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American Republic 2.17.1857

In Philadelphia, on the 7th inst. Alice, wife of William H. Hodgson, formerly of West Chester in the 23rd year of her age.

Mrs. Agnes C. Hodgson-Obituary from the 71st annual report of the Philadelphia Conference Missionary Society of the Methodist Episcopal Church-March 1892

Mrs. Agnes C. Hodgson, widow of the late Francis Hodgson, D.D., of the Philadelphia Conference, was born in 1807, married in 1831, and passed to her home in heaven, after an illness of only a few days, with that mysterious disease known as the grippe, May 3, 1891. Mrs. Hodgson was a woman of more than ordinary culture and intelligence, of great strength of will, high-toned and lady-like in her bearing, of high social character, and of remarkably sincere piety, admirably adapted to fill the position to which she was providentially called as the consort of one of our most popular and influential ministers.

During the forty-nine years which she spent wither her honored husband in the work of itinerancy, she proved herself, in every sense of the word, a true help meet indeed, not only making his home comfortable and happy, but aiding him also in his work among the poor and others needing his attention and sympathy.

When the time came for husband's retirement through serious illness, she watched over and cared for him with true wifely devotion. And since his decease she had quietly endured the grief's and loneliness of her widowhood, and patiently awaited the summons of her Lord to go up higher and rejoin her companion in the home of the blessed.

The funeral service was attended by many of those who had known her in active life, on Thursday morning, May 7th , at the house of Mr. R.H. Fels, her son-in-law. The Rev. Dr. Neely, Presiding Elder of the South Philadelphia District, was in charge of the services and made a short address. The lessons were read by Revs. T.A. Fernley and A. Manship; addresses made by Rev. Dr. W.L. Gray and T.C. Murphey, and by her pastor, Rev. J.J. Fox; a paper adopted by the Preachers' Meeting was read by Rev. J.D. McCullough, and prayer offered by Rev. W. Mullin. Revs. Murphey, Fox and McCullough conducted the services at the grave, in the minister's burial ground, at Mt. Moriah Cemetery.

To her son, for many years an associate and successor of  his honored father in the work of the ministry; to her two daughters, who have ministered to her comfort as they had opportunity, and to her son-in-law, Mr. Fels, who in his devotion has been even more than a son, we tender our sympathies in the loss they have sustained in the death of their mother, whilst we pray that the God of all grace may richly comfort them, and grant unto each and all at last a happy reunion with their sainted parents in heaven. The memory of the just is blessed

Local Daily News 1.31.1958

Mrs. Anne G. Hodgson, daughter-in-law of the late William Hall Hodgson, who founded the Daily Local News in 1872, died this morning in Coatesville Hospital where she had been confined for a month. She was 79.

Mrs. Hodgson and her husband, the late Walter Dennison Hodgson, formerly lived in West Chester at 106 S. High st. The deceased was a member of St. Agnes Church. She was born July 9, 1879 in Charlestown twp.; daughter of the late Patrick H. and Honore DeWan Griffin.

Surviving are two daughters, Wilhelminia D. Hodgson and Mrs. Ann H. Black, both of West Chester; two grandchildren, John P. Thomas, Local News vice president and general manager; and Lois Ann Black, and a sister, Mrs. Sara G. Kessler.

Mrs. Hodgson's husband was at one, associated with this newspaper, one of the few enterprises in Chester county that has been conducted under one family name for more than a century.

Hodgson- In Coatsville Hospital on January 31, 1958, Anne G. Hodgson, wife of the late Walter D. Hodgson in her 79th year

Relatives and friends of the family are invited to attend the funeral from the Lawrence J. Reilly Funeral Home, 410 N. Church St. West Chester, Pa. on Monday, February 3rd at 9:30 A.M. Requiem High mass at St. Agnes Church at 10 A.M.

Friends may call at the Funeral Home Sunday evening.

