David Hodges

David Hodges, born in Kentshire, England, February 5, 1822, is the son of Thomas and Mary Hodges, natives of England. As near as can now be ascertained Thomas was married in 1818 or '19, and in 1834 he came to America, and settled at Saratoga Springs, N. Y.; but after a short time moved six miles north of the springs, purchased a farm and engaged in farming. Of their eight children six are living: Matilda, of Worcester, Mass.; Harriet, of Washington county, N. Y.; Edwin, of Saratoga county, N. Y.; Amos, of Page county, Iowa; George H., of Greenfield, Saratoga county, N. Y.; and David, of this county; all the heads of families. Thomas Hodges remained where he last settled, engaged in farming, until his death, in 1853. His wife survived him until the year of 1880. David Hodges was thirteen years old when he left England. In America he remained with his father, helping to clear the farm, until 1851, when he came to Illinois, purchased land in this county. Returning home he was married in 1852, to Miss Jane Standish, a native of New York, to whom were born Harry, residing with parents, and Joseph, married, of Kingsbury county, Dak. The year following his marriage David settled on the land he had purchased in this county in 1851, building a house thereon. On March 23, 1860, his wife died, and on February 1,1861, he married Miss Mary Hutchison, a, native of Ohio, whose parents removed from Ohio to Illinois about 1851, and settled in Peoria county, where they remained until their death. They are the parents of five children, namely: Otis, Clark, Fred, Frank, and one deceased. The first purchase of land Mr. Hodges made was the southeast quarter of section 33, and since that time he has added 540 acres to this, all of which is well improved. He is not a member of any church, but is a liberal supporter of the Methodist church. In politics he is a Republican, takes a great interest in schools, and in all matters pertaining to the public benefit. He has held several township offices, and is at present commissioner of highways.