My Genealogy Hound

Below is a family biography included in The History of Greene County, Illinois published by Donnelley, Gassette & Loyd in 1879.  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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RHODES, JOHN, farmer and stock raiser, Sec. 19, P. O. Carrollton, was born in Yorkshire, England, Sept. 20, 1824, is the second child of a family of four children, his father’s name was Joseph and his mother’s maiden name was Maria Cay. May 16, 1831, he emigrated to this country with his parents; first landed in Morgan County, remaining there till the Spring of 1838, when his father moved to the place now occupied by the subject of these lines. Mr. Rhodes, during his youth, had the usual log cabin course, and there learned the fundamental principles of a business education, which he has since brought into requisition in the application and performance of business details. John’s father was a farmer, and he concluded that he would follow his footsteps, and remained on the farm with his parents up to the time he was 25 years of age, at which time there was a division of the estate, and he remained on the homestead. In his 28th year formed a matrimonial alliance with Annis Wright, born Nov. 7, 1831, sister of George Wright, of Carrollton. This marriage was celebrated June 15, 1852. Three children have blessed this union, but one now living, one dying in infancy: Anna, born March 29, 1853, married J. Meade Vallentine, now dead. Ida M., born October, 1854, married Robt. G. Hills, who died March 31, 1876. Since his death she has resided with her parents. At the time Mr. Rhodes came to this county it was but thinly settled; log cabins were the order; wild game in abundance; the people at those times were noted for their kindness and hospitality—now those cabins have given place to the modern structures of today, and though “fine,” they are in too many instances devoid of that milk of human kindness which were so characteristic of those pioneer dwellings of that day. Mr. Rhodes has now 700 acres of well improved land; has always confined himself to agricultural pursuits, and his efforts in that direction have been crowned with success; has been long and favorably known in the county as a man of quiet and retiring manner, and among the best citizens in the county. Was formerly a member of the Whig party, but since its dissolution been a member of the Republican party. Mr. Rhodes’ wife and daughter are members of the M. E. Church.

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This family biography is one of 744 biographies included in The History of Greene County, Illinois published in 1879.  View the complete description here: The History of Greene County, Illinois

View additional Greene County, Illinois family biographies here: Greene County, Illinois Biographies

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