Leonard Pulsepher Dodge (1807-1888)

Mr. and Mrs. L.P. Dodge, of this place, celebrated their golden wedding anniversary Dec. 17. A party of fifty relatives and friends gathered at their residence on Front St., where supper was served and some happy hours passed by all. Among the presents were a pair of gold spectacles for Mr. Dodge presented by friends and a pair of gold spectacles for Mrs. Dodge presented by their children. Rev. Gilchriese did the work of presentation accompanied by a happy speech to the bride and groom. Mr. Dodge and wife have spent a portion of their married life in Canada, Illinois, Indiana, and Michigan. When they went west the first time, there were no railroads west of Buffalo, and they were over two weeks in reaching Chicago by wagon at that time. Ind., Ill., and Mich., was called the "Far west." They have lived here for about eighteen years and we wish them many more returns of their wedding day.

Leonard P. Dodge, deceased, a much respected citizen of this place, the subject of this sketch, as born at Hartland, Widnsor County, Vermont, Nov. 1, 1807, and was therefore in his 81st year at the date of his death -- which occurred Sunday, 9:50 p.m., February 19, 1888. Spending his early years among the green hills of Vermont and much of his time in the beautiful Connecticut River where he laid the foundation of a strong, healthy constitution which stood him well throughout his long and active life.

At the age of 18 he left his native village, traveled west to Troy, N.Y. and learned the moulders' trade, but being of a "mechanical turn," soon commenced work at carpentering, bridge building, and millwrighting, working in N.Y. City and various parts of the state. In 1833 he went to Canada. In 1835 at the age of 28 he was united in marriage to Miss Mary Coleman, of Troy, Wentworth County, Ontario, with whom he lived happily until his death.

In 1836 he moved to Illinois. In 1838 to Indiana. In 1845 to Troy, Ont. And again in 1867 to Chesaning. In 1885 he celebrated his golden wedding.

He was a great reader and a special love for newspapers and was always a staunch friend to THE ARGUS. He was liberal in Religion, Schools and Politics. He possessed a very social nature, but was never a member of any society or sect. A lover of children and always kind to animals. He leaves a widow and four children grown to manhood and womanhood.

He retained his full reasoning powers until his last moments, then passed away so quietly to his last sleep from which there is no waking.