George Hartshorn Hodges

Background

Hodges was born in Orion, Wisconsin in Richland County.

Career

His family moved to Olathe, Kansas, when he was three years old. He received his education in the public schools. Hodges had a successful career as a businessman with holdings in the lumber, hardware, and the loan industries, as well as owning a newspaper, the "Johnson County Democrat".

Hodges served in the state legislature as a senator from 1905 to 1913, where he was particularly active on the railroad committee in the senate and known for leading the charge for progressive laws for the state of Kansas.

The administration of Governor Hodges brought the following changes:

a corporation tax was sanctioned

a women"s suffrage amendment to the state constitution was authorized

the board of administration was granted power to control all state agencies

women"s roles were advanced in state government. After losing his reelection bid, Hodges returned to his various business interests as he had established a successful career as a businessman.

He also served on the State Textbook Commission.

Membership

He was a member of the State Board of Regents from 1925 to 1927.

Connections

Father:

William W. Hodges

Mother:

Lydia Ann (Hartshorn) Hodges

Spouse:

Ora May Murray

child:

Georgia Ferree Hodges

child:

Murray Hartshorn Hodges