James E. Hodge began his
independent career at an early age and his record since that time furnishes
many splendid examples of the value of energy and perseverance in the
attainment of success. Mr. Hodge was born in Mount Sterling, Kentucky,
October 19, 1850, a son of William and Nancy (Hazzard) Hodge, both of whom
are deceased and buried at Columbia, Missouri. He attended the country
schools, receiving a limited education, and owing to the fact that his
brothers enlisted in the war on the side of the Confederacy, James E. was
obliged to assist on the home place and provide for his parents. Here he
remained until he reached the age of thirty-two, and two years after his
marriage. He then engaged in farming with his brother-in-law, W. W. McKim.
They purchased the farm of Mrs. Hodge's father which they operated until
1885, when Mr. Hodge disposed of his holdings. He then engaged in the
mercantile business in Stephens, Missouri, where he remained in business
until 1903. Mr. Hodge then went to St. Louis, Mo., where he carried on a
teaming and contracting business, remaining in St. Louis until he came to
California and located in Imperial County, which was in 1906. Mr. Hodge was
impressed with the possibilities of this Valley and purchased 360 acres,
where he farmed with success. He still owns 160 acres six miles east of
Imperial, which he has rented. December 13, 1880, Mr. Hodge was united in
marriage to Miss Jennie McKim at Calloway County, Mo., a daughter of Joseph
M. and Mary (Ayres) McKim, both deceased and buried in the Mt. Olivet
Cemetery in Calloway County, Mo. Mr. and Mrs. Hodge have three sons and one
daughter, Lona, wife of F. P. Wade, residing in Centralia, Mo.; William M.,
identified with Varney Brothers at El Centro, Cal.; Walter F., associated
with his father in business; Edward McKim, a resident of St. Louis, Mo. The
family is of Scotch origin, but has been in America for several centuries.
Three brothers of Mr. Hodge fought in the Civil War, his brother John was
killed in action and Samuel died in a war prison in St. Louis after the
surrender of Vicksburg. Eli, another brother, who was in Shelby's brigade,
is still a resident of Columbia, Mo. The family is one of the representative
and highly esteemed families of Imperial County.
Source: "The History of Imperial County, California,"
Elms and Franks Publ. Co., 1918, pp. 379-380.
Transcribed and submitted by Sally Kaleta, December, 2006.
One of the successful and
representative business men of El Centro has been a resident of the county
since 1911. He has been a manager of the Auto Tire Company, Inc., located at
481 Main Street, since April, 1917. He was born at Hopkinsville, Kentucky,
April 30th, 1876, a son of R. D. and Anna Virginia (Watson) Fleming. Mr.
Fleming's father died in 1899 and is buried in the cemetery at Warrenton,
North Carolina, and his mother is at present a resident of Palmer's Springs,
Virginia. Mr. Fleming acquired his education in the public and high school
of Warrenton, North Carolina, the Wake Forest College of North Carolina, and
the University of Virginia, where he received the degree of A.B. in 1898.
Completing his education he became connected with a wholesale grocery
company of Richmond, Virginia, until 1905. Mr. Fleming then went on his farm
in North Carolina until 1908. Returning to Richmond, he then became
connected with the firm of C. R. Carey & Company, wholesale grocers, where
he was previously connected. He later removed to Clovis, New Mexico, where
he became identified with the Santa Fe railroad, as accountant. He remained
in the employ of the Santa Fe until he came to El Centro, which was in 1911.
He became connected with Edgar Brothers and had charge of the office and
clerical force until he became associated with the Auto Tire Company, Inc.,
as manager. Fraternally, Mr. Fleming is affiliated with the Masonic lodge,
being a member of the Blue Lodge, Chapter, Commandery, and Shrine.
Politically he is a Democrat. Mr. Fleming was married in Humboldt,
Tennessee, December 18, 1901, to Miss Margaret Scott, a daughter of Dr. and
Mrs. J. D. Scott, both deceased. To Mr. and Mrs. Fleming has been born one
daughter, Margaret. Mr. Fleming's ancestors were of Scotch-Irish descent.
Source: "The History of Imperial County, California,"
Elms and Franks Publ. Co., 1918, pp. 380-381.
Transcribed and submitted by Sally Kaleta, December, 2006.