RHODY, CHARLES K.

RHODES, MARTINS, HINES, WHEEDKE, MILLER, SOHN

Posted By: Jean Kramer (email)
Date: 9/9/2003 at 20:49:20

Biography reproduced from page 684 of Volume II of the History of Kossuth County written by Benjamin F. Reed and published in 1913:

Charles K. Rhody, who with his brother, John, is engaged in general farming and stock-raising in Hebron township, where they own two hundred and twenty acres of land, was born in Davenport, Iowa, on the 30th of September, 1869. He is a son of Christ and Christina (Martins) Rhody, who was born in Schleswig-Holstein, Germany, whence they came to the United States. They were married at Davenport, but later removed to Benton county and located on a farm near Watkins. There the father passed away five years later, and the mother subsequently married Jacob J. Hines, who was also a farmer. In the ‘70s, the family came to Kossuth county, the step-father purchasing a tract of wild land on section 9, Hebron township, which he diligently cultivated and improved. By her first marriage, Mrs. Rhody had four children: Charles K., our subject; Anna, the wife of George Wheedke, of Kossuth county; John, who is engaged in business with his brother Charles; and Adolph, who resides in Fairbault county, Minnesota. Mr. and Mrs. Hines had one daughter, Dora, who is the wife of Otto Miller, of Elmore, Minnesota.

Charles K. Rhody was educated in the common schools, remaining at home until he was eighteen years of age. He subsequently worked out by the month as a farm hand, following which he and his brother John became associated in business. They now own two hundred and twenty acres of land on section 9, Hebron township, which is well improved and under high cultivation. In connection with diversified farming, they raise Duroc-Jersey hogs, Shorthorn cattle and Percheron and Belgian horses, having a stallion of each of these breeds. As they are industrious and systematic in their methods and apply themselves earnestly and attentively to their business, they are meeting with success and are numbered among the highly prosperous citizens of their community.

Mr. Rhody was married in 1896, to Miss Ida Sohn, and they have become the parents of eight children, Gustavus, Emma, Alma, John, Ernest, Fred, Albert and Hattie.

In religious faith the family are Lutherans, and politically Mr. Rhody is a republican. He has been township trustee for four years and chairman of the board and for some time he served as school director. The Rhody brothers lead active, enterprising lives, as is evidenced by the appearance of their farm, and are interested in everything pertaining to the agricultural development of the community.