Geddesi  
 
 

Transcribed from "History of North Washington, an illustrated history of Stevens, Ferry, Okanogan and Chelan counties", published by Western Historical Publishing Co., 1904.


     IRVIN R. GEDDES, of the firm of Geddes & Page, who operate a first-class livery and transfer business in the town of Chelan, is well known as a thorough and capable business man, who, by dint of hard labor and careful management has secured an excellent competence of this world's goods.
     Irvin R. Geddes was born in Polk county, Iowa, on November 7, 1853, the son of Samuel S. and Elizabeth (Nagle) Geddes, natives of Ohio and Iowa, respectively, and now dwelling in Ida county, Iowa, where they own a fine and valuable estate.  The parents both come from old and well known American families which were always identified with the cause of freedom and the upbuilding of this nation.  The father has held various official positions, but is now retired from active life.  The mother's father was closely connected with the Iowa State Register, the old Republican paper of Des Moines, for many years.  Our subject was reared in Des Moines, Iowa, liberally educated in the public schools, and in Ames College at Ames, Iowa.  He remained with his father until twenty-five years of age then went to Iowa county, farmed and opened a livery business.  Five years later he removed thence to Utah where he followed various occupations for several years, then came a trip overland with horses to Spokane, after which he went to Edwall, Washington, bought land and farmed for six years.  Like many others he was overtaken by hard times, so sold his stock and located in the livery business at Waterville.  For four years he did well, securing in the meantime a section of land in addition to the homestead.  He still owns this farm land and rents it.  In 1900 he sold his interest in the livery in Waterville and together with Mr. Page established their present business.  In addition to doing a general livery business, for which they were thoroughly equipped with good stock, fine rigs and so forth, they handle the stage and entire transfer business from the landing to the town of Chelan.  They are prosperous and progressive men and stand well in the community.  Mr. Geddes has two brothers and two sisters, George, Arthur, Lettie and Cordelia.
     At the bride's residence in Ida county, Iowa, Mr. Geddes married Miss Ada Harrison, whose parents were natives of Ireland.  Mrs. Geddes has three brothers and two sisters, Thomas, Matthew, David, Lizzie Nightsee and Mary Arthur.  Three children, Mamie, Hazel and Saylor have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Geddes.  Mrs. Geddes was highly educated and for a number of years was a very successful teacher.  She is a communicant of the Congregational church.  Mr. Geddes is a Republican and a man of excellent judgment and wisdom.