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From the book entitled: History of Indiana from its exploration to 1922, Volume 3, History of Indiana from Its Exploration to 1922, Logan Esarey
Authors: Logan Esarey, William F. Cronin
Publisher : Dayton Historical Publishing Co., 1922

Omer O. Rhodes, who has gained prominence in the real estate field at Terre Haute, Indiana, was born at Neoga, Ill,, in 1882, the son of La Fayette Rhodes, a well-known citizen of that community. Omer O. Rhodes was educated in the schools of his home town, and at the Eastern Illinois Normal school. After leaving school, he taught for a short time, but realizing that his abilities could find more ample expression in business pursuits, he came to Terre Haute, in 1906, where he was for two years associated with the Pennsylvania Railroad Company. He then entered the employ of James d: Bigelow, in the real estate and insurance business, and for ten years had charge of Mr. Bigelow's office. In 1920, he became a partner in the firm, one of the most important in this section of Indiana, and they now operate under the name of James d: Bigelow Co. Mr. Rhodes was married, in 1906, to Miss Evelyn O. Phipps, the daughter of Napoleon Phipps, of Janesville, Ill. They have one child, Jane Elinor, now attending school. Mr. Rhodes is a member of the various real estate and insurance associations, the Rotary Club and the Terre Haute Chamber of Commerce. Fraternally, he is a member of Lodge No. 19, Free and Accepted Masons, and of Zorah Temple, Nobles of the Mystic Shrine. In his religious beliefs, he is a communicant of the Methodist Episcopal church, of which he is a stanch supporter.