From the book
entitled: "A Popular History of New England Containing Historical and
Descriptive Sketches of the Counties, Cities and Principal Towns of the
Six New England States"
Author is R.H. & Henry E. Crocker Howard
Crocker & Co. Publishers 1881. Page 24-5
Gen. Elisha Hunt Rhodes. Among the gallant citizens of Rhode Island who
served in the late civil war, is the present collector of U. S.
internal revenue for the district of Rhode Island, Gen. Elisha H.
Rhodes. He was born in Pawtuxet, March 21, 1842. His father, Elisha H.
Rhodes, was a sea-captain, as were his ancestors for several
generations, and was lost at sea Dec. 10, 1858, while in command of the
schooner "Worcester" of Providence. The subject of this sketch was
educated in the public schools, and at Potter & Hammond's
Commercial Academy in Providence. Enlisting in the Union Army, as a
member of the 2d R. I. Vols., early in May, 1861, he took part in the
first battle, July 21st of that year. He was successively promoted
through the various company grades, having, as First Lieutenant, for a
time command of Company B, which position he held until Nov. 7, 1863,
when he became Adjutant of the regiment. During all this time, as
indeed in all its history, the gallant 2d regiment was actively engaged
in service. On the plains and hills of East Virginia, on the Peninsula,
before Richmond, and in checking Lee's invasion of Pennsylvania, he saw
severe and protracted service. Re-enlisting, with the patriotic purpose
of seeing the war through, his efficient labors were rewarded by a
further promotion. As senior officer on duty, he took command of the
regiment June 5, 1864, and was promoted to Captain, his commission
dating May 5, 1864. Having reorganized the regiment, and being assigned
to its command by Major General Wright, of the 6th Army Corps, he took
an active part in Gen. Sheridan's Shenandoah campaign, and was breveted
Major, " for gallant conduct at Winchester." He returned to Petersburg
in December, 1864, was promoted to Lieutenant Colonel Jan. 31, 1865,
was breveted Colonel of U. S. Vols., "for gallant conduct at the charge
on the rebel works at Petersburg," received full commission as Colonel
July 18, 1865, and ten days later was honorably discharged, having
served four years and two months, and participating in every campaign
of the Army of the Potomac, from the first battle of Bull Run to
Appomattox. Since the war, Gen. Rhodes has received many military
honors. He was Adjutant of Prescott Post, No. I, in 1867, Commander of
the post the next year, Assistant Adjutant General of the Department of
Rhode Island in 1871, Commander of the department in 1872-3, member of
the National Encampment in 1874-5, senior Vice Commander-in-Chief of G.
A. R. in 1877, and Vice President of the Army of the Potomac the same
year, and President of the Second Rhode Island Volunteer Association.
He has also been President of the Rhode Island Soldiers' and Sailors'
Historical Society since its formation, in 1873, and in 1879 was Vice
President of the 6th Army Corps Association. On the re-organization of
the Rhode Island militia, in that year, he was unanimously elected
Brigadier General. He received the appointment to his present position,
as Collector of U. S. internal revenue of Rhode Island, in 1875. He
married, June 12, 1866, Caroline P., daughter of Joshua Hunt, of
Providence. Gen. Rhodes has prepared papers on historical and
biographical subjects upon several occasions, and takes an active
interest in civil, social and religious affairs.
Mason: Elisha Rhodes was a Member and Worshipful Master of Harmony
Lodge, #9, Cranston, Rhode Island. He was also the Grand Master of the
Grand Lodge of Rhode Island in 1892-1893.
The Back Rhodes of Our Genealogy
From the book
entitled: "A Popular History of New England Containing Historical and
Descriptive Sketches of the Counties, Cities and Principal Towns of the
Six New England States" 