Thomas Heber Hodson Born: November 10, 1846; Washington, Missouri Married: Amelia Flint Died: February 28, 1921; Blackfoot, Bingham, Idaho Immigration Date: September 10, 1853 in the Jesse Crosby Co.

Thomas Heber Hodson

Thomas Heber Hodson was born in Washington Township, Clark County, Missouri. When Thomas was seven years old, he came with his parents to Utah. Grandma Durney said that he walked all the way. While a young man he went to California while the gold rush was on. He stayed about one year. He sold his claim for about $2500. Then he came back to Utah. He was aboard the Union Pacific train coming from California that met the Union Pacific train going west that joined the rail trackage at Promontory, Utah. This would make him being present when the Golden Spike was driven completing the continental railroad in 1869.

He married Amelia Flint in 1875. They settled in Layton, Davis, Utah. During his residence in Davis County he was active in the settlement of Sand Ridge country and was one of the principal movers in the construction of the Davis and Weber County canal to bring water from the Weber River on to the sand ridge. The canal ha its origin in Weber Canyon with water to be delivered to the Layton and Kaysville farms and ranches. Today the canal is all cemented and is a source of water for the productive acres in Weber and Davis Counties. To meet his financial obligation in building the canal, he had to give up his farm, livestock, home, his ownership share in the canal, etc. to meet his creditor's demands. Not only was his farming land at Layton surrendered, but many acres of land suited to dry land grain farming and cattle range were given up. This area is now where Hill Field, Utah is located. Had he been able to keep his property, complete the canal, and remain in Utah, he could well have been a wealthy man.

After losing his property in Layton, he moved his family to Blackfoot, Idaho, bringing some livestock and what goods could be hauled in a couple of wagons. The route was via Malad, Idaho. This was in 1903. He secured some land which was about two miles east of Blackfoot, reached by traveling what became known as the Asylum Lane. There were some 240 acres in the piece of land purchased. Later 60 acres were sold along the Rich Road frontage to August Hoffer and Ross Buckland.

He had the distinction of being the first man to run a header in Utah and also the first man to thresh alfalfa seed in the United States. He was also a pioneer in raising dry land wheat. He was of an inventive mind and was the inventor of several farm implements.

Born to him and his wife were six children, five sons and one daughter. Following are the names of their children:

1. Alma Hodson, born Oct. 18, 1875, at Layton, Davis, Utah. Died at the same place Jan. 8, 1877. Was buried in the Kaysville Cemetery. Age at time of death, I year, 2 months, 20 days. Cause of death was scarlet fever.
2. Delbert Hodson, born Sept. 11, 1877, at Layton, Davis, Utah. Married Marion Alice Whitesides Feb. 4, 1904. Died in Pocatello, Idaho, Feb. 25, 1953.
3. William Frances Hodson, born July 3, 1879, at Layton, Davis, Utah. Died July 10, 1879, was buried in Kaysville Cemetery. Age one week.
4. Albert Hodson, born Nov. 13, 1880, Layton, Davis, Utah. Married Victoria Wood, Jan. 26, 1909. Died Dec. 4, 1971.
5. John Vincent Hodson, born Oct. 1, 1883, at Layton, Davis, Utah. Married Susie Ann Watson, March 10, 1909. Died Oct. 8, 1964.
6. Laura Belle Hodson, born June 1, 1886, at Layton, Davis, Utah. Died at the same place Aug. 30, 1886. Was buried in the Kaysville Cemetery. Cause of death was whooping cough. Age at time of death 2 months, 29 days.

Written by Fay Hodson Hancock in possession of Van Hodson.

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