A native of Providence, Rhode Island, in 1861 Hodges left high school at age 14 and began his military career in the enlisted ranks of the Union Army's 65th New York Infantry Regiment, which he joined for the American Civil War.

After obtaining his commission, Hodges served in the western United States, including postings to Texas and Dakota Territory during the American Indian Wars.

[1][2] His parents died when he was young,[3] and Hodges was raised by relatives including his aunts Caroline Burt and Eva Olney.

[1] He enlisted in the 65th New York Infantry Regiment, a unit that raised troops from other states, including Ohio, Connecticut, and Rhode Island.

[1] Intending to obtain a commission, Hodges then transferred to the army's General Service as a corporal, after which he applied for appointment as an officer.

[8] Hodges's application was approved, and in April 1875 he received his commission as a second lieutenant of Infantry, effective from the previous January.

[12] At the start of the Spanish–American War in 1898, Hodges was commander of Company M, 25th Infantry, which he led from its duty station in Colorado to its port of embarkation in Tampa, Florida.

[19] Hodges continued to serve with the 23rd Infantry after returning to the United States, and he was promoted to lieutenant colonel in August 1903.

[31] Son Carroll Borden Hodges (1882–1951) was a career army officer who attained the rank of lieutenant colonel.

[32] Daughter Jessie Olney Hodges (1884–1910) died after contracting dysentery while residing in the Philippines during her father's service there.