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 This research was done by geneologest John R Redfern, for Gary L Rhodes ().  If your are a descendant of any of these Rhodes' or have additional information please contact Gary Rhodes.

 The Town of Exeter was originally a part of the Town of North Kingstown.  Exeter became a separate Town in 1743.  The Exeter records were analyzed on September 9, 2005 and again the week of September 12-15, 2005 in an attempt to gather further information about Samuel Rhodes, his siblings and his children.  
Summary From this week’s research, I can confirm to you that William Rhodes was an heir to Samuel Rhodes and most likely, his eldest son.  While there is a record of Walter Rhodes in the 1774 census of Exeter along with a John Rhodes, and Walter appears on the 1782 Tax List of Exeter along with John Rhodes, there are no probate or land records for Walter Rhodes.  The only other record of Walter Rhodes discovered in Exeter was that he was a member of the Exeter Baptist Church in 1777.   This would imply that Walter lived with someone else, probably family.  The most likely candidate is John Rhodes.  
There was a great deal of information unearthed about John Rhodes.  He was twice married.  His first wife was Martha, perhaps Martha Cooper of Coventry (John Rhodes was married to Martha Cooper on March 11, 1756 by C. Greene Justice - Coventry VR).  That would give him a date of birth of before 1735, if he were 21 or older when he married.  Martha died sometime after April 21, 1790 when she signed a deed with her husband John in Exeter and before November 2, 1791 when John’s will was written (she is not mentioned, nor is John Rhodes second wife Eunice).  
John Rhodes had 4 children, all by his first wife: Hannah who married Nathan Case and whose grave is in Coventry; Mary who married Joseph Allen and whose grave is in Exeter; Elizabeth who married Thomas Case and whose grave is in West Greenwich and John P. Rhodes, Jr., who married Sarah Hill of Barnett and moved to Attleborough, Massachusetts before 1807.  
John married again after November 2, 1791 to a Eunice Unknown.  She was not named in John Rhodes Will, but received her dower’s thirds at probate.
John P. Rhodes, Jr. indicates in a deed that a Rhodes Cemetery existed on land in Exeter.  The cemetery is next to a Rathbun Cemetery.  I have been unable to locate a Rhodes cemetery in Exeter, although a number of cemeteries are recorded with owners unknown.  There are also multiple Rathbun Cemeteries recorded in Exeter making it difficult to establish where the Rhodes Cemetery might be located.    
I have made an exhaustive search in detail of all of the records and have not established any proof in Exeter other than circumstantial evidence that John Rhodes and Walter Rhodes were related.  
Circumstantial evidence, however would point to them being siblings.  In 1771, when John purchases land from Benjamin Phillips, he is “of North Kingstown”. From John’s Marriage Date, he would be born about 1735.  From a naming standpoint, his eldest daughter’s name is Hannah, Samuel Rhodes Wife’s name.  John’s child, Mary Rhodes Allen, names one of her children William Rhodes Allen.  Since Walter was not a land holder, he would either have been a farm laborer or living with a relative.  

    A.) Census and Other Data 
 
In the 1774 RI Census, Walter Rhodes is in Exeter and is recorded on the same page as John Rhodes (page 166 of the Census Records)  
FAMILIES: Rhodes, Walter 
WHITES. MALES. Above 16: 1 
WHITES. MALES. Under 16: 6 
WHITES. FEMALES. Above 16: 1 
WHITES. FEMALES. Under 16: 1 
  John Rhodes also appears in the same 1774 Exeter RI Census (page 166 of the Census Records): 
  FAMILIES: Rhodes, John 
WHITES. MALES. Above 16: 1 
WHITES. MALES. Under 16: 1 
WHITES. FEMALES. Above 16: 2 
WHITES. FEMALES. Under 16: 3  
  In October of 1777, Walter Rhodes appears as a Member of The Exeter Baptist Church.   
John Rhodes and Walter Rhodes also appear on the 1782 Tax List of Exeter Rhode Island.   
   
