Hodgman, F. (Francis), b. 1839.

"Frank" Hodgman was born on Nov. 18, 1839, the son of Moses and Frances Hodgman in Climax (Mich.). After attending local schools, Hodgman earned his way through what is now Mich. State University, where he earned a B.S. (1862) and M.A. (1865). Hodgman then worked briefly in a drug and jewelry store and then studied photography. He then opened a photography studio in Galesburg (Mich.), which he operated for three years. In 1868, Hodgman became surveyor of Kalamazoo County (Mich.), a position he held for 25 years. He also published a book of poems, painted, wrote music which was performed, and directed choruses, singing schools, and the cornet bands of Climax and Leroy (Mich.). In 1871-1972, he and his brother, Samuel C. Hodgman, surveyed the route of the Denver and Rio Grande Railroad through Colo. and Utah. Hodgman was one of the founders of the Mich. Engineering Society and one of the first village presidents of Climax. Hodgman was married by 1881. He died on Nov. 20, 1907. His textbook on land surveying was still in use in colleges in 1957. (Information from the collection.).