W. J. HODGES.

Kansas 1875 Census Pleasant Valley Township, Cowley County, 3/1/1875.

Name age sex color Place/birth Where from

W. B. Hodges 28 m w Kentucky Kentucky

Susan Hodges 22 f w Kentucky Kentucky

Beaver Township 1873.

Hodges, Samuel, 47; spouse, Narsisses (?), 39.

Pleasant Valley Township 1874.

Hodges, J. L., 26; spouse, Nancy L., 21.

Hodges, W. B., 29; spouse Susan H., 27.

Pleasant Valley Township 1875.

Hodges, W. B., 29; spouse, Susan H., 22.

Spring Creek Township 1880.

Hodges, J. L., 33. No spouse.

Spring Creek Township 1881.

Hodges, J. L., 33; spouse, N. S., 28.

Tisdale Township 1878 or 1879.

Hodges, W. J., 42; spouse, Mrs. C. Hodges (?), 42.

Winfield 1878.

Hodges, N., 78; spouse, Sarah, 72.

Hodges, Wm., 30. No spouse.

Winfield 1880.

Hodges, W. J., 44; spouse, Catherine, 43. Also: Sarah Hodges, 21.

[NOTE: Trying to figure out the jig-saw puzzle of Hodges is most difficult. This much I was able to determine. The future cattleman, W. J. Hodges, evidently came to Cowley County in 1877 from Green County, Wisconsin. He had a son, Charles, and a daughter, Sarah, who became a school teacher, and married Fred C. Hunt. Later May Hodges and Willie Hodges are mentioned as his children.]

NEWSPAPER ITEMS.

The following Hodges preceded W. J. Hodges...

Winfield Messenger, July 19, 1872.

Board of County Commissioners met in the County Clerk’s office, July 15, 1872.

Present: Frank Cox, O. C. Smith, and J. D. Maurer.

Petition of Hodges and others for section line road, was presented, and granted, and road ordered opened 50 feet wide.

[REAL ESTATE TRANSFERS.]

Winfield Courier, June 26, 1874.

We are indebted to Curns & Manser, real estate agents and proprietors of Abstracts of Titles to all lands in Cowley County, for the following transfers of real estate.

James L. Hodges and wife to Mary Ann Seely, s w ¼ sec 21 tp 33 s of r 4 e; 160 acres $900.

[COMPLETE LIST OF TOWNSHIP OFFICERS.]

Arkansas City Traveler, March 22, 1876.

Township—

PLEASANT VALLEY:

TRUSTEE, SAMUEL WATT.

CLERK, ISAAC HUFF.

TREASURER, CALVIN DEAN.

JUSTICES: C. J. BRANE; HENRY FORBES.

CONSTABLES: J. W. BIRDZELL; BURR HODGES.

Winfield Courier, March 30, 1876.

MR. J. MASON, formerly of Scotland County, Missouri, has purchased the farm of W. B. Hodges, in Pleasant Valley Township.

The following are related to W. J. Hodges...

Sarah Hodges...

Winfield Courier, August 9, 1877.

The following are the teachers attending the Cowley County Normal.

Winfield. Misses Ella C. Davis, Mary Pontious, Fannie Pontious, Miss C. Johnson, Alice Pyburn, Lusetta Pyburn, Mattie E. Minnihan, Lissie Summers, Mattie E. Walters, Rachel E. Nauman, Alie Klingman, Alice A. Aldrich, Genie Holmes, Ella E. Scott, Ella Hunt, Ella Wickersham, Emma Saint, Mollie Bryant, Ella Freeland, Maggie Stansbury, Amy Robertson, Lizzie Kinne, Sarah Hodges, Jennie Hare, Sallie Levering, Effie Randall, Sarah E. Davis, Ina Daniels; Messrs. O. S. Record, Frank Starwalt, M. H. Marcum, J. D. Hunt, J. A. Rupp, C. C. Holland, J. B. Freeland, N. N. Winton, A. B. Taylor.

Arkansas City Traveler, August 15, 1877.

The following are the teachers attending the Cowley County Normal.

