His wife, Emma (Biddle) Bodine, is buried next to DeWitt in the Pleasant Hill Cemetery which overlooks their town, Hughesville in Lycoming Co., PA. Her dates are 1843 to August 1, 1924. Below is a picture of DeWitt Bodine sent to me by James Hicks:
The picture above comes from a Christman family album and was indentified by a handwritten note on the back.
Here below is a message I received from Robert Reuther:
From: Robert Reuther [bobreuther at adelphia.net]
Sent: Sat, December 14, 2002
Subject: DeWitt Bodine Park
Dear Dave,
The attached article appeared in a recent edition of the Muncy Luminary. This is a weekly newspaper published in Muncy, PA and serves the Muncy, Hughesville, and surrounding communities with local news.
I would also like to note that my email address has changed to bobreuther@adelphia.net.
Sincerely,
Robert Bodine Reuther
Morgantown, WV 26505
Park Bears Name of Philanthropist
by Carol Shetler
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This brick pillar at the entrance of the park, bearing its namesake, helps residence recall the generosity of the former Hughesville residents.
Hughesville's Bodine Park was established in l916 after land was donated to the borough by Emma Bodine, the widow of De Witt Bodine who had gained his wealth in real estate, lumbering and banking.
Both Bodines were Hughesville natives. DeWitt was born Sept 22, 1841, the third generation of an entrepreneurial family. Both his father and grandfather had been shopkeepers.
The Bodines were descendants of the Huguenots who first settled in New Jersey and then New York before coming to Hughesville. DeWitt was one of six sons born to Charles and Maria Christman Bodine. He received the very best education for the times, and graduated with high honors from Dickinson Seminary, now Lycoming College in Williamsport.
Twenty years old when the Civil War began, DeWitt served for a time with the 14th Pennsylvania Emergency Regiment. Returning fom the war, he became a partner in the lumber business with his uncle George Bodine until the elder's death. In conjunction with that venture, Bodine had a steam sawmill on Lick Run.
In October 1876, DeWitt Bodine married Miss Emma Biddle, daughter of Gresham Biddle, another aristocratic family of means. Emma had graduated from Susquehanna University in Selinsgrove. Educated in music, she became the organist and choir director at Trinity Lutheran Church. In 1915 when the church underwent a complete renovation, Emma donated a brass pulpit in memory of her husband.
When the First National Bank was established in 1888, Bodine was one of the charter investors and later served a term as president. At its opening, the amount of the bank's capital stock was $50,000 with surplus and undivided projects amounting to $80,000.
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The Bodines remained childless, so many of their charitable acts were geared toward the betterment of the area's young people. In 1892, Bodine established a full scholarship to his college alma mater. It was to be awarded annually to the Hughesville High School graduate accumulating the highest grade average. The first recipient was Trella Flick and in 1997 the last recipient was RoyceEyer, when funds were depleted. For 105 years, the endowment aided graduates in the pursuit of their educational dreams. Some included Ralph Smith, class of 1913, who went on to become Lycoming County Superintendent of Schools. Others became teachers, such as Helen Ritter Smith, class of 1925, and the following year Miss Helen Reese. The class of 1929's recipient, Marjorie Stehler Wenzel returned to Hughesville to be the school nurse after her years at Lycoming College and nurses training. In 1956 and 1957, the honors went to Richard Merrell and Donald Lundy, Jr. It would be difficult to assess the positive influence these people had on the vocations they pursued and the places they went.
DeWitt Bodine died Sept. 5, 1909 and his wife on Aug. 1, 1924. They are buried in Pleasant Hill Cemetery overlooking their beloved town. In the park, ball teams continue to play on the three fields, while spectators cheer them on from the grandstand. Families enjoy the picnic pavilion as they watch their children on the playground.
Were it not for the twin brick sentinels bearing the DeWitt name at the park's entrance on the northwest side of town, residents today would know little about the generosity of two of the area's foresighted residents of long ago.
End of article.
The following comes from the Genealogical and Personal History of Lycoming County, John W. Jordan, Lewis Historical Publishing Co., 1906.
DEWITT BODINE
DeWitt Bodine, a leading citizen of Hughesville, and for many years prominently identified with the commercial and financial interests of Lycoming county, is the representative of an old and honored ancestry dating back to colonial times, only a few years after the Dutch authority was superseded by English rule.
The emigrant ancestor of the Bodine family in America was Jean Bodin, a Huguenot, born in France in 1645, and died on Staten Island, New York, in 1695. His son John had a son Abraham, whose son Cornelius, born in New Jersey in 1756, served with honor in the Revolutionary war. Cornelius Bodine married Margaret Van Sutphen, of Dutch descent, and they settled in the vicinity of Hughesville, Lycoming county, in 1802, and subsequently removed to Seneca county, New York, where they died, respectively, June 12, 1820, and November 15, 1824. Their children were : Abraham, Peter, John, Cornelius, Gilbert, Isaac, Charles and George.
