Shaver, F. A., Arthur P. Rose, R. F. Steele, and A. E. Adams, compilers.  "An
Illustrated History of Central Oregon." ("Embracing Wasco, Sherman, Gilliam,
Wheeler, Crook, Lake, & Klamath Counties")  Spokane, WA: Western Historical
Publishing Co., 1905.  p. 767.

ARTHUR HODGES

     There is something in the career of success which shows the marks of true
worth and stimulates others to better efforts, that is exceedingly interesting,
to follow. It is our pleasure and privilege at this time to chronicle the
salient points of the life of one who has demonstrated beyond a peradventure,
that  he is made of the stuff which climbs to the top round of the ladder.
Although still a young man, Mr. Hodges has demonstrated his popularity and
ability in the business and commercial world in such a manner that gives him
unstinted approval and the commendation of all who are acquainted with him. His
has been a life of hard work and close application to the business in hand and
the success that is now crowning his efforts has not come by itself but has been
honestly earned by him.
    Arthur Hodges was born in Benton county, Oregon, on March 14, 1865. His
parents are mentioned, in another portion of this work. When  but five years of
age, he came to what is now Prineville and since that time, has made this the
field of his labors. The tenacity, stability, and integrity of the man have been
abundantly shown in all his efforts in this place. The public schools of this
county gave him his primary education but not being contented with that, he
entered the agricultural college at Corvallis in 1882 and completed a course.
Then he entered the Columbia College in Portland and graduated in 1884.
Returning then to Prineville, Mr. Hodges taught in the city schools one year. In
1886 he was appointed deputy county clerk and served in that capacity four
years. In 1890, he was elected county clerk and for five consecutive terms he
held that office, a record that is hard to beat. In 1888, Mr. Hodges was elected
mayor of Prineville and held that chair for two terms. In 1900, Mr. Hodges
determined to enter the commercial world and accordingly bought an interest in
the business under the firm name of Wurzweiler and Thomson. Since that time, he
has been steadily engaged with this firm, which carries the largest stock of
general merchandise in Crook county. They have a fine selection of everything
that is needed in this country and are among the leading merchants of eastern
Oregon.
    On January 17, 1900, Mr. Hodges married Miss Stella Gesner, who was born in
Salem, Oregon, where also she was reared and educated. Her father, Hon. Alonzo
Gesner, came to Marion county, Oregon, in 1845, having crossed the plains with
teams. He became a very prominent citizen, held various offices, among which was
that of state senator and followed his profession, that of civil engineering. He
married Rhoda Neal, a native of Marion county, Oregon. Mr. and Mrs. Hodges have
one child, Rhoda.
    Mr. Hodges is a member of the I. 0. 0. F. and a popular man in fraternal
circles. He and his wife are leading people in society, are genial and kindly
hosts and their home is a center of refined hospitality.


*******************

Submitted to the Oregon Bios. Project in August 2011 by Diana Smith.  Submitter
has no additional information about the person(s) or family mentioned above.