THOMAS RHODES, one of Akron's much esteemed retired citizens, residing at No. 610 West Market street, was born in 1826, in Lanoastershire, England, and was about seven years of age when he accompanied his parents to America. The father of Mr. Rhodes settled in Sharon Township, Medina County, Ohio, where the son was reared, and under his brother's tutelage, mainly educated.
Mr. Rhodes followed farmirig and stockraising in both Medina and Summit Counties, giving especial attention to the growing of' sheep. After a busy and successful agricultural career, Mr. Rhodes erected the beautifulresidence in Akron which has since been his home.
In 1876, Mr. Rhodes was married to Sarah B. Garside. He and his wife are leading members of the West . Hill Congregational Church. Prior to the Civil War, Mr. Rhodes was prominently identified with the Abolition party and was well known to many anti-slavery leaders, being a great admirer of William Lloyd Garrison.
October 2, 1862, Mr. Rhodes enlisted in Company A, Seventy-second Regiment, O. V. I. He took the place of his brother who had been drafted. He served till July 30, 1863, and was honorably discharged at a camp twenty miles in the rear of Vicksburg.
Title: Centennial History of Summit County, Ohio and Representative Citizens
Editor: William B. Doyle
Publisher: Biographical Publishing Company, 1908
page 1065.