca Walker Geddes headed the list of charter members of Fountain Green Presbyterian church.
Ten children came to bless this home, Laura Ann being the seventh. Two died as babes; her five brothers, John, Walker, Robert, Cyrus and Thomas, and two sisters, Mary Evelyn and Mrs. Julia Geddes Henry are all deceased. In this Christian home Laura was well trained for the important places she so faithfully filled in home church and community.
In 1871 she was married to George Matthew Brandon, a valiant soldier of the Civil War, and a member of another of the prominent pioneer families of this vicinity. Six children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Brandon: Maude M., Royal B., Robert G., two who passed away in infancy, and Lynn G., all of whom with the husband, except the youngest son Lynn, have passed on to welcome her in the home beyond.
These children were carefully trained and educated. They were cultured and wonderfully gifted musically and were known here and elsewhere for their splendid musical ability, both as vocalists and instrumentalists giving much to the service and uplift of the church and all about them. Especially was the daughter, Maude, known for her splendid and wonderfully sweet voice which she gave so willingly to the church and social activities of the community. Maude became Mrs. Chas. A. Wilson and with Mr. Wilson spent several years as missionaries in Egypt.
Mrs. Brandon's life while a happy one, had many sorrows, but her faith in her Lord who doeth all things well, never faltered and she went bravely and cheerfully on in her ministrations of love and service. She was a member of the Presbyterian church for 85 years and practically all her life has been spent in this community, except for extended visits with her children, including a trip to Egypt to be with her daughter and family at the mission.
Although so advanced in age, she retained her interest in and was well informed on the vital issues of the day, but her deepest concern was for the spiritual welfare of all. She deeply loved her fourteen grandchildren and two great grandchildren. These with the son, Lynn, the many nieces and nephews, cousins and friends will cherish the memory of this beautiful long life, a monument more lasting than marble. M. R. W.
Funeral services for Mrs. Brandon were held Monday afternoon at two o'clock, at the church in Ftn. Green, conducted by Rev. J. M. Thompson. Mrs. George Latherow and Mrs. Leland Hobart, Miss Martha Walker as accompanist sang, The Little Brown Church in the Vale, and No Disappointments in Heaven. The flower ladened casket was tenderly borne by Messrs. Allen and Lynn Geddes, Kenneth McConnell, Frank Law, George Latherow and Miller Blackledge. After services the body was laid to rest in the family burying ground northwest of town known as McConnell cemetery.
Those attending the funeral from out of town were: Mr. and Mrs. Lynn Brandon and family and Mrs. Nellie Miller Huston, of Macomb; Lynn Geddes of Burlington, Ia.; Mrs. Ted Abbott and daughter of Ferris, Ill.; Mrs. Arthur Hayes, Mrs. Mary Brandon, Mr. and Mrs. Huey and W. R. Ferris of Carthage.