  A.) Probate Records 
  There is no consolidated index for the Town of Exeter’s early probate records.  
There are indices associated with each of the Volumes.  
  The 1st  seven volumes of Probate Records for the Town of Exeter were searched.  There are no probate records for Walter Rhodes.  The following probate records were found: 
  John Rhodes Last Will & Testament November 22, 1791 Book 6:77-78  
The entry is the hand written Will and Testament of John Rhodes.  The author’s interpretation of the record follows.  A digitized copy of the original record is attached. 
  “In the Name of God Amen this Twenty Second day of November and in the Year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred and Ninety One the Last Will and Testament of John Rhodes of Exeter in the County of Washington and in the State of Rhode Island.  Yeoman I John Rhodes as above Being in health of a Sound Disposing mind and memory thanks Be given to Almighty God for the Same.  Calling to mind the mortality of my Body. firmly Beleaving it is appointed unto all men one to die and after that the Judgement do make and order this Instrument in writing to Be my Last Will and Testament that is to say for principally of all I Commit the Keeping of my Soul to allmighty God that Give it me my Body to the Earth to Be entered therein at the descretion of my executor herein after named as Touching Such worldly estate as it hath pleased god in this Life to Bless me with.  I Give Demise and Dispose of the Same in the following manner and form. 
  Item.  I Give and Bequeath unto my Loving Son John Rhodes all my Real Estate as is butted and Bounded By my Deed to me is butted & Bounded to Be and Remain to him & his heirs forever with his paying all my just Debts and funeral Charges in Some Covenant Time after my Decease and also my will is that my Son John Rhodes Should Have all my Smith Tools & my Large Looking Glass with my Wareing apparel Saddle and Bridle.  
Item.  I give and Bequeath unto my Three Daughters Viz. Mary Allen and Hannah Case and Elizabeth Case.  I Give and Bequeath unto these my three Loving Daughters all the Rest of my Estate herein and heretofore not given away to Be equally & Jointly Divided Between them three impartially after my Decease.  and Lastly I do nominate appoint and ordain & Constitute My Loving Son John Rhodes my whole and sole executor of this my Last Will and Testament & order him to See the same fulfilled according to the True Intent and meaning therof & do order him to pay all my Just Debts and funeral Charges in some conveniant Time after my Decease wherefore I do hereby Revoke Disavow and Disallow all other Wills Gifts and Bequests heretofore maid By me and Confirm this to others to Be my Last Will & Testament in Witness Whereof I have hereunto Set my hand and affixed my Seal this 22nd Dy of November D 1797 Signed Sealed pronounced and Declared by the said John Rhodes to Be his last Will and Testament.  
In the presents of  
Thos Albro Christopher Champlin 
Deborah Justice (Joslin?) 
 
Thomas Albro & Christopher Champlin Two of the Witnesses to the above and Before Written Will Personally appeared in Town Council of Exeter April 8, D 1797 on their Solem engagement Did Severally declare that they Saw the Testator John Rhodes Sign Seal pronounce and Declared Will to Be his last Will & testament and at that time he was of a Sound mind and memory according to the Best of our Judgement & that they Two Set their hands thereto at the same time as Witnesses in the Testators Presents and inthe Presents of each other that they saw the other witness to wit Deborah Justice  (Joslin?) Set her hand there as a Witness at the same time & in the Testators Presents & in the Presents of each other for Which Reason I will allow to be lawfully approved By Council  
Recorded April 10, 1797 
Stephen Reynolds, Clerk” 
 
If you note, the above Last Will and Testament written in 1791 does not mention a wife.  It is this author’s opinion that John Rhodes was twice married.  Based upon land records recorded at Exeter, his first wife was Martha, perhaps Martha Cooper for whom there is a marriage recorded in Coventry on March 11, 1756 (Coventry VR).  He married his second wife, Eunice, sometime after November 22, 1791 (She was not named in John Rhodes Last Will and Testament, but receipted for her thirds).  Eunice could possibly be Eunice Wait Reynolds, daughter of Robert Reynolds and Eunice Wait.  Robert Reynolds was John Rhodes neighbor in the 1790 Census of Exeter.  His other neighbor is Nathan Case who married John Rhodes daughter Hannah.  

