INDEX OF ANECDOTES IN HODGKINS GENEALOGY

Attributed to/Anecdote Page
Hamor, John (m Mary #24) 17

  • Mr. Hamor was a giant. It is said that he could take up a barrell of water and drink from the bung-hole. I (Eben) enjoyed hearing him tell stories of a voyage to Orporto, Portugal.
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    • Hodgkins, Alpheus (#94) 26

  • Alpheus excelled in mechanic arts.
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    • Hodgkins, Amos (#121) 28

  • About 65 years ago, when we boys and girls from Marlboro went in the evening to Blunt's Pond to skate with the boys and girls from Lamoine, we used to call at Amos' home to get him to play the "Irish Washerwoman," the "Fisher's Hornpipe," and the "Devil's Dream" which he used to play at the old fashion kitchen dances after a chopping bee. Amos was a whole show in entertaining us boys and girls with stories and his three tunes on his fiddle.
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    • Hodgkins, Asa (#50) 22

  • He married Jerusha Leeds of Boston. It may interest some to know of the romance of this marriage. Asa Hodgkins was a rising young man -- first mate of a big ship of Boston. I have heard the old folks say that Asa was the handsomest man they ever saw.
    Once upon a time, when his ship was in Boston, he met Jerusha Leeds of a wealthy family. She was smitten by his beauty and accomplishments and unimpeachable character. He felt pleased and highly honored to be noticed by a wealthy young lady of great accomplishments. Soon their mutual esteem grew into a deep affection which ripened into reciprocal love. When her parents learned of their mental attitude toward each other they forbade further association; and assured her that if she should marry Asa Hodgkins -- a man beneath her in wealth and social standing, they would disinherit her. But, as love is the strongest law in the universe, Jerusha Leeds married Asa Hodgkins, MY GRANDFATHER. They had three children; the youngest two died; and Jerusha Leeds Hodgkins, left a widow and cut off from her forture and disowned by her family, brought her surviving son William E. Hodgkins, my father, down to Uncle Thomas Hodgkins who reared him kindly.
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    • Hodgkins, Asa (#213) 38

  • Asa deserves special mention both as a man and as a skillful carpenter, contractor and builder. Many of the best cottages in Bar Harbor stand as monuments to the honesty and faithfulness of Asa Hodgkins. It is said that every one has his price; but no one could buy or sell Asa Hodgkins.
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    • Hodgkins, Augusta (#183) 34

  • No record of Sarah and Emma of this family
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    • Hodgkins, Barnabus (#56) 23

  • "Uncle-Barney" (as every one called him) was a man of versatile genius. He was a fine ship builder, an excellent house carpenter, a good shoemaker, and a competent clerk in the East Lamoine Baptist Church.
    Not satisifed with these accomplishments, Uncle Barney with aspirations high and finances low, wanted to be "storekeeper"; and as terms of credit, in those old days (about 1855), were long, he filled H. S. Boynton's old vacated store at "Berry's Cove."
    Two things were unfavorable to Uncle Barney. 1st, his location; 2d, Uncle Barney had "enlargement of the heart." He couldn't refuse any one who hadn't money or property; so he failed. His creditors in Boston, (so the story goes), asked Uncle Barney to bring his books; and when Uncle Barney in his church attire laid his books on their desk in the Boston office, he exclaimed: "Ther, I vum" (Uncle Barney's swear work), "I guess that will satisfy you that I had to fail." Almost the first thing they saw on opening the books, was where some one had been turned out of East Lamoine Baptist Church. Uncle Barney had taken his church clerk-books instead of his store books.
    Another good story about Uncle Barney as a shoemaker is, that when he measured the ladies' feet to make their shoes 75 or 80 years ago, he would measure up their ankles as far as he dared to, (good ol Saint, but a little human), and fearing they might misunderstand him, would say, "I vum, my leather shrinks so, I have to make lots of allowance for shrinking."
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    • Hodgkins, Beulah M. (#507) 61

  • Beulah as a trained nurse. All of the above family are very musical.
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    • Hodgkins, Bial (#58) 24

  • He was drowned in Frenchman's Bay in a terrific squall while trying to cross from Hancock to Eden in a small boat.
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    • Hodgkins, Charles H. (#517) 62

  • Capt. Charles Hodgkins earlier was interested in the Grand Bank fishing business, with his father and brother. After going a few trips to the Banks as fisherman, he went capt. For several summers; and during winters he went as captain to the West Indies. After a number of years he gave up the fishing business, and taking command of a larger vessel, he sailed on foreign voyages. He was very capable and successful; and retired with a competency. He is giving his children a liberal education. He has a winter home in Stewart, Florida.
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    • Hodgkins, Charles W. (#207) 36

  • Charles W. followed the example of his brother Walden in helping his father over hard places in rearing his large family. Charles is an excellent house carpenter and boat builder. In his 70th year he is in perfect health and doing his best work in stair-building.
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    • Hodgkins, Chelsea W. 39

  • Chelsea was a skillful shoemaker, and fine violinist.
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    • Hodgkins, Chester A (#402) 51

  • This whole family is extinct.
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    • Hodgkins, Curtis H. (#538) 64

  • Curtis is remarkable for his genial disposition, and for his interesting story telling. After graduating from commercial college, he became a partner in the firm of Asa Hodgkins and Sons, contractors and builders in Bar Harbor. Many of the best cottages there testify to their ability and honesty.
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    • Hodgkins, David Dyer 37

  • Dyer Hodgkins was a skillful shipbuilder, and was intereste in Grand Bank fishing business.
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    • Hodgkins, Eben B. (#202) 35

  • E. B. Hodgkins taught public schools 48 years; retiring 1913 at 68 years of age to receive pension and work on his farm.
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    • Hodgkins, Edmund (#185) 34

  • '49er to Calif.
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    • Hodgkins, Edward James (#96) 26

  • Edward James was an excellent shipbuilder.
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    • Hodgkins, Edward Lvingston (#245) 39

  • Livingston was one of the finest house carpenters, and one of the cleanest men known.
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    • Hodgkins, Francis D. (#209) 37

  • Francis D. Hodgkins was extensively engaged in Grand Bank fishing business and in shipbuilding.
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    • Hodgkins, Francis L. (#515) 61

  • Frank L. was educated in Lamoine public schools, and in Castine Normal School; and in early life taught school; but the extensive fishing business of his father made it necessary for him to engage in the business as secretary and as a partner. Mr. Hodgkins has served as Supt. Of Schools, and held other town offices. He has also served as representative in the legislature.
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    • Hodgkins, Franklin (#805) 80

  • Franklin, without push or pull, started out at the age of 14 years, after graduating from the grades, to make his own way in the world. He served as bell-boy in Bar Harbor, Me., during the summer and with his wages and his "tips," and partly working his board, he paid his way through one year in High school. The next summer he went back as bell-hop. The next winter he obtained employment as bell-boy with the Rickers at Poland Spring. After some months he was promoted to night clerk at the Mansion House, one of the Ricker hotels. The next year he was made day clerk. In 1924, before he was twenty years old he was manager of the Mansion house, which position he still holds.
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    • Hodgkins, Fred L. (#528) 63

  • Capt. Fred Hodgkins has been a very active, progressive man. From young manhood he followed the sea; and soon took command of good vessels. Later he owned in very fine large vessels; and sailed them to foreign parts. Having gained a competency, he retired from the sea some years ago to enjoy the rest which he had so richly earned. He spends his summers in his native town of Lamoine, Me., and his winters at his winter home in Florida. After retiring from the sea, he served his town as selectman, assessor and overseer of the poor.

    • Hodgkins, Gilman B. (#211) 37

  • Capt. Gilman, a very active business man, owned fishing vessels which he sent to the Grand Banks fishing. Capt. Gilman's brother Dyer took a trip to Boston with him. Coming home, Capt. Gilman was carrying too much sail in a heavy wind, (so Dyer thought). Dyer begged him to take in sail; but Capt. Gilman said, "Oh, Dyer! You build um, but I can sail um."
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    • Hodgkins, George (#271) 41

  • Capt. George, left fatherless, was a self-made man, a successful sea-captain, an owner in vessels, and an honest man.
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    • Hodgkins, Harold R. (#803) 80

