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George Geddes

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George Geddes

Birth
Camillus, Onondaga County, New York, USA
Death
7 Oct 1883 (aged 74)
Camillus, Onondaga County, New York, USA
Burial
Syracuse, Onondaga County, New York, USA Add to Map
Plot
Sect 48 lot 490
Memorial ID
View Source
The Hon. George Geddes died at his home in Fairmount, near Syracuse, N.Y., a little before 1 o'clock yesterday morning, after a brief but severe illness. He was taken ill at 10 o'clock Saturday morning, and continued to grow worse until Sunday afternoon, when he went into a comatose condition. His disease was renal poisoning. Mr. Geddes was widely known through his professional services, his connection with State affairs, and his agricultural writings. He was the son of James Geddes, who was Chief Engineer in the original construction of the canals. His father came from Pennsylvania and settled upon the same farm upon which George Geddes afterward lived and died. He died within 300 feet of the house in which he was born.
Mr. Geddes was born in Fairmount on Feb. 14 1809. His boyhood was spent on the farm and in the district school. He was fitted for advanced studies at the Onondaga Academy, and was graduated from Capt. Partridge's Military School, at Middletown, Mass. He read law with Daniel Kellogg, at Skaneateles, N.Y. but did not apply for admission to the Bar. He preferred the profession of civil engineer and surveyor, in which his father had distinguished himself, and in which the son became successful and prominent. He was the consulting engineer in the construction of the Syracuse and Oswego Railroad. The Blossburg coal mines were opened according to surveys made under his direction, and the most practical work of the large amount done in draining the Montezuma marshes were performed according to plans made by him. He made a geological survey of Onondaga Count 25 years ago, and wrote a valuable work on the subject. He was a member of the commission appointed pursuant to an act of the Legislature to award a prize offered by the State for the successful application of steam as a motive power on the canals. He was also an original member of the State Survey Commission, and his membership was continued until his death.
Mr. Geddes was a member of the State Senate during the years 1848, 1949, 1850 and 1851, having been elected as a Whig. He was the author of the general railroad law under which railroad corporations have since been organized. The quill with which Gov. Fish signed the bill was preserved by Mr. Geddes. He acquired a State reputation during his term in the Senate, and wielded considerable political influence. He was twice nominated for State Engineer and Surveyor, and with the other candidates upon the ticket, twice failed of an election. Two years ago he was appointed a member of the commission to revise the tax laws. Originally he was a Whig, but he became a Republican when that party was formed, and remained a consistent member of it. He was Superintendent of the Onondaga salt springs during the term of six years. Mr. Geddes was most widely known as an authority on agriculture, which, by patient study and observation, he had reduced to a science. He possessed a farm of 500 acres, which was noted for its productiveness and excellent condition. Twice it was entered for competition at the State Fair, and twice Mr. Geddes received the first prize. Mr. Geddes leaves a widow and two children -- Mrs. David Cassitt and the Hon. James Geddes, member of Assembly from Onondaga County.

New York Times, October 9, 1883, page 2
The Hon. George Geddes died at his home in Fairmount, near Syracuse, N.Y., a little before 1 o'clock yesterday morning, after a brief but severe illness. He was taken ill at 10 o'clock Saturday morning, and continued to grow worse until Sunday afternoon, when he went into a comatose condition. His disease was renal poisoning. Mr. Geddes was widely known through his professional services, his connection with State affairs, and his agricultural writings. He was the son of James Geddes, who was Chief Engineer in the original construction of the canals. His father came from Pennsylvania and settled upon the same farm upon which George Geddes afterward lived and died. He died within 300 feet of the house in which he was born.
Mr. Geddes was born in Fairmount on Feb. 14 1809. His boyhood was spent on the farm and in the district school. He was fitted for advanced studies at the Onondaga Academy, and was graduated from Capt. Partridge's Military School, at Middletown, Mass. He read law with Daniel Kellogg, at Skaneateles, N.Y. but did not apply for admission to the Bar. He preferred the profession of civil engineer and surveyor, in which his father had distinguished himself, and in which the son became successful and prominent. He was the consulting engineer in the construction of the Syracuse and Oswego Railroad. The Blossburg coal mines were opened according to surveys made under his direction, and the most practical work of the large amount done in draining the Montezuma marshes were performed according to plans made by him. He made a geological survey of Onondaga Count 25 years ago, and wrote a valuable work on the subject. He was a member of the commission appointed pursuant to an act of the Legislature to award a prize offered by the State for the successful application of steam as a motive power on the canals. He was also an original member of the State Survey Commission, and his membership was continued until his death.
Mr. Geddes was a member of the State Senate during the years 1848, 1949, 1850 and 1851, having been elected as a Whig. He was the author of the general railroad law under which railroad corporations have since been organized. The quill with which Gov. Fish signed the bill was preserved by Mr. Geddes. He acquired a State reputation during his term in the Senate, and wielded considerable political influence. He was twice nominated for State Engineer and Surveyor, and with the other candidates upon the ticket, twice failed of an election. Two years ago he was appointed a member of the commission to revise the tax laws. Originally he was a Whig, but he became a Republican when that party was formed, and remained a consistent member of it. He was Superintendent of the Onondaga salt springs during the term of six years. Mr. Geddes was most widely known as an authority on agriculture, which, by patient study and observation, he had reduced to a science. He possessed a farm of 500 acres, which was noted for its productiveness and excellent condition. Twice it was entered for competition at the State Fair, and twice Mr. Geddes received the first prize. Mr. Geddes leaves a widow and two children -- Mrs. David Cassitt and the Hon. James Geddes, member of Assembly from Onondaga County.

New York Times, October 9, 1883, page 2

Gravesite Details

Removed from Fairmount, NY 11-7-1898



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  • Created by: Diane LM
  • Added: May 5, 2011
  • Find a Grave Memorial ID:
  • Find a Grave, database and images (https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/69395548/george-geddes: accessed ), memorial page for George Geddes (14 Feb 1809–7 Oct 1883), Find a Grave Memorial ID 69395548, citing Oakwood Cemetery, Syracuse, Onondaga County, New York, USA; Maintained by Diane LM (contributor 47306054).