Hodgen - James Clinton
Source: Source: The Milton Eagle (Oregon), July 2, 1909
Contributed by: Mary K. George
Transcribed by: Lena C.
Added: 18 Nov 2007
Death Date: June 28, 1909
One of our most highly respected and well known and beloved old settlers, James Clinton Hodgen, died at his home near Vincent on Monday, June 28, at 8 a.m. after a short illness. The funeral services were held at 10 o’clock Tuesday morning at Ford Cemetery, and were conducted by Rev. B. F. Harper of Valley Presbyterian church. The pastor paid a high tribute to the virtues and sterling qualities of the deceased. He had a strong sense of justice and ever did what he believed to be right. His kindly heart, sympathetic and generous nature won him many friends. He was liberal in every worthy enterprise, favored every progressive movement, was a hard worker, an honest man, and ever ready to lend a helping hand. After a long and useful life he has crossed the Great Divide and entered the haven of rest. The funeral procession consisting of 87 carriages, was the largest ever seen in this valley, and attested to the high regard and esteem in which he was held by the entire community. Mr. Hodgen was born in Frankfort, Indiana, May 19, 1837. He was married to Miss Rebekah Hardesty in Unionville, Mo. They crossed the plains by ox teams in 1864, settling in this valley where they have since lived. In 1884 Mr. Hodgen took up his present homestead and lived on it continually until his death. Eleven children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Hodgen, six of whom are still living: Wm, of Freewater, Louie, of Pendleton, Orlando, of Adams, Fred of Vincent, Mrs. N. B. Atkinson, of Waiteburg, Wash., and Mrs. George Gholson, of Vincent. The bereaved wife and children have the deepest sympathy of the entire valley. Mr. Hodgen’s father, who crossed the plains with him, was the first one buried in the cemetery at Ford, and both helped to plat this burying ground. He leaves the following brothers; Wall, of Waiteburg, Jacob and Joe of Baker City, Harvey of Washtucna and Newton, of Butte, Montana. The last named brother he had not seen for forty-two years until about a month ago, when he was surprised by a visit from him. He also leaves 25 grandchildren and four great grandchildren to mourn him. Mr. Hodgen was one of the chief promoters of the old Union chapel at Vincent, a stockholder in the rural telephone company, and the Grange hall, also of the Hudson Bay Ditch Co., which is of everlasting benefit to the valley.
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