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Below is a family biography included in Biographical and Historical Memoirs of Hempstead County, Arkansas published by Goodspeed Publishing Company in 1890.  These biographies are valuable for genealogy research in discovering missing ancestors or filling in the details of a family tree. Family biographies often include far more information than can be found in a census record or obituary.  Details will vary with each biography but will often include the date and place of birth, parent names including mothers' maiden name, name of wife including maiden name, her parents' names, name of children (including spouses if married), former places of residence, occupation details, military service, church and social organization affiliations, and more.  There are often ancestry details included that cannot be found in any other type of genealogical record.

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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.

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This family biography is one of 131 biographies included in Biographical and Historical Memoirs of Hempstead County, Arkansas published in 1890.  For the complete description, click here: Hempstead County, Arkansas History, Genealogy, and Maps

To view additional Hempstead County, Arkansas family biographies, click here

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