Background
Hodges, Leigh Mitchell was born on July 9, 1876 in Denver, Colorado, United States. Son of Charles H. and Elizabeth P. (Mitchell) Hodges.
Hodges, Leigh Mitchell was born on July 9, 1876 in Denver, Colorado, United States. Son of Charles H. and Elizabeth P. (Mitchell) Hodges.
Graduated from the high school, Carthage, Missouri, 1894. Student School of Fine Arts, Saint Louis, 1 year.
Became reporter then city editor, the Daily Ledger, Mexico, Missouri, 1895-1896. Reporter, Kansas City Star, 1897-1899. Editorial staff, Ladies’ Home Journal, New York and Philadelphia, 1899-1901.
Started “The Optimist” column in Philadelphia Times, 1902, which was transferred to The North American, Philadelphia, same year, and appeared continuously in that paper until 1925.
One of four persons initiating and founding Christmas Seal sales program for fight against Tuberculosis, 1907. Now in Evening Bulletin, Philadelphia (50th anniversary of The Optimist column, 1952, marked by contributions from Ex-President Truman, Ex-President Hoover and many others).
Member editorial staff The North American, 1906-1915, contributing editor, 1915-1925. Inaugurated first publicity campaign for Tuberculosis, Christmas Seals, 1907.
Member American Federation for Physically Handicapped, National Tuberculosis. Association (honorary), Pennsylvania and Buckinghamshire Company (past president) Tuberculosis. and health societies, Buckinghamshire Company History Society, National Roadside Council (general committee), Missouri.
Married Nadine Converse Skinner, April. Children: Mitchell Converse, Mary Leigh (Mistress Harold G. Beeson).