Last updated 21 May 1998.
Francis L. Rhodes, Beaver Dam Keeper, Succumbs Sunday
Grandson of Early Settlers of Polk Township; Funeral Yesterday
Francis Lee Rhodes, proprietor and keeper of Beaver Dam club house and lake in Polk township, which for years has been a popular resort for fishermen and picnickers, died at 12 noon Sunday at St. John's Hospital, Springfield. He was aged 77 years, 1 month and 6 days.
Born January 9, 1865 in Polk, Mr. Rhodes was the grandson of early settlers of that township. His parents, George W. and Sarah Elizabeth Sims Rhodes, were also born in the township and decedent spent his entire life there.
Surviving him are his wife, Sarah Jane Rhodes; one foster son, Francis X. Woeber of Macoupin Station; one sister, Flora A. Rhodes of Macoupin Station, and three nephews and two nieces, George C. Rhodes of Carlinville; J. A. Rhodes of Wood River, Lloyd Rhodes of Macoupin, Mrs. Anna E. Grugger [sic] of Bunker Hill, and Mrs. Clovie Whitworth of Granite City.
Funeral Services were conducted at 2 o'clock yesterday afternoon from the Riefenberg Funeral Home here, with Rev. Herman C. Rhoades of Macoupin officiating. Mr and Mrs. Ralph Wheeler furnished music with Mrs. G. H. Mueller accompanying at the piano.
Interment was in Carlinville city cemetery, with Plainview Masonic Lodge, No. 461, in charge of graveside rites. Masons served as pallbearers.
Hold Funeral Rites For Francis L. Rhodes
Funeral services for Francis Lee Rhodes, proprietor of Beaver Dam Lake who died Sunday, February 15 at Springfield, were held at the Riefenberg Funeral Home at 2 p. m. last Wednesday, Elder Herman C. Rhoads officiating. He was buried in Carlinville city cemetery under the auspices of Plainview Lodge No. 461, A. F. & A. M., brothers Walter G. Frank and Everett Perrings assisting. Pallbearers were Earl, Harold and Lawrence Morrison, Lester Ronk, Robert T. and James G. Rhoads, Masonic brethren.
Francis Lee Rhodes, son of George W. and Sarah Elizabeth Sims Rhodes as born near Macoupin, Ill., January 9, 1865, and passed away at the age 77 years one month and six days. Joseph A. Rhodes, a nephew and wife, were in faithful attendance, assisting the family during the last moments of the deceased.
Mr. Rhodes' entire life was spent in or around Macoupin.
On April 4, 1889 he was united in marriage with Miss Sarah J. Brayford. Although no children came to bless this union, yet the home was ever open to foster and care for the children of others.
For many years Mr. and Mrs. Rhodes were the proprietors of Beaver Dam Lake. Mr. Rhodes served his township in several official capacities. In politics, he clung to the principles of the Democratic Party. He was a member of Plainview Lodge No. 461, A. F. & A. M.
Surviving him are his wife, also Francis X. Woeber, whom he has fostered many years as a son; one sister, Miss Flora A. Rhodes, all of Macoupin; also three nephews, George C. of Carlinville, Joseph A. of Wood River, Lloyd A. of Macoupin, and two nieces, Mrs. Anna Gugger of Bunker Hill and Mrs. Clara Whitworth of Granite City, besides a host of other relatives and friends.