   John Rhodes of Exeter 1790 census neighbors   James Clark 3-2-3-0 
Nathan Case 1-0-4-0- 
John Rhodes 1-1-3-0-1 
Robert Reynolds 1-1-0-1 
Robert Reynolds, Junior 2-2-4- 
Benjamin Bently 
Gideon Cory 
Benjamin Wait 
Thomas Case 1-2-2- 
 

  Book 6:90 Receipts from Nathan and Hannah Case, Joseph and Mary Allen and Thomas and Elizabeth Case  
The entry is the Receipt from Nathan and Hannah Case, Joseph and Marry Allen and Thomas and Elizabeth Case.  The author’s interpretation of the record follows.  A digitized copy of the original record is attached.  

  “Exeter April the 10th Day 1797 then Received of John Rhodes as the Executor of the Last will and Testament to John Rhodes our Honourd father Deceased the full Sum of Seventy Silver Dollars it Being in full Discharge from all Singular the Gifts & Bequeaths Given to us in the Last Will and Testament of our honoured father John Rhodes of Exeter Deceased Say Received By us in Witness Whereof we have Set our hands and affixed our Seals the day and Date above in the Presents of Samuel Bissell, Thomas Albro (Signed by) Nathan Case and Hannah Case (Note: the above was received July 4, 1797 by Stephen Reynolds, Clerk)  
Exeter April the 10th Day 1797 then Received of John Rhodes as Executor to the Last will and Testament of our honoured father John Rhodes Deceased the full Sum of Seventy Silver Dollars it Being in full Discharge from and the Gifts and Bequeaths Given to us in the Last Will and Testament of our honoured father John Rhodes Deceased and Say Received By us in Witness Whereof we have Set our hands and affixed our Seals the day and Date as above in the Presents of Thomas Albro, Samuel Bissell  (Signed by) Joseph Allen and Mary Allen (Note: the above was received July 4, 1797 by Stephen Reynolds, Clerk)  
Exeter April the 10th Day 1797 then Received of John Rhodes as Executor to the Last will and Testament of our honoured father John Rhodes Deceased the full Sum of Seventy Silver Dollars it Being in full Discharge from and the Gifts and Bequeaths Given to us in the Last Will and Testament of our honoured father John Rhodes Deceased and Say Received By us in Witness Whereof we have Set our hands and affixed our Seals the day and Date as above in the Presents of Samuel Bissell, Thomas Albro   (Signed by) Thomas Case and Elizabeth Case (Note: the above was received July 4, 1797 by Stephen Reynolds, Clerk)  

  Book 6:91 Receipt of Eunice Rhodes  
The entry is the Receipt of Eunice Rhodes.  Although not named in John Rhodes Will dated November 1791, she Receives her 1/3.  The author’s interpretation of the record follows.  A digitized copy of the original record is attached.  
“Exeter April 1797 then Rec'd of John Rhodes as Executor to the Last Will & testament of my honored Husband John Rhodes of Exeter Deceased the full third part of all the Personal Estate of Honored Husband John Rhodes Deceased in Witness Whereof I Eunice Rhodes have hereto Set my hand and affixed my seal the Day and Date above”  
In the Presents of                                                Eunice made her mark Thos Albro 
Samuel Bissel (?)  

  Book 7:32 Guardianship for Eunice Rhodes  
“Be it known and manifest that on the 7th
 day ofApril, 1803, Jonathan Lillibridge of Exeter in the County of Washington and state aforesaid Yeoman was in and by the Court of Probate of the Town of Exeter in the County of Washing & State aforesaid appointed Guardian to Eunice Rhodes of Exeter widow to John Rhodes Late of Exeter deceased and to her Estate and Impowered to act and do all things Needfull and Necessary of the Law for the preservation of the Said Eunice Rhodes and her Estate and the effectual performing the power of her guardian and to the Eunice and to her Estate and faithfully to be under an account of his said guardianship as the Law directs.  Signed and Sealed by Order and in behalf of the Town Court of Probate of Exeter and Sealed with their official seal this seventh day of april 1803 by Stephen Reynolds, clerk  
There are no other Probate Records for Rhodes in the first Seven Volumes of Exeter Probate Records for any other Rhodes  
B.) Land Records 
  The index of early land records of the Town of Exeter reflect the following transaction to which any Rhodes was a party. Most of the Land Transactions are for John Rhodes.  There are no land transaction for Walter Rhodes.    
The following are abstracts of the Land Transactions:  Rhodes Research Project - Exeter 
Vol 1:142 Bartholomew Phillips and Elizabeth Phillips to John Rhodes – Feb 11, 1771  
“Bartholomew Phillips of Richmond, Yeoman and Elisabeth Phillips wife of said Bartholomew Phillips for 500 Spanish milled silver dollars to John Rhodes of North Kingstown, 97 Acres of land bounded by Pardon Tillinghast, highway, Robert Hill, Stutely Tillinghast. Dated and Acknowledged Richmond on February 11, 1771 Recorded April 16, 1771.  Signed Bartholomew Phillips, Elisabeth Phillips.  Witnessed by Edawrd Perry, Ruth Perry, Thomas Lillibridge, Benedict Kinyon  (Exeter Vol 1:142)”  

