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Taken from: Portrait and biographical record of Macoupin County, Illinois: containing biographical sketches of prominent and representative citizens of the county, together with biographies of all the governors of the state, and of the presidents of the United States (Chicago: Biographical Pub. Co.,1891), p. 729-730.
Charles C. Rhoads. There is an inclination in our country of recent origin to found an aristocracy, not considering individual advantages and power, but upon the fame attained by the early ancestors of a few families resident in the East. We hope that the sentiments of right minded and sensible people will make this attempt abortive. At the same time one cannot help taking a pride in the fact that one's ancestors have taken a prominent part in the Colonial struggles that resulted in the successful establishment of a Republic, the like of which has never been known. Were there in reality a blue book the family of our subject would rank high therein, for several of them have done good service both in the Revolutionary War and the patriotic War of 1812.
Charles C. Rhoads who resides on section 17, Shipman Township, is the son of Henry Rhoads who was born in Greyson County, Ky. His mother was Mary Cleaver, who was born in Meade County, the same state. They came from Greyson County to what is now Jersey County, Ill., May 1830, and after living there for about one year they removed to Macoupin County, and settled in Chesterfield Township, where the mother's death occurred in 1835. The father passed away in Shipman Township, August 20, 1854.
Our subject is one of six children, being the fourth in order of birth. He was born August 11, 1824. He was nearly six years old when his parents removed to Illinois and he grew to manhood in Chesterfield Township. His marriage took place in Jersey County, March 15, 1846, his wife's maiden name being Emeline Darr. After a marital experience of twenty-six years, she departed this life in Shipman Township, September 15, 1872. Soon after his marriage, Mr. Rhoads settled on the farm where he now lives and upon which he has ever since been a resident.
He was again married in Jersey County, Ill., October 9, 1873, his second wife being Mrs. Elinor Randolph, a daughter of William and Delilah (Waggoner) McDou, the former of whom was born in Madison County, Ill., and the latter in Virginia. [William McDou] departed life in Otterville, Jersey County, March 14, 1887. The second Mrs. Rhoads was the widow of Moore Randolph of Jersey County. Her first husband died in the same county near Delhi, July 4, 1858. She had one daughter by that marriage, whose name is Eva. This lady is now the wife of Joseph Blackstock. Mrs. Elinor Rhoads was born in Jersey County, May 30, 1835. Two children are the fruit of this union, their names being respectively Della C. and Bernie.
The original of this sketch has always been engaged in agricultural life and at the present time is proprietor of a fine farm comprising two hundred and forty acres, which he has brought up from a raw state to one of high cultivation. His home is a good brick house, commanding a delightful prospect of the surrounding country with every convenience and many elegancies that make life pleasant. He has made many valuable improvements on his farm, and altogether it is one of the best in that township.
Various offices have been conferred upon our subject by virtue of his known loyalty to true Governmental principles and because of his high reputation for honor and integrity. He filled the office of Constable for one term and Justice of the Peace for one term. He has ever taken an active part in political affairs, casting the weight of his influence and vote with the Republican party. Mr. and Mrs. Rhoads and daughters are members of the Baptist Church of which body our subject has been a Trustee for nearly forty years.
The paternal grandfather of Mr. Rhoads was Jacob Rhoads, a soldier in the Revolutionary War. He acted as a spy at that time for the Colonists, and as a return for the risk that he ran and the dangers that threatened his life at every turn he was awarded seven thousand acres of land by the Government. Our subject's father served as a soldier in the War of 1812, and has left behind him an enviable record that is precious to his son of bravery and loyalty to the principles involved in the struggle.