SAMUEL M. RHOADS. One of the most delightful homes in Jonathan Creek Township, Moultrie County, is the one occupied by the family of Mr. Rhoads. It is located on section 35, and is not only handsome in its exterior but delightfully located and fitted up, and furnished with numerous evidences of taste and refinement. The beauty of the home is not, however, entirely due to its material adornments, for it is permeated with a lovely spirit of cordiality and harmony, which gives to every visitor an impression of cordial good-fellowship and true home life.

The owner of this pleasant home is the son of William and Rebecca (Bradford) Rhoads, both natives of Tennessee. The father resides at this present writing in Arkansas, where he was a few years ago bereaved by the death of his wife. Only two children blessed this worthy couple, namely: our subject and his sister Catherine. Christmas Day, 1850, was a date of great importance in the life of this family, as upon that day was born to William and Rebecca Rhoads their only son, Samuel M. Arkansas was his native home and the scene of his boyhood days, and after taking his training there upon his father's farm, and in such schools as the neighborhood afforded, he came to Moultrie County, Ill., and worked out by the month at farm labor, with the exception of eight months, when he worked in McLean County, this State. He has always been engaged in agricultural pursuits and has made of them a notable success.

The day of days to this young man was August 1, 1869, when he was united in marriage in East Nelson Township, with Miss Permelia Wiley, who was born in 1851. She is a daughter of the late Thomas Wiley, who died at his home in East Nelson Township. The young couple settled upon section 35, Jonathan Creek Township, and there they have ever since made their home, and upon this beautiful farm Mr. Rhoads has erected the pleasant house which serves as the family residence. He has made other substantial improvements and most of his two hundred and eighty acres is in an improved condition.

Mr. and Mrs. Rhoads are the parents of six children — Emor V., Flora, Thomas, Edith, Edna and Black. This gentleman has, in his office as School Director, done much to advance the educational interests of the community, and is helping to build up a healthy public sentiment in this respect. His convictions have led him to ally himself with the Democratic party, and he believes that the principles endorsed by the author of the Declaration of Independence are good enough for Americans now-a-days. He gives his attention to general farming and stock-raising, in which he finds both enjoyment and success.

Portrait and Biographical Record of Shelby and Moultrie Counties, 1891 - p. 594

Transcription copyright 2003/2007, Moultrie County ILGenWeb/USGenWeb