Winfield. Misses Ella C. Davis, Mary Pontious, Fannie Pontious, Mina C. Johnson, Alice Pyburn, Lusetta Pyburn, Mattie E. Minnihan, Lissie Summers, Mattie E. Walters, Rachel E. Nauman, Allie Klingman, Alice A. Aldrich, Genie Holmes, Ella E. Scott, Ella Hunt, Ella Wickersham, Emma Saint, Molly Bryant, Ella Freeland, Maggie Stansbury, Amy Robertson, Lizzie Kinne, Sarah Hodges, Jennie Hane, Sallie Leavering, Effie Randall, Sarah E. Davis, Ina Daniels; Messrs. O. S. Record, Frank Starwalt, M. H. Markcum, J. D. Hunt, J. A. Rupp, C. C. Holland, J. B. Freeland, N. N. Winton, A. B. Taylor.

Arkansas City Traveler, September 12, 1877.

The following persons were qualified to teach in Cowley County at the last examination.

WINFIELD.

GRADE “A”: Misses Mina Johnson, Alice Aldrich, Emma Saint, Sarah Hodges.

Winfield Courier, September 13, 1877.

The Normal Institute.

The following is a list of teachers who received certificates at the examination.

Winfield. Grade “A”. Misses Mina C. Johnson, Alice A. Aldrich, Emma Saint, Sarah Hodges.

Winfield Courier, December 13, 1877.

TEACHER’S DIRECTORY.

Miss Sarah Hodges, Dist. No. 19, Winfield.

Chas. Hodges...

[Communication from “LYCURGUS” - Tisdale, Silver Creek Township.]

Winfield Courier, January 3, 1878.

The Tisdale school, under the teaching of E. A. Millard, is going steadily on. The enrollment of fifty-six pupils, not a few of whom never attended school before, make business lively. Among the best scholars we notice Miss Rosa Rounds, Mr. Abe Conrad, Mr. Geo. Wright, and Chas. Hodges.

Wm. J. Hodges, of Wisconsin...

[TISDALE CORRESPONDENT: “LYCURGUS.]

Winfield Courier, January 17, 1878.

Mr. Wm. Hodges, of Wisconsin, is feeding one hundred and forty Texas cattle, for which he is buying all the corn he can get, and pays a good cash price.

Excerpt...

[COMMUNICATION FROM “GRIMES” - TISDALE.]

Arkansas City Traveler, February 6, 1878.

TISDALE, Jan. 24, 1878.

Our township is improving very fast. Look in any direction you choose and you will see new houses, either in course of erection or completed. Should you visit us, you would miss many of the old faces that were around in the time of Tisdale’s infancy. Our old friend, Jim Young, for instance, has sold out and gone. We have in his place a first rate man (no disrespect to Jim Young, for a better man in many ways is hard to find), Wm. Hodges, by name—a practical farmer, and a gentleman; last, though not least, a man of means and enterprise. He is now feeding quite a herd of cattle, buying all the corn he can get, and paying a fair price; minds his own affairs, and will be pretty certain to make money.

Winfield Courier, February 14, 1878.

PICK-UPS BY OUR RAMBLER.

W. J. Hodges, late of Green County, Wisconsin, has 140 head of fine cattle which he is stall feeding. He has bought about 4,000 bushels of corn at 20 cents and will take 2,000 more at same price.

Wm. Hodges and son, Charles...

[TISDALE CORRESPONDENT: “LYCURGUS.”]

Winfield Courier, February 14, 1878.

Mr. Wm. Hodges has gone to Wisconsin to attend to some property matter. His son Charles is caring for the stock. It looks as well as any in the county.

[TISDALE CORRESPONDENT: “LYCURGUS.”]

Winfield Courier, February 28, 1878.

Mr. Hodges returned from Wisconsin last week.

[TISDALE CORRESPONDENT: “LYCURGUS.”]

Winfield Courier, March 28, 1878.

On Friday eve Center grange conferred the good degree—I don’t know its number—on ten recruits, ending with a splendid supper, which my poor pen cannot describe owing to its variety and number of dishes. But the dance, oh! it was jolly. Our fun loving friend, Mr. Hodges, was floor manager and so everything went off nicely. The old and young folks enjoyed a rare treat and look toward when a like scene will be acted. Why do the ladies of the grange get up such fine suppers? Please explain.

Sadie [Sarah] Hodges...

[QUEEN VILLAGE CORRESPONDENT: “M. O. S.”]

Winfield Courier, April 4, 1878.

