James Lorraine Geddes facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
James Lorraine Geddes
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| Born | March 19, 1827 Edinburgh, Scotland, United Kingdom |
| Died | February 21, 1887 (aged 59) Ames, Iowa, United States |
| Place of burial |
Ames, Iowa
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| Allegiance |  Great Britain United States of AmericaUnion |
| Service/ |
British Royal Army Union Army |
| Years of service | 1861–1865 (USA) |
| Rank |  Colonel Bvt. Brigadier General |
| Commands held | 8th Iowa Infantry Regiment |
| Battles/wars | First Anglo-Afghan War American Civil War |
James Lorraine Geddes (born March 19, 1827, died February 21, 1887) was an important person who lived a very interesting life. He was a soldier in India and a commander during the American Civil War. Later, he became a college leader and a professor. He also wrote popular military songs.
Early Life and Military Start
James Lorraine Geddes was born in Edinburgh, Scotland. As a boy, he moved to Canada. In 1843, he went back to Scotland. He then studied at a British military school in Calcutta, India.
Geddes joined the British Army in the Royal Horse Artillery. He showed great skill in the First Anglo-Afghan War. He was especially noted for his actions at the Khyber Pass. After this, he returned to Canada.
In Canada, he became a Colonel in a cavalry regiment. On October 14, 1856, he married Margaret Moore from New York. They were married in Yarmouth, Nova Scotia. In 1857, he left the army. He moved to the United States and settled in Vinton, Iowa. There, he worked as a school teacher.
Service in the American Civil War
When the American Civil War began, Geddes joined the Union Army. He started as a private soldier in the 8th Iowa Volunteer Infantry Regiment. He quickly moved up in rank. He became a Captain and then a Lieutenant colonel. By February 1862, he was a Colonel of volunteers.
Geddes fought in the Battle of Shiloh. During this battle, he was injured and captured by the enemy. He was held as a prisoner for a time. He was at prisons in Madison, Georgia and Libby Prison in Richmond, Virginia.
After being released in a prisoner exchange, he returned to battle. He fought in the Siege of Vicksburg and the Battle of Jackson, Mississippi. In October 1863, he was given command of a brigade. A brigade is a large group of soldiers. He was sent to Brownsville, Texas.
Later, Geddes worked as the provost marshal in Memphis, Tennessee. This meant he was in charge of military police duties in the city. He helped protect Memphis from a surprise attack. This attack was led by Confederate cavalry under Nathan Bedford Forrest.
Geddes also commanded a brigade in the Mobile Campaign. He fought bravely at the Battle of Spanish Fort. On January 13, 1866, President Andrew Johnson honored Geddes. He was made a brevet Brigadier general. This was a special honor for his service.
After the War
After the war, James Lorraine Geddes continued to serve his community. He became the principal of the Iowa Braille and Sight Saving School in Vinton. This school helped people who were blind.
He then joined the Iowa College of Agriculture in Ames, Iowa. He worked there until he passed away. He held many important roles at the college. From 1870 to 1882, he was a military instructor and cashier. He was also the acting president from 1875 to 1877.
Geddes also served as the college librarian from 1877 to 1878. From 1880 to 1882, he was the vice-president and a professor of military tactics. Finally, he was the treasurer from 1884 to 1887.
Besides his military and college work, Geddes was a talented writer. He wrote several popular war songs. Two of his well-known songs were The Soldiers' Battle Prayer and The Stars and Stripes.
James Lorraine Geddes died in Ames, Iowa, on February 21, 1887. He is buried in Evergreen Cemetery in Vinton, Iowa.
