Mini Bios of People of Scots Descent
John L. Hodges

John L. Hodges. The popular drug store belonging to this gentleman in Shreveport, La., has been in operation since 1885, and although this seems but a short time yet it has taken a place in the popular favor that one might well think belonged to an older established house. Mr. Hodges was born in Bossier Parish, La., September 20, 1864, to Gen. John L. and Jeanette V. (Hamilton) Hodges, natives of Scotland and Georgia, respectively.

The father was a general in the State Militia for some time, and was a planter by calling, and one of the honored and respected men of the community in which he resided. He was cut down in the prime of life when his son, John L., was but six months old, and his widow was afterward married to E. D. McKellar, now of the firm of Parker, McKellar & Co. To her first union ten children were born, seven of whom are now living: L. K., Mrs. O. C. Hunter, W. H., Mary P., Marshall, C. B. and John L. The latter received a portion of his earlier education in Galveston, Tex., and was graduated from St. Mary's University in 1882, after which he went to Canada and was graduated from Woodstock College in 1884. He then returned to his old home in Shreveport, and after studying medicine for some time and being a resident student of the Charity Hospital for one year, he entered Allen's Infirmary, of which he was superintendent for one year, and was very successful in the discharge of his duties.

He next became interested in the drug business in connection with J. H. Calvert, but after this connection had lasted for about one year Mr. Hodges purchased his partner's interest and has since continued alone. The stock of goods which he now carries is only to be found in the well-kept, reliable store, and if a thorough knowledge of the business, together with necessary and natural qualifications for its successful carrying on, amount to aught, then surely Mr. Hodges' future career is bright with promise. He owns a plantation in Bossier and Webster Parishes, which he has cultivated each year, and as the land is fertile it yields him a handsome sum annually. He is a member of the Louisiana State Pharmaceutical Association, and during the Louisiana State Fair he took two diplomas, one for having the best display of drugs, and the other for perfumes. He stands as one of the leading druggists of the city, and although a young man he thoroughly understands his business, and is very active in enterprising, being a liberal supporter of all worthy enterprises. Socially he is a Master Mason and a member of the K. of P.