Local Daily News 3.13.1876

The funeral of Charles H. Hodgson, who met his death in the appalling accident of the Balt. & Ohio Railroad, on Monday night of last week, took place at Berkley Springs, VA on last Thursday afternoon. The attendance on the sad occasion was very large, which demonstrated the high regard entertained for the deceased by his large circle of acquaintances. The Masonic and Knights of Pythias Lodges o f Martinsburg and Piedmont, Va., were present with large representations, and a full band of music accompanied the first named delegation and contributed to the last sad rites by playing several appropriate dirges.

Deceased was a consistent member of the Presbyterian Church, located at his home in the village of Berkley Springs, also Superintendent of the Sabbath School connected with his church, the attendance of both being large at his funeral. In relation to his political standing the press erred in speaking of him as a member of the West Virginia Legislature, he being associated only with matters relating to state government in the capacity of clerk to the Senate and Judiciary.

He was one of the K. of P. Grand Lodge officers of that State, and at the time of death was Secretary of the Board of Trustees of the noted Bath Springs of that place, which is in charge of the State authorities. I the pending political struggle he was favorable spoken of in connection with a place upon the State ticket, but his untimely death leaves the way clear to other aspirants. He leaves two children to mourn the loss of a faithful and devoted father- his wife having died about one year ago.

Of the wounded victims who shared in the terrible leap into the valley of death, only two or three yet survived and it is though that not a single life, of either man or brute, associated with the disaster will be spared. At last accounts the bodies of the engineer and fireman had not been reached in the great splintered and confused mass of debris.

Local Daily News 3.8.1876

By telegram we are informed to-day of the death of Charles H. Hodgson, who was killed last Monday evening on the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad. Deceased was a son of John Hodgson and a brother of William H. Hodgson, and for a number of years during his early life lived in this borough. From West Chester he went to Baltimore where he engaged in the drug business, but owing to ill health he sought a more genial clime in Virginia at Berkley Springs, where he has since engaged in publishing a newspaper, the Morgan Mercury. He also continued in the drug business, and at the time of his death was a member of the West Virginia Legislature. He us well known in this community, and among the people with whom he has associated during the last years of his life he was held in high repute. His interment will take place at Berkley Springs, to-morrow (Thursday) evening. Deceased was about 38 years of age.

Daily Local News 9.22.1894

Yesterday, Mrs. Eliza Hodgson, wife of William D. Hodgson, died at her home in Pottsville, in the 84th year of her age. She was born in Cecil County, MD, but lately had been a resident of Pennsylvania. Her son Edward, of West Chester, is now at the late home of his mother. The funeral will take place on Monday morning at 10 o'clock.

Local Daily News West Chester L 1.16.1892

The Funeral of Miss Emma Hodgson, only daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Edward Hodgson, of Trenton, N.J., took place on last Friday, her death having resulted rather suddenly from consumption, Miss Hodgson was a very attractive young lady, about nineteen years of age, and had --relatives and friends in West Chester who learn with regret of her death.

Jeffersonian 11.21.1868

In Pittsburgh, on Sunday morning the 15th inst. Mrs. Emma Hodgson aged 31 years, daughter of Eliza Ann Hagerty

Local Daily News- West Chester, PA 8.30.1907

At the age of 68 years, Frank Hodgson died suddenly yesterday in Atlantic City, from heart trouble. He had gone to that resort on Sunday with Mr. and Mrs. Francis H. Taggart, and seemed in his usual health, but became ill while at the shore. Mr. Hodgson was a man of genial disposition, a son of the late William Hodgson and was born in Philadelphia. He was by trade a watchmaker, learning with Mr. Lascelle, of West Chester and Wilmington and other southern cities. He was a bachelor and had traveled much. Two brothers, Edward A., of Dean street, and James, of Pottsville, and a sister, Mrs. Francis H. Taggart, survive him. The body will be taken to Pottsville for interment.

Local Daily News - West Chester 8.31.1907

Hodgson- In Atlantic City, N.J. on August 29, 1907, Francis M. Hodgson, in the 69th year of his age. Funeral from the residence of his brother, 22 North Centre street, Pottsville, Pa., on Monday, September 2, 1907 at 10 o'clock a.m.

