John F. Rhodes

John Flaville Rhodes, son of Hugh and Julia (Kingsly) Rhodes, was born in Knox county, Ill., April 11, 1841. His father was born near Sacket's Harbor, N. Y., and his mother a native of Massachusetts. In their early married life they moved from Pennsylvania to Trumbull county, Ohio, returned to Pennsylvania, and in 1839 moved to Knox county, Ill., locating near where the village of Hermon now stands, In 1844 he sold his improved farm in Knox county and opened one in Goshen township, this county, which he sold in 1854, then moved nearer Toulon, and improved another farm. Here, December 3, 1861, his wife Julia died, and November 26, 1864, he married Mrs. Hannah Beatty, who still survives him. He died July 14, 1882. This old settler was county judge for eight years, township supervisor, etc., and among the earliest and best supporters of the Congregational church at Toulon, as related in the history of that church. His remains lie in the private cemetery on the first farm he improved in Goshen township, where his first wife, his parents, Jonathan and Hannah Rhodes, and his son, Franklin, are interred. The family of Hugh Rhodes consisted of eight children, namely: Sophronia E., now Mrs. Caleb Lyon, of Toulon ; Charles, a retired farmer residing at Toulon; Harriet, wife of Daniel Bryan, of Guthrie county, Iowa; Achsa, wife of Joseph Curtiss, of same county; John F., of Goshen township; Henry F., a farmer of Sedgwick county, Kan.; Lewis, of same county, and Franklin, who died, leaving a widow, Catherine (Wood) Rhodes and four children. John F. Rhodes spent his earlier years on the farm and in attendance at school. On the breaking out of the Rebellion and after the death of his mother in 1861, he enlisted in Company F, One-hundred-and-twelfth Illinois Volunteer Infantry. At Resaca he was wounded in both arms, recovered at the Marine Hospital, Chicago, and received honorable discharge in 1864. On arriving home he awaited the total recovery of his right arm, and in 1866 resumed the active life of the agriculturalist and stock- grower. In 1870 he embarked in the hardware and agricultural implement trade at Toulon, which he carried on successfully for fifteen years, returning to the farm in 1884. He married Miss Clarissa Robinson, a native of Ohio, to whom were born Thadius H., Ruby G. and Bayard C. Rhodes. Roth Mrs. and Mr. Rhodes are members of the Congregational church, the latter being superintendent of Sabbath School the last seven years. He served as supervisor of Goshen township two terms, served as county coroner six years, is an old member of W. W. Wright Post, G. A. R., and of the County Agricultural Society. (Vide also History of Goshen, Toulon and County.)