James Geddy Sr. came to Virginia around 1733. He began his businesses and built his home in Williamsburg , Virginia . His businesses were working as a gunsmith, a brass caster and a wrought iron worker. James had eight children, but he died before his eighth child was born. When he died his son James Geddy Jr. was only 13.

James Jr. learned the silversmith trade. He eventually bought the house and property that his mother owned and the family had lived in since coming to America from Scotland . James Jr. started his own business in the house. He was a silversmith and a jewelry maker. 

Two years after buying the old house and property James Jr. tore down the house his parents built and built a brand new fancy house. The house was big and different than others in Colonial Williamsburg. The family lived in a different area than the work area and had bedchambers, on the second floor.

Not only did James Jr. become famous for his silversmith work and his beautiful home, he also became a part of the gentry class, the richest class in Colonial times. He became a slave owner. He was also a part of the government of Williamsburg called the Common Council.

James Jr. was married twice, because his first wife died. He had five children with his first wife. In 1777 he moved to Petersburg , some people think because the Revolution was bad for his money making business in Williamsburg. James Geddy Jr. died in 1807.  The house he built in Williamsburg is still standing.