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http://www.stephenmccallister.com/index.php?pg=narratives&family=hodge

Henry Hodge, Sr. was born 1745 in Edgecombe County, NC, and died February 10, 1824 in Livingston County, KY. He married Catherine Bryant on February 10, 1772 in Edgecombe County, NC, daughter of William Bryant and Jean Andrews. He married Sarah Cotton on 1796 in Edgecombe County, NC, daughter of Randolph Cotton.

 Notes for Henry Hodges, Sr.:
The first record of Henry Hodges appears in Tarboro, Edgecomb County, North Carolina, where he owns property. He was married twice. He died at the old homestead near Salem, Kentucky.

A second marriage was to a widow by the name of Sally Randolph Barnes, nee Sally Mahan. Barbara Knox, author of "Robert Hodge et al of Livingston County Kentucky", has Sarah Barnes listed as the daughter of Randolph Cotton, so she is listed here by that maiden name.

Henry moved from North Carolina about 1806 to Kentucky, taking his family with him. He settled on a government homestead located four miles east of Salem, Kentucky. This is where the Union Church later stood. This is near where the Village of Levias is now located near the Ohio River. Nothing recognizable is left of this early day settlement except perhaps the old churchyard burying ground, where so many of our early ancestors and kin lie at rest. The farm was located in then, Livingston County, now Crittenden County. Livingston County at that time was made up of the present counties of Crittenden, Lyon and Caldwell.

At a later date, Henry discarded the "s" and abbreviated the name to Hodge. His descendants and some other of his name adopted the revised form of Hodge. His official name was Henry but he also went by Harry, this is what everyone called him. He had no formal education and it was after he had grown children that he learned to read and write. In Kentucky he became prominent in public affairs and, at one time, served as Magistrate.

The following is a copy of his will which is recorded in Will Book A, page 85, in Livingston County, Kentucky:
" In the name of God, Amen. I Henry Hodge of the County of Livingston and State of Kentucky being in health of body and sound mind and memory do make this my last will and testament utterly revoking all former wills made by me. First, as to my worldly matters it is my desire that all my just debts be paid. Secondly, to my daughter Marina, a negro girl named Friday, also one bed with common furniture and a horse, bridle and a saddle; also, I give to my son Peyton a negro boy named Dick with a bed and common furniture, also I give my sons Robert, Thomas, William, Henry, James and Allen with my daughters Sarah Haynes, Mariah Berry and Marina, My three negroes, Sam, Lewis and Bradford, also with seven head of sheep. Thirdly, I leave to my wife, Sally, all the residue of my property both real and personal during her lifetime and at her death, I give it to Peyton. At the same time I ordain and appoint James Hodge my executor and in testimony when I have here unto set my hand and seal this 22nd day of March, 1818.

Children of Henry Hodges, Sr. and Catherine Bryant are:
i. +Robert Hodge, Sr., b. January 08, 1773, Tarboro, Edgecombe County, NC, d. September 11, 1845, Livingston County, KY.
ii. Thomas Hodge, b. Bef. 1795, Tarboro, Edgecombe County, NC, d. 1838, Livingston County, KY.
iii. +William Hodge, b. 1777, Tarboro, Edgecombe County, NC, d. 1826.
iv. Henry Hodge, Jr., b. Abt. 1780, Tarboro, Edgecombe County, NC, d. Aft. 1818.
v. +Sarah Hodge, b. Abt. 1775, Tarboro, Edgecombe County, NC, d. June 11, 1849, Smithland, KY.
vi. +James Hodge, b. Abt. 1784, Tarboro, Edgecombe County, NC, d. Aft. 1812.
vii. +Allen Hodge, b. Abt. 1790, Tarboro, Edgecombe County, NC, d. 1836, Livingston County, KY.

HENRY GUSTAVUS HODGES SR., ca. 1743/4, Va.; d. Feb. 10, 1824, Livingston Co., Ky.; 1st ca. 1772, Edgecombe Co., NC., CATHERINE BRYANT  dau. of William Bryant and Jean Andews; m. 2nd ca. 1795, Halifax Co., NC., SARAH BARNES  widow of Bartholomew “Bart” Barnes and most likely married first to Henry Cotton that died 1785 in Halifax Co.). 

