Colin Hodge

COLIN HODGE, one of the best known citizens of Canada township, Labette county, Kansas, is located in section 25, township 33, range 17, where he took a claim in 1869. He was born in Glasgow, Scotland, in 1841, and is a son of C. and Jane (Clark) Hodge.

C. Hodge was born in Scotland and was a mason by trade. His union with Jane Clark resulted in the birth of 12 children, of whom but two are now living, namely: Colin; and W. C., a farmer living in Canada township, west of his brother's place. W. C. Hodge served in the Civil war, in Company A, 31st Reg., Ill. Vol. Inf., and came to Labette county in 1870. He married Lizzie Michals, a native of Pennsylvania, and they had five children: Mary A.; Colin O.; Jane; William W.; and Fannie.

Colin Hodge was twelve years of age when he came to America, in 1853. He landed at New Orleans, and immediately thereafter located in Illinois, and resided there until the Civil War was in progress. He enlisted in Company I, 22d Reg., Ill. Vol. Inf., and served about three years, when he reenlisted in Company A, 2d Reg., S. Vet. Vol. Inf., and was discharged on February 10, 1866. He was in battle at Belmont, Missouri, and at Stone River; he accompanied General Sherman in his memorable march, and was shot on two different occasions. He then returned to Illinois and lived there until 1869, when he came to Kansas, on foot. He located in Labette county in October of that year, and, took as a claim the southeast quarter of section 25, township 33, range 17. He built a cabin, 14 by 16 feet in size, and has made all the improvements on the claim. He was engaged in farming in a successful manner for many years, but now rents out most of his land.

Mr. Hodge was united in marriage with Susan J. Smith, who was born in Troy, Ohio, in 1851. In politics, he is a Republican, and has served as justice of the peace; he has also been township treasurer, and was clerk of the district court for one term. Fraternally, he is a member of Oswego Lodge, No. 63, A. F. & A. M., Modern Woodmen of America, and the Grand Army of the Republic.