The LaHarper
LaHarpe, Illinois
January 29, 1915
Page 1
Columns 4 & 5ROBERT P. GEDDES
After a few weeks illness from a complication of diseases, Robert P. Geddes passed away at his home, two miles northwest of Fountain Green, on the evening of Thursday, Jan. 21, 1915, aged 75 years and 13 days.
He was the fifth in a family of ten children born to Thomas and Rebecca Geddes, early and honored pioneers of Fountain Green township, where they located in 1836, having left their home in southeastern Pennsylvania to make for themselves a dwelling place in the new and uncultivated waste lands of Illinois. They erected the first frame house in the neighborhood, building it upon the farm they many years owned and occupied, where the subject of this sketch was born and where he died.
The family of which Robert Geddes was a worthy representative, early became prominently identified with the church and social life of Fountain Green and took their place in the higher councils of this community. To write of the days of his youth, spent in his father's home, would be to record much that has contributed to the mental, moral and spiritual growth and advancement of Fountain Green, each and all giving their influence and liberal support to those agencies which promote the public welfare, and make possible a high type of Christian citizenship. Of this family there are now but four survivors, Capt. Cyrus Geddes, of Eldorado, Kansas; Mrs. Julia Henry, of Peoria; Mrs. Laura Brandon, and Thomas Geddes, of this vicinity.
When our national life was endangered -- when war clouds hung heavy and low -- and the country called for the support of her loyal sons -- of the 165 brave men from Fountain Green township who responded to the summons for volunteers, the name of Robert Geddes was the first recorded. Of this number were also three of his brothers, John, Walker and Cyrus. Captain Walker Geddes fell at the battle of Champion Hill, while commanding his company. He sleeps in a honored grave in the sunny southland.
On the 24th day of May, 1861, Robert Geddes enlisted in Co. D., 16th Ill. Infantry. He was mustered into service in Quincy and was soon thereafter ordered to the front. Four long years he followed the Stars and Stripes. They were years filled with exposure and hardship, and marked by strenuous and brave endeavor for the cause he loved and served. He was with Sherman in his famous march to the sea and took part in all the conflicts great and small in which the Army of the Cumberland played prominent part. Although many times in the thickest of the fight, upon fields of car
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death reaped heavy toll, yet he escaped serious injury and continued in active service, with the regiment as they later marched to Richmond and on to Washington, where he participated in the grand review in the Capital city.
One incident of this occasion was to Mr. Geddes an ever vivid and pleasant memory. The battle scarred war worn veterans marched before the throngs of people gathered to honor the preservers of our Union. Close to the passing troops a lady waited with a wreath of beautiful flowers, arranged to decorate the flag which gave evidence of hardest usage. As Robert Geddes came along bearing the regimental colors, which were tattered and torn by shot and shell, she signaled to him. At her request he lowered the standard, the wreath was twined about it and he marched proudly on.
With the conflict ended, he received honorable discharge at Springfield on July 17, 1865, and returned to his home.
Mr. Geddes had been given the best education the public schools of the times afforded, but the year following his return from the army, went to Poughkeepsie, N.Y., where he entered a business college for a course of study. He later returned to Illinois and on March 21, 1871, was united in marriage to Elizabeth M. Brandon. Six children were born to them. Two have passed over to the other side, Charlie in early childhood, Edward in young manhood. Those surviving are Paul, of Keokuk; Lynn, of Fort Madison; Mrs. Mary Abbott, of Ferris; and Mrs. Grace Mosley, of Carthage. There are also six grandchildren.
Upon his marriage, Mr. Geddes purchased 80 acres of land joining his father on the south and west, which was his home until the death of his parents in 1891, when, with his family he removed to the old homestead where he has since held residence. On Oct. 25, 1905 the beloved wife and mother was called to her reward.
Mr. Geddes was a man of strong vitality, and retained in marked degree his abundant health and strength until these later months. His illness which had its beginning some weeks ago, revealed a badly weakened organization, and conditions which left little room to hope for permanent recovery. The presence and ministry of his children have brightened his sick room and done much toward cheering these closing days. Although rallying from repeated attacks of pain and suffering his decline has been sure. After a more than usually comfortable day, very unexpectedly to his watching loved ones, he passed away, peacefully and quietly falling asleep, as one "who wraps the drapery of his couch about him, and lies down to pleasant dreams."
Mr. Geddes will be greatly missed he was one of the best and most highly esteemed citizens of this community, and was held in sincere regard by a large circle of relatives and friends who extend sympathy to his family and unite with them in mourning his departure. A lifetime resident of this community, he has witnessed its growth and development and has borne his part in the work or public improvement. He was a warm friend of all educational interests, was himself a great reader and looked upon his books and papers as choice companions. He was well informed upon all the leading questions and issues of the day and was capable of advising wisely and well all who came to him for counsel. He greatly enjoyed the company of his friends and especially the meeting with old comrades in the encampments of the G. A. R. with which he was connected.
Mr. Geddes was converted in early life and has a long time been actively identified with the Presbyterian church of Fountain Green where he has served as Elder for many years. He has often represented the organization at Presbytery and Synod. He was ready at all times to bear his share of burdens and responsibility, and his support and influence were a sure and safe reliance. His presence will be sadly missed by all who gather within the portals of the old church where he has so long and so faithfully paid homage to God of his fathers and his God.
A brave soldier, a devoted father, a kind brother, a loyal friend, an earnest Christian has passed on to receive the reward of his labors.
The funeral services were held at the Presbyterian church in Fountain Green Sunday, January 24, 1915, at 11 o'clock a.m., Rev. L. C. Gray officiating. Burial in McConnell cemetery.