• Edgecombe Co Db 3, 51- John Lowry & wife Winnefred of Edgecombe Co to HENRY HODGES of same. 24 Oct 1778. 1450£ proclamation. 200 acres on the south side of Fishing Creek. Wit: Ephraim Dicken, THOS HODGE. Sd Winnifred relinquished right of dower. Nov Ct 1778. Edward Hall CC.
• Edgecombe Co. NC Db E, 303- Richard Ship & wife Frances of Edgecombe Co to John Batchelor of same. 23 Mar 1780. For 3 negros [not named]. 200 acres which was part of a 620 acre survey granted to Thomas Price, joining the south west side of Fishing Creek, Ephraim Dickens, Elizabeth Horn, William Price or Jocob Sessums, THOMAS HODGES. Wit: Ephr Dicken, HENRY HODGES, Babel Raiffield. Sd feme relinquished right of dower. Aug Ct 1781. Edward Hall CC.
• Edgecombe Co. NC Db E, 661- State Grant No 102 to Ephraim Dickens. 13 Apr 1780. 73 acres on the south side of Fishing Creek, joining HENRY HODGES, sd Dickens, Elizabeth Horn. Aug Ct 1783. Edward Hall CC.
• Edgecombe Co Db E, 378- , HENRY HODGES and his wife, CATHERINE, Halifax Co to Richard Ship, Edge. Co 28 May 1782. For Four likely negroes a tract of land 200 acres which had been granted to John Perrit 20 Apr 1745, on the south side of Fishing Creek. Wit: Benja Dicken Jr. May Ct 1782. Edward Hall CC.
• Halifax Co., NC. Court Minutes. November Court 1784. Deed Benjamin Blackburn & wife to HENRY HODGES proved by the oath of Jery Nelms & at the same time feme relinquished before Jos Jno Williams Esq. and ordered recorded.
• Edgecombe Co NC Db 5, 647- THOMAS HODGES of Edgecombe Co to HENRY HODGES of Halifax Co. 5 Aug 1790. 600£ specie. 400 acres which was part of a grant to James Smith 24 Mar 1740, on the south side of Fishing Creek, joining Ephraim Dicken, Joseph Brady, Benjamin Dicken, Nicholas Long. Wit: John Bell Jr, Bolin Bishop. Feb Ct 1791. Edward Hall CC.
• Edgecombe Co Db 6, page 510, deed date 8 Mar 1792, recorded Aug Ct 1792, Benjamin Dicken, Edgecombe Co. to HENRY HODGES, for $125 silver, Negro girl .   

COURT MINUTES
• Halifax Co., NC. Court Minutes. November Court 1785. Ordered that HENRY HODGES be appointed guardian to John Joyner. Securitys Dolphin D. Young & Wm Bryant bound in the sum two thousands pounds.
• Halifax Co., NC. Court Minutes. November Court 1785. Deed Jesse Bryant to HENRY HODGE proved by the oath of Jeremiah Nelms & ordered.
• Halifax Co., NC. Court Minutes. November Court 1785. Deed William Blackburn to Henry Joyner Exhibited in open court and proved by HENRY HODGE and ordered to be registered.
• Halifax Co., NC. Court Minutes. February Court 1786. Ordered that the following persons be appointed as an additional number of Process Masters in District No. 14. Vist. Jno. Dawson, William Bryant and HENRY HODGES on the South side of Kehukey and Benjamin Fourman , Blount Joyner, Norflet Harriss  and Thomas Blount Whitmall with four appointed hereto fore on the North side of ditto.
• Halifax Co., NC. Court Minutes. May Court 1786. HENRY HODGE vs William Bathelor. The same jury impaneled and sworn, find for Plantiff and assess his damages to two hundred and fifty pounds and costs.
• Halifax Co., NC. Court Minutes. August Session 1795. Respecting the laying of the dower of HENRY HODGES & SARAH his wife in the freehold tenements of what Bartholomew Barnes died seized or possess is renewed & enlarged & made returnable to the next Session & that a writ issue accordingly.
• Halifax Co., NC Court Minutes. August Court 1797. Deed Alexr Sessums & wife to HENRY HODGES was exhibited in Open Court and duly proved by the oath of ROBERT HODGES a witness & OMR

ESTATE RECORDS
• Halifax Co. NC Will # 278 pg. 25. William Burgess 11 Oct 1781, Aug 1781. wf Penelope, best to be kept together until youngest child comes of age. 2 sons Bryant Burgess and Cullen Burgess , son Burrel Burgess, dau POLLY DANIEL 1 sh. residue of est to chn Malicha Burgess, Betsey Burgess, Morning Burgess, Winney Burgess, Dempsey Burgess, John Burgess, Salley Burgess, Cathron Burgess, William Burgess, Penolepy Burgess and the sd Burrel. exr wf Penelope. wit Je. Nelms, HENRY HODGES, Lewis Bryant. trustees Thomas Joyner, William Bryant.

• Halifax Co., NC Will # 367, page 125: Ezbell/Esbell/Elizabeth Griffin 15 Nov. 1786  Feb. Ct. 1787. son of James Griffin horse etc. daughters Mary Griffin and Willifred Griffin and sons Michael Griffin, Brinkley Griffin and Eli Griffin negro earch. Residence of estate after debts are paid to to my 3 youngest sons Michael, Brinkley and Eli. Wit: Jonathan Joyner, Turner Joyner, HENRY HODGES his mark. Extrs: Elisha Williams and William Vaughan.
• Halifax Co., NC. Estate Records. August Court 1797. The order of August Sessions 1795 respecting the laying of the dower of HENRY HODGES & SARAH his wife in the freehold tenements of what Bartholomew Barnes died seized or possess is renewed & enlarged & made returnable to the next Sessions & that a writ issue accordingly.
• Halifax Co., NC. Estate Records. August Court 1797. Alexander Sessums & wife to HENRY HODGES was exhibited in open court and duly proved by the oath of ROBERT HODGES a witness & OMR.
• Livingston Co., Ky. Court Order Book G. 3 Mar. 1824: The last Will and Testament of HENRY HODGE dec'd produced in open court by JAMES HODGE, the executor, and proven by the oaths of Isaac S. Coffield and John Gehan, subscribing witnesses thereto. JAMES HODGE entered into bond with PAYTON HODGE, his security, and certificate of probate granted to JAMES HODGE.

