My Genealogy Hound

HARVEY RHOADES, a successful farmer of Chesterfield, was born in that town, December 26, 1831, son of Chapman and Cynthia (Cogswell) Rhoades. Chapman Rhoades, also a native of Chesterfield, followed farming as an occupation on the estate now held by his son Harvey. His death occurred July 8, 1856. His wife, Cynthia Cogswell, likewise born in Chesterfield, became the mother of nine children. Of the number John, Mary Ann, Norman, and Joseph are deceased. Those surviving are: Horace, who married Sabrina Pomeroy, and resides in Chesterfield; Harvey, the subject of this sketch; Sarah, widow of Charles Thayer, who formerly lived in Williamsburg, and now resides in Somerville, Mass.; Jane, who resides in Loudville, and is the widow of Medad Pomeroy; and Jeannette, who married G. Higgins, and resides in Springfield, Mass. The mother died July 6, 1870.

Harvey Rhoades attended the schools of his native town, and has always resided upon his farm. He succeeded to the ownership of the property after the death of his father, and has since followed agriculture with success. The land consists of two hundred acres, and is devoted to general farming. Mr. Rhoades is a Republican in politics, and has always supported the principles of that party.

On October 21, 1860, Mr. Rhoades was united in marriage to Sarah J. Damon. She was born in Goshen, Mass., December 10, 1843, daughter of Gershom C. and Sarah (Bird) Damon, the former of whom was a native of Chesterfield, where he died. Her mother, who was born in Williamsburg, Mass., still survives. Mr. and Mrs. Rhoades have had five children, namely: Frederick, born October 2, 1863, and married to Rebecca Valcourt, who is now deceased; William, born February 6, 1866, married to Eva Bisbee, and residing on a farm adjoining that of his parents; Nellie Bird, born November 5, 1871, who died November 29, 1878; Joseph, born November 18, 1878, residing at home; and Jennie Belle, born July 3, 1880, also residing at home. Mr. and Mrs. Rhoades are members of the Congregational church, of which Mr. Rhoades is a Deacon.