The Back Rhodes of Our Genealogy
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W. A. Rhodes, of the firm of Rhodes & Reed, general merchants, Hope, Ark., is a native of North Carolina, born in October, 1851, and is the son of Pleasant and Emma J. (Trice) Rhodes, natives of Orange County, N. C. The parents emigrated to Arkansas in 1853, but after a short time returned to North Carolina, remaining there two years. They then came back to Arkansas and there the father died in 1865. He was a farmer by vocation. The mother is still living. W. A. Rhodes was reared in Dallas County, Ark., was early trained to the duties of farm life, and received his education in the common schools. When nineteen years of age he embarked in merchandising, and this continued for some time. In 1883 he came to Hope, Hempstead County, Ark., and was employed as book-keeper for five years for Sidney B. Wood. In August, 1885, the present firm opened a store in that place and this they have since continued. Both gentlemen are possessed of energy, perseverance and push, combined with ability, and are highly esteemed in the community. They carry a general line of merchandise and are one of the largest firms in Hope. Mr. Rhodes may safely be called a self-made man, as the principal part of his education was obtained by individual labor, and what property he has accumulated is the result of his own exertions also. He was married in 1883 to Miss Ada Reed, by whom he has one child, Luceille. Mr. Rhodes is a member of the K. of P. lodge, and is a stockholder in the Fair Association and Iron Foundry.