History of Ames, (Story County) Iowa United States of America

Our database does not include an historic photo for Ames, (Story County) Iowa, do you have one you would like to contribute? Contact Us!

James Lorraine Geddes, soldier, was born in Edinburgh, Scotland, March 19, 1827; son of Capt. Alexander Geddes, with whom he emigrated to Canada in 1837. In 1843 James returned to Scotland whence he went to India where he studied two years at the Calcutta military academy and served seven years in the British artillery there, receiving a medal and clasp for services. In 1854 he returned to Canada and in 1857 settled in Vinton. Iowa, as a teacher. He enlisted as a private in the 8th Iowa volunteers in August, 1861. He received rapid promotion and was wounded and taken prisoner and not released till 1863, when he served under Grant at Vicksburg and under Sherman at Jackson, Miss. He was made brigadier-general in October, 1863, and with his brigade was ordered to Brownsville, Texas. In 1864 he was provost marshal of Memphis, Tenn., and prevented the capture of the city by General Forrest. He then led his brigade in the campaign against Mobile in August, 1864, and by his military skill effected the capture of Spanish Fort. He was brevetted brigadier-general in the volunteer service, June 5, 1865, and mustered out of the service. He was made superintendent of the College for the blind, Vinton, Iowa, 1865-68. He helped to organize and was vice-president, professor of military tactics, treasurer and land agent of the Iowa state agricultural college, Ames, Iowa, 1868-87. He is the author of The Soldier's Battle Prayer and The Stars and Stripes. He died at Ames, Iowa, Feb. 21, 1887.

From: Twentieth Century Biographical Dictionary of Notable Americans, Johnson, Rossiter, editor

History of Ames, (Story County) Iowa

Biographies: