The Manning times. [volume] (Manning, Clarendon County, S.C.) 1884-current, 1898-10-19
Death of Mr.. B. DuPree Hodge.
lOcala, Fla, Star, Oct. g.

The news that Sheriff B. DuPre'
Hodge had died at - o'clock yester-
day came as shock but not as sur
prise, as it was known for several
davs that he was very low and the
worst might be expected, though it
was hoped that he might be left to
his motherless children, but in his
infinite wisdom God saw fit to take
him to dwell with his beloved wife,
who preceded him only four days to
the spirit land. Such an unparal-
leled instance Of sadness was never
known in this State, unless during
some prevailing epidemic, where
both the husband and wife would be
stricken down almost at the same
time and pass away so near together.
breaking up and destroying forever
such happy and pleasant home:
The funeral services took place
from the Baptist church at II o'clock,
conducted by DR.. J. G. Law OF the
PRESBYTERIAN church, assisted by
Rev. ". E. Bogart, the Baptist pas
tor. The services were conducted
and the burial took place under the
auspices of the Knights of Pythlas,
knights of Honor and the Fraternal
Union jointly, he having been a
member Of each. There were over a
hundred members of the lodges pres
ent, and the church was crowded to
its fullest capacity by friends of the
deceased. The floral tributes were
many and beautiful. At the ceme-
tery surrounded by his sorrowlng
brethren and friends, the body was
laid to rest by the side Of the loved
one, whose grave the flowers had
hardly had time to wilt.
Ben DuPre Hodge was born near
Manning, s. c., January 30, 1852. He
moved to Hillsboro county, Florida,
in 1882 and embarked in the orange
industry, but the following year he
came to Marion county, located in
the settlement known as Elmwood,
where he was successful as a trucker,
general farmer and orange grower.
1t was here he met Mrs. Martha j.
Limbaugh. Their acquaintance rip
ened into love which led to marriage.
Their union was blessed with three
children, two of whom survive their
parents. Several years later Mr.,
Hodge moved to Ocala and became
proprietor of what was known as tue
old Central Hotel, now the st. Denis,
on North Magnolia street, and, as in
everything Mr.. Hodge attempted, he
became a very popular and success
full landlord. During the years he
ran the hotel he never lost interest
in his farm, in fact maintained a
steady interest in the tilling of the
soil to the day Of his death.
In the fall of 1891 Mr.. Hodge be-
came a candidate for sheriff, his cp-
ponents being P. H. Nugent and A.
r. Griffin, and so close was the vote
that a second primary was held, in
which he led Mr.. Nugent by a small
majority.
So popular grew Mr.. Hodge as a
citizen and faithful and accommodate
ing official that in his last race for
sheriff, although he had several op-
ponents, he beat them all by big
majority.
As officer and citizen, Mr.. Hodge
held the confidence and respect OF
the entire community, as well as
among his extensive acquaintance
through the State. He had few enc
mics and almost every man was his
friend. He was the soul Of honor IN
all business transactions, and his
word was taken as readily as would
have been his bond. He fearlessly
discharged his official duties in a
thoughtful and businesslike manner,
and many deeds of crime have been
ferreted out and the guilty brought
to Justice by his vigilance.
In matters pertaining to the ad-
vancement and upbuildins Of his
town and county, in deeds of charity
and all good works, none were more
jealous than he, and no one in want
or distress ever called on him IN vain.
Through the long days of illness
and suffering he manifested Christ
ian fortitude and calmness, and when
told that he must die, said he was
ready to go.
The entire community mourns
with the orphan children, who have,
in less than a week, been deprived OF
both father and mother.
Mr.. Hodge had $4,000 insurance
that is known of-Sf, 900 in the +. 7:
Of A., $4,000 in the K. of 2. and S2,OOV
in the K. Of H.