From: Historical encyclopedia of Illinois, Volume 2, By Newton Bateman, Paul Selby, page 875-876

John B. Rhodes - The Rhodes family were among the early settlers of Savanna, and furnished many prominent and public-spirited citizens to that city. They were originally from Virginia, moved thence to Ohio, and finally to Illinois. John b: Rhodes, a prominent hardware dealer of Savanna, was born in this city November 20, 1860, and is a son of Captain John b: and Mary J. (Pierce) Rhodes, whose history Is fully given in connection with the sketch of Thomas b: Rhodes contained in this volume. John b: Rhodes, Jr., is a twin of Thomas b: Rhodes, who is his partner in various mercantile enterprises in Carroll county. The latter lives at Mt. Carroll. The boyhood of John b: Rhodes was spent in his native town, where he attended the common schools, and after completing his education became interested in business with his brothers.

The older brothers of John b: Rhodes, William P. and Henry C., were associated in a grain, stock and lumber business, and in 1874 John b: and his twin brother were admitted to the firm. The older brothers eventually retired from business and the twin brothers sueceeded them, the lumber business at Mt. Carroll being handled by Thomas b: John b: is associated with him in both the lumber aiid hardware business, and has charge of the latter at Savanna. They own considerable valuable real estate in Savanna and Mt Carroll, most of which Is improved, and they have also improved some farm land in South Dakota. The association of these two brothers has always been very close and they have been partners in every enterprise undertaken by either. They seem to have the same general beliefs and opinions and trend of thought, and their relations have always been most friendly and amicable. Their strong attachment is mutual and each is ever ready to advance the interest and well-being of the other.

On January 1, 1883, Mr. Rhodes married Fannie L., daughter of F. M. Jenks, formerly president of the Savanna state and First National banks, and of this union one child, a daughter, has been born; Florence L., who married J. C. Chambers, of Savanna. Mr. and Mrs. Chambers have one child—Benjamin. Mr. Rhodes Is a member of the Masons, the Modern Woodmen and the Tribe of Ben Hur. He is a Republican In politics and served one term as alderman in Savanna, and is representative of the best interests of his community being ready to promote every worthy cause.