The Back Rhodes of Our Genealogy
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William V. Rhodes, constable, Sec. 21, P.O. Wrightsville. The subject of this sketch was born in Bedford County, Pa., Sept. 14, 1846. His father’s name was Joseph, and his mother’s maiden name was Ellen Jakes. They are of German descent. At the age of 17 ran away from home and enlisted in the army, but, under age, he was released and returned to his parents. In August, 1865, he, in company with his parents, emigrated to this county, first locating near Carrollton. Since his arrival here has been engaged in agricultural pursuits. June 5, 1873, formed a matrimonial alliance with Mary E. Batty, born in this county April 7, 1854; she is a daughter of William Batty, of this township. Two children are the result of this union, Joseph C., born July 12, 1874, Wm. O., born Feb. 13, 1876. March, 1877, moved to Wrightsville, where he has since remained; was elected constable of the precinct same year, and has since served in that capacity with credit to himself and to the satisfaction of the people. He is an efficient officer, and does not shrink from danger when he has an official duty to perform, being brave and fearless; a striking proof of his executive ability was manifested in the capture and arrest of Dr. C. E. McAuliffe, who had shot his man, and retreating to a house, barricaded himself against the pursuing throng, whom he kept at bay for several hours, when Mr. Rhodes arrived with a warrant and broke down the door, rushed in, captured the prisoner, when it was known that he was armed with a double-barreled shot gun. The crowd was disbanded, but while on his road to the county jail, at night, was over-powered by a posse of fifty men, who seized the prisoner and hung him to a tree.
