| Other People | Frank J. Bradley | Olive Rambo Cook | Jerry Litton | | |||
|
Past and Present of Livingston County Volume 2. Biographies by Major A. J. Roof. 1913 |
|||
Pages 116-118
Few men are more prominent or more widely known in agricultural circles of Livingston county than L. F. Hudgins, who owns two hundred and eighty acres on sections 32, 5, 7 and 18 in Mooresville township, and who, throughout the years of an active and honorable career, has gained a success which places him among the leading forces in the agricultural development of this section of the state. He is a native of Livingston county, born near the farm he now operates, January 29, 1864, a son of John and Susan (Stamper) Hudgins. The father came to Missouri in pioneer times, settling in Livingston county when it was yet undeveloped land and becoming one of the great forces in the early development of the section and in its later agricultural growth. His land was thickly covered with trees and these he felled by hand, building a rough log shanty in which he and his family resided for a number of years. He interrupted his agricultural labors only to serve as a volunteer in the Mexican war and at the close of hostilities resumed them, finally transforming a wilderness into a model farm. He achieved popularity and widespread esteem by his honorable and upright life and gained the confidence and respect of many friends, and his death, which occurred November 27, 1910, was widely and deeply regretted. His wife was a splendid example of at true Christian woman, active in the discharge of her many duties and actuated at all times by a spirit of charity which led her finally to give a great deal of attention to nursing the sick, not with the hope of any material compensation, but through the beneficent Christian spirit which dominated her life. She died August 10, 1893, and rests beside her husband in the Mooresville cemetery.
L. F. Hudgins acquired his education in the Livingston county district schools, but his advantages along this line were limited, as he could attend only during the winter months, being occupied during the summer season in assisting his father with the work of the farm. The homestead was very large and a great deal of stock was kept upon it, and the duties connected with the care of the animals and the cultivation of the fields left Mr. Hudgins very little time for outside pursuits. He remained with his father until he had reached the age of thirty and then purchased from his uncle one hundred and thirteen acres of land in Mooresville township, the nucleus of his present extensive holdings. To this he has added from time to time until the property now comprises two hundred and eighty acres on sections 32, 5, 7 and 18. Mr. Hudgins has made substantial improvements upon it, building a fine residence, barns and outbuildings, and he has today one of the finest and best improved agricultural properties in the township. He engages in general farming and stock-raising and by his progressive and businesslike methods has made both branches of his work profitable.
On the 4th of October, 1899, Mr. Hudgins was united in marriage to Miss Mertie Gray, a daughter of Thomas and Melissa (Stanley) Gray, the former a native of Livingston county and one of its prosperous and representative agriculturists. His wife passed away February 14, 1902, and is buried in the Thomas Field cemetery, which was named in honor of Thomas Field, a prominent representative on the paternal side of the Gray family. Mr. and Mrs. Hudgins have four daughters: Alice, who is attending school; and Helen, Agnes and Frances Rhea.
Mr. Hudgins has attained the thirty-second degree in Masonry, holding his membership in Breckenridge. He is also identified with the Modern Woodmen of America. He is active in local democratic politics and has held several important township offices, having been trustee and roadmaster and also a director of the school board. Residing in this part of Livingston county during his entire life, he is widely known here and the measure of respect accorded him indicates that his life has been an honorable and upright one. In his career he has placed his dependence upon the substantial qualities of perseverance, determination and industry, and in the operation of his farm has met with well deserved success.