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Jacob S. Rhodes, born at Middletown, Frederick county, Va., in 1822, died at Wheeling, April 12, 1881, was noted as one of the pioneer merchants of the latter city. He came to Wheeling about 1838 or 1839, and found employment with his uncle, Jacob Sweeney, one of the earliest dry goods merchants, and subsequently became a member of the firm of Senseny & Rhodes. In 1848 he opened a dry goods establishment of his own on'the bridge corner and continued to do business there the remainder of his life. He was very prominent as a dry goods merchant, his establishment being recognized as one of thelargest in the city. Progressive, far-sighted, and continually on the alert to aid in the growth of the whole community, he not only achieved success for himself but lent valuable assistance to the welfare of the city. Through his instrumentality several large business blocks were erected that now adorn the city. Though active in this way for the public advancement he never sought political preferment. He was connected with the banking interests of the cit , and was one of the organizers and promoters of the First Nationai, bank of Wheeling, now the Bank of the Ohio Valley, being one of the directors of that institution. The firm of S. Rhodes & Co., founded by him, has been in existence for forty years, is one of the most substantial houses of the city, and is a worthy monument of his fame.

Peter M. Rhodes, son of the above, was born at Wheeling, in 1847. He was reared in the city, and there received his education in the public schools. In about 1860, he began his business career as package boy in his father's establishment, and rose from that to the position of clerk. He continued in that capacity until about 1867, when he was given an interest in the business, and for some time before his father's death, he was manager of the business. He has since that event, conducted the business ably in behalf of the estate, and has maintained the high reputation of the establishment.

Title: History of the Upper Ohio Valley, with Family History and Biographical Sketches: History of the upper Ohio valley
Author: Brant & Fuller, pub
Publisher: Brant & Fuller, 1890