New Britain herald., 1930-05-07

serious financial obstacles in obtain | ing an education. He earned his own
 way through school but between tending furnaces, moving lawns and doing other odd jobs to pay for his 1 college training. he found time to 1 take a, vigorous part in campus activities. He was a recognized orator, played football and was an
 organizer and director of various student activities. He was graduated with high honors from both Howard . Payne College of Brownwood, Texas, and Baylor University, Of Waco. Enlists Early in War
 The outbreak of the World war in April, 1917. found Bodenhamer hold i ing a position as teacher of English and athletic coach at San Marcos
 Baptist college. San Marcos. Tex. Bodenhamer answered his countrys call without delay, He immediately a abandoned plans 10 study law at
 Columbia university and within 30 days from the time war was declar- ed was among those learning
 squads right at the First Officers Training Camp at Leon Springs, Texas.
 Commissioned as a captain Of in fantry on August IT, 1917. Bodcn- hamer looked forward to going over seas. His ability as a teacher and leader of men was soon recognized, however, and he was ordered to re- main as an instructor for a second and a third camp, Finally he was ordered 10 Camp Gordon, Georgia. to train for overseas but there fol- ! lowed another order which promoted him 10 q major with instructions 10 proceed to the small arms training school at Camp Perry. Ohio. The overseas objective again appeared in sight in the fall of 1918 when he
 was ordered 10 Camp Travis. Texas, 10 take command Of the Sd battalion Of the 18th infantry. The outfit was
 ready for service abroad when the armistice was signed.
 With two years Of financial sacrl- fee behind him, Bodenhamer start cd civilian life anew in much the same situation as did thousands Of others who wore the uniform. He turned to the new oil fields of Texas and with borrowed capital. engaged in highly profitable business enter
 prses. Later operations were not so
 successful. however and he decided
 to give up the oil lease business His quest for new business connections
 led him to Florida and later to Fl Dorado. where an oil boom was on and where he opened an office spe- clallzlng in real estate, oil leases and
 oil royalties.
 i Bodenhamer went to Fl Dorado in . l92l and soon took an importa nt
 part in the development Of the town 1 into one Of the model cities Of the
 south. Through his initiative and ex-
 "cutlVe ability 10 do worthwhile i things, many community improve
 ments were brought to the rapidly
 growing city. Bodenhamer organized
 parks and playgrounds assicia-
 tlon 10 provide recreational facilities l for the people. He vas the leader
 in bringing about the organization
 Of the community chest in 1926 He . has been an active member Of the Fl Dorado Chamber Of Commerce
 and vas one Of the organizers and is now serving as a director of the State Chamber of Commerce Of Arkansas.
 He organized the II Dorado Real
 Estate association in 1925 and has
 been very active in affairs of the
 Arkansas Real Estate association.
 served as state president for 1923
 and 1929. Because Of his interest in
 civic affairs, Bodenhamer was ap-
 pointed q member Of the Arkansas
 tax commission created 10 study tax
 problems and make reCommenda-
 tions 10 the state legislature for lm-
 proved taxation laws. In 1927 he was
 chairman Of the good roads commit
 ice for Union county and for the last
 three years he has served as q mem-