Last Friday, March 29th, was the last of the school at No. 19. Miss Sadie Hodges taught the school and gave universal satisfaction. The school was full and a very regular attendance until the last month when the spring work took several of the larger pupils out; however, they all turned out en masse, and their parents with them, the last day, all bringing dinners, and what a dinner! It was just splendid. It makes one’s mouth water to think of it, at least, so saith our informant. There were three prizes given in spelling. Two young ladies in the large class, Miss Annie Keorber and Miss Dora Crane—who had the same number of head-marks—received two copies of Mrs. Mary J. Holmes’ works, viz: “Lena Rivers” and “Hugh Worthington,” which delighted them immensely. Miss Clara Stephens took the prize in the second class, also a very handsome book.

Samuel Hodges...Have no idea who he was!

[PROBATE COURT MATTERS.]

Arkansas City Traveler, April 10, 1878.

W. M. Allison’s claim of $16 against Samuel Hodges, de&SHY;ceased, was allowed.

Sarah Hodges...

[TISDALE TOWNSHIP CORRESPONDENT: “N’IMPORTE.”]

Winfield Courier, April 11, 1878.

School began this morning, Miss Sarah Hodges officiating. All predict a first class school this summer.

William J. Hodges...

Winfield Courier, April 18, 1878.

Cowley County Fair.

A public meeting will be held at the courthouse in Winfield on the 11th day of May, 1878, at 2 o’clock p.m., for the purpose of organizing an agricultural society, and to take into consideration the propriety of holding a Fair during the coming fall. All are invited to attend, and it is hoped that all interests appropriately connected with the enterprise will be represented.

J. E. Platter, B. B. Vandeventer, J. B. Lynn, T. B. Bryan, C. A. Bliss, E. P. Kinne, H. D. Gans, E. E. Bacon, Winfield; J. B. Holmes, W. White, W. J. Funk, Rock; S. M. Fall, R. F. Burden, Windsor; N. J. Larkin, A. Kelly, Richland; Charles A. McClung, J. S. Wooley, Vernon; Dr. Holland, G. Teeter, Beaver; W. B. Norman, Adam Walck, Maple; Dr. A. S. Capper, Ninnescah; Ira How, Liberty; William J. Hodges, C. G. Handy, Tisdale; J. B. Callison, Spring Creek; D. W. Wiley, Cedar; E. Shriver, Sheridan; Jonas Messenger, Omnia; J. A. Bryan, Dexter; R. Stratton, Harvey; S. B. Adams, Creswell; J. M. Sample, D. P. Marshall, Bolton; G. W. Herbert, Silverdale; D. B. McCollum, S. Watt, Pleasant Valley.

Sarah Hodges...

Winfield Courier, April 18, 1878.

COWLEY COUNTY TEACHERS.

GRADE A.

Tisdale. Sarah Hodges.

Wm. J. Hodges...

Winfield Courier, April 25, 1878.

Proceedings of the Tisdale Greenback Club.

Club met per adjournment and proceeded to business.

1st. Enrolling members resulting in twenty names.

2nd. Electing officers: O. P. West, president; Dr. J. M. Wright, vice president; E. A. Millard, secretary; J. A. McGuire, treasurer; and Wm. J. Hodges and C. G. Handy, delegates to central club.

Moved and carried, that Dr. Wright procure a speaker for next meeting, April 19th.

Moved and carried that the secretary be instructed to furnish a copy of the proceedings of the meeting to each of the Winfield papers for publication. O. P. WEST, President.

E. A. MILLARD, Secretary. April 12th, 1878.

Sarah Hodges and W. J. Hodges...

[TISDALE CORRESPONDENT: “N’IMPORTE.”]

Winfield Courier, May 2, 1878.

The Tisdale school is progressing finely under the management of Miss Hodges.

Ive Carson has moved his heard of cattle to Emporia. Mr. Hodges started this week for the same point with a herd of beef cattle.

The Greenbackers of Tisdale listened to a couple of good speeches delivered by Messrs. Payson and Coldwell, of Winfield. The club now numbers 38 members.

Winfield Courier, May 2, 1878.

COUNTY GREENBACK CONVENTION.

Pursuant to a call for a county convention, the Presidents of the various Greenback clubs in the county and two delegates from each, convened in convention at Winfield, April 28, 1878, for the purpose of effecting a county organization.

