Rhodes Family History

       Solomon (Soloman) Sr. and Sarah migrated from the continent of Africa to America in the early 1800s with their two children and Solomon's mother. The names and genders of those two children can’t be completely verified at this time, however what we do know is that Solomon and Sarah had a son they named Solomon (Soloman) Jr. who eventually married Margaret (Margurite) McNeil. Margaret is the daughter of Robert and Flora McNeil based on public information. Solomon and Sarah docked in Charleston, South Carolina. The couple had other children in Africa, but they perished. Because they were free of slavery, they migrated from Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, where the family had previously established, to Colleton County, where many members of the Rhodes family still reside.

      Solomon's mother died when they attempted to cross the Ashepoo River. Despite the unfortunate circumstances, the family traveled from across the ocean, while facing innumerable hurdles, sufferings, and trials, yet they persisted. Those are the same qualities that can be seen in today's generation of Rhodes. There has been recent talk about the possibility that Solomon and Sarah were Liberated Africans. These were individuals rescued from illegal slave ships after the slave trade was officially abolished (though it continued illicitly). If this is true, it might explain their arrival in the early 1800s, a time when the legal slave trade was winding down, and why they came as "free" people. However, even as free people of color, they would have faced significant challenges and discrimination in the antebellum South. The rest of this history focuses on Solomon and Margurite. The couple, and their children moved on and resided in the Green Pond neighborhood. They did not remain long because they loathed the location. They chose to relocate and build a log cabin in the Neyles area. They built another home across the street, which still stands today and is over 150 years old.

      According to Rhodes family lore, Solomon Rhodes, Sr., Solomon Jr., Bob McNeil, and other men founded the first Aimwell Presbyterian Church in what was then known as 'Neyles Crossroads. The church is situated at the junction of Maybank Road and Featherbed Road, also known as Pineland Road. Many Rhodes family members continue to attend Aimwell Presbyterian Church, and many have served as elders, deacons, and trustees. Other family members serve as ushers, church secretaries, and on other committees.

Solomon Rhodes, Sr. also helped build the Neyles Community School in 1867. Many of our elders had their elementary education at this school. Our forefathers played a significant role in the development of Neyles Crossroads. Their bravery and courage, even in the face of several adversities, defined them as ancestors with whom we are pleased to share our family heritage. Since they left, many years have passed. They have, however, left an indelible impression on us and blazed numerous promising roads. The last part of this family story (for now) discusses what history is known about Solomon Jr. and Margaret’s children. They are the starting point of our family until more information is uncovered about Solomon and Sarah like the thought that if they came over with children, then there is still a branch that needs to be discovered and studied. 

       Solomon and Margaret had fourteen children, Frank, who was born on a Monday and was nicknamed "Monday," Solomon III, Syrus “Grant” (Cyrus), Charles “Charlie,” Joseph, Mariah "Galsy,"  Isabella, Mary,  Henry, Hershel, Robert "Chief," Catherine “Missy,” and Ansel.

Cyrus Rhodes and Solomon Jr.’s headstones are still visible in the graveyard of Aimwell Presbyterian Church, where they worked as a carpenters for many years. Many of the houses they built remain standing.

      Frank Rhodes attended Paine College in Augusta, Georgia then became an educator. Frank “Monday” Rhodes taught many individuals, and even now, people talk about how effective he was as a teacher. Frank married Lillie Bolder and was the father of Hezekiah, Abraham, Frank Jr., Jane Ann, Ida, Mary, Martha, Lordie, Saul, Lula Mae, and Azzalee. A fond family memory was about Hezekiah Rhodes and his business on Pineland Road. Many elders still remember making the trip to Cousin Kuddie's store for cookies, candy, sweet rolls, and soft beverages. Hezekiah Rhodes is the father of Hezekiah, Jr. “Buster,” Mariah, Ruthie Mae, Elena, Mattie O, Pearl B., Viola, and James.

      Solomon Rhodes III  was the father of Solomon IV, Henry, Harold, and Sallie Mae, Louis, Agnes, and Nathan. According to census records he married twice. Once to Pattie "Pink" and once to Lilly. He worked as a farmer in Colleton County and remained their until his death.

      Cyrus Rhodes, commonly known as Grant, was the community's blacksmith who constructed the bell for Aimwell Presbyterian Church. Syrus Rhodes was the father of seventeen children; Lillie, Isabella, Cyrus Jr., Tammar, Janie, Lottie, Jack, Margaret, Estell, Clenin, Rosa, Joseph, Abraham, Jessie, Henry, Larrie and Leonard. Its said that Syrus succumbed to a work related injury at the age of 64 and Susan died from poisoning. It should also be noted that Cyrus had two wives and possibly two sets of children. His first wife was Jane/Janie and it appears as though she died young. Susan Frazier/Frasier was his second wife.

      Charles Rhodes worked hard as a farmer and had no children according to the text from our 2001 reunion, however after further research we discovered that he had a daughter named Lilly Rhodes from Rosa Blue.

      Joseph Rhodes married Cecilia Colleton and is said to have worked at the Navy Yard in Charleston, South Carolina. According to census records he also had a profession as a Fireman. When he wasn't working, he was often seen relaxing on his front porch. He and his wife had no children.

      Robert “Chief” Rhodes Sr. was a watchman, farmer and general laborer in Charleston, South Carolina. He was the father of Robert Jr., Solomon (Solly), Mabel, Elijah, and Demert. According to his death certificate, he died of natural causes at the age of 49. His descendants have had a heavy influence on the Rhodes Family reunion over the years.

      Mariah "Galsy" Rhodes married Simmon Richardson; she was the mother of Alexander, Rosa and Annie and worked as a seamstress. Mariah died due to surgical shock after having a hysterectomy at the age of 45. According to census records Mariah's son Alexander had at least 10 children. Their names will be documented soon.

      Isabella doesn't appear to have married or had children and according to the 1900 census, she still lived with her parents at 23 and didn't have an occupation but was able to read and write. She lived to be 94 years old and was born on Oct 31st.

      Mary married Prince Crawford and was a homemaker who also ran a business and hosted lavish parties for Charleston's elite. Mary had no children but was the caretaker of her mother-in-law Susan Crawford.

      Catherine “Missy” married Oliver Manigault and was a homemaker and seamstress. She was an extremely diligent lady. Many of our elders would recall Auntie Missy sitting on her porch as they walked to the store in the 1950s and 1960s. Her children were Oscar Manigo Sr., Oliver Jr., Eveline, Hattie Mae, and Leon. It is worth noting that a couple of her son's decided to change the spelling of their last name from Manigault to Manigo, but they are the offspring's of Oliver Manigault. She also had ownership of her parents home until her death. The home is now owned by one of her descendants. 

      Ansel Rhodes migrated to Augusta, Georgia, at a young age. At the time this information was recorded, not much information could be found on him; however, after further research, it was discovered that he remained in Augusta Ga with his wife Melvina and children Lilllian, James, Merretta, Rