My Genealogy Hound

WILLIAM H. HODGE, who resides in Pleasant Township, Clark County, is numbered among the substantial farmers of the vicinity. His farm, which is located on section 13, comprises two hundred and seventeen broad acres of thoroughly cultivated land, and such a degree of success has rewarded his labors in life that he has given to each of his five children about $3,000. He began his career as an agriculturist with a one-fifth interest in one hundred and fifty acres, and his present home and assured financial standing is the best evidence of his zeal and energy in life’s labors.

The present home of Mr. Hodge is also his birthplace, his natal day having been November 14, 1826. His parents, John and Mary Ann (Baird) Hodge, came here in 1817, locating on one hundred and fifty-one acres of land, which the father cleared and had quite well improved prior to his death. John Hodge was born in Virginia, October 11, 1796, and died January 17, 1828. He was a captain and major of militia, and served during the War of 1812. His widow was called from time to eternity March 9, 1877, at an advanced age, having been born March 4, 1800. They were the parents of five children, the subject of this sketch being the only son — Amanda H. married Uriah Blue, and died leaving a large family; Paulina H. married John Roberts; Sarah A. was the wife of George L. Wood, of Illinois; Isabelle J. was the wife of William Jones, and died leaving one son, Henry C.

The paternal grandfather of our subject was Andrew Hodge, who was twice married; his maternal grandparents were William and Dorothy Baird. William H. Hodge was reared on a farm and received a common-school education, at the age of seventeen years beginning life for himself. On New Year’s Day, 1850, he was united in marriage with Dorcas H. Botkin, who has ably assisted him in his worthy efforts, sharing in his toils as well as in his pleasures. She was born in Pleasant Township, June 2, 1829, being a daughter of Charles and Dorcas (Tuttle) Botkin, whose first settlement in Ohio was in Clinton County. Her father was a soldier in the War of 1812. To Mr. and Mrs. Hodge five children have been born, namely: Charles A.; Susan E., wife of Charles Neer; Amanda J., wife of Andrew Goodfellow; Dorcas A., wife of George McClenen; and John F. In early manhood Mr. Hodge was identified with the Whig party, and after the disintegration of that body he became a Republican.