John B. Dodge, a prominent character among the early settlers of this county, was born in Tioga county, New York, April 6, 1808. Removed to Licking county, Ohio, where, November 6, 1828, he was united in the bonds of matrimoney to Miss Lydia B Smith. He removed to Stark county, Illinois, August, 1829, where he remained about seven years, when he removed once more to what is now Mt. Pleasant township, Whiteside county, arriving in August 1836, and settling on section 20.
He was the Captain of a Militia Company in 1830, and volunteered during the Blackhawk War, and was present at the battle of Bloody Run. He was a man of much energy, and was frequently called upon by his fellow citizens to bear the burdens of office, not less onerous then than now, and less remunerative. In those days of Auld Lang Syne, honor and a desire for the public good, were the only inducements to office seeking. Fat salaries and well-furnished, comfortable offices existed only in extremely vigorous and daring imagination.
In May 1839, Mr. Dodge was one of the three County Commissioners who held the first Commissioners Court of Whiteside county. He is reported to have announced the opening of the session in the following characteristic words; "Fellow Citizens, the County Commissioners Court of Whiteside is about to set, and will be ready to hatch in two or three days." He was at different times Constable, and Justice of the Peace. He died January 24, 1843 at the age of 35.
His widow re-married, her second husband being James Magby, who died several years since leaving her a second time a widow. She at present resides with her son-in-law, George P. Garlick of Fenton township.
Mr. Dodge was buried on his farm. In 1860 his remains were removed to the Morrison Cemetery, where they now repose.
The children were Eber B. born Nov 27 1829, who is married and now resides in this county; Matilda S. born Sep 1, 1832 married R. M. Thompson of Fenton December 25 1849; Abiel Mc., born Oct 1, 1834, died December 28 1835; Eli M. born Jan 20 1837 is now a resident of Marshall county Iowa; Henrietta born Nov 4, 1839 married to James Garlick, and resides in Marshall county Iowa. There were children of the second marriage, one of whom married George P. Garlick of Fenton.
Bent & Wilson History of Whiteside County Page 301-302
