The Dodge Family Association

Again death has taken from us an early settler of Bureau County and long time resident of Walnut. One by one these landmarks are being removed and soon the experiences of the pioneer will be recounted only in the pages of history.

Ireneus Bruce Dodge was born in Brattleboro, VT, Dec. 25, 1823. When he was but two years of age his mother died. Thus he was deprived of a mother's care at a time when such care was most needed. Who that has known a mother's tender love but feels profound sympathy for one thus bereft in early childhood.

At the age of twelve, Mr. Dodge came with his uncle, W. D. Bruce, a former resident of this place, to Illinois. He remained with his uncle until he reached manhood. During this time, he was converted and united with the Baptist Church at LaMoille. He returned to Carlisle, PA where he attended school two years. Here he married Matilda Carothers Dodge, his faithful wife who preceded him to the other shore a little more than a year ago. They reared a family of eleven children, four daughters, and seven sons.

Mr. Dodge, having been for many years a resident of Walnut had a large circle of acquaintances. Despite the extreme cold the audience room of the Methodist Church was filled on the day of the funeral. The services were conducted by the Pastor, assisted by Reverend Shaw of the Christian Church. A beautiful floral design and many choice flowers were placed about the bier by loving hands. The Masonic Order, of which Mr. Dodge was a member, conducted the services at the Grave.

For the last eight years, Mr. Dodge had been a great sufferer. Especially severe had been his suffering since the death of his wife. The loss of his best earthly friend seemed to release him from any desire to remain longer in the world. He expressed himself to his friends as being only waiting for the hour of his release. He read from his Bible daily and often expressed the special admiration for Matt. 7:1. In view of his long sickness, the community was not wholly prepared for the announcement of his death which occurred Thursday morning, Jan. 21, 1897. The following lines were read by Rev. Herrick at the funeral of Mrs. Dodge, and included in her obituary may be fittingly repeated here