Hodges, Frank L. 1844-1910

HODGES, BARTLETT, CHAPIN, DE LORIMIER, DELORIMIER

Posted By: S. Ferrall - IAGenWeb volunteer
Date: 12/17/2015 at 18:23:15

In Memoriam
This week we were called upon to give up our best friend on earth, one who had never failed us - our dear father.

Frank L. Hodges was born June 22, 1844, at Big Rock, Ill., and died March 9th, 1910, at the homestead near Belleplaine, S.D.

He was the youngest son of Cyrus and Ruey (Bartlett*) Hodges. The family came to Iowa about 1855 and lived on farms near Strawberry Point and Monona, finally settling in Clayton. When about fifteen years of age he left school to learn the tinner's trade and during the most of his life, he was connected with the hardware business.

In 1864 he enlisted in the 48th regiment of Wisconsin volunteers and was assigned to Company C. He served one year and was stationed on the Kansas frontier, when trouble was threatening with guerrillas and Indians.

On April 23, 1867, he married Mary de Lorimier, to whom he was ever faithful. To them were born five children - Verneuil, who died in infancy; and Mae, Roy, Sara and Louise. When the mother had to leave her little children she asked him to keep them together, and this he did with the grandmother's help. His zeal in their service never faltered, and though in feeble health for many years his one thought was for the happiness of his loved ones. He gave a home to his own mother on her declining years, and has been a devoted son to his wife's mother.

In business dealings he was strictly honest, and though he suffered many loses through the dishonesty of others, his own honor and integrity were never questioned. His whole life was animated by high and noble motives, and no man nor woman ever suffered injury through him.

On Easter Sunday, 1889, he was baptized in the Catholic church at Elkader, Iowa, and he did much to advance its work in the places where he has lived.

A pure and good life had ended and he has entered into eternal life to receive his reward.

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The above obituary we obtained from the Stanley County Courier, (S.D.) published by the daughters of deceased, Sarah F. and Louise Hodges, but their tribute of esteem and love will be sanctioned by old neighbors and friends everywhere, for F.L. Hodges was a good man, worthy the respect and love of all.

~Register & Argus, Thursday evening, March 24, 1910

*Research alert! The above obit gives his mother's maiden name as Bartlett, but her obituary in the Elkader Register (1/24/1901) names her as Ruey Chapin Hodges. The Register obit possibly is giving her first & middle names, rather than her maiden name, but interested researchers should verify.

Note: Frank L. Hodges is buried with his wife in the Clayton cemetery.