  Vol 1:200-201 Mortgage Deed of John Rhodes and Martha Rhodes to Bartholomew Phillips and Elizabeth Phillips - 1771  
This  transaction is a Mortgage deed of the Phillips to Rhodes property but this transaction names both John Rhodes and his wife Martha.  The abstract follows:  
In a deed dated February 11, 1771 and acknowledged Ricmond. rec  April 16, 1771, John Rhodes of North Kingstown, yeoman and Martha Rhodes his wife for 500 Spanish milled silver dollars to Bartholomew Phillips of Richmond yeoman 97 Acres of land bounded by Easterly Pardon Tillinghast, Southerly on the Ten Rod Highway, Robert Hill, Stutely Tillinghast. Signed John Rhodes and Martha Rhodes.  Witnesses Edward Perry, Ruth Perry  dated (Exeter Vol 1:200-201)    
Vol 1:487 Pardon Tillinghast acknowledges John Rhodes as an abutter - 1775  
“On April 15 of 1775, in a love and affection deed, Pardon Tillinghast transfers land to his son Stuckley and acknowledges John Rodes as an abutter. (Exeter Vol 1:487)”  
  Vol 1:490-491 John and Martha Rhodes to David Greene - 1777  
“In a deed dated May 1777 and recorded May 23, 1777, John Rhodes of Exeter, blacksmith and Martha his wife for 700 Spanish milled silver dollars to David Greene of North Kingston, yeoman 97 Acres of land bounded: Pardon Tillinghast, highway, Stuckly Tillinghast.  Signed John Rhodes, Martha Rhodes.  Witnesses John Hoxsie, Michel Dawley. (Exeter Vol 1: 490-491)  
Vol 2:451 Thomas and Sarah Albro to John Rhodes – 1785 
...and is Butted and Bounded as followith Viz Westerly on a Highway, Southerly on a Highway, Easterly on Land of Joseph Reynolds and for the North Line is to Rhodes Research Project - Exeter  
Vol 3:185 John Rhodes to Tobias Pilsbury – July 25, 1788 
…one acre of land… The deed is otherwise unremarkable .  The image is attached.  
Vol 3:203-204 Pardon Tillinghast to John Rhodes – Dec 15, 1787 
..one acre of Land. The deed is otherwise unremarkable .  The image is attached.  
Vol 3:286 John and Martha Rhodes to William Bentley – April 21, 1790 
“Bounded…Easterly on a Highway and Southerly on land of William Albro and Northerly on Land of John Maguire & for the Southwest corner joins  on a heap of Stones which said land...35 acres by estimation.” The rest of the deed is unremarkable accept this is the last deed that Martha signs.  The image is attached.  
Vol 4:58 John Rhodes to John Rhodes, Jr. - May 12, 1791 
“For ten pounds and the natural love that I bare to him ….containing by estimation 35 acres… And Be the Same more or Less and is Butted and Bounded as followith Viz to Be Butted and Bounded as albros deed to Mary Eu Phillips Doth viz to Be and Remain to the above John Rhodes Jr as an absolute Estate of Inheritance in fee simple...….” The image is attached.  
Comments: From the above we can determine that John Rhodes, Jr. was born before May 12, 1780.  He would be 21 or older to own property.  
Vol 4:128 John and John Rhodes Jr to Henry Albro – Jan 26, 1793 
“for one shilling…. for the consideration of one Shilling....do sell convey and Confirm all our Writes & Tither use and Interest In all the Land Lying North of a Certain Line to Begin at the South End of the Wall East of the meadow on henry albros Land then to Extend Easterly to the Corners made by the Surveyor for the Said albros Southeast Corner then to Begin at the afore wall the first Bound & then Extend Westerly in a parallel Line with albro Northline until it comes to the Brook...”  Rhodes Research Project - Exeter    
Comments: From the above we can determine that Martha Rhodes died sometime after April 21, 1790 and when John Rhodes made his Will November 22, 1791.  We also know that he was not married to Eunice at this time because she is not mentioned in the Will although later at the distribution, she receives her 1/3 by dower rights and in her receipt calls him “husband”.  
Vol 5: 154-155 John Rhodes to Benjamin Albro -  March 6, 1799 “11 acres” signed by John Rhodes.  No “P” or Jr. Is useed.  
Vol 5:404-405 Eunice Rhodes to John Rhodes (Jr) – Oct 6, 1801 
“...Eunice Rhodes, Widow of Exeter....One Hundred Fifty Dollars....by John Rhodes of the Town County that as above...sell all my right Title use and Interest in a Certain Tract....Bounded as followith  Southerly and Wesyterl on a Highway...Northerly Partly on George Whitman Land and partly on Benjamin Albro.....”  The image is attached.  
Comments:  This deed transfers any right that Eunice had to John Jr.’s land inheritance to John, Jr.  I note that she does not refer to him as “son”.  
Vol 5:493 John P. Rhodes and Sarah Rhodes to Noel Allen – Dec 3, 1801 
“...Bounded as follows viz Southerly and Westerly on a Highway or Highways and Northerly partly on land of George Whitman and partly on Land of Benjamin albro & Easterly partly on land of Benjamin Albro and partly on Land of Daniel Brown and partly on Land of Arnold Lawton & & likewise is Butted on the Rathbuns Buring ground as the said Rhodes deed is and Likewise is Bounded on two rod squares of land Where the said Rhodes Buring Ground is with one Dwelling House theron Standing and contains by estimation eighty acres be the same more or less.....”  The image is attached.  
Comments: From the above we determine that the burying ground for the Rhodes family was on this piece of land at the same corner as the Rathbun Cemetery.   Three Rathbun cemeteries have been recorded by the Town of Exeter.  Further research is needed here to see if the Rhodes cemetery can be found and if there are any stones in it.   We also learn that John Rhodes, Jr. is now, after the death of his father, signing his name John P. Rhodes.  There is no indication as to what the P stands for.    

