Archives West Finding Aid

Rev. Edward R. Geary was born in Boonsboro, Maryland on April 30, 1811. Geary graduated from Jefferson College in 1834 and studied for the seminary at Allegeny Theological College in Cannonsburg, Pennsylvania. Geary's first appointment as a minister was at Fredericksburg, Ohio. In 1850 Geary was commissioned by the Presbyterian Board of Education and Domestic Missions to travel to Oregon to establish churches and establish a christian academy and college. In 1851 he helped found the Presbytery of Oregon, preached, and gained employment as a U.S. District Court clerk in Yamhill County. From 1853-1855, Geary served as Secretary to Superintendent of Indian Affairs in Oregon and Washington Territory. In 1856 Geary moved to Linn county where he worked as a minister at Corvallis, Calapooia, Brownsville, and Diamond Hill. From 1859-1861 Geary served as the Superintendent of Indian Affairs for Oregon and Washington. In 1866 he was appointed Linn County Judge, and from 1869-1871 he served as President of Albany College. Geary was instrumental in planning and raising money to found Albany College. In 1875 Geary moved to Eugene, Oregon to work as a minister, and serve as a regent at the University of Oregon. Geary died in 1886.