DODDRIDGE P. HUDSON - This well-known citizen of Napoleon, Henry county, is a native of this county, having been born on the old Hudson homestead in Liberty township on August 31, 1845. He was reared on the farm and was given the advantage of attendance at the district schools. At the age of eighteen years he commenced teaching school, continuing this vocation during the winter months for thirty years. In 1869 he took up surveying under the direction of J. C. Crawford, then county surveyor, and in December of the same year Mr. Hudson was appointed county surveyor of Henry county to fill the vacancy caused by the resignation of Mr. Crawford, serving under that appointment until January, 1871. In 1873 he removed to Napoleon and until 1880 he followed surveying, plastering and bricklaying. In June, 1880, he was appointed county surveyor to fill a vacancy caused by the death of the incumbent of that office, George E. Welsted, serving six months, at the end of which time he entered upon a three-year term, to which he had been elected. He was re-elected to the office, thus serving six years, at the end of which time he removed to the old homestead in Liberty township, where for six years he was successfully engaged in farming. Returning then to Napoleon, he served six years as deputy surveyor, under his brother, Whitney O. Hudson, and upon the election of C. N. Schwab as surveyor he continued as the latter's deputy, and continuing as deputy under the present surveyor, F. C. Dillman. One of the pleasant and interesting incidents of Mr. Hudson's life was in 1869, when, in the autumn, he drove a span of horses from Napoleon to Neosho county, Kansas, assisting to move a family there. The journey of thirteen hundred miles was successfully accomplished in forty-one days.
On May 7, 1871, Mr. Hudson was united in marriage with Miss Olive E. Naugle, who was born in Liberty township, this county, on May 18, 1849, the daughter of Philip and Margaret A. (Doddson) Naugle, both of whom were natives of Pennsylvania. To the subject and his wife have been born five children, namely: One son died at birth; Annie May, who was born April 30, 1873, died December 28, 1893; Margaret Susana, born July 25,1877; Carrie A., born April 3, 1884; Harrison S., born July 25. 1886, died November 21, 1904. Politically Mr. Hudson is a Democrat and takes a deep interest in the success of his party. Fraternally he is a Mason, in which order he was raised in May, 1869; he is also a member of the Royal Arcanum. The family are members of the Evangelical Association. Because of his courteous manners, genial disposition and genuine worth, Mr. Huclson has gained a high position in the regard of all who know him.