Transcribed by Mary Ann Kaylor

Page 1561

RHODES, CLARENCE M. - Sangamon County, Ill., has the reputation of turning out good men young. The citizens of the county, and especially of Springfield, are quick to recognize a good man and to gauge his true worth, and they made no mistake when they chose Clarence M. Rhodes to take up the heavy responsibilities incidental to the office of Coroner. Mr. Rhodes is a native of the county, born at Rochester, December 1, 1872, a son of W. H. and Mary Rhodes.

The education of Mr. Rhodes was secured in the public schools of Sangamon County and until the last four years, he resided on a farm. He served for three years as Assessor Salisbury Township, and from 1906, until 1908, served as Riding Deputy Sheriff under Sheriff Charles Werner. In 1908, he was nominated by the Democratic party for the office of Coroner of Sangamon County and the majority he received at the ensuing election, proved his popularity. He is a faithful, conscientious public official and in every capacity in which he has served has proven himself the right man for the place. Although his political career has just begun, he has shown the people that he can be relied upon to perform his duties fully and ably, and just as the people are quick to recognize and appreciate a good man, just so are they loath to let a good man go. Mr. Rhodes does not need to fully rely upon his friends in the Democratic organization, for he is one of those rare politicians who have friends in every party. He belongs to the Mason, the Woodmen, Redmen and the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, in all of which he is immensely popular, and he can depend upon the stanch friendship and support of the majority of the members of the fifty-three labor organizations throughout the county. He is the owner of valuable farming property in Sangamon County and in Texas.

In 1897 Mr. Rhodes married Ethel Hodgen, at Petersburg, Ill., and they have one son, Glenn. The family residence is at No. 209 North State Street.