Mr. T. A. Blanchard was called to the chair and C. C. Krow elected Secretary of the convention.

Committee on credentials appointed as follows: A. S. Williams, S. B. Hunt, and C. G. Handy. The committee reported the following persons entitled to seats in the convention.

Tisdale Club: J. M. Wright, C. G. Handy, Wm. J. Hodges.

The next entry refers to J. L. Hodges, druggist...As time goes by, it is apparent that he is related to W. J. Hodges. Have no idea if he was a brother or a cousin!

[TISDALE CORRESPONDENT: “N’IMPORTE.”]

Winfield Courier, May 30, 1878.

Mr. Hodges has sold his interest in the drug store to J. M. Napier. It will soon be moved out of town.

Sarah Hodges...

Winfield Courier, June 6, 1878.

TEACHERS’ DIRECTORY.

Miss Sarah Hodges. District 46, Tisdale.

Winfield Courier, July 11, 1878.

Real Estate Transfers.

I. W. Randall to Wm. J. Hodges, lots 1, 2, and 3, block 73, Winfield; $1,050.

Wm. Hodges and wife to Rachel Randall, lot 12, block 167, Winfield, $1,300.

Winfield Courier, July 18, 1878.

The Normal Institute.

The Normal Institute opened with the following teachers in attendance.

From Winfield: Margie K. Wallis, Lewis Brown, Pella Bradish, Nannie McGee, Mattie E. Walters, Ella Hunt, Henrietta King, Alice Pyburn, Lusetta Pyburn, Any Robertson, C. C. Critz, Maggie Stansbury, T. J. Floyd, Sarah E. Davis, Sarah E. Aldrich, Ray Nawman, Mary A. Bryant, Ioa Roberts, Mattie E. Minnihan, John Bower, R. A. O’Neill, Lizzie T. Wallis, Sarah Hodges, Alice Bullock, Ella Freeland, Mina C. Johnson, W. Trevett, J. D. Hunt, G. B. Richmond, Nellie M. Aldrich, Hattie F. Finch, Celina Bliss, Samuel Davis, Ida Carey, Ella Stewart, Allie Klingman, Fannie Pontious, A. B. Taylor, M. D. Snow.

Sarah Hodges and Wm. Hodges...

[TISDALE CORRESPONDENT: “NIP.”]

Winfield Courier, July 18, 1878.

TISDALE, July 12, 1878.

Harvesting done and threshing commenced. Wheat good quality and fair yield. Farmers plowing for wheat and intend sowing in August. Roasting ears getting hard.

The Fourth is among the things of the past. The Tisdaleites celebrated at the schoolhouse. Miss Hodges’s school gave its closing entertainment, consisting of essays, declamations, and songs. Mattie West’s recital of “The Bridal Winecup” was real good. The scene was vividly portrayed and stamps Miss West as a splendid declaimer. Lula McGuire’s “Dressed for Meeting” and “Out in the Snow” brought the house down. Others deserving special notice are Sada Davis, Nettie Handy, Hannah Davy, and Lula Handy.

The Tisdale school has been a grand success this summer. Miss Hodges is an “A” teacher in all respects. I understand that the board have engaged her for the next term The district certainly cannot do better than to retain her for some time at the head of the school.

After closing the literary exercises, we had dinner, croquet games, and a dance in the evening. It made me feel young again to see A. T. Gay, Wm. Hodges, A. C. Davis, and Arb. Tanner be boys again and lead the dance.

Sarah Hodges...

Winfield Courier, September 5, 1878. School Items on Back Page.

WINFIELD PUBLIC SCHOOL,

WINFIELD, COWLEY COUNTY, KANSAS.

GEO. W. ROBINSON, PRINCIPAL.

SCHOOL BOARD: James E. Platter: Director. E. P. Kinne: Treasurer. John D. Pryor: Clerk.

DEPARTMENT TEACHERS.

Miss Sarah E. Aldrich, Grammar School.

Miss Emma Saint, Second Intermediate.

Miss Sarah Hodges, First Intermediate.

Miss Allie Klingman, Second Primary.

Miss Mary A. Bryant, First Primary.

Winfield Courier, October 10, 1878. Back Page.

TEACHERS’ DIRECTORY.

