David Geddes

David Geddes owns Pronghorn Ranch in Big Valley, West Elizabeth, where he lives with Mrs. Geddes and their sons Duncan and Angus. A respected, well-connected businessman in Blackwater, he employs Tom Dickens, Abe and other ranch hands. John Marston first meets him while asking Dickens how he can earn his keep at the ranch. Dickens is speaking with Geddes and makes clear that John must work especially hard because he has a family to support.

Before leaving for Blackwater, Geddes gives John work around Pronghorn Ranch. He asks him to assist Mrs. Geddes with a mare in labour, then to help Duncan handle a horse the boy cannot ride. When the Laramie Gang attacks the ranch, Geddes turns to John for protection. He tells him that every man deserves another chance, whatever he has done before, and sends him with Abe and Tom Dickens to strike the gang at Hanging Dog Ranch. After the Laramies are driven off, Geddes thanks John for saving his property.

Months later, after Abigail and Jack leave John, he visits Geddes to seek help securing a bank loan for Beecher's Hope. Angus brings his father to the door, and Geddes speaks with John about their respective troubles at home. He agrees to put in a word with the bank, directing John to his distant cousin Ansel Atherton. Once John and his family are settled at Beecher's Hope, David and Mrs. Geddes have Duncan and Angus send them old furniture as a housewarming gift.