Hodges, James B., 1877-1939

James Branch Hodges (1877-1938) was a lawyer in Lake City, Florida, who rose to prominence in the state Democratic Party. Hodges was born in Dooly County, Georgia, and moved to Lake City in 1892. He began his law practice in 1904. Hodges' legal practice centered on civil law and he was employed as local counsel for several railroad and timber companies. He had a brief political career serving one session in the Florida House (1909), one term as mayor of Lake City (1909-1910), and several terms as a city council member. His career took a turn when he switched his allegiances from William V. Knott to Sidney J. Catts in the 1916 gubernatorial election. After Catts' election, Hodges became an influential member of the governor's inner circle. He was appointed to the Florida Board of Control and State Plant Board by Catts in 1917 and served until 1921. Hodges was a member of the State Democratic Executive Committee from 1910-1912 and from 1918 until his death in 1938. He chaired the committee from 1932 to 1938.

From the guide to the James B. Hodges Collection, 1902-1938, (Special and Area Studies Collections, George A. Smathers Libraries, University of Florida)

Lawyer and politician of Lake City, Florida.

Member of the Florida House of Representatives (1909), mayor of Lake City (1909-1910) and city council member (1913-1920), member of state Democratic Party executive committee and the Florida Board of Control, governing body of the state universities.

From the description of Papers, 1907-1941. (University of Florida). WorldCat record id: 27175098