McNairy County Independent (Friday, 23 June 1922) More Interesting History We have had the recent pleasure of visiting in the home of the late Capt. E. J. Hodges and wife. Those constituting the family now and at home are Dr. W. H. Harmon, Margie and Harvey. We found the doctor much improved in health, and Harvey's condition is improving. While on the visit we were made acquainted with some very interesting facts in connection with the family. Capt. E. J. Hodges, the father, was born in this county in 1831 and died in 1913, his wife survived him, together with a number of sons and daughters, and Mrs. Hodges followed him only a few months ago. The father of Capt. Hodges, Elisha, came to this county in 1818 from Wilson county and settled in the community where stands the Hodges residence. Elisha Hodges was born in 1794 and his wife in 1790. They had the following children: Jesse C. born 1815, Tabitha, born in 1820, Jno E. C., born in 1823, Elisha W. R., born in 1825, E. J. born in 1831, and Henry, born in 1832. When Elisha Hodges settled in the 8th district, the nearest house was 10 miles, and there were no roads, only trails being used in going from one settlement to another. The nearest mill was at Jackson, and the red man roamed the forests at will. Bears and deer and other wild game abounded in the primeval woods. When Elisha Hodges came in this county, the State was only 22 years of age, and only 42 years after the signing of the Declaration of Independence. James Monroe was president, and Henry Clay and Daniel Webster were in their prime. Purdy was not thought of, and W. D. Jopling, "the old red fox" had not been born. The whistle of the locomotive had never been heard and a sulphur match had never been struck. Capt. Hodges married Jane Dodd in 1852, and the following children were born in this union: Francis, Sarah Ann, Elizabeth Ellen, John, Mary, Horry, Henry, Harmon, Jennie, Maggie and Harvey. The father of this interesting family was a prominent figure in the affairs and history of this county. He possessed a rugged and wonderful character: a man of strong convictions and sublime faith and courage. He was a leader in his community, and was an able and influential minister in the Primitive Baptist church, living up to the tenets of that faith. During the great fratricidal struggle of the 60's he was a captain in the famous Hurst's Sixth Tennessee Federal Cavalry. Jerry