Abraham, eldest child of Cornelius and Margaret (Van Sutphen) Bodine, was born in Readington, New Jersey, in 1779, and with his father moved to Lycoming county, where he became one of the foremost land owners of his period. He married first Mercy Paxon, a member of the Society of Friends, by whom he had five children, and, second, Barbara Cruse, by whom he had one child. His six children were : John, Elizabeth, Charles, Margaret, George and Russell. He died at Hughesville, Pennsylvania, December 23, 1862.
Charles Bodine, third child of Abraham and Mercy (Paxon) Bodine, was born July 4, 1809. He was a merchant, and one of the prominent business men of his day. He married Maria Christman, and their children were: C. Christman, Clinton, DeWitt, Milton and Mary, all deceased except DeWitt. Charles Bodine died April 1g, 1851, and his widow thirty years later, on February 26, 1880.
DeWitt Bodine, third child and third son of Charles and Maria (Christman) Bodine, was born in Hughesville, Lycoming county, Pennsylvania, September 22, 1841. He began his education in the public schools and completed it in Dickinson Seminary, Williamsport, from which he was graduated with the highest honors and distinction in 1861, as valedictorian of his class, at the age of twenty years. Shortly afterward, in 1862, under the " Emergency Call " of Governor Curtin, he enlisted in the Fourteenth Pennsylvania Emergency Regiment, acquitting himself as a soldier most creditably. On his return from military service he engaged in the lumber and real estate business, and has continued successfully in its prosecution to the present time, having been associated with his uncle, George Bodine, and after his, death continuing the business upon his own account. He has constantly extended his aid, vigorously and intelligently, to the furtherance of every movement calculated to promote the interests of the city and county, and is regarded as one of the most substantial and public-spirited citizens of the county-trustworthy, liberal, a safe counselor and a willing helper, both in public and private concerns. He was one of the organizers of the First National Bank of Hughesville, of which he has been president for many years• past. To him the Muncy Valley is largely indebted for the building of the Williamsport and North Branch Railroad. He early discerned the advantage such an outlet would be to the industries and trade of Lycoming and Sullivan counties, and was vigorous and persistent in his efforts to bring about the consummation of the project. He has long taken a deep interest in the development of Eagles' Mere, and as a director and treasurer of the syndicate has borne his share in the labor of bringing this charming place of resort into public notice and favor. One of his marked characteristics has ever been his zealous interest in educational concerns, and it is most pleasant to make record of his benefactions in connection with Dickinson Seminary, his alma mater. To this institution he contributed sufficient means to establish its first full scholarship, entitled the " DeWitt Bodine Scholarship," which covers all expenses of a regular course, including tuition, board, room, laundry work, light and heat, everything but books. This scholarship is annually awarded at the close of the scholastic year to that student of the Hughesville High School who shall have attained to the highest degree of advancement, and this excellent benefaction has been the means of providing to many a young person a thoroughness of preparation which has enabled the recipient to enter upon a successful career in life. He has also founded a permanent scholarship in the Susquehanna University at Selinsgrove, Pennsylvania, placing it under the absolute control of the Lutheran church of Hughesville. In both of these time-honored and excellent institutions Mr. Bodine has long served as a. member of the board of directors, and both have been the objects of his constant solicitude and benefactions other than those named.
In politics Mr. Bodine has ever been an ardent Republican, and takes a hearty pride in the fact that his first presidential vote was cast for Abraham Lincoln, at the second election of that foremost of all Americans, hut a few months before he fell at the hand of the assassin, in the hour of the nation's victory. He has always been found on the side of true reform, and, while fearless in advocating the principles which stand approved by his conscience, is ever considerate of the feelings of others and respectful of their differing views.
In October, 1876, Mr. Bodine was married to Miss Emma Biddle, daughter of the late General Gershom Biddle, a prominent and enterprising citizen of Lycoming county. No children have been born of this marriage. Highly successful in life, Mr. Bodine has secured a comfortable competence, with not a dollar bearing a taint of improper acquirement. He occupies a beautiful residence, and his home life is delightful in its unpretentious culture and comfort. Mr. Bodine's personal traits of character may be estimated in large degree from what has been said in this narrative with reference to his liberal aid to educational institutions. His solicitude extends likewise to the distressed in body and estate, many of whom address him for assistance from time to time. In such instances, husband and wife, whose sympathies are in entire accord in all things, agree upon relief, which is freely extended, and which goes unheralded save by the grateful recipients of their bounty.
From Ronny Bodine:
The following comes from the Genealogical and Personal History of Lycoming County, John W. Jordan, Lewis Historical Publishing Co., 1906.
DEWITT BODINE
DeWitt Bodine, a leading citizen of Hughesville, and for many years prominently identified with the commercial and financial interests of Lycoming county, is the representative of an old and honored ancestry dating back to colonial times, only a few years after the Dutch authority was superseded by English rule.
The emigrant ancestor of the Bodine family in America was Jean Bodin, a Huguenot, born in France in 1645, and died on Staten Island, New York, in 1695. His son John had a son Abraham, whose son Cornelius, born in New Jersey in 1756, served with honor in the Revolutionary war. Cornelius Bodine married Margaret Van Sutphen, of Dutch descent, and they settled in the vicinity of Hughesville, Lycoming county, in 1802, and subsequently removed to Seneca county, New York, where they died, respectively, June 12, 1820, and November 15, 1824. Their children were : Abraham, Peter, John, Cornelius, Gilbert, Isaac, Charles and George.
