WI BIO - Kenosha Co - RHODES, William J.

History of Kenosha and Kenosha County, Wisconsin. Lyman. Chicago: Clarke 
Publishing, 1916, vol II, pp 552-553

William J. RHODES, Somers Township, Kenosha County, Wisconsin, deceased, who 
was a valued and representative citizen of the locality and occupied for more 
than a half century the old homestead farm of the RHODES family in Somers 
Township, was born 24 April 1844 in Kenosha County [still part of Racine 
County until Kenosha County was created 26 January 1850], the son of Jonas W. 
RHODES. As time passed Jonas W. RHODES added to his holdings until he was 
the owner of about 500 acres, and continued on the home farm for almost forty 
years, until his death in 1891, his remains being interred in Oakwood 
Cemetery.

William J. RHODES pursued his education in the district schools of Kenosha 
County, mastering the lessons which qualified him for life's practical and 
responsible duties. He was early trained to the work of the field, largely 
devoting the summer months to the task of cultivating and harvesting the 
crops. Upon his father's death he [William J. RHODES] inherited a part of 
the estate and purchased the interest of the other heirs in the old home 
property, which he continued to cultivate and occupy until his death on 23 
May 1905, at the age of sixty-one years.

In 1874 William J. RHODES married Miss Alice CARMEN. They [William J. and 
Alice (CARMEN) RHODES] became the parents of three children: (1) Jay 
William; (2) Lulu, who married Ed LEET and has two children; and (3) Frank 
E., who married Florence BUSWELL and has two children. In his political 
views Mr. [William J.] RHODES was a Republican, served as town Clerk for 
thirteen years, was town Treasurer, and was Treasurer of the school board. 
He guided his life according to the teachings of the Methodist church, being 
a devoted and faithful member.

The eldest son of William J. RHODES, Jay William RHODES, was born in Somers 
Township, Kenosha County, Wisconsin, 13 January 1875, and supplemented his 
early educational training by study in the high school of Kenosha. He was 
reared to farm life and has never sought to change his occupation, for he 
agrees with George Washington that "farming is the most useful as well as the 
most honorable pursuit of man." He today owns 212 acres which he farms, the 
place being situated in Somers Township. Upon this land he engages in 
raising sheep and cattle, the latter for dairy purposes, and he ships his 
milk to the Chicago market. His business is well managed and he carefully 
watches over every detail, so that the best possible results are achieved.

On 08 June 1905 Mr. [Jay William] RHODES was united in marriage to Miss Mabel 
COOK, a daughter of Elliott COOK, one of the early settlers of Kenosha 
County. They [Jay William and Mabel (COOK) RHODES] now have one child, 
Wendell, in school. The religious faith of the family is that of the 
Methodist church, and Mr. [Jay William] RHODES also belongs to the Modern 
Woodmen camp at Somers. He votes Republican, for two years filled the office 
of town Treasurer, and has also been school Treasurer. He has never sought 
political office to any extent, however, preferring to give his thought and 
energy to his business, and has been most diligent in all that he has 
undertaken.

Submitted by Cathy Kubly