   Rhodes Research Project - Exeter    Page 10 of 14
Vol 5: 606 John P. Rhodes to Richard Vaughn – April 4, 1803 
The deed is a mortgage deed and is fully satisfied by John P. Rhodes and is discharged.  The image is attached.  
Vol 4:626 Jeremiah Pollack to Eunice Rhodes - April 4, 1803 
“...for One Hundred Twenty Six Silver Dollars...from Eunice Rhodes...widow ... nine acres...bounded as followith Viz Northerly by Land of Joseph James Easterly by Land of Ebenezer Moore Southerly by Land of Robert Moore and Westerly by Land of Robert Moore...".  The image is attached.  
Vol 5:615 Eunice Rhodes to Jeremiah Pollack – April 4, 1803 
It appears that the property acquired in Vol 4:626 is mortgaged back to Jeremiah Pollack.  The image is attached.  
Vol 6:10 Eunice Rhodes to Robert Moore – July 3, 1804 
The property that Eunice Rhodes acquired from Jeremiah Pollack is sold to Moore.  The image is attached.  
Vol 6:283 John P. Rhodes and Sarah Rhodes to Benjamin Gardener- March 16, 1807 John P. Rhodes is now of Attleboro at the execution of this deed.  
John Rhodes is also mentioned in other deeds as an abutter.    
Vol 1:298-299 John Bliven to Bartholomew Phillips – December 1773 
“In a deed dated and acknowledged in December of 1773 (Vol 1:298-299). John Bliven of Westerly sells 3 Acres to Bartholomew Phillips and names John Rhodes as an abutter.”  
Vol 1:310 Abiagail Hoar to Stuckley Tillinghast – March 1774  
“In a deed dated and acknowledged in March of 1774, Abigail Hoar, widow sells land to Stuckley Tillinghast and acknowledges John Rhodes as an abutter (Vol 1:310)”  
William Rhodes is mentioned in deeds as an abutter.    
“Samuel Boone of North Kigstown, yeoman for 440 Spanish milled silver dollars and 1/2 of 1/8 of 1/16 dollars to Thomas Brown of South Kingstown, yeoman 4 tracts of land in Exeter and West Greenwich.  
350 Acres land bounded: highway, James Boone, Henry Reynolds.  
3 other tracts of land all in North Kingstown.  One Highway, William Rhodes of Boston, highway, salt water, creek, James Boon.  
Another 50 Acres Land bounded: highway, William Smith, Samuel Thomas, William Rhodes of Boston with a dwelling house.  
Another 84 Acres land bounded heirs of Alexander Brown, deceased, Robert Havens, William Havens, James Boone, Samuel Thomas.  Dated and Acknowledged 3 Oct 1768, recorded 5 October 1768.  Signed Samuel Boone.  Witn: Frances Northup, George Northup (Exeter Vol 1:322-324)  

