Meet John M. Hodson, a pillar of agricultural innovation and community betterment in Williams County, Ohio. Born on the Spring Brook Stock Farm, his life’s work in dairy and Jersey cattle breeding showcases a legacy rooted in improving farm life. Hodson’s education extended from local schools to the University of Wisconsin, where he honed his skills in dairy work, eventually establishing a cooperative creamery on his return. His leadership roles in the Pomona Grange, Williams County Agricultural Association, and other farming organizations highlight his dedication to agricultural advancement and community service. Hodson’s commitment to education and local development, coupled with his active participation in Masonic and political circles, reflects a life dedicated to fostering growth and prosperity in his community.
John M. Hodson. — When a man holds membership in the different societies having as their purpose the welfare of the community he is always a useful citizen. John M. Hodson, of Spring Brook Stock Farm in Bridgewater Township, living about six miles northeast of Montpelier, is a community man, active in all movements having as their purpose the betterment of farm life and agriculture. Mr. Hodson was born February 28, 1879, on this farm, and is a son of Job and Sarah E. (Hill) Hodson. The father was born in Richland County, while the mother came from Noble County, Indiana. They had four children: Edwin T. Hodson, of New Mexico; John M., who enrolls the family in the annals of Williams County; Ruth, who is the wife of A. J. Buclen; and James R. Hodson, of Montpelier.
John M. Hodson supplemented his common school education with high school training at Pioneer, and in 1898 he had the short course in agriculture in the University of Wisconsin. While there he specialized in dairy work and he established a cooperative creamery plant at Spring Brook Farm upon his return to Williams County. For two years he operated the creamery with his brother and then for five years he managed the business alone. Mr. Hodson is a breeder of Jersey cattle and still operates a dairy business although on a smaller scale and alone.
Mr. Hodson is an active member of Pomona Grange and in all farmer organizations. He has been president of the Farmers’ Short Course School Extension or Farmers’ Institute at Montpelier. He is serving his third year as president of the Williams County Agricultural Association. He has been a member of the board of directors for five years. He is vice president of the Williams County Farm Bureau, and always interested in the better methods of agriculture. Mr. Hodson is a member of the Williams County Board of Education, and president of the Northern Ohio, Michigan and Indiana Fair circuit.
On Christmas Day of the century year Mr. Hodson married Mabel Gerding, of Wood County. Their children are: Maurine, a 1920 graduate of the Montpelier High School, and Richard J. who is still a school boy. Mr. Hodson is a member of Montpelier Lodge No 542, Free and Accepted Masons, and Mrs. Hodson is a member of Lilhan Chapter, No. 44. Order of the Eastern Star. She is a Presbyterian. Mr. Hodson is a democrat and active in political circles in Williams County. He is an active member of the Cooperative Business Association of Montpelier and surrounding country.
Source: Bowersox, Charles A. ed. A standard history of Williams County, Ohio: an authentic narrative of the past, with particular attention to the modern era in the commercial, industrial, educational, civic and social development , 2 vols. Publisher Chicago: Lewis Pub. Co. 1920.