Theodore Thurston Geer (1851 - 1924)

Born 12 Mar 1851 in Waldo Hills, Marion, Oregon, United States

Ancestors

Husband of Nancy Wright Glenmore (Duncan) Geer — married about 16 Jun 1870 in Cove, Union, Oregon, United States

Died 21 Feb 1924 at age 72 in Portland, Multnomah, Oregon, United States

Problems/Questions Profile manager: Judy Plumery [send private message]

Preceded by 9th Governor William Paine Lord

Theodore Thurston Geer 10th Governor of Oregon 1899—1903

Succeeded by 11th Governor George Earle Chamberlain

Biography

Theodore Geer is Notable.

Governor of Oregon. Born in Waldo Hills, Oregon Territory, Theodore Geer received his education at Willamette University, and worked in agricultural pursuits for most of his younger life. In 1880 he was elected to the Oregon House of Representatives, serving one term. He was again elected to the same body in 1889, and served through 1894.He was chosen as the Speaker of the House in 1891. In 1898 Geer was elected as the Governor of Oregon, serving from January 9, 1899 until January 14, 1903. Geer was the first native-born Oregonian to become Governor. The most notable contribution of his administration was the addition of the First Amendment to the Oregon Constitution of 1857, which created the “initiative and referendum system” of legislation in Oregon. Governor Geer was also a keen bicyclist, and he devised the 1899 Cycle Path legislation which started a statewide system of bicycle paths. He was not successful for re-nomination in 1902. Following his retirement from office, Geer worked as an editor at the “Oregon Statesman” and later owned the “Pendleton Tribune.” He was also the author of “Fifty Years in Oregon,” published in 1911. Theodore Geer died on February 21, 1924. Geer Community Park in Salem is named in his family’s honor. (bio by: EddieM)

Sources

• Find A Grave Memorial# 6409818

• Theodore Thurston Geer on Wikipedia