Background
Born in Charleston, Geddes was the son of a merchant and received his education at the College of Charleston.
Born in Charleston, Geddes was the son of a merchant and received his education at the College of Charleston.
He then studied law and was admitted to the bar in 1797.
Afterwards, Geddes became active with the South Carolina militia as a Cavalry Major and later as a Major General. Upon leaving the governorship in 1820, Geddes was given the position of Brigadier General of the South Carolina militia. He remained active in politics and ran for mayor of Charleston in 1823, serving from 1824 to 1825.
Having felt that his honor was insulted by Edward P. Simons during the campaign, Geddes challenged Simons to a duel.
Simons managed to fire four shots, two hitting Geddes" son in both of his thighs, but the duel resulted in Simons" death.
The General Assembly chose Geddes to be the Governor of South Carolina in 1818 for a two-year term because of his strong Republican views.
He was a member of the House of Representatives until his election to the South Carolina Senate in 1816.