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From the book entitled: Missouri the center state: 1821-1915, Volume 4
Missouri the Center State: 1821-1915, Walter Barlow Stevens
Author: Walter Barlow Stevens
Publisher: S.J. Clarke, 1915

HIRAM H. RHODES.

Hiram H. Rhodes has been connected with the railroads for many years and is now superintendent of the Salem, Winona & Southern. He was born in Madison county, Missouri, October 27, 1882, a son of David F. and Emma Rhodes, also natives of this state. The paternal grandparents, who were born in the Carolinas, settled in Madison county, Missouri, when that region was still on the frontier and the grandfather was one of the first state representatives from that county. The father of our subject was a farmer but in later years also devoted some time to carpentering and contracting. He is now living retired at Greenville, where he removed in 1891. His wife also survives. They are the parents of seven children, those besides Hiram H. being: Dottie, the wife of V. A. O'Bannon, of Edgemont, Arkansas; Minnie, the wife of J. W. Farley, of Amarillo, Texas; Lillie, the widow of Otto Lerche, of Fredericktown, Missouri; and David, Jennie and Nellie, deceased.

Hiram H. Rhodes received his early education at Greenville, Missouri, and is a high-school graduate. He attended the Bryant & Stratton Commercial College of St. Louis, thus fitting himself for effective work in the business world. He was for a few years clerk for the Halliday, Klotz & Lord Lumber Company of Greenville, and then entered the employ of the Williamsville, Greenville & St. Louis Railroad, becoming station agent for that company at Williamsville, Missouri. In 1905 his faithfulness and knowledge of railroad accounting led to his promotion to the position of auditor, which he held for two years. He was then superintendent until 1909, when he resigned and was auditor of the Salem, Winona & Southern Railway for five years, being appointed superintendent of the road in May, 1914. His experience in railroading thoroughly qualifies him for the responsibilities of this position and he maintains the road at a high standard of efficiency. He is just in his dealings with those under him and secures their hearty cooperation in all of his efforts to improve the road. Aside from his connection with the railroad he has important business interests, being a large stockholder in the Forest Lumber Company, at Oakdale, Louisiana, which is under the management of J. b: White, the well known Missouri lumberman.

In 1907, at Greenville, Missouri, Mr. Rhodes was united in marriage to Miss Bertha Enloe, a native of Cole county, this state, and a daughter of John M. and Sarah Enloe, also natives of Missouri. Her grandparents were among the pioneer settlers of Moniteau county and the Enloe family has therefore been identified with the state for many years. Mrs. Rhodes is one of a family of four children, three of whom survive, her -two living sisters being: Ethel, the •wife of William Young, of Fresno, California; and Grace, who married Richard Culbertson, of the same state. The parents are both living and reside in Gasconade county, Missouri. Mrs. Rhodes is a graduate of the Weltner Conservatory of Music and taught that art for a number of years previous to her marriage. She is the mother of a daughter, Melba R., who was born at Greenville in 1908.

Mr. Rhodes is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church and his wife belongs to the Christian denomination. He is a democrat in his political belief but has never sought public office. Fraternally he belongs to the Modern Woodmen of America and to the Masonic order. His wife is connected with the Eastern Star and both are popular in the organizations to which they belong. Their many friends esteem them highly for their admirable traits of character and all who know them value their good opinion highly.