Obituary from Methodist Central New York Conference - 1900

The Rev. Francis Day Hodgson, A.M. was born in Philadelphia, Pa., June 8, 1832, and fell asleep in Jesus at Newark, N.Y., December 12, 1899. His father, the Rev. Francis Day Hodgson, D.D., was one of the most prominent preachers and pastors of New York and Philadelphia Methodism, and was equally eminent as an author. Brother Hodgson was a fine scholar. He was graduated from Wesleyan University in the year 1854. Among his classmates were Bishop Henry W. Warren and Dr. W.F. Warren, president of Boston University.
After his graduation he taught at Lima and Newark, N.Y. He was licensed to preach in 1855. His first charge was Scott church, Philadelphia. Bishop Scott appointed him to education work in Oregon in 1857 in the Willamette University. From 1860 to 1867, he was a professor in the University of California. He taught mathematics in the first class of that institution. While teaching for a number of years he preached as assistant at Alameda, CA. He with his wife and six others petitioned that a Methodist preacher might be sent to Oakland, CA. In answer to that prayer the Rev. Charles E. Rich was sent to be the pastor. Brother Hodgson could justly have claimed to be the founder of Methodism in Oakland, CA. He returned to the East in 1867, and for eight years in Seneca Falls and eight years in Penn Yan, N.Y., continued in educational work. He reentered the active work of the ministry, and his fields of labor were Enfield, Spencerport, Horseheads, Troy, PA, Ovid and Mountour Falls. He retired from active work in 1895.

Fours years of patient waiting for the end followed. These were years of ripening for Heaven. He was able almost all of the time till release came to attend public worship, a privilege he greatly prized. He was a favorite preacher with scholars and thoughtful people. They, in every place where he preached, waited upon his ministry. He made most careful preparation for his pulpit work. A discriminating man who heard him for several years declares that Brother Hodgson never preached a poor sermon. His modesty and reserve were all that stood between him and conspicuous postitiou. He was not a place seeker or a time server. His friends knew that behind the quiet reserve and dignity of Francis Day Hodgson was a loving, genial heart. With familiar friends his reserve disappeared, and cheerful and witty he became the life of the company. But everywhere he was the Christian gentleman. He had in an unusual degree, the gift of teaching. He bore with patience his afflictions and died in good hope of eternal life.

His widow and five children remain: Mrs. W.B. Brown, of Allegheny City, Pa; Mrs. Charles E. Wells, of Canandaigua; the Misses Alice and Elizabeth and son Alfred, of Newark. The funeral of Brother Hodgson was held on Thursday afternoon, Dec., 14, 1899, in the Newark Methodist Church. The service was in charge of the pastor, the Rev. H.C. Moyer. Among those participating were the Revs. L.H. Pearce, D.D.; John Easter, Ph. D.; D.M. M. Van Tuyl, J.E. Allen and S.F. Sanford.

Written by: L.H. Pearce

Obituary from Seneca Falls Newspaper

Born in Philadelphia. Graduate Wesleyan University of Middletown, Conn. in 1854, In 1857, became minister of Methodist Episcopal church to Oregon for three years. In 1860 became professor of math at University of California until 1867. Came to Seneca Falls, was principal of high school 1868 to 1874. Then became principal of Penn Yann Academy. Returned to ministry, had churches at Spencerport, Troy, Ovid, and Later Newark. Died in Newark, N.Y. 12/12/1899, 67., survived by wife, son , 3 daughters.

Jane H. O 'Leary, of Horseheads, NY and a former resident of Newark, died Monday, October 6, 1997 in Elmira, after a brief illness. Jane Grew up in Newark and was the daughter of the late Alfred J. and Jane Rahill Hodgson. She was the wife of the late John G. O'Leary and sister to the late Kathryn H. Brown. Jane, along with her husband John, were the owners of "Leary's Restaurant and Trader Jake;s Polynesian Room in downtown Emira. After the restaurant closed in the early 1970's they both worked for Mark Twain Real Estate in Elmira. Friends called at the Thomas McInerny Funeral Home in Elmira on Wednesday. A prayer service was held on Thursday followed by a mass of Christian Burial at Our Lady Lourdes Church, Interment was at St Peter & Paul's Cemetery. She is survived by her brother John A. and wife of Newark, New York; brother in law, Edward Shaw of Elmira, several nieces, nephews, great nieces, great nephews and close friends. Donations may be made to a charity of one's choice.

