Text from Haynes, Nathaniel S. History of the Disciples of Christ in Illinois 1819-1914, Cincinnati: Standard Publishing Company, 1915. Pages 533-534. This online edition (c) 1997, James L. McMillan. Used by
permission. Larue County.

Jacob Hodgen Was born in Hodgenville, Ky., in 1793, and came to Pike County, Ill., in 1832. Mrs. Emma Crow, of Pittsfield, has written of him as follows: He was in turn a wagon-maker, farmer and merchant. He was one of the
grand characters among the pioneers of the county and the church. Of the strictest integrity, sturdiest manhood and unwavering faith, he was a man whose faith and opinions commanded the respect of his fellow-men. His genial and whole-souled nature made him a host of friends, and his
enthusiasm in the cause of Christianity made his house the home of the ministry so that it was known as "the preachers' hotel." It was said of him that whatever the need, he stepped into the breach, whether it was to
pray, to preach, to plead or to cry. Such was the character and spirit of the man who helped so much in laying the foundations of a purer gospel in Pike County.