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Colonel Sardis Dodge
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Biographies of Addison County, Vermont Released 21 June 2003 DODGE, COL. SARDIS. Among the early settlers of the town of Weybridge were the ancestors of Sardis Dodge, his grandfather, Asa Dodge, sr., being one of the pioneers of that town. Sardis Dodge was born in Weybridge, Addison county, Vt., August 25, 1806, the oldest son of Asa and Mary (Gillett) Dodge. Sardis Dodge was reared after the manner of bringing up New England boys. He attended a district school in the winter season, and wrought upon the farm in the summer. In this way his time was all utilized to good advantage. Mr. Dodge has always been engaged in farming, purchasing the place which he still owns and where he so long resided, early in life. He always had a decided taste for military life, and at an early day identified himself with a militia company; subsequently appointed colonel of a regiment, a position which he filled for many years. Col. Dodge was constable and collector in Weybridge for seven years; he also ably represented his town in the State Legislature in 1847 and '48. During the civil war he was one of the selectmen of Weybridge for several years, and took an active interest in raising the quota of men from that town to aid in suppressing the rebellion. February 20, 1831, Mr. Dodge married Miss Sarah Wales, of Weybridge, Vt. Seven children were born to this union, but two of whom survive, as follows: Cyrus A., a resident of Syracuse, N. Y., and Henry B., of Chicago, Ill. Mr. and Mrs. Dodge are the grandparents of seven children. They are consistent members of, and regular attendants at, the Wesleyan Methodist Church in Weybridge, although residents of the village of Middlebury since retiring from the farm some ten years since. Colonel Dodge has ever sympathized with the oppressed against the oppressor; and he rejoices that the institution of slavery is abolished and the Union is not only preserved, but strengthened and that he contributed, by his influence and vote, even a little to produce this result. He is plain and frank in his manners, genial and social in his disposition, and enjoys the confidence and respect of all who know him, and is a hale and hearty gentleman, enjoying the fruits of an active and well-spent life. |