The Dodge Family Association

FRANCIS M. DODGE. In his pioneer venture into the west Francis M. Dodge was not alone, having the support of his parents, who came with the courage of youth to add their touch to the growing civilization when the sun of their lives was well in its zenith. The father, John Dodge, was born in Susquehanna county, N.Y., in 1810, the son of a farmer, and to this training he added the trades of a brick mason and plasterer. His early discipline was calculated to foster the traits of independence and self-reliance, as he was forced by the death of his parents into the struggles of life at a very youthful age, and his course throughout his career has evidenced his good judgment and earnestness of purpose. He married Sarah Ives, a native of Middleton, Conn. In Pennsylvania they made their home until 1844, when they removed to Stark county, Ill., leaving the latter home in 1853 for the long and dangerous journey across the plains,made with the slow-plodding oxen, and the eight most pleasant months of the year. There was no serious trouble with the Indians to mar the pleasure of the trip, nor in any way was their progress impeded.

Coming direct to Salem, Ore., Mr. Dodge was satisfied to make a home there for his family, and ten years passed before they again made a move. In 1863 they went to the Puget Sound country, locating fourteen miles from Olympia on Miami Prairie, and after residing there for some time, returned to Marion county, Ore., but later making the former place their permanent home. The death of both the parents occurred at Mud Bay, the father dying at the age of eighty-two years, the mother at seventy-six. Of the children born to them Bruce, Desdamona and Samuel make their home near Olympia; and Francis M., of this review, is a resident of Marion county, Ore. At all times a Republican, Mr. Dodge served for some time as Indian agent on the Black river, through this influence. Though not a member of any church he was a believer in Christianity, and practiced it to the extent of his ability.

Francis M. Dodge was born in Crawford county, Pa., October 29, 1835, and was thus seventeen years old at the time of his father's removal to Oregon, nine years having been spent in the state of his birth. His early education was received in the common schools of the last named states and in the schools of Salem, though he left home soon after the removal to the west. Going to Miami Prairie, Wash., he enlisted in 1855 in the company commanded by Capt. Gilmore Hayes, for service in the Cayuse Indian war, during which he took part in numerous engagements, among them being those at White river, South Prairie, Connell Prairie and Walla Walla, and was a member of Shaw's train at the time it was captured. On being mustered out a year later he returned to Miami Prairie, where he had previously taken up a donation claim, and upon this property he remained until 1861, at that time removing to Oregon. After a few years spent as a teacher in this state, Mr. Dodge invested his earnings in land near Portland, and remained upon the same for a year, at that time purchasing the one hundred and sixty acres upon which he now makes his home. This is located on Butte creek, three and a half miles east of Woodburn, and at the time of the purchase was wild land with the exception of six or seven acres. Through his own efforts he now has one hundred acres under cultivation, all of the improvements being a credit to his energy and an evidence of his prosperity. He is engaged at present in general farming and stock-raising.

In 1865 Mr. Dodge was united in marriage with Jane Caples, a native of Andrew county, Mo., having been born there November 2, 1847. In 1849 she crossed the plains with her parents, William and Nancy (Nowell) Caples. Mrs. Dodge is a cousin of Judge John F. Caples, whose sketch will be found elsewhere in this volume. To this union of Mr. and Mrs. Dodge were born six children, of whom Robert Bruce died at the age of eighteen years. Elmer John, unmarried, makes his home with his parents; Edgar is located in Eugene and has one son, Ray; Lizzie Willema is the wife of A. Pugh of eastern Oregon; Walter S. is at home; and Oscar died at eight years of age. Like his father, Mr. Dodge is a Republican in politics and has always taken an intelligent and active interest in the movements of this party. Mr. and Mrs. Dodge are members of the Oregon Pioneer Association, and both are living true, Christian lives, in word as well as in deed.