From A
Biographical History of Central Kansas, Vol. II, p. 1046
published by The Lewis Publishing Co, Chicago & New York, 1902
DAVID P. HODGDON
Perhaps no agency in all the world has done so much for public progress as the press, and an enterprising, well-edited journal is a most important factor in promoting the welfare and prosperity of any community. It adds to the intelligence of the people through its transmission of foreign and domestic news and through its discussion of the leading issues and questions of the day, and more than that it makes the town or city which it represents known outside of the immediate vicinity, as it is sent each day or week into other districts, carrying with it an account of the events transpiring in its home locality, the advancement and progress there being made, and the advantages which it offers to its residents along moral, educational, social and commercial lines. Lyons is certainly indebted to its wide-awake journals in no small degree, and the subject of this review is the editor of one of the excellent newspapers of the city, The Rice County Eagle. For many years he has been connected with journalistic work, and his power as a writer and editor is widely acknowledged among contemporaneous journals.
David Parker Hodgdon was born in Farmington, New Hampshire, on the 21st of February, 1841, and in both the paternal and maternal lines he is of English descent. The progenitor of the Hodgdon family in America came to this country in 1634, and he obtained a large grant of land in what is now New Hampshire. His descendants took an active part in the Revolutionary war, both as officers and privates. The year 1878 witnessed the arrival of our subject in the Sunflower state, coming to this commonwealth from Massachusetts, and since 1882 he has made his home in Lyons. In 1884 he embarked in journalistic work, and practical experience has made him familiar with the business in every department. His original methods of execution, his great facility of perception, his correct and spirited grasp of affairs have all combined to give individuality to his style, bringing him instant recognition not only at home, but also in the field of co-existent journalism. He is also the owner of a fine farm of four hundred acres in Rice county.
The marriage of Mr Hodgdon was celebrated in Maine, when Miss Malissa G Russell became his wife. Two daughters have come to brighten and bless their home, Ida M and Maude. In political matters Mr Hodgdon is of the old Abe Lincoln persuasion, and supports the party, men and measures which more nearly conduce, in his judgment, to free independent government, and the happiness and prosperity of all the governed. Socially he is identified with the Ancient Order of United Workmen and the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. In manner he is courteous and genial, and among the people with whom he has been so long connected he is very popular.