District No. 1, Winfield: Geo. W. Robinson, Emma Saint, Sarah Aldrich, Sarah Hodges, Mary Bryant, Allie Klingman, Ioa Roberts.

Reference to Hodges...

[TISDALE CORRESPONDENT: “NIP.”]

Winfield Courier, November 28, 1878.

On Saturday last this part of Tisdale Township was visited by a prairie fire of the most vehement kind; in fact, we were favored with two fires, one from the south, which did not do any great amount of damage that I heard of, and one from the north, which has done more toward wiping out the Greenback party then all the campaign speeches. The fire started two miles north of town, coming south and slightly east. The veering wind gave it a broad front, which headed for George Divilbliss’s hay stacks and house, but was here stopped by Messrs. Gould, Burleston, and Moses. A small point crossed the road west of Divilbliss’s house and was burning slowly down a ravine, guarded on each side by breaking. Here it was stopped by Napier, Wilson, and Gould. After that was checked, we went back and back-fired against it on the line running west and between John King’s and Mr. Divilbliss’s farms. While at work there we saw a signal flag, started for the danger, and found the fire had crossed the line again and was burning on Mr. Hodges’ north quarter and running south across Mrs. Newton’s farm. Knowing that the buildings on Newton’s farm were not burned around, we put our horses to the run, hoping to get there in time to save the barn, in which was Mrs. Newton’s wheat (nearly 70 bushels); Mr. Armstrong’s harvester; and about 100 bushels of corn belonging to Mr. Bush. In spite of the speed of our horses—and they were good ones—the fire drove us south of the barn; but here we got ahead, and passing the fire rode back and began firing. Just as we began to hope all was safe, another head-floe struck us fairly, drove us from the work, and caught the barn and granary (the granary was covered with straw and the barn was a Kansas concern, built of poles, with straw sides and top); so the only thing left was to sand away and think of the flames that lit “the battle’s wreck.” Then we fired around the house and saved it. A summary of the loss sustained on these two places gives the following: 70 bushels wheat at 45 cents, $31.50; 100 bushels corn at 20 cents, $20.00; 1 harvester, nearly new, $150.00; granary and barn, $45.00; hay burned on the two farms, estimated at 65 tons, $97.50; E. A. Millard, 1 coat, pair of gloves, etc., $7.00; A. T. Gay, 1 pair pants and pair of boots, $8.00; total $359.00. Besides this, corn burned in the field, hedge and fruit trees killed will make an aggregate of $500.00. As the fire passed on toward the south it again

“Wrapped the ship in splendor wild

And caught the flag on high.”

That is, it burned a hay stack for J. A. McGuire. I have not been able to learn of any other damage, and do not know who set the fire out.

The following could be either W. J. or J. L. Hodges...

Winfield Courier, Thursday, January 2, 1879.

The following is a list of new buildings erected in the city of Winfield since January 1, 1878, with the name of owner and cost of building.

J. Hodges, residence, frame: $1,000.

W. J. Hodges...

Winfield Courier, January 16, 1879.

Board of County Commissioners met in regular session [Janu&SHY;ary 6, 1879]. Present: R. F. Burden, W. M. Sleeth, and G. L. Gale, commissioners, James McDermott, county attorney, and M. G. Troup, county clerk.

Among other proceedings had, bills against the county were presented and passed upon by the board as follows.

Juror’s fees: Geo. Emerson, C. M. Wood, S. F. Miller, W. J. Hodges, A. A. Jackson, E. C. Seward.

Sarah Hodges...

Winfield Courier, January 30, 1879.

Teachers’ Directory.

District No. 1: WINFIELD.

Geo. W. Robinson, Emma Saint, Sarah Aldrich, Sarah Hodges, Mary Bryant, Allie Klingman, Ioa Roberts

Winfield Courier, April 17, 1879.

At a meeting of the stockholders held in this city on the 14th inst. the following were elected officers of the Walnut Valley Fair Association.

R. F. Burden, President; E. P. Kinne, Vice President; J. M. Alexander, Treasurer; E. E. Bacon, Secretary.

Directors: W. J. Hodges, A. A. Wiley, S. R. Marsh, John Stalter, H. B. Pratt.

Chief Marshal: P. M. Wait.

Chief Police: Jno. C. Roberts.

