Biography: John RHODES

From Portrait and biographical record of Genesee, Lapeer and Tuscola counties, Michigan..., Chicago, Chapman Bros., 1892, pp. 1035 - 1036:

JOHN RHODES. After a life spent in usefulness and in helping to perfect each bit of nature with which he came in contact, he whose name appears above was borne to his long home, but has left behind in the hearts and memories of his friends a record that is worthy of emulation by the young and that is an encouragement to the middle aged. Having for some time been a resident of Atlas Township, Genesee County, our subject was born in Orange County, N. Y., August 12, 1820. He is the son of William and Mary (Carr) Rhodes. The latter died when our subject was but a child.

When thirteen years of age John Rhodes with his father and stepmother removed to Western New York and when sixteen years old continued on the crest of the Westward wave to Huron County, Ohio, where he was reared to manhood. He there received a common-school education but was not the recipient of High School advantages. He has devoted himself throughout life to farming. His domestic life began September 28, 1843, when he was married in Ohio to Miss Huldah Hanley, who was born in Huron County of the same State, August 3, 1821. She was a daughter of John and Roxanna (Beebe) Hanley, and both parents were natives of Connecticut. Her grandfather Beebe settled in Lorain County, Ohio and thither Mrs. Rhodes' mother accompanied him although she had previously been married in her native State. The men of the family were patriots whose services were always offered in the time of their country's need.

To Mr. and Mrs. Rhodes six children were born, four of whom are now living--Mary J., Frances, Mrs. Oscar Sweers; Calvin L., and Ella M. Sarah and Adel are deceased, the latter dying in infancy. In 1843 our subject started with his wife to Michigan, coming via the lakes, and his parents accompanied them, but took the overland route. They made a settlement in Genesee County, now owned and occupied by Mrs. Rhodes. They settled in the woods, building a log cabin in which they resided for several years, erecting their present residence later. He cleared up a farm which was in a wild condition, using oxen in the work for a number of years. He died March 4, 1888. In his death Atlas Township loses one of her early pioneers and most esteemed citizens. He was a member of the Congregational Church of which he had been Trustee for many years. In his political views he was a Republican. At his death he left a valuable estate which was the result of his life labor. His widow resides on the home farm and she with her children make one of the most highly esteemed families in this portion of the county.