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From the book entitled: History of Chicago, Volume 3
Author: Alfred Theodore Andreas
Publisher: A. T. Andreas, 1886

John Foster Rhodes was born at Brownsville, Penn., on September 14, 1850. He is a son of Rev. d: Rhodes, of the Ohio Conference of the Methodist Episcopal Church. He received his education chiefly at St. Mary's Academy, Dayton, Ohio. In 1867, he went to Cincinnati, where he engaged with Andrews, Bissell & Co., bankers. In 1873, he came to Chicago, where he was employed by the Hibernian Banking Association for several years. During the period of his bank service he occupied his spare hours in the study of the law. Later, he read systematically with E. A. Small, and, entering the law department of the University of Chicago, was graduated and admitted to the Bar in 1877. Up to early in 1884, he practiced in this city. He then became interested in building operations in Chicago. The first building with which he had to do was the Commercial Bank. He was next associated with W. K. Nixon in the Northwestern Safe and Trust Company, and erected the Insurance Exchange Building, one of the largest office-buildings in the city. In the fall of 1884, he became interested, with others, in the Traders' Safe and Trust Company's Building, opposite the new Board of Trade. He has now completed the formation of a syndicate, in connection with Mr. W. K. Nixon, to erect the largest office-building in the world, adjoining and connecting with the Board of Trade. In each of these enterprises he has been an officer and director of the several companies and also an active member of their building committees. Mr. Rhodes is the treasurer of the Globe Electric Light and Power Company. In 1881 he organized the Dearborn Savings, Loan and Building Association, and has since been its secretary and manager, making it one of the most successful institutions of its kind in the country. The position that Mr. Rhodes holds has been gained by his ever persistent industry and integrity, as since he was twelve years of age he has been dependent upon his individual sagacity and enterprise. He was married, in Chicago, to Miss Margaret W. Patterson, the daughter of one of the early residents. They have two children —Margaret Elizabeth and Joseph Foster. He is a member of Lakeside Lodge, No. 739, A.K. &  A.M.; of Corinthian Chapter, No, 69, K.A.M.; and is a charter member of Chevalier Bayard Commander;. No. 52, K.T.