John Rhodes Biography, Genesee County, Michigan

This Biography extracted from “Portrait and Biographical Record of 
Genesee, Lapeer and Tuscola Counties, Michigan…”, published be Chapman 
Bros., Chicago (1892), p. 1035-1036

This copy contributed for use in the USGenWeb Archives.




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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 man-hood.. 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.



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