---

From the book entitled: History of Ray County, Mo
Author: Missouri Historical Company
Publisher: Missouri Historical Co., 1881, p. 637

Dennis A. Rhodes was born in Franklin county, Pennsylvania, June 13, 1847. His parents were William P. and Henrietta S. Rhodes. His father was born in Montgomery county, Maryland, and his mother in Accomac county, Virginia. In the year 1857, when our subject was ten years of age, the family removed to Hagerstown, Maryland. Here, Dennis was educated at the Academy in that place, an excellent institution. After living at Hagerstown for ten years, he emigrated to Ray county, Missouri, and settled at Orrick. He engaged as clerk with J. G. Brown, a merchant of that place, and continued in the duties of that position for two years and a half, and then went to Richmond, Virginia, and spent three months with his brother, who was doing business in that city. At the end of that time his brother sold his property in the city of Richmond and came with our subject to Orrick (this county), where they, in partnership, opened a general merchandise store, and conducted it together, for one year. Then, his brother removed to Camden, Ray county, and Dennis Rhodes continued the business alone. He was married, September 3, 1877, to Miss Isabella Rothwick, daughter of William and Matilda Rothwick. She was born in Center county, Pennsylvania, in March, 1853. They are the parents of two children: Mareb A., born, March 8, 1879; Matilda R., born, May 20, 1880. In addition to his general merchandise business, Mr. Rhodes is also conducting a large hardware store. He carries stock to the amount of $7,000.00, and also owns the lots upon which his stores are situated. He has a comfortable and conveniently appointed home, and is in a very prosperous condition. He is a leading member of Albany lodge, No. 444, A. F. & A. M.