Claude J. Dodge, a native son of Oklahoma and a member of one of the honored pioneer families of the state, is now serving as postmaster of Boynton and is proving a most capable incumbent in the office, being efficient and trustworthy in the discharge of his duties. He was born in Porum, Muskogee County, June 3, 1898, a son of Thomas and Jane (Chambers) Dodge, natives of Tennessee, who came to Indian Territory at the time, the Cherokees were transferred from Tennessee to this state. The father settled near Porum, in Muskogee County, where he spent his remaining years, devoting his attention to the operation of a farm. He passed away in September, 1907, but the mother survives and is now residing at Warner, Oklahoma.
In the acquirement of an education Claude J. Dodge attended the public schools of Porum and the A. & M. College at Warner. During his senior year, following the entry of this country into the World war, he enlisted in the United States navy on the 24th of April, 1917, first serving as guard on a transport and later on a destroyer. On March 12, 1919, while returning to this country, his ship encountered a severe storm and he was thrown against the wheel, receiving such severe injuries that an operation was deemed necessary, and he has never fully regained his health. On the 3d of July, 1919, he was discharged from the service as quartermaster and again took up the duties of civil life. On the 1st of April, 1921, he was appointed postmaster of Boynton, in which connection he is making a most creditable record, doing his work in a systematic, prompt and highly satisfactory manner.
Mr. Dodge was married on the 10th of April, 1921, to Miss Eula Webb, a daughter of Reuben and Bertha V. (Davis) Webb, the former a native of Kentucky and the latter of Illinois. The father was a pioneer rancher of Kansas and resided in that state until 1907, when he came to Oklahoma, where he devoted a year to farming. He has been very successful in the management of his business interests and has made judicious investments in real estate, being the owner of considerable residence property in Boynton, which he rents at a profitable figure. The mother also survives, and they are highly respected residents of their community.
Mr. and Mrs. Dodge are members of the Baptist Church, and he is independent in his political views, while his wife gives her political allegiance to the Republican Party. On the 1st of January, 1920, he took the government census of the township in which he resides. His fraternal connections are with the Masons, the Odd Fellows and the Rebekahs, while Mrs. Dodge is also a member of the last named organization. He likewise belongs to the American Legion and to the Veterans of Foreign Wars. Devotion to duty is one of his salient characteristics, and that he is a young man of sterling worth of character is indicated in the fact that those who have known him longest entertain for him the highest admiration and respect.