Hodge, Amos Safford

HODGE

Posted By: Ken Wright (email)
Date: 9/14/2007 at 12:17:45

Jackson Sentinel
Nov. 19, 1903

Amos Safford Hodge

Hodge -- We turn from these thoughts with regard to God’s bitterness and compassion to say a few things about the man whose sudden death has called us together this afternoon.

Amos Safford Hodge was born Oct. 14, 1831 in Lewis county, New York. When a young man he came to Jackson county, Iowa, and soon afterwards began the study of dentistry. He was the first dentist in this county and earned the reputation of being more than ordinarily skilled in his profession. He was married in 1860 to Miss Hanah Bentley. Two children were the fruit of this marriage. One of them was a son, Dr. L. D. Hodge a dentist practicing his profession in Arkansas City, the other, a daughter, Mary, died in the 18th year of her age. His first wife died in 1883. He was married again Sept. 18th, 1884, to Mrs. Ella Mitchell. To them was born one son, Howard, who with Dr. L. D. Hodge and his wife are among the near of kin bereaved by his death.

Dr. Hodge lived in this community for many years. His life and character are better known to most of you than to me. As already said, he was naturally industrious and energetic and won the reputation of being a skilled workman. It is the testimony of those in best position to know that he was by nature a warm and tender hearted man. He loved his children dearly and when at his best was a kind, indulgent father, a liberal provider and a man withal of artistic taste. In his best years he took pride in keeping up his home and beautifying it with good furnishings and with treasures of art.
Mr. Hodge was for a good many years a member of the Baptist church of this city. He afterward came in full connection in the Methodist church. He often expressed a strong desire to live a consistent Christian life and formed the resolution to do it. He was in earnest when he made each resolution. He struggled to carry them out, but a weakening of will power doomed him too often to failure. For him the struggle is now over and we leave him in the hands of the tender and pitiful father about whom we have been speaking.

I realize the futility of human words to comfort the bereaved. I can only commend them to the Christ whom I know to be very tender and compassionate. May he comfort their hearts with the consolations of the gospel. May he sustain them by his divine grace and guide them in the way of righteousness, until they reach the better land, where the Lamb shall feed us and lead us unto living fountains of water and God shall wipe away all tears from our eyes.

His death occurred Friday afternoon, Nov. 13th, and the funeral took place from the home at 3 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 15th, Rev. Sam’l Shepherd officiating.