William C. Bodka, a leading and well-to-do agriculturist
of Macoupin County, Illinois, is engaged in the cultivation of the soil of
his handsome farm in section 6, South Palmyra township. He was born in
Germany in 1864, and is a son of William and Fredericka (Wagner) Bodka.
William Bodka in the spring of 1881 brought his family to America,
locating in Barr township, Macoupin County, Illinois, where he purchased a
farm and engaged in agricultural operations. Mr. Bodka and wife were blessed
with four children, namely: Betsey, who married John Geerhardt, and now
resides at New Berlin, Illinois; Minnie, who married Fred Sonnabonn, and now
resides in Barr township, Macoupin County; William C, our subject; and Tena,
who married Edward Sherbourn, and resides in Barr township, Macoupin County.
Mr. Bodka died in 1882, having reached the age of 55 years. His widow still
resides on the homestead farm in Barr township.
William C. Bodka
received his education in Germany, and upon coming to America in company
with his parents made his home with his uncle, Fred Bodka, in Barr township.
Mr. Bodka immediately engaged in the pursuits of agriculture, and for 10
years worked for farmers of the county. He then took a trip to Kansas, and
after an absence of one year returned to Barr township and secured
employment on a farm for one year. In 1898 he purchased of the sons of
Robert Forrester his present farm, and has since been actively engaged in
the cultivation of the property. Mr. Bodka is a member of the Republican
party, but takes only a good citizen's interest in political affairs.
In 1894, Mr. Bodka was married to Martha Crum, a daughter of William
Cram, a prominent farmer of South Palmyra township. They are the parents of
two children, namely: Bessie, who was born in the fall of 1900, and Zola,
who was born in 1902. Mr. Bodka and family are members of the German
Lutheran Church.
Extracted 2018 May 08 by Norma Hass from Biographical Sketches of Leading Citizens of Macoupin County, Illinois, published in 1904, pages 378-383.
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