Ralph Carey Geer

"In 1816-Jan. 9, 1895, Nurseryman and livestock importer; was born in Windham Co., Conn.; died at Waldo Hills, son of Joseph Carey Geer, Sr., and his wife, Mary Johnson Geer, both of New England stock. He came to Waldo Hills in 1847, where he started nursery business with apple and pear seedlings brought across the plains. In 1848 he taught school and served as captain of the volunteer military company, which fought in Battle of Abiqua Creek. He was a member of the territorial legislature (1854). In 1858 he imported sheep from England and became a pioneer in flax growing in the Willamette Valley. He married Mary Catherine Willard in Ohio in 1837. They had four daughters, one was the mother of Homer Davenport.” NOTE: Illustration of farm from Atlas, pg 42. NOTE: Photo of Ralph and Mary courtesy of Vesper Geer Rose. OBITUARY: Ralph Geer Dead – Warren Cranston today brought in the sad news of the death of Ralph Geer, the pioneer of the Waldo Hills. Mr. Geer was stricken with paralysis over a year ago and has been a constant sufferer since that time, passing away at his home Wednesday afternoon, January 9th, 1895. Rev. P.S. Knight will officiate at the funeral, which will be held at the Henry Warren Cemetery Friday, the procession leaving the home place near Willard at 11 o’clock. Deceased was 78 years old, and was one of the earliest and best known pioneers in the county. Capital Journal 10 Jan 1895 4:3. Died – Geer – At his home in the Waldo Hills, Ralph C. Geer, aged 79 years. Deceased had been confined to his bed for over a year and death had been expected for some time. Ralph C. Geer was born in Windom County, Connecticut, in 1815. With his family he removed to Madison County, Ohio, while yet a boy. He was married in that county to Miss Mary Willard on January 8th, 1837. The day preceding his death was, consequently, the 58th anniversary of his wedding day. After marriage, Mr. Geer and his bride removed to Farmington, Knox County, Illinois, where they remained ten years, coming across the plains to Oregon in 1847. He settled in the Waldo Hills and has since lived there with his family. During the early history of this state Mr. Geer was a prominent citizen, taking an active interest in politics. At this time he was a democrat and a pronounced partisan, but later, when republicanism waxed strong, he affiliated with that party and in 1859 was elected to the legislature a representative from Marion County. He was chosen county clerk of Marion County in 1870 and served one term. He has five brothers and four sisters now living who are well known in this county, also two half-brothers. A daughter, Florinda, now deceased, was the first wife of Hon. T.W. Davenport of Silverton. Calvin Geer of Burns, Oregon and T.B. Geer of this county are the only living sons. Two daughters survive him, Mrs. Phil Bowers and Mrs. Mary Starmer of Willard. His wife, also, is left to mourn his loss. Hon. T.T. Geer of Macleay is a nephew of the deceased and Pearl Geer of Silverton is a grandson. Marion County Record 11 Jan 1895 8:3