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The Back Rhodes of Our Genealogy

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From: Historical encyclopedia of Illinois, Volume 2, By Newton Bateman, Paul Selby, page 876

Henry C. Rhodes, of Savanna, IL., belongs to a well-known family that is represented in several lines of business in Carroll county. Mr. Rhodes was born in Savanna, July 6, 1853, and is a son of Capt. John b: and Mary J. (Pierce) Rhodes, whose biography is given at length in connection with the sketch of Thomas b: Rhodes to be found in this volume. The father was for many years a steamboat captain on the Mississippi, and was prominent in the early history of Carroll county. Henry C. Rhodes was educated in the Savanna schools and afterward was engaged in the grain business on his own account for two years, when he and his older brother, William P., formed a partnership in the grain, stock and lumber business, which they carried on several years. Eventually in 1874, the three younger brothers, Thomas, John and Richard, were admitted to the firm. About 1888 Henry C. disposed of his interest to the others and removed to Chehalis. Wash., en

gaging In the manufacture of red cedar shingles. He continued this enterprise three years, when his plant was destroyed by fire, and going to Chicago, negotiated for the Hotel Puget Sound, which he conducted during the World's Columbian Exposition. Following this he returned to Savanna and embarked in hardware business, a few years later admitting his brothers, Thomas and John, to partnership. About 1901 the firm name became Rhodes Brothers & Company, having being formerly known as the Savanna Hardware Company. In 1907 Henry C. Rhodes disposed of his interest to his brothers, in the lumber as well as the hardware lines. A yard had been established in Mt. Carroll some years before. Upon disposing of his mercantile business Mr. Rhodes began dealing in real estate, in which line he has since continued.

Mr. Rhodes was married in 1890 to Miss Laura H., daughter of Jacob and Anna Cooper, of Hanover, IL, and two children were born to this union, Louise J. and Henry C., Jr. The son was killed by accident when fourteen years of age. Mr. Rhodes is prominent in Masonic circles, belonging to the Blue Lodge and Chapter of Savanna, to the Consistory of Freeport and the Shrine of Rockford.

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