The Rockford Republic, Thursday 7 May 1896
(Illinois)

DEATH OF REV. ODGERS
Old Time Rockford Pastor Died Monday in Chicago
Lived Here Many Years and Preached at the Ninth Street Church—Father of Frank Odgers, Who Had a Hard Time Marrying a Seminary Girl.
Rev. Joseph Odgers, one of the oldest and best known members of the Rock River Conference, died Monday morning at the home of his daughter, Mrs. H. A. Butcher, No. 1099 Wilcox avenue, Chicago. Rev. Mr. Odgers was the father of Rev. J. Hastie Odgers, pastor of the Evanston Avenue Methodist church. He was a native of Cornwall, England, and was born May 28, 1823. Joseph Odgers was not content to spend his life in the provincial districts of England, and decided to follow the ministry in America. At the age of 25 years he crossed the ocean and came directly to Galena, Ill. He joined the conference, and, after two years’ assiduous study, qualified for the calling which he had chosen. He held pastorates at Plainfield, Ill, at Rockford and Belvidere, and at the Halstead street and Fulton street Methodist churches, Chicago. He was very successful as a preacher and organizer. His best work was accomplished as superintendent of the Wesley Hospital which position he occupied for a year and a half. His last charge was at Mount Carroll, from whence he was removed to Chicago last Thursday in an extremely critical condition. Funeral services were held at 1:30 o’clock yesterday afternoon in the Fulton street Methodist Church.
While in this city Mr. Odgers was pastor of the Ninth Street M. E. church. He also filled pulpits in the neighboring towns and lived for many years on east State street in what is now Highland.
His oldest son, Frank Odgers, it will be remembered, achieved much notoriety at the time of his marriage to a Chicago girl who was attending the Seminary. Her parents were wealthy and objected to the match. The young people persisted and the girl was locked up in her room. She made her escape, was recaptured and the police even chased the would-be groom. Ultimately the young people were married and the bride was sent abroad.

Contributed by Bob Bolitho