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From the book entitled: Genealogical and memorial encyclopedia of the state of Maryland: a record of the achievements of her people in the making of a commonwealth and the founding of a nation, Volume 2
Genealogical and Memorial Encyclopedia of the State of Maryland: A Record of the Achievements of Her People in the Making of a Commonwealth and the Founding of a Nation, Richard Henry Spencer
Authors: Richard Henry Spencer, American Historical Society
Publisher: The American historical society, inc., 1919

OLIVER L. RHODES For forty years Mr. Rhodes was a resident of Baltimore, prominent in business life, a devoted member of the Methodist Episcopal Church South, and a citizen of sterling worth: A man of attractive personality, lovable in character, loyal in his friendships and upright in all things, he had many friends, these including bishops and other dignitaries of the church. Rev. Sam P. Jones was his close friend, and it was due to the efforts of Mr. Rhodes that that great Southern Evangelist was able to hold his first meeting in Baltimore. A man of quiet, domestic taste, he was best appreciated by those who knew him intimately, and to that inner circle was revealed those noble traits of character which marked him as the true Christian gentleman.

Oliver L. Rhodes was born at Bridgewater, in the Shenandoah Valley, Virginia, in 1850, died at his home at Forest Park, Baltimore, Maryland, May 27, 1915. When a mere boy he entered the Confederate service, serving the last two years in the cavalry under Colonel Mosby. He was but fifteen when the war closed, and from military he returned to school life. After completing his studies he remained in Virginia until 1875, men located in the city of Baltimore, ever afterward his home. For eighteen years he was engaged in business as a wholesale dealer in hats, but later he became interested in other business activities of importance.

He was a staunch Democrat of the Jeffersonian type, was for two years chief engrossing clerk of the Maryland Legislature during Governor Crothers' administration, and at the time of his death was assessor to the Appeal Tax Court, a position he had held four years, and to which he had just been re-appointed by Mayor Preston. While he had ever been an active party worker, he never sought office for himself, the above being the only public positions he ever accepted.

He was a prominent figure in Baltimore Methodism, devoted to the interests of his church, serving for twenty-five years on the official board of Emmanuel Methodist Episcopal Church South. He was very proud of his church, attended many of the annual conferences, and delighted in the friendships he held among the clergy, many of whom he entertained most enjoyably at his hospitable home. Said one writer who had been entertained by Mr. and Mrs. Rhodes in "princely style": "An atmosphere of culture and refinement threw about the home an indescribable charm. There a guest for weeks the memories of that stay still linger with us as an evening benediction."

Mr. Rhodes married, in 1882, Mary Cochran, a resident of Baltimore, who survives him, with one son, E. Oliver Rhodes.