Dodge, William Earl

Dodge, William Earl an eminent philanthropic elder in the Presbyterian Church, was born at Hartford, Conn., September 4, 1805. He came to New York in 1818 and entered a dry-goods store as an errand boy and clerk, and, after remaining nine years, set up business for himself in the same line; but in 1833 entered into partnership with his father-in-law, Anson G. Phelps, and continued in the same business until his death, February 9, 1883. Mr. Dodge was supposed to have left a fortune of upwards of five million dollars., He was either a president or director of many companies and societies. President Lincoln appointed him on the famous Indian Commission. He was a member of the Thirty-ninth Congress, of the Peace Commission of 1861, and of the Loyal League Commission, delegate to the World's Christian Alliance, and president for three terms of the Chamber of Commerce. He resigned the presidency of the Republican Union because of its deriving part of its revenue from the sale of liquor, and of a railroad company because of its violation of the Sabbath. Few have done more for the cause of temperance than Mr. Dodge. He was actively engaged in every benevolent enterprise, and gave upwards of one hundred thousand dollars a year to benevolent objects. (W.P.S.)