John Hodgson, who was at one time editor and proprietor of The Jeffersonian, died at his home in Chester, Delaware county, on Friday evening at 6:30 o'clock, after a protracted illness, occasioned by hemorrhages of the lungs, in the 74th year of his age.

Deceased was born on the 18th day of March, 1808, in Burton-Agnes, England, and came to the United Sates when he was but nine years of age, accompanied by his parents, brothers and sisters ten in all. After a long and tedious passage of seven weeks and three days in an old-fashioned sail ship, the emigrant Hodgson family landed in the New World to seek a home and a livelihood. The settled in the adjoining State of Delaware, where they lived for a few months only. Leaving Delaware they came to West Chester. Some time after this, the subject of this sketch was apprenticed to learn the art of printing. He was placed in the office of the Village Record, then under the management of Charles A. Miner. He remained in the above office a few years, where, by industrious application, acquired the rudiments of the trade. At the age of seventeen he went to Doylestown, Bucks County, where he found employment in the Intelligence office. The paper issued from this establishment was then edited and published by James Kelly, a brother-in-law, Whilst living there he married Mary, daughter of Samuel Hall. After living in Doylestown several years, he moved to Norristown for the purpose of engaging in a newspaper enterprise. For three or four years he was the publisher of the Herald, then one of those old-time weekly journals, devoted to the general news, poetry, literature, etc. From Norristown, he went to Philadelphia to engage in mercantile business, as a dry goods merchant, his storeroom being located on Market, above Tenth. This life not appealing to his tastes, his journalistic instincts naturally sought a field for a renewal of action. He accordingly came to West Chester and established The Jeffersonian, which he, for nearly thirty years, conducted with tact and ability, his labors being attended with success.

In 1857 deceased was elected to the State Legislature on the Democratic ticket. Morton Garret, of East Brandywine, and Eber W. Sharpe, of New Garden, were upon the same ticket as candidates for Assembly, and both were also elected.

Deceased, at one time of his life, took an active interest in the military affairs of Chester and Delaware counties. In recognition of his interest he was made Quartermaster of the old National Guards, and subsequently Major of the State militia on General Trimble's staff. He was also a member of long standing in the order of Odd Fellows' and was a charter member of Pocahontas Lodge, of this borough.

Mr. Hodgson was essentially a newspaperman; one who loved the duties pertaining to a newspaper office, and consequently was no seeker for public official positions. He was a man who thoroughly understood the mechanical department of a printing office. He looked after and controlled the weekly make-up of his paper, and it was no uncommon occurrence for him to take up a printer's "stick" and rule and without much previous thought go to a case of type and "set up" an editorial or an item with an ease scarcely to be expected. This sort of composition he preferred to that composed of copy prepared by the use of pen and ink. As a writer he was forcible and pointed, and his readers always understood the meaning of his articles. He was a man by nature of a kind and forbearing disposition, which trait of character was known and appreciated by his intimate friends.

Mr. Hodgson belonged to a family remarkable for its longevity and exceptional physical health. Of a family of eight children, four of whom are yet living, not one up to the present time had died under the age of seventy three years. The long life of the deceased, he having attained the good old age of over three score and ten, showed that he had inherited at least a characteristic of his family. The same, however, cannot be said with regard to his physical health. For years he had been an invalid, his affection being one peculiar to the lungs, which often caused hemorrhage of a violent nature. But notwithstanding these visitations he showed a power of industry and attention to business, which, had he possessed a weaker constitution, would have disabled him for the active, everyday affairs of it.

