OHP was apparently first and foremost a lover of fine horses. This is supported from sources outside the family, as well. He was also an apparently self-taught veterinarian who was called upon by many of his neighbors to lend a hand when they had problems with their animals. One of the tales told by a neighbor of the family was of OHP assisting on a problem and since no money was available, the neighbor told him that he couldn't pay him anything - except that they did have a lot of turnips and greens and he was welcome to all that he might want. As the story goes, after some deliberation, OHP replied, "Aint got none. Don't want none."
Below is a sketch of the Bodine home place in San Augustine County, Texas. It was given to James Bodine many years ago. This house is presently occupied by descendants of the Oliver Hazard Perry Bodine line. It was built of heart cypress in 1888. Prior to this house being built, there was a double log cabin very near the same site. James does not know when the cabin was removed but it still remained in 1904 at the time that his father was born. The photo that follows this sketch is of the home as it is today.
Most of what follows came from conversations between John Thomas "Tom" Bodine of San Augustine, Texas and James "Jim" Melvin Bodine of Kaufman County, Texas. Tom and his wife, Ruth, and their family lived in the old Bodine place for many years and he was steeped in the tradition and lore of the Bodines of San Augustine that had been passed down through the years.
Tom said that all of the lumber that was used in the building of the house was from a trade made between Oliver Hazard Perry Bodine, Jr. (OHP) and a local businessman. The lumber from the house is said to be of "heart cypress" and to Jim Bodine's knowledge, the house has never been painted in the one hundred plus years since it was built. There was also lumber enough for a barn, but it did not last because it was of a lesser grade of cypress.
The old house was built by a local carpenter, but Jim couldn't remember his name. The chimney in the center of the house served two hearths, one opening each way. If you happen to pass by that way some time when it's cold outside, there is sure to be an open fire burning in that old fireplace.
From Ronny Bodine:
OHP Bodine Jr. was living 1880 with his wife and daughter in the home of his parents in San Augustine County engaged in farming. In 1900, as Oliver Bodine, he and his family lived in the town of San Augustine. He reported that in 22 years of marriage the couple had had 8 children of who 7 were then living. In 1920, Ollie Bodine, his wife, son Sidney and a grandson lived in San Augustine engaged in farming. In 1930, as a widower, he was living with his son John Bodine and his family in San Augustine County.