Biography of George W. Geddes, pages 648/649.  History of DeKalb 
County, Indiana; B. F. Bowen & Company, Inc., Indianapolis, 1914.



George W. Geddes



	In placing the subject of this sketch in the front rank of 
Butler’s business men, simple justice is done to a biographical fact, 
universally recognized by men at all familiar with his history.  A man 
of judgment, sound discretion and business ability of a high order, he 
has managed with tactful success important enterprises and so impressed 
his individuality upon the communit6y as to gain recognition among its 
leading citizens and public-spirited men of affairs.

	George W. Geddes, who is numbered among the leading business men 
of Butler, Indiana, was born in DeKalb county on October 29, 1863, and 
is the son of Robert and Sarah (Dunn) Geddes, who were natives of Stark 
county, Ohio. Robert Geddes was one of the early settlers of DeKalb 
county and here followed farming all his active life.  To him and his 
wife was born one child, the subject of this sketch. The father is now 
deceased and is still survived by his widow.

	George W. Geddes received his education in the common schools of 
DeKalb county and then took up the study of pharmacy at the age of 
sixteen years under the direction of Dr. M. J. Bolan, continuing in the 
latter’s employ for several years. Dr. Bolan then sold his store, the 
firm becoming Fanning & Shoub, with who Mr. Geddes continued for a time 
and then the firm name became consecutively Fosdick & Son, then Kehre & 
Stone, with whom Mr. Geddes remained for twelve years.  He than bought 
the store where he had first begun to work, the firm name being Geddes 
& Harding for about nine years. Mr. Geddes then bought Mr. Hardings 
interest and still continues this business under his own name.  That he 
has been successful goes without saying, for he possesses in an eminent 
degree those qualities which insure success and which gain friends for 
the possessor. Mr. Geddes carries a complete and well selected line of 
drugs and all sundries usually found in a modern and up-to-date drug 
store, and he has for a number of years enjoyed his full share of the 
local patronage.  His courteous treatment of his customers insures 
their return to him when in need of anything in his line.

	Mr. Geddes married Maggie S. McPherson, the daughter of John S. 
McPherson, a native of New Jersey, and to Mrs. and Mrs. Geddes has been 
born one child, Leta, who is at home.

	Politically, Mr. Geddes has always given his support to the 
Republican party and has been honored by his party in official 
positions, in all of which he has discharged his duties to the entire 
satisfaction of all concerned.  He served as city treasurer of Butler 
five years, it being at the  time when the town was bonded for public 
improvements, including the water and electric lighting plants.  He 
also served as a member of the school board for fourteen years, having 
a deep and intelligent interest in educational affairs. Fraternally, he 
is a member of the Free and Accepted Masons and of Knights of Pythias 
Lodge No. 158.  In the latter body he has passed through all the chairs 
and for twenty-three years served as master of finance. Religiously, he 
is a supporter of the Methodist Episcopal church, in the prosperity of 
which he is deeply interested and to the benevolence of which he 
contributes of his means.  He stand high in the esteem of his fellow 
men, being public spirited and progressive, and at all times willing to 
lend his aid and influence in behalf of any measures for the material 
advancement of his locality for the intellectual, moral or social good 
of the people.



Submitted by:

Arlene Goodwin

Auburn, Indiana

Agoodwin@ctlnet.com