My Genealogy Hound

Ben F. Hodges, of the firm of Meyer, Hodges & Co., of Van Buren, was born December 2, 1852, on a boat on the Ohio River, near Cannelton, Ind., and is a son of John and Ann (Medlicot) Hodges. The father was a native of England, there learned the butcher’s trade, and before reaching his majority immigrated to America, locating in Louisville, Ky. He was married in 1852, soon after removing to Cannelton, Ind., and in 1852 came to Van Buren. He engaged in butchering throughout his entire life, and while in Van Buren packed and shipped pork to the southern markets. The mother was born in Dublin, Ireland, and came to the United States when a young woman. Both are deceased. Three of the children are now living: Mary, wife of Dr. Thomas Caster, of Ozark, Ark.; Harriet, wife of N. F. Cornelius, of Van Buren, and our subject. The latter was but six years of age when he was brought to Van Buren, and at the age of eleven began to clerk in a store. In 1865 he went to Rochester, Ind., to learn the baker’s trade, and in 1869 returned to Van Buren, working at the business until 1871, when he again clerked. In 1879 himself, H. F. Meyer and J. W. Statler went into the general mercantile business. The last named gentleman sold his share to the other two in 1885, and since that date the business has been owned by Messrs. Meyer & Hodges. They carry a complete and first class line of goods and enjoy a large patronage. Mr. Hodges is a man of good business capacity, temperate habits and courteous manners. He is a Democrat in politics, and a member of Ivanhoe Lodge, No. 27, K. of P.