  C.) Birth, Marriage and Death Records  
The only record of a Rhodes in Exeter Birth, Marriage and Death Records until 1800, is that of the marriage of John Rhodes to Sarah Hill.  
Vol 1:190 John Rhodes to Sarah Hill - 1799 
“These may Certify to all to Whom it may Concern that this day Mr. John Rhodes Son to Mr. John Rhodes Late of Exeter Dec and Miss Sarah Hill Daughter to Mr. Barnett Hill also of the aforementioned Exeter and in the County of Washington and within the State of Rhode Island Was Joined in Marriage agreeable to Law by me. March 14, 1799 Thomas Manchester.” (Exeter Vol 1:190)    
D) Other Findings 
William Rhodes, an heir to Samuel Rhodes 
In Pre Revolutionary Days when a person died intestate, as Samuel Rhodes did, the distribution of his estate was made according to law.  Most colonies rejected primogeniture except New York, New Jersey and the southern plantation colonies. Instead (when a person died intestate) they usually gave the wife one- third and then divided the balance among the children with the eldest son Rhodes Research Project - Exeter    
The wife's share was often for her lifetime or widowhood only.   
In our case Samuel died intestate and the Estate was probated in June of 1756.  Three and one/half years later Hannah also dies intestate at North Kingstown in February 1760.  In an Exeter Land Transactions Samuel Boone sells land to Thomas Brown and describes abutted property in 1766 as belonging to the “heirs of Samuel Rhodes”(10:147).  Again in 1768 Samuel Boone sells more land to Thomas Boone but this time describes the property as belonging to “William Rhodes of Boston”(10:322).  This is a very strong indication that William Rhodes of Boston is the oldest son of Captain Samuel Rhodes.  
William Rhodes was first presented in our research of the records of North Kingstown.  
  Book 13A: 5  William Rhodes to Benjamin Fowler 
  “ William Rhodes ___(of Boston) in the County of Suffolk In the Province of the Massachusetts Bay ??? Greetings Know Ye that I said William Rhodes for and in consideration of Forty Five pounds Lawfull Money to me in hand before this __ will and truly paid by Benjamin Fowler of North Kingstown in __ty of Kings County in the Colony of Rhode Island, merchant.___ "  
"One Certain Tract or Parcel of Land being in NorthKings Town aforesaid and contains Ten Acres and Three Quar__ and is Bounded as followeth (Viz) Easterly on the Country Road. Norther__ in possession of Samuel Boone westerly and Southerly on land of Samu ___ tly on Land of Georgre Thomas, be it the same more or___”    
Also in Land Records, Mary Rhodes to Benjamin Fowler Book 13A –88, 1772, we determined that Mary was William’s wife  
Book 13A: 88 Mary Rhodes to Benjamin Fowler  
“Know all men by these presents that I Mary Rhodes the Wife of William __ of Boston in the County of Suffolk and Province of Massachusetts bay in ??? consideration of the sum of Forty Five pounds Lawful Money paid to ___ on the sixteenth day of June last __ Having granted, Sold Quitclaimed manner of Right Interest of Dower or Otherwise in and to a Certain Tract ___ North Kingstown in the Colony of Rhode Island Containing Ten Acres and Bounded Easterly on the Country Rhode Northerly on land now or lately of Samuel Boone, Westerly and Southerly on land of Samuel Thomas ___ partially on land of George Thomas given granted and sold by my husband on the day and year above mentioned unto Benjamin Fowler of North Kingstown” Rhodes Research Project - Exeter  
