Notes for: Samuel Hunter ("Hunt") Bodine
From Ronny Bodine:
Samuel Bodine lived 1850 in Walkill, Orange County, New York; 1860 in Newton, Sussex County, New Jersey; 1870 and 1880 (as S. Hunt Bodine) in Middletown, Orange County, New York.
Obituary, Middletown Daily Argus (Middletown, N.Y.) of 2 Feb 1895.
The condition of Mr. S. H. Bodine for the past few days has been such that his death has been expected at any time, and, therefore, when the grim messenger came at 8:20, last night, his family and friends were in a measure prepared for the announcement and the shock was not as great as it would otherwise have been, but it brought sorrow to many hearts for "Hunt" Bodine, as he was familiarily called, had as many friends as any man in Middletown; friends whom he won by kindness of heart, and a genial and jovial disposition and kept by hid unswerving loyalty to them. Every body knew him and always expected and received a kind recognition and a pleasant word whenever they met him. Mr. Bodine was born in the village of Montgomery, Aug. 4th, 1823. He was a son of Adam and Harriet Bodine. He learned the trade of iron moulder with E. P. Wheeler and Jonah France, who conducted a foundry at Montgomery. About the time his apprenticeship was completed Mssrs. Wheeler and France formed a co-partnership with E. M. Madden and the firm built the old Orange County Furnace, which until a few years ago, stood on the corner of King and Foundry streets. That was in the year 1842, and Mr. Bodine came to the then small village of Middletown with his employer. The first melt of metal was made in the furnace by Mr. Bodine on February 22nd, 1843. He remained in the employ of this firm until 1854, when he removed to Newton N. J., where, in partnership with Jas. W. Line, he built an iron foundry which they conducted for a number of years, when he withdrew from the firm and with the Messrs. Neldon erected another foundry which the firm conducted in connection with a hardware store and tin shop until 1870, when be disposed of his interests and returned to Middletown. He took the position of foreman in the Orange County Furnace which he held until fourteen years ago when he engaged in the coal business on Depot street. He carried on this business on his own account until July 1st, 1889, when he formed a partnership with John A. Wallace under the firm name of Bodine & Wallace. This firm was dissolved January 1st, 1893, and the firm of Bodine & Co., composed of Mr. Bodine, L, S. Wilson and J. D. Wood was formed and continued up to the present time. Deceased was married in New York city. Jan. 4th, 1848, to Miss B. W. McLaughlin, who, with two daughters, Misses Fannie and Addie, survive him. He is also survived by one brother, William, who lives in Michigan, and one sister, Mrs. L. G. Spring, of Brooklyn. Mr. Bodine always took an active interest in politics and in municipal affairs, but was not a seeker after office, and frequently declined nominations for local offices, but was prevailed upon to accept the appointment of Superintendent of Streets for one year in 1883, but delegated the duties of the office to the late J. A. Sweezy. He was not identified with any societies, but has for several years been an honorary member of Monhagen Hose Company, being one of the few persons who have not served as active firemen to receive such an honor. Few men ever had more, warmer and truer friends than Mr. Bodine and few men were ever more deserving of friendship. Ready at any time to do a kindly act, generous to a fault, speaking no ill of any one, he was one of the most likable of men. He was a good husband and a kind and indulgent father, and to the very best of his ability did his whole duty in every relation of life. The funeral will be held at his late residence on Benton avenue, at 2 :30 p. m., Monday. Messrs. C. R. Fuller and Ira L. Case have been selected by the family to act as pall bearers, the others to be chosen from the honorary members of Monhagen Hose Co.
Obituary, Middletown Daily Argus (Middletown, N.Y.) of 25 June 1898.
Mrs. Bridget Wickham Bodine, widow of Samuel Hunter Bodine, died at her home, No. 9 Benton avenue, at 7 o'clock this morning. Mrs. Bodine had been in poor health for several months past, and was taken seriously ill last Saturday afternoon. Wednesday evening she lapsed into an unconscious state, from which condition she never rallied. The deceased was born at Goshen, Dec. 24th, 1829, and was the daughter of Dennis and Fannie McLaughlin. She married the late Samuel Hunter Bodine, January 4, 1848, and for the past twenty-seven years resided in this city. Mr. Bodine died Feb. 1, 1895. While alighting from a street car in New York, Aug. 21, 1885, Mrs. Bodine was thrown to the pavement by the sudden starting of the car. Her hip was broken, and for the past thirteen years she had been a cripple and also suffered from impaired health as a result of the shock her system sustained. She is survived by two daughters, Misses Jennie and Addie, at home. All her brothers and sisters, eight in number, died some years ago. Mrs. Bodine was beloved by her neighbors and numerous acquaintances, and although for the past few years compelled to remain mostly in seclusion, owing to her physical health, will be greatly missed. Mrs. Bodine was perfectly resigned to her end. As soon as she realized that the time of her Departure had arrived she submitted herself with a cheerful heart to God's will concerning her and made every preparation for the great change. No murmur escaped her lips at any time during her last illness, and the faithful watchers around her bed will never forget the beautiful spectacle of serene composure which the dying Christian exhibited to their eyes. God, in His wise providence, allowed his aged servant to suffer more than had been looked forward to for two or three days before she passed away, but no syllable of impatience came from her, and when at last He called her home, the change was so quiet that no one could tell when time ended and eternity began.
Now the laborer's task is o'er,
Now her battle day is past,
Now upon the farther shore
Lands the voyager at last;
Father, in thy gracious keeping,
Leave we now thy servant sleeping