---

From: History of Crawford County, PennsylvaniaIllustrated
Published: Warner, Beers & Co., Chicago; 1895

George W. Rhodes, farmer, P. O. Townville, is a native of Saratoga County, N. Y., born March 7, 1804; son of John and Sybil (Edmonds) Rhodes, natives of Washington County, N. Y., and who both died in their native State. Our subject moved in 1831 to Cattaraugus County, N. Y., where he remained twenty one years, and in 1852 moved to Pennsylvania, settling in Troy Township, this county, where he still resides. He was married, December 29, 1829, to Miss Harriet Holden, a native of Saratoga County, N. Y., born January 12, 1812, and daughter of Jonathan and Sallie (Owen) Holden, natives of Massachusetts, and early settlers of Saratoga County, N. Y., where they lived and died. To our subject and wife were born nine children, of whom three are now living: Charles, Danford E. and William H. Mrs. Rhodes died May 19, 1884; she was a member of the Baptist Church. Mr. Rhodes, has in his lifetime cleared many acres of land, and has done much toward the improvement of the county. He helped to construct the first railroad in the United States. He is in politics an old, solid Republican. Danford E. Rhodes, his son, who was born July 17, 1839, was twice married; on first occasion, December 9, 1860, to Miss Elizabeth Styre, of this township, who bore him five children, viz.: Dauford E., Jr., Harriet, John C., Rose, and George H. Mrs. Rhodes dying November 21, 1874, our subject married, July 3, 1876, Miss Clara Swift, of Hydetown, this county, born in Allegany County, N. Y., April 13, 1853, daughter of Henry and Caroline (Cushing) Swift, natives of New York State, and who settled in this county in 1864, but who now reside in Nebraska. To this union were born two children: Don and Frank. Our subject purchased land in this township in 1860, and still owns it. He manages his farm and devotes his entire attention to agriculture. Mr. Rhodes served three years, during the late war of the Rebellion, in Company C, One Hundred and Fiftieth Regiment, Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry. He participated in several battles, was slightly wounded thrice and taken prisoner once. He has filled several township offices, such as Auditor, etc. Is a member of the G. A. R.; in politics is a Republican. Mrs. Rhodes is a member of the Methodist Church.