W. P. HODGES. Probably there is not a man better known in Searcy and adjoining counties than W. P. Hodges, the efficient sheriff and collector of this county. He is an intelligent man of affairs, keeps abreast of the times and has the reputation of being one of the most enterprising and progressive men, as well as one of the most trustworthy and capable county officials, being especially fitted for the offices of sheriff and collector. He was born in the county in which he now resides July 31, 1857, and therefore it is not to be wondered at that he has ever had the interests of the county at heart and is a public-spirited and loyal citizen. His father, Jesse M. Hodges, was born in Mississippi and at an early day became a resident of Searcy County, Arkansas, where he is living at the present time. His wife, Nancy D. Hodges, was born in Tennessee and is still living.
W. P. Hodges grew up in Searcy County on a farm and obtained his literary education in the schools of Marshall. He remained with and assisted his parents until he attained the age of twenty-four years, when he started out to fight life’s battles for himself. He opened a mercantile establishment at Snow Ball, this county, and carried on this business there with success until 1892, when he was elected to the office of county sheriff and collector by the Republican party, of which he has always been a stanch and active supporter. Soon after his election he moved to Marshall and there has since made his home, being at the present time a candidate for reelection. He has always taken a deep interest in the political affairs of his section, has been chairman of the County Executive Committee and has held other important offices. He is a man of shrewd and practical ideas, has made a success of the different occupations in which he has been engaged, and as a result has accumulated a fair share of this world’s goods. He is a member of the Masonic fraternity of Marshall and belongs to Chapter No. 94, of that place. He has shown himself to be a be an ideal public officer and assisted the United States deputy marshal, Silvian, to capture the noted train robber, Albert Mansker, near Witt Springs, the latter being eventually hanged. He was married to Mary L. Taylor, a daughter of Capt. B. F. Taylor, of Snow Ball, and to himself and wife the following children have been given: Frank G., Edna E., Benjamin H., Ray and William P. Mr. Hodges and his wife are members of the Christian Church and move in the highest social circles of Marshall.