E. E. BACON, Sec.

Wm. J. Hodges...

[DISTRICT COURT DOCKET.]

Winfield Courier, May 1, 1879.

The following is a list of cases that will stand for trial at the May, A. D. 1879, term of the District Court of Cowley County, beginning on the first Monday in May, and have been placed on the Trial Docket in the following order.

CIVIL DOCKET. TENTH DAY.

Wm. H. Gould vs. Wm. J. Hodges.

Winfield Courier, May 22, 1879.

REAL ESTATE TRANSFERS [IN THE CITY]

C. L. Harter to Wm. Hodges, lots 7, 8, 9, blk 187, Winfield. $402.

Winfield Courier, June 12, 1879.

At a meeting of the directors of the Walnut Valley Fair Association, at the office of Col. Alexander, last Thursday, it was decided to hold the fair October 1st, 2nd, 3rd, and 4th. The following appointments were made:

General Supt.: J. L. Horning.

Chief of Police: J. C. Roberts.

Chief Marshal: P. M. Waite.

CLASS SUPERINTENDENTS

Class D.: Wm. Hodges.

Winfield Courier, June 26, 1879.

W. J. Hodges started to Wichita to-day with another large drove of hogs, some 700 in number. Messrs. Mullen and Wood will also start about July 1st with a drove of 1206. The total of the many droves which have been taken out since Jan. 1st will be over 4,500 and the average price paid has been about $2.50 per hundred pounds. The price is now $2.90, nearly equal to Wichita prices. The gentlemen above named have been dealing largely in hogs and have been content with a small margin, thereby making a good market at home and keeping money here that would otherwise be carried out of the county.

Sarah Hodges...

Winfield Courier, June 26, 1879.

At a meeting of the School Directors on Monday, June 16th, F. S. Jennings in the chair, the following appointments were made for the coming year: Principal, Prof. E. T. Trimble, of Illi&SHY;nois, who takes the place of Mr. G. W. Robinson, resigned; Helen E. Meach, of Chicago, who takes the place of Miss Aldrich in the grammar department; Miss Sarah Hodges, who takes the place of Mrs. Moffit, resigned—second intermediate; Miss Minnie Johnson, a new appointment, 1st intermediate; Miss Allie Klingman, returned, 2nd primary; Miss Mollie Bryant, 1st primary. The Chair appoint&SHY;ed the committees for the ensuing year, to-wit: M. G. Troup, Finance; N. L. Rigby, Ways and Means; I. W. Randall, Care of School property. The first Monday in July was set for the next meeting of the Directors. The fall term of school opens Septem&SHY;ber 1^st.

Arkansas City Traveler, July 9, 1879.

The following young folks came down from Winfield on the Fourth: Dave Harter and Miss Minnie Bacon, Bret. Crapster and Miss Bonnie Anderson, R. W. Dever and Miss Jennie Hane, Will Houser and Miss Maggie Dever, Fred Hunt and Miss Sarah Hodges, A. D. Speed and Miss Thompson, W. C. Robinson and Miss Minnie Capron, Jas. Miller and Miss Minnie Hyden, A. V. Wilkinson and Miss Cora Hyden.

W. J. Hodges...

[THE FAIR.]

Winfield Courier, October 9, 1879.

Last Saturday ended the most successful fair ever held in Cowley County. The display, especially of blooded stock, was large, and shows that our people are awake to the advantage of well-bred over common scrub stock. We hope this may result in rooting out the old scrubby breeds that are so numerous at present.

HOGS.

The competition for premiums in this department was very lively. The display was so large and the different crosses so near alike, that it was difficult for the judges to decide which was better than the other.

The exhibit of Mr. S. S. Holloway, of Berkshire and Poland China, crossed, was very fine, and received much notice. He has taken great pains in the selection and crosses of the different breeds, and has a good lot of hogs.

The thoroughbred Poland China boar, owned by Mr. Wood, carried a whole tail full of blue ribbons, and was a magnificent hog.

Mr. N. F. Wright exhibited several of his thoroughbred Berkshire hogs, which were considered the finest lot there. One boar, 11 months old, and weighing 300 pounds, with not enough hair on his skin to make a tooth brush, attracted as much atten&SHY;tion as any hog on the grounds, hardly excepting the 1010 pound hog belonging to Mr. W. J. Hodges.