1786 Dist. 14, Halifax Co., NC: HENRY HOGE/HAGE...1 w/m 21-60; 5 w/m u/21; 2 w/f all age; 3 Bks 12-50; 4 Blk u/12 & o/50
1790 Edgecombe Dist. Halifax Co, NC: HENRY HODGE…………………..1-5-2-0-6-14
1800 Halifax Dist. Halifax Co., NC : HENRY HODGE............................... 2-2-0
1810 Livingston Co., Ky.: HENRY HODGE SR.........................................0-1-3-0-1-1-1-0-0-1-0-13
1820 Salem, Livingston Co., Ky.: HENRY HODGE SR..............................0-0-0-1-0-1-0-0-0-0-1-0-3-0-0-0-1-3-0-1-0-0-1

TAX RECORDS
1817 Livingston Co., Ky.: HENRY HODGE SR.....1 w/m O/21; 4 Black O/16; 7 Total Black; 4 Horses; 154 Acres on Claylick Creek
1818 Livingston Co., Ky.: HENRY HODGE SR.....1 w/m O/21; 4 Black O/16; 7 Total Black; 3 Horses; 170 Acres on Claylick Creek
1820 Livingston Co., Ky.: HENRY HODGE SR.....2 w/m O/21; 4 Black O/16; 6 Total Black; 3 Horses; 200 Acres on Claylick Creek

http://www.henryghodge.com/14.html

Henry Hodge was the first Hodge to come to what was then Livingston County Kentucky. He was born about 1743, probably in Virginia, but grew up in and around Halifax County North Carolina. He married twice: the first time to Catherine Bryant with whom he had seven children; the second time to Sarah “Sally” Barnes, with whom he had three more children. When Henry came to Kentucky, he gouged a farm out of the wilderness near the town of Salem , settling there in 1803. Included within that first brood were brothers James and Robert. While all ten children are easily accounted for, James’s and Robert’s families were particularly close. One of Robert's sons, Blount Hodge lived in Smithland Kentucky, and according to Linn T. Hodge, was one of the largest slave traders in western Kentucky. Like many of the Hodge family, he was a bit of a rogue, albeit a wealthy one.

Henry’s son James was an attorney, doing significant legal work in that area, including preparing his father’s will. He married Mary W. C. Campbell and they had at least 5 children: James Lawrence Hodge, 1816; Julia Ann “Julianna” Hodge, 1812. Hugh Campbell Hodge, 1819; Alphonzo and Peter Hodge. James “died young” as they say, in 1833. Unfortunately he himself left no will, so the full extent of his progeny can only be guessed.

James’s sons, James Lawrence and Hugh Campbell also settled in Smithland, where James bought a store on the river bank for $4000.00 cash. It was a combination of a general store and ship’s chandlery. At the confluence of the Ohio and Cumberland rivers, the enterprise prospered, with James Lawrence and Hugh becoming the leading merchants in Smithland.

Three days after his 24th birthday, James Lawrence took Sarah Jones Sanders as his bride in Smithland. She was 19, and came down the river from Louisville to be wed. The bondsman was David Brown Sanders, a wealthy and noted physician in Smithland. Exactly what Sarah’s relationship to David Sanders is still unknown, inasmuch as Sarah’s father is purported to be one Will Sanders, and David’s father was James Christian Sanders.

James Lawrence Hodge and Sarah Sanders had seven children of whom Julia Anna was the last born in 1857. When she was three years old, her mother died on 18 January 1860. And on 7 November 1861, James Lawrence himself died, leaving the six surviving children as orphans. The children, by family lore, were transported upriver to Louisville to be raised by the Sanders family. However, four of the six, including Julia were living with a Williams Family in Henderson County Kentucky in 1870. Who the Williames were, and how they came to have the children is not known.

Julia Anna Hodge eloped to Shawneetown Illinois with James Alexander Rowley of Union County, and they were married there on 2 February 1874. She was still 16 years old. Nine months and 12 days later, their first child, Cora Lee Rowley, was born in Union County. Five other children followed. Julia Anna Hodge Rowley died at age 90 in 1947. Her daughter, Cora Lee Rowley, was my great grandmother and I remember her well. She married Will T. Whitfield and had two children: Julia and Jessie Lee. Cora Lee died in 1966 at age 92. Like many very large families, there are lots of interesting stories, questions and mysteries about the Hodge family, far too many to ever cram onto this site.

The house at the top of the page is the Federal Style townhouse that James Lawrence built for his family in Smithland. During the Civil War, it was occupied by Union General Lew Wallace who later wrote Ben Hur. The building was torn down in 1972.