Richard Hodgson (1812-1895)

HODGSON

Posted By: jane austin (email)
Date: 6/12/2021 at 21:05:24

When it was reported tho first part nf hist week that Father Hodgson could not last many days, it was thought by many that he would again rally as he had done so many times before, but it proved otherwise, and he quietly sank into his last sleep about six o'clock, December 19th, 1895.

He was born at Yorkshire, England, November 5th, 1812. He was twice married and had nine children born to him. The widow, three sons and one daughter survive him.

In his early life he entered the ministry of the Primitive Methodist church. He came to America in 1842 and settled in Plattsville, Grant county, Wisconsin.

About 50 years ago ho was made a Mason. The church to which he belonged being opposed to the order, he was suspended from the ministry but retained his membership in the Masonic order and for half a century was an ardent and faithful Mason. The members of Beacon Lodge will long miss tho wise counsels and faithful services of their old Tyler.

Although believing himself wronged by his church, he never deviated in the least from his sincere devotion to the Holy cause of the Christian religion. He worked many years in the mines which greatly impaired his health, so that he was unable to labor, and his chief support for many years has been a pension that he has received on account of a son who died in tho army. His wonderful tenacity to life kept him with us many years longer than it was deemed possible.

At his oft repeated request his Masonic Bretheren took entire charge of his remains and was buried with all the honors of Masonry. Several brethern from neighboring lodges assisted in the ceremonies. He was also followed to the grave by tho members of the I. 0. 0. F. of which he had long been a member, as well as a large concourse of his neighbors and friends. It may be said of Father Hodgson that as near as a mortal may, he walked by the plumb and lived upon the square,and did the best he could to advance the cause of Christian Morality throughout the land.

The family of deceased wish to tender their sincere thanks to their many friends for the kindnesses in their hour of affliction, and especially to the Masonic order.

Hartley (Iowa) Sentinel, 26 Dec 1895, p2