Local Daily news West Chester 10.18.1917

After a long period of patient suffering, William H. Hodgson, President of the Daily Local News Company, passed quietly away this morning at his home on South Church street, where he had lived for many years. He had been bedfast for some weeks, but retained his mental faculties up to a period near the end, and spoke cheerfully with his faithful nurses and others who were about him. He was 87 years of age on Monday of this week.

Mr. Hodgson was a native of this state, having been born in Doylestown October 15, 1830. His father, John Hodgson, came from England to America when he was five years of age, with his father, William, and mother, Ann, a brother Francis, and sisters, Sarah, Ann, Mary and Jane. In this country three more children were born to them, Benjamin, William, and Esther.

John Hodgson, father of the family, learned the printing trade in the office of the Village Record, in West Chester, and soon after went to Doylestown, where he worked as a compositor on the intelligencer of that place. There he married Elizabeth Hall, and after a time located in Norristown, and purchased the Herald, which he published for a few years, then selling it. And removing to Philadelphia, where he engaged in mercantile pursuits, and there it was that his wife died. She was the mother of five children, namely, William (the subject of this sketch), Elizabeth, Annie, Charles and John, all of whom are now deceased. All the sons, like their father, learned the printing trade.

In 1842 John Hodgson, the father of the family named, returned to West Chester and established the Jeffersonian, a Democratic weekly which continued until a few years ago. He remained the owner of this paper until he disposed of it to his sons, William and Charles, he continuing in the capacity of its editor up to 1865, when his son, William, became its sole proprietor.

In 1857 John Hodgson was elected a Democratic member of the Pennsylvania Legislature, at which time the two political parties were so evenly balanced in strength as to require the change of only a few votes to win victory.

He left West Chester in the year 1870 and went to West Virginia, where he founded a Democratic paper, which failed of success, and he then located in Chester. He died in 1877 in Chester, shortly after establishing the Times, which is now a prosperous paper in that city.

William H. Hodgson, the eldest son of John Hodgson, became apprenticed to the trade of printing when he was only twelve years of age, and never engaged in any other business. As an artist of the "art preservative" he was always regarded by members of the craft as well as the general public, a master. Because of his clean, intelligent work and the excellent taste displayed by him in job printing, and in the makeup of his newspaper, he won the distinction of bringing into these lines examples which were of value to his fellows, as well as a means of education to all brought into contact with the results of his painstaking work.

In 1872 the West Chester Daily Local News was started by him as publisher, with W.W. Thomason as editor, and these have been uninterruptedly at the head of the paper up to this time, a period of over forty-five years.

In this connection it is not out of place to mention that several of the employees have been in their respective positions for unusual lengths of time, thus proving that such ties of association could not have existed but for a mutual respect and satisfaction felt alike by employees.

The News has won a place in the affections and esteem of the people of Chester county and in many places beyond the county line, because of its newsy fairness to all parties and sects and its correct manner of serving its clientage, which is the largest of any of the inland dallies of Pennsylvania. Its equipment in the way of presses, typesetting machines and other features necessary to the publication is not surpassed in any borough of the United States, and its general success is a marvel to newspaper makers throughout the country. This enviable position it has won upon its merits, by strict attention to business and unfaltering determination to make it a paper for the people, a fireside necessity and a welcome daily visitor to the homes of an enlightened public. Some years ago the ownership was transferred to the Daily Local News Company, of West Chester, incorporated, in order to insure its permanency.

In the work of making the Local News he in the early days demonstrated courage but few would have put forward. In a financial way he took chances, believing that some time in the near future the end would justify the means, in which he happily was not disappointed.

He was always of a kind amiable disposition. He was never found wanting in extending a helping hand to the poor, while his gifts to public institutions and enterprises were invariably given with a freedom accentuating his interest in the general public. His generous nature served to give practical help to many in their hour trial and need.

In the days of the State Militia before the Civil War, he was for years a member of a company commanded by Captain Apple, in which he was prominent for his marksmanship and soldierly bearing.

