Mrs. Burnett’s Brother Dead

Dissipation Ruined His Career — Was Long Supported by Authoress.

Special to the New York Times.

Knoxville, Tenn., Nov. 10. — Deserted by a wife for whom he did not provide, penniless and destitute, John Hodgson, aged fifty-three, died in Knoxville General Hospital to-day from spinal meningitis.  He was the eldest brother of Mrs. Frances Hodgson Burnett, author of “Little Lord Fauntleroy” and other books.

Hodgson came to this city from Manchester, England, in 1875 with his mother and his sister, who was then a child.  He studied assiduously, and for years possessed a reputation as a scholar.  But a few years ago he began to drink, and for the last few years of his life he was partially supported by his sister, who is now in Kent, England.  His body is being held here until Mrs. Burnett is heard from.  Unless she provides otherwise, Hodgson will be buried in Potter’s Field.

Source:  New York Times, November 11, 1904, page 2