Page:Oregon, her history, her great men, her literature.djvu/266



GOVERNOR THEODORE T. GEER

January 9, 1899—January 14, 1903

Theodore T. Geer is the only native son of Oregon to become her Governor. He was born in Marion County, Oregon on March 12, 1851, and educated in Willamette University. He was a farmer, having followed that vocation until elected to the Governorship at the age of 47 years. He served as a member of the house of representatives in the Oregon legislature from Marion County in the sessions of 1880, 1889, 1891. and 1893. Mr. Geer was elected speaker of the house in 1891. In 1896, he was chosen one of the electors on the Republican ticket and carried the vote of Oregon to Washington, D. C, as the State's official messenger. In 1898, Mr. Geer was nominated by acclamation in the state Republican convention for Governor, and was elected by a majority of 10,000. His opponent was Will R. King, who had served as a representative and state senator from Malheur and Baker Counties. GOV. THEODOSE T. OEEB An interesting story connected with Governor Geer's nomination published in the newspapers was to the effect that he was plowing on his farm when he first heard the news of his nomination. The truth is that he was engaged with his neighbors in improving the roads, with shovel and spade, when the school children returning home from Macleay—his country post office—came shouting down the road that "T. T. Geer has been nominated for Governor." The shouts were heard before the children were in sight. Thus did Mr. Geer first receive news of his nomination.