Abraham, eldest child of Cornelius and Margaret (Van Sutphen) Bodine, was born in Readington, New Jersey, in 1779, and with his father moved to Lycoming county, where he became one of the foremost land owners of his period. He married first Mercy Paxon, a member of the Society of Friends, by whom he had five children, and, second, Barbara Cruse, by whom he had one child. His six children were : John, Elizabeth, Charles, Margaret, George and Russell. He died at Hughesville, Pennsylvania, December 23, 1862.
Charles Bodine, third child of Abraham and Mercy (Paxon) Bodine, was born July 4, 1809. He was a merchant, and one of the prominent business men of his day. He married Maria Christman, and their children were: C. Christman, Clinton, DeWitt, Milton and Mary, all deceased except DeWitt. Charles Bodine died April 19, 1851, and his widow thirty years later, on February 26, 1880.
DeWitt Bodine, third child and third son of Charles and Maria (Christman) Bodine, was born in Hughesville, Lycoming county, Pennsylvania, September 22, 1841. He began his education in the public schools and completed it in Dickinson Seminary, Williamsport, from which he was graduated with the highest honors and distinction in 1861, as valedictorian of his class, at the age of twenty years. Shortly afterward, in 1862, under the " Emergency Call " of Governor Curtin, he enlisted in the Fourteenth Pennsylvania Emergency Regiment, acquitting himself as a soldier most creditably. On his return from military service he engaged in the lumber and real estate business, and has continued successfully in its prosecution to the present time, having been associated with his uncle, George Bodine, and after his, death continuing the business upon his own account. He has constantly extended his aid, vigorously and intelligently, to the furtherance of every movement calculated to promote the interests of the city and county, and is regarded as one of the most substantial and public-spirited citizens of the county-trustworthy, liberal, a safe counselor and a willing helper, both in public and private concerns. He was one of the organizers of the First National Bank of Hughesville, of which he has been president for many years• past. To him the Muncy Valley is largely indebted for the building of the Williamsport and North Branch Railroad. He early discerned the advantage such an outlet would be to the industries and trade of Lycoming and Sullivan counties, and was vigorous and persistent in his efforts to bring about the consummation of the project. He has long taken a deep interest in the development of Eagles' Mere, and as a director and treasurer of the syndicate has borne his share in the labor of bringing this charming place of resort into public notice and favor. One of his marked characteristics has ever been his zealous interest in educational concerns, and it is most pleasant to make record of his benefactions in connection with Dickinson Seminary, his alma mater. To this institution he contributed sufficient means to establish its first full scholarship, entitled the " DeWitt Bodine Scholarship," which covers all expenses of a regular course, including tuition, board, room, laundry work, light and heat, everything but books. This scholarship is annually awarded at the close of the scholastic year to that student of the Hughesville High School who shall have attained to the highest degree of advancement, and this excellent benefaction has been the means of providing to many a young person a thoroughness of preparation which has enabled the recipient to enter upon a successful career in life. He has also founded a permanent scholarship in the Susquehanna University at Selinsgrove, Pennsylvania, placing it under the absolute control of the Lutheran church of Hughesville. In both of these time-honored and excellent institutions Mr. Bodine has long served as a. member of the board of directors, and both have been the objects of his constant solicitude and benefactions other than those named.
In politics Mr. Bodine has ever been an ardent Republican, and takes a hearty pride in the fact that his first presidential vote was cast for Abraham Lincoln, at the second election of that foremost of all Americans, hut a few months before he fell at the hand of the assassin, in the hour of the nation's victory. He has always been found on the side of true reform, and, while fearless in advocating the principles which stand approved by his conscience, is ever considerate of the feelings of others and respectful of their differing views.
In October, 1876, Mr. Bodine was married to Miss Emma Biddle, daughter of the late General Gershom Biddle, a prominent and enterprising citizen of Lycoming county. No children have been born of this marriage. Highly successful in life, Mr. Bodine has secured a comfortable competence, with not a dollar bearing a taint of improper acquirement. He occupies a beautiful residence, and his home life is delightful in its unpretentious culture and comfort. Mr. Bodine's personal traits of character may be estimated in large degree from what has been said in this narrative with reference to his liberal aid to educational institutions. His solicitude extends likewise to the distressed in body and estate, many of whom address him for assistance from time to time. In such instances, husband and wife, whose sympathies are in entire accord in all things, agree upon relief, which is freely extended, and which goes unheralded save by the grateful recipients of their bounty.
From State of Pennsylvania Certificate of Death for Emma B. Bodine: born 3 April 1843 in Penn; died 1 Aug 1924 in Hughesville, Lycoming County and was buried there, daughter of Gursham Biddle & Margaret Bodine. Informant was Brady Van Dine.
DeWitt and Emma Bodine were buried in Pleasant Hill Cemetery, near Hughesville, Lycoming County.