William H. Hodgson was married three times. His first wife was Alice Clayton, who died in about two years without issue. Sarah Rich, youngest daughter of Anthony and Maria Rich of Buckingham Township, Bucks County, was the second wife. She died in August 1865, leaving no children. The third wife, now also deceased was Wilhelmina Pierson, nee Dennison, of Philadelphia, their marriage-taking place in that city in 1872. One child was born to them, a son, Walter Dennison Hodgson, who is married and residing in West Chester. Mr. Hodgson continuously resided in West Chester for nearly seventy years, except a few months in 1857, which he spent in the West on a business prospecting tour. In 1901 he and his son made a three months' tour of Europe, and previously visited Bermuda on a pleasure trip. He was a Democrat in politics and a Presbyterian in religious faith. At the time of his death he was a member of the Board of Trustees of the First Presbyterian Church, a member of the Order of Free and Accepted Masons, of the Odd Fellows, Patrons of Husbandry and the West Chester (social) Clubs.

Hodgson- In West Chester, Pa., on October 18, 1917, William H. Hodgson, aged 87 years.
Relatives and friends are invited to attend the funeral from his late residence, 104 Church street, on Saturday, October 20, 1917, at 3 o'clock p.m. Interment private at Oakland Cemetery.

Local Daily News West Chester- 10.22.1917
Nearly all the printers in West Chester joined the procession of the employees of the Daily Local News on Saturday afternoon, making a company of about thirty five, to call at the late home of the President, William H. Hodgson, and attend his funeral services. Among them nearly every one could tell some incident of personal favors received from Mr. Hodgson, who was held in highest esteem by them. Many members of West Chester Lodge, No. 322, Free and Accepted Masons, also turned out and these, in addition to the members of the family, made a large company. Rev. Washington R. Laird, Ph.D., pastor emeritus of the First Presbyterian Church, offered a most appropriate prayer, referring to Mr. Hodgson as one who "dispensed blessings upon those about him," and Rev. Samuel C. Hodge, of Lincoln University, stated supply at the church, read the familiar burial service and also offered prayer. In a score of automobiles the family and near friends were conveyed to Oaklands, where the body was interred amid a profusion of flowers and autumn leaves.

During a Masonic Lodge of Sorrow held in the same afternoon the speakers were James L. King,
Cloyd R. Baldwin and W.W. Heed.

A superb cluster of roses was received from Dingee and Conard, West Grove, this in addition to floral offerings mentioned in the Local News of Saturday.

Local Daily News West Chester10.20.1917

This afternoon the body of William H. Hodgson will be conveyed from his late home of South Church Street, and laid at rest in the family plot in Oaklands Cemetery, following services which a large number of friends and relatives will attend. During last evening and this morning many who had known and loved and honored him in his long and useful life, called to pay a parting tribute to his memory.

Numerous Beautiful floral designs are presented, including tokens from the son and his wife, Mr. and Mrs. Walter D. Hodgson, and the two granddaughters, Miss. Mina Hodgson and Miss. Ann Hodgson, to whom their grandfather was much devoted.

At the house of Rev. Samuel C. Hodge, of Lincoln University, stated supply for the First Presbyterian Church, will have charge of the services, and Rec. Washington R. Laird, Ph. D., pastor emeritus will lead the assemblage in prayer. At the grave the Masonic ritual will be observed by West Chester Lodge, No. 322, Free and Accepted Masons, John S. Groff being Worshipful Master and William W. Heed, Chaplain. A lodge of sorrow will be held at two o'clock in the Lodge room, where various members will speak in commendation of their departed brother's exemplary life.

Pall bearers will be William W. Heed, a veteran printer, who had been a warm friend of Mr. Hodgson for many years and is Secretary of the Masonic Lodge here, and five employees representing various departments of the Daily Local News, L. Herbert Sheilds, Walter A. Clark, Edwin S. Turner, Edward M. Mc Fadden and E.L. Mc Kinstry.

Wreaths were received from the Masonic Lodge and the West Chester Fire Company, No 1, and a broken column from the employees of the Daily Local News.