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Transcribed from "An Illustrated History of The Big Bend Country, embracing
Lincoln, Douglas, Adams and Franklin counties, State of Washington",
published by Western Historical Publishing Co., 1904.
WILLIAM RAYMOND GEE resides about
twelve miles northwest from Sprague on a half section of land which forms
his estate. In addition to this, he farms two sections more of rented
land, in the wealthy wheat producing sections of Lincoln county.
His place is provided with comfortable and convenient improvements and
all machinery and stock needed for its successful handling.
In the days when men were needed to repel
the attacks of those who were determined to break the union, Mr. Gee willingly
gave his services and an account of that will stir admiration in the hearts
of all that will read it. He was but seventeen years of age when
on October 2, 1861, he enlisted as private in Company G, Fifty-ninth Ohio
Volunteer Infantry, being mustered in at Cincinnati. The first strong
engagement was the battle of Mills Spring although he had seen some skirmishes
previous to that time. Then came the terrible Shiloh. After
that, he fought at Stone river, at Murfreesboro, then at Franklin
and after that was with Buell on his forced march across the country to
repel Beauregard. Next we see Mr. Gee in the battle of Perryville,
Kentucky, and following that was the awful conflict of Missionary Ridge.
He was also among the men who made the charge up Lookout Mountain.
He took part in the Battle of Chickamagua and at Nashville, Tennessee.
Then he was with Sherman on the famous march to Atlanta, being in the fights
and skirmishes, during the march. As soon as he reached Atlanta,
he was sent back under General Thomas to Nashville. The term of service
for his regiment had expired as had also that of the Thirteenth Ohio, but
they voted to remain to the end and did so. Afterward, Mr. Gee enlisted
in Company D, First Regular Cavalry and continued in the service until
the 29th of January, 1869, being discharged at Fort Lapwai, Idaho, with
a most excellent record. He had been private orderly to Major General
McDowell during the last term of enlistment. When the Spanish-American
War broke out, Mr. Gee tendered his services to General Corbin an old schoolmate
and received the prompt reply that when the old Civil War Veterans should
be needed, he should be remembered. Upon his discharge in the west,
he returned to Ohio and began farming in Clermont county, continuing there
until 1889, the date of his emigration to this country. He settled
first at Medical Lake, taking a homestead, then went to Mondovi, whence
he came to his present location, twelve miles northwest of Sprague.
William R. Gee was born in Hamilton county,
Ohio, in March, 1844, the son of George and Mary A. (Gregg) Gee.
The father was born in Nottingham, England, and came to the United States
in 1840. He died in Clermont county, Ohio. The mother was born
in Virginia and she also died in Clermont county.
William was favored with a common school education
and a short course in a private academy which was interrupted by his enlistment
above mentioned.
In November, 1872, Mr. Gee married Miss Jennie,
the daughter of James and Jane (Wauer) Archard, natives of Clermont county,
Ohio, where also they died, the father in 1873, and the mother in 1900.
To this union three children have been born; Louis, at home; Jeanie, a
graduate of the Cheney Normal School and engaged in teaching; and Charles,
at home.
Mr. Gee is a member of the Masons and also
the G. A. R. He may well take pride in that he has faithfully served
his country, has made a success of life financially, and has raised an
interesting and nice family. At the present time he is one of the
highly respected men of the county. He and his wife have journeyed
faithfully on together for many years and are now deserving of the joys
and comforts awarded to those who have wisely provided for the golden days
of their lives.
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