There is no record of transfer of these lands from Samuel Rhodes to William Rhodes.  The most likely reason would be through a distribution of his estate.  No such distribution is on file at North Kingstown.  With a double share going to the eldest son, it would appear that this William Rhodes is the eldest son of Samuel Rhodes.  
Further research at Exeter, indicates that Samuel Boone, Jr. in 1766 sold land to Thomas Brown in Exeter left to him by his father.  In describing the lands bounds, he references “heirs of Saml Rhodes” as the owners of adjoining lands    
Exeter Land Evidence (Vol 10 1764-1769 Page 147-149) On April 29, 1766, Saml Boone of North Kingstown yeoman and Mary his wife for 1000 Spanish milled dollars to Thomas Brown of South Kingstown yeoman 3 tracts of land in North Kingstown.    
One tract 90 Acres land bounded: highway, James Boone, leased to Saml Boone, heirs of Saml Rhodes, dec, country road, salt water.    
One other tract 52A land bounded: heirs of Saml Rhodes, William Smith, Saml Thomas.   
3rd lot 84A land bounded: highway, heirs Alexander Brown dec, & Beriah Brown Jr, William Havens, James Boone.    
Also 1 tract land in Ex & WG 500A land: given to Samuel Boone by his father Saml Boone late of NK dec in his will dated 5 June 1759 with all houses, no bounds given.  Dtd and ack 29 Apr 1766, rec 2 May 1766.  Signed Saml Boone, Mary Boone. Witn: George Northrop, Peter Mumford.  
Again in 1768, Samuel again sells some additional lands to Thomas Brown, but in his description of bounds in this deed, he no longer references “heirs of Saml Rhodes”, he references “William Rhodes of Boston”  
Exeter Land Evidence (Vol 10 1764-1769 Page 322-324) 
Samuel Boone of North Kigstown, yeoman for 440 Spanish milled silver dollars and 1/2 of 1/8 of 1/16 dollars to Thomas Brown of South Kingstown, yeoman 4 tracts of land in Exeter and West Greenwich.  
350 Acres land bounded: highway, James Boone, Henry Reynolds.  
3 other tracts of land all in North Kingstown.  One Highway, William Rhodes of Boston, highway, salt water, creek, James Boon.  
Another 50 Acres Land bounded: highway, William Smith, Samuel Thomas, William Rhodes of Boston with a dwelling house. 
 Another 84 Acres land bounded heirs of Alexander Brown, deceased, Robert Havens, William Havens, James Boone, Samuel Thomas.  Dated and Acknowledged 3 Oct 1768, recorded 5 October 1768.  Signed Samuel Boone.  Witn: Frances Northup, George Northup.  
William Rhodes of Boston 
 
Further research in Boston is required.  A cursory glance at Suffolk County Records indicate that there was a William Rhodes, resident in Boston, in the 1750's.  Suffolk County Records indicate that a William Rhodes married a Mary Ennes in Boston on September 19, 1742.  (Vital Records of Suffolk County - Intentions Sept 4, 1742 Marriage Sept 19, 1742).  The records also indicate the birth of two children: Mary Rhodes on December 11, 1745 and Samuel Rhodes on June 7, 1747.  This Samuel is buried in the Cobb’s Hill Cemetery. (Samuel Rhodes, son to William Rhodes and Mary his wife who died October 9, 1759).  There is no birth record for this William in Suffolk Records.