Fred R. Dodge, proprietor of an extensive and popular department store, at Nos. 250, 252, and 254 Plainfield avenue, Grand Rapids, was born in Union City, Branch county, Mich., December 8, 1860, and is a son of Hiram and Mary (Vail) Dodge. The father was born near Utica, N. Y., was a wagon manufacturer for a long time in Union City, Mich., but finally retired from business and came to Grand Rapids and died December 28, 1897. His widow, also a native of New York state, now makes her home with her son, Fred R.

Fred R. Dodge was reared in Union City, but, as the family was a large one, the children were all early set to work, and in those days Mr. Dodge had rather work than attend school. When thirteen years of age he went into a blacksmith shop, where he worked two years, and then, for eight years, was a clerk in a dry goods store. He first started in business on his own account by opening a grocery and bakery in his native city, and this he prosperously conducted until he came to Grand Rapids, about the year 1888, and here started a grocery on Canal street, which he conducted until the spring of the present year, when he branched out in his present enterprise, of which he has made a phenomenal success. He carries a stock of everything for which there can be a possible demand, and although his business place is in the outskirts of the city, and although his building is not at all pretentious, the vast variety of his stock makes it a favorite place of resort for purchasers.

Mr. Dodge was united in marriage, in Union City, Mich., December 4, 1889, with Miss Emma Dennison, of Quincy, Branch county, Mich., and to this union have been born three children, Hugh S., Hazel P. and Deo W.

In politics Mr. Dodge is a republican, but he has given little attention to party affairs, as his business has occupied most of his time. Nevertheless, his popularity has forced him into office, and about four years ago he was elected alderman from the Fifth ward, which is emphatically a democratic ward, and he was the only republican ever elected to represent it in the city council. He served one term, and afterward eschewed party politics. Fraternally, Mr. Dodge is a member of Union City lodge, No. 28, F. & A. M., of Lilly lodge, No. 110, K. of P., and is also an Odd Fellow. Although not a member of any church, his affiliations are with the Methodist, to which church his mother belongs. He is a fine type of the self made business man, and he and wife are highly appreciated in the society circles of the city.