| Notes |
- Taken from Biographical Sketches, Freeport, IL. "Dealer in fresh and salted meats. No. 149 Stephenson St.; is a native of York Co., England, and was born 25 May, 1821; he grew up and learned the trade of soap and candle maker; he came to the United States in 1843, and came to Stephenson Co., in November 1850; he engaged in the butchering business in 1852, and continued two years, and then engaged in manufacture of soap and candles until 1861, when he again engaged in butchering, and has carried on the business since then. In 1849, he was united in marriage to Miss Mary Ann Gill, from New York; they have four children -- Emma L., now Mrs. Johnson, living in Buffalo, NY; Isabl H., Olive C., andWalter H. Mr. Rhodes has held the office of Town Clerk and City Collector."
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Excerpts from a Freeport newspaper obituary dated 23 March, 1891: "Benjamin Rhodes, one of Freeport's pioneer businessmen, died at this home on North Galena Ave. shortly after 1:00 this afternoon...
"He was one of those men who never seem to grow old. He was always jolly and plesant, and had a friendly nod and a pleasant word for everybody....
"He was generous to a fault and everbody had a kind word to say of Mr. Rhodes and w do not believe he had an enemy in the world..."
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Freeport Dail;y Bulletin - Tuesday evening, March 23, 1897
Lived Here Since 1850
Benjamin Rhodes one of Freeport's best known citizens, passed to his eternal reward at 1:15 o'clock this afternoon after an illness of three weeks with complications of diseases taking to his bed 3 weeks ago.
Mr. Rhodes was born in York County, EnglandMay 25, 1821. He received his education there and came to America when 21 years of age. He made his home in Toronto for a number of years and then went to Chicago, where in 1849 he was married to Miss Mary Ann Gill. In 1850 they moved to Freeport where Mr. Rhodes engaged in the butcher business.
He soon rtired from that and resumed his old trade of making soap and candles. In 1861 he went to butchering again which business he carried on until 15 years ago.
He became agent of a number of life and fire insurance companies and in that business was very successful.
In addition to his wife he leaves to mourn his loss Mrs. Herbert Johnson of Buffalo, N. Y., Mrs. Negele and Miss Belle, of Omaha, Nebr. Walter H. of this city. Four children preceded him.
Mr. Rhodes was a man that everybody liked. He was of genial nature, taking an interest in others joys, always sympathizing and helping those to whom sorrow came.
He possessed sterling qualities of honesty, integrity and industry. The whole city weeps with those of the loved circle at the going away of a man who was indeed a valuable member of society."
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The Back Rhodes of Our Genealogy
1821 - 1897 (75 years)
