Hodges, George F., 1887-1971

Biographical/Historical note

George Franklin Hodges (1887-1971) was born on December 5, 1887, in Warrensburg, Ohio, living in Delaware County until 1910 when, at the age of 23, he moved to Bowles near Fresno, California. Here, Hodges worked in fruit and dairy farming until, in 1914, he completed a business course at the Fresno Heald’s Busines College. Hodges then accepted an accounting position with the Santa Fe Railroad where he worked for three years, then moved on to a position at Sun Maid Raisin Growers where he worked for eight years in charge of Plant Accounting and Auditing. In 1927, Hodges moved with his family to San Jose where he spent 12 years in the accounting department of a large canning and dried fruit company. During World War II, Hodges was active in San Jose Civilian Defense, serving as a precinct captain for San Jose Precinct 145. After the war, Hodges was appointed to a position as Auditor for the United States Maritime Commission in Richmond, California, then transferring to the National Housing Agency in Vallejo, California where he remained until retirement. Hodges married Laura “Audie” Helen Bagby (1887-1968?) on July 7, 1914 in Fresno, CA. The Hodges had four children, all born in Fresno County - Grace “Evelyn” Hodges, George “Wilfred” Hodges, Warren Franklin Hodges and Mary Leona Hodges.

Grace “Evelyn” Hodges (1915- ) was born in Fresno County. She moved to San Jose in 1927 with her family. Evelyn completed two years at San Jose State College and worked at the O.A. Hale department store before she married Lee Edward Wahrer in 1940. The Wahrers had 3 children, all born in San Jose, CA – Sharon Lee Wahrer, Jo Ann Wahrer and Debra Lynn Wahrer.

From the guide to the George F. Hodges Collection, Bulk, 1940-1945, 1927-1978, (History San Jose Research Library)