HODGE, William Woodson - Putnam

One of Putnam County’s substantial farmers and gallant veterans is William Woodson Hodge, who was born within her borders, February 10, 1845, and whose life has been spent principally in Warren township, where his well-kept farm is to be found. He is the son of George W. and Gabrella Courtney (Williamson) Hodge, natives of Kentucky, the former born October 16, 1819, and the latter January 29, 1826. The father was six years old when his parents, Drew and Sarah Hodge, came to Putnam County in 1826 and built a log cabin on an 80 acres tract which they entered…the government, on which Mr. Hodge lived until his death in 1840, his widow surviving until 1868. They were members of the Methodist Episcopal Church and they are buried at the Walnut Church graveyard. To them eight children were born: Russell, Alexander, Meshak, Shelton, George W., Laura, …. ., and Margaret. They are all deceased. George We. Hodge, father of William Woodson Hodge, of this review, spent his boyhood assisting with the work on the home farm and received the advantages of such schools of his day as were afforded by the log school house, with its open fireplace and with slabs for seats. In 1842 George W. Hodge married Gabrella Courtney Williamson and began his married life on his parents’ farm, which he heired. He sold this place and for several years lived on several different tracts, which he bought and sold in turn, finally purchasing 70 acres in Section 1, Washington township, and spent the remainder of his life there, dying March 21, 1854, his widow surviving until 1898. He devoted his life to farming, and he was assessor ofhis township for one term. He was a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church and a Greeley Abolitionist in politics. He and his wife were the parents of 9 children, seven of whom are now living, namely: Mrs. Matilda Bryant of Lawrence Co. IN, Mrs. Laura Corwin is living in the state of Idaho, Mrs. Susan Jackson of Missouri, Mrs. Julia Ford of Kansas, Charles W. of Idaho, Mrs. Mary Taylor of Idaho, Ellen and Margaret Frances of deceased; William Woodson, of this review. William W. Hodge remained with his parents on the home farm, receiving a common school education, gained mostin in suscription schools, In 1863, when only 17 years of age, he enlised in Co. F, 123rd Regiment Indiana Volunteer Infantry, and served through many trying campaigns and hard-fought battles until the close of the war, among which was the siege of Atlanta, battle of Nashville, battle of Franklin, battle of Wise Forks, North Carolina, andhe was present at the surrender of Johnston. He was honorably discharged August 25, 1865, returning to his home and managing the parental acres for two years therafter, his father having died while he was in the service. On March 26, 1868, Mr. Hodge was married to Lucy A. Sellers, daughter of James and Nancy Sellers, of Warren township, where Mr. Sellers carried on farming. Mr. And Mrs. Hodge went to live with the former’s mother on the home farm. Later he purchased 150 acres in Section 17, Warren township, paying $1,000 in cash and going in debt for the balance. His mother moved onto this farm and he remained onthe home place, though for several years they farmed the two places in partnership. When, in 1880, his mother moved back to her old home, he moved to his own farm and has made it his home ever since, having fully paid the debt long ago. He has been very successful as a general farmer and especially as a horticulturist, having a fine orchard of 40 acres, planted in an excellent variety of choice trees. He is an authority on peach growing and no small part of his income is derived from his orchard. He also finds time to raise stock of a very good quality which always finds a ready market—in fact, he usually commands fancy prices owing to the high grade of his stock. But is principally as a fruit grower that he is widely known, not only throughout Putnam County, but also over the state, being considered an authority in horticulture. He has taken an interest in political affairs and for two yars was trustees of his township. Mrs. Hodge died January 1, 1879, and Mr. Hodge then married Emran (Armilda) Mercer, daughter of Eli and Lucy Mercer, of Washington township, her father having been one of the old farmers of Putnam County and a highly respected citizen. Mr. Hodge’s first marriage resulted in the birth of six children, namely: Carrie, James, Dora, Frankie, Lucy and William Jr.; the last two named being twins. Two children were born of the second union: Minnie and Montray. Carrie B. Hodge was born August 1, 1869, married Frank A. Pearcy, a carpenter, and they are the parents of one child, Harold, now 5 years of age. James W. Hodge ws born September 10, 1871, has remained single, and his a graduate of the State Normal, also of DePauw Univeristy, and he is now Superintendent of Schools at Aberdeen, Washington, having followed teaching. Dora B. Hodge, who was born Sept. 5, 1873, married George Pearcy, and they are the parents of one child, George E., now four years old. Charles F. Hodge, who was born April 13, 1876, died Sept. 21, 1877; William W. Hodge Jr. born January 1, 1879, died July 6th following Lucy A. born January 1, 1879 who died Feb. 18, 1880; Minnie was born August 10, 1881, married William Otis. Lewis, of Warren township, and they have two children, Aubrey and Bernice; Montray was born February 24, 1885 and died August 6, 1887.

Submitters Note: William Woodson Hodge and second wife, Emran Armilda Mercer, is in the Putnamville cemetery. Armilda was the daughter of Eli Mercer and granddaughter of Rev. John Mercer and Ruth Clearwater.