  • Harold volunteered in the World War, June 19, 1917. He was made Corporal, and afterwards promoted to Sargeant. He was stationed at Camp Forest. He commanded a machine gun company in the 53d Infantry, Sixth Division. He went overseas in June 1918. In France he was in the 26th Infantry, First Division. He shared the honors of the immortal record, which crowned with laurels the invincible American arms at Chateau-Thierry in June 1918. He was in the St. Mihiel sector when the Americans cleared up the whole St. Mihiel salient Sept. 13, 14, 1918. He was in the Meuse-Argonne activities which cleared the Argonne Forest of the enemy, Oct. 10-11, 1918. He also took part in the military operations at Metz. After the Armistice was signed Nov. 11, 1918, he was billeted in Cavillon, France, then he was sent into the army of occupation in Coblentz, Prussia, where he remained until the next June 1919. He served two years in the World War. He came home on the ship Leviathan, which brought 12,000 soldiers, besides her immense crew.
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    • Hodgkins, Harold W. (#892) 84

  • Harold was graduated from Bar Harbor High School June 1916; entered college Sept. 1916; volunteered in Navy 1917; was made warrant officer 1917; was chosen from several hundred to attend Hingham Military School; in 1918 entered Cadets school at Harvard. After graduating as ensign, was executive officer of submarine chaser; in latter part of 1918, went to Camden, Me., took charge of chaser 407 and commanded same until Aug. 1919.
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    • Hodgkins, Harry C. (#539) 64

  • Harry Hodgkins was a partner in the firm of Asa Hodgkins and Sons, and had charge of the grocery store and ship-chandlers' store. Harry is a very industrious man.

    • Hodgkins, Herbert G. (#518) 62

  • Dr. Herbert George Hodgkins deserves honorable mention for his efforts in obtaining an education; for his ability and skill in making his business a success; and for his sterling qualities by which he has gained the esteem of his fellowmen. He has also done his part in giving to the world six noble children.
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    • Hodgkins, Howard Merton (#275) 41

  • Howard was for years an officer on a steamship; and for some years mate of the M. C. R. steamers from Mt. Desert Ferry to Bar Harbor; and later retired to the farm.

    • Hodgkins, Isaac (#314) 44

  • Isaac Hodgkins was one of the most ingenious and skillful mechanics in Hancock County.
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    • Hodgkins, James Robie (#502) 59

  • James Robie of the firm of A. B. and J. R. Hodgkins, is an architect of much ability, and a genius in mechanic arts, especially in cabinet work. His wife was a successful teacher in Florida.
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    • Hodgkins, John Fairfield (#217) 38

  • J. F. Hodgkins established the well known fish market of J. F. Hodgkins and Son, at Bar Harbor. He also did some contracting and real estate business.
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    • Hodgkins, Lewis Dr. (#313) 44

  • Dr. Lewis Hodgkins was graduated from Dartmouth College 1885, and from the University of New York 1888, and has been the leading physicial and surgeon in Ellsworth, Me., ever since. He was offered a position as a teacher of Latin, at the University of Maine. Dr. Hodgkins was elected Mayor of the city of Ellsworth, Me., in 1924 by a sweeping vote; he was re-elected and is still mayor.
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    • Hodgkins, Lewis W. Dr. (#103) 27

  • Dr. Lewis W. Hodgkins inherited his father Isaac's genius as a mechanic; and he was remarkable for his skill in making models of vessels. He could have been a great shipbuilder as easily as an eminent physicial and surgeon that he was.

    When our dear land was rent in twain by civid feud in 1861; when waves of rebellion rolled fiercest and highest; when brother was fighting brother; when our dear sunny Southland was drenched in fraternal blood; Dr. Lewis W. Hodgkins hastened to the "hell" of Civil War to alleviate the suffering of the wounded and the dying.

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    • Hodgkins, Lyonell R. (#520) 62

  • Lyonell after obtaining a commercial education, engaged in mercantile business at first in Lamoine; afterward in Mass. where he has made a success.
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    • Hodgkins, Myra E. (#501) 58

  • Myra excells in needlecraft. She is a dressmaker and interior decorator in Bar Harbor.
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    • Hodgkins, Nahum (#81) 24

  • Nahum Hodgkins was a good farmer, and as straight at 92 as a plumb line.
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    • Hodgkins, Nathan (#48) 21

  • Nathan was extensively engaged in fishing business, owning in several Grand Banks fishing vessel.
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    • Hodgkins, Rowland (#216) 38

  • Roland was skillful sparmaker, a lover of art, music and literature. He admired Poe and Burns.
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    • Hodgkins, Thomas (#49) 21

  • Thomas was an excellent farmer, a skillful shipbuilder; and having a wonderful shore privilege, he established a fine fishstand.
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    • Hodgkins, Thomas Jefferson Col. (#189) 35

  • Jefferson Hodgkins, a self-made man, deserves some comment. He began life as a bay of Fundy fisherman; later he went to visit his Uncle Thomas blunt in Chicago, and, also, to seek employment. Chicago at that time (1870) was a rapidly growing city. Streets were being extended in every direction; which called for many men and much material, especially sand and gravel.

    The nearest available gravel bank was far out; and gravel was bought by the cubic yard, and hauled in on a spur of railroad. Jefferson obtained employment in the gravel pit at $1.50 a day. As he worked, he wondered how he could make more than $1.50 a day with less hard labor. He knew if one could lease the gravel bank, he could control the street building. He leased it, and became a great contractor. He told me that when he hung out his "shingle," he hadn't money enough to pay a month's office rent. It is said that he died a millionaire.

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    • Hodgkins, Thomas Jefferson (#218) 39

  • Thomas in his early life was a teacher of public schools, he was an expert accountant and for many years was bookkeeper and secretary of the late Jefferson Hodgkins of Chicago.
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    • Hodgkins, Walden B. (#203) 35

  • The career of Walden B. Hodgkins is worthy of note. One of nine children of poor parents, he was obliged to do his "bit" in helping to maintain that large family. With little opportunity to get even a good grammar school education, he did become a successful teacher of vocal music. Later he worked as house carpenter; and for some time he worked on piano cases in Boston. When about 50 years of age, he received from the federal government an appointment as lighthouse keeper.

    After ten years as light-keeper, he, with all his children and grandchildren, went to California and made good. At first he and his son William were contractors and builders of houses. After a time they established a furniture factory of which Willie is president. Walden is in his 80th year; but he is in perfect health, and still sings solos in a large city church. Since he retired from active business, he enjoys his automobile and his trips to the beaches and the mountains. He is a man of highest ideals and deepest spirituality.

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    • Hodgkins, Walter R. (#188) 34

  • Walter was noted for his very beautiful penmanship.
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    • Hodgkins, William W. (#506) 60

  • A clipping from an Inglewood, Cal., paper:

    "Men who are building Inglewood".

    "When men speak of William W. Hodgkins, instantly the picture of a keen, blue-eyed American business man comes into their minds. With the smile of a boy, and the courteous, cordial bearing of the man of affairs, he greets stranger and friend alike; and in the one case establishes the friendly relations that exist between men; and in the other case, cements closer than before the ties of loyalty and stronger friendship.

    "Coming to California eighteen years ago, he located in Inglewood more than ten years ago. Here he began his career as a contractor, and many of the fine houses of Inglewood, as well as mercantile buildings were erected by him.

    "In a little building 30x60 he laid the foundation of the present Inglewood Manufacturing Company which is one of the prosperous industries of Southern California, and the largest manufacturing plant in Inglewood.

    "The products of this company go all over the West, and as far as Honolulu. When the Inglewood Manufacturing Co. was organized, Willie W. Hodgkins was elected president; and through the years he has successfully guided the growing concern. Keen, far-sighted, he placed it at the top of successful manufacturing plants. In his efforst he had the fine cooperation and loyalty of his associates and employees whose friendship he has won and kept through the years.

    "Outside his own business he finds time to be clerk of the Board of Trustees of the Grammar school, and devotes many hours to the work there.

    "He is an energetic member of the Chamber of Commerce and the trade association, a Mason of many years standing and an attendant of the Medhodist Church. He is a member of a number of clubs; Western Avenue Golf Club, California Country Club, City Club and Advertising Club.

    "Socially W. H. Hodgkins and Mrs. Hodgkins are among the most popular in Inglewood social circles and their hospitable Queen Street home is always open to their legion of friends. They have an adorable family of children.

    "Mr. Hodgkins is intensely interested in the work of the Rotarians and was mainly instrumental in having a Rotary Club organized in Inglewood, and was elected first president."

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    • McFarland, Sarah Adelma (m Walter #188) 34

  • She has a remarkable memory at 84
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