Henry Clay Hodges Jr. facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Henry Clay Hodges, Jr.
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| Born | April 20, 1860 Vancouver, Washington, US |
| Died | July 15, 1963 (aged 103) Stamford, Connecticut, US |
| Buried | |
| Allegiance |  United States |
| Service/ |
 United States Army |
| Years of service | 1881–1920 |
| Rank |  Major General |
| Service number | 0-13131 |
| Battles/wars | American Indian Wars Moro Rebellion Border War (1910–19) World War I |
| Spouse(s) | Netta Haines Carrie Jones |
| Children | 3 |
| Relations | Henry C. Hodges (father) George Abernethy (grandfather) |
Henry Clay Hodges, Jr. (born April 20, 1860 – died July 15, 1963) was a brave officer in the United States Army. He served for many years, from the late 1800s into the early 1900s. He took part in several important conflicts, including World War I.
Contents
A Life in the Army
Early Life and Education
Henry Clay Hodges, Jr. was born on April 20, 1860, at Fort Vancouver in Vancouver, Washington. His father, Henry C. Hodges, was also an Army officer. His mother, Annie Abernethy, was the daughter of George Abernethy. George Abernethy was the very first elected governor of Oregon Territory.
Young Henry was chosen to attend the United States Military Academy at West Point. This special invitation came from Ulysses S. Grant, a famous general and former president. Grant was a friend of Henry's father. Henry graduated from West Point in 1881. He was one of the youngest students in his graduating class.
Serving the Nation
After West Point, Hodges joined the 22nd Infantry Regiment. His first assignment was at Fort Clark, Texas. While there, he helped to gather some Comanche Native Americans who had left their reservation. From 1884 to 1885, Hodges worked as an aide to General Christopher C. Augur. He also taught mathematics at West Point in 1896.
Later, he was stationed at Fort Keogh. Hodges also taught military science at the Groton School and the University of New Hampshire.
Adventures in the Philippines
After serving at Fort Crook, Nebraska, Hodges was sent to the Philippines. There, he helped to put down the Moro Rebellion. He fought in eleven battles during this time. After a period in Boston and Newport, Rhode Island, Hodges returned to the Philippines.
From 1913 to 1914, he worked as the Secretary of the General Staff. Then, he joined the 17th Infantry Regiment in Eagle Pass, Texas. This move was because of the Border War.
World War I Hero
On August 5, 1917, Hodges was promoted to the rank of major general. He took command of the 39th Infantry Division at Camp Beauregard. When his division left the camp, the people of Alexandria, Louisiana gave him a special gift. It was a chest filled with 200 silver coins, each with his name on it.
Hodges and his division served in France during World War I. After the war, he returned to Camp Beauregard. He then commanded the 17th Infantry Division until it was no longer active. Hodges was then sent to Hawaii as a brigadier general. He officially retired from the Army on December 1, 1920.
Retirement and Legacy
After retiring, Hodges lived in Connecticut. He first lived in Noroton and then in Stamford, Connecticut, after his second wife passed away. Henry Clay Hodges, Jr. died on July 15, 1963. At the time of his death, he was the oldest living graduate of the United States Military Academy at West Point. He is buried at Arlington National Cemetery alongside his first wife, Netta Richmond Haines.
Family Life
Henry Clay Hodges, Jr. married Netta Richmond Haines on December 24, 1891. They had three children together. Sadly, Netta passed away in 1919.
Hodges married again on December 27, 1920, to Carrie Jones. They lived together until her death in 1949.
Images for kids
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Major General Henry C. Hodges Jr., seated in the front row, third from the left, together with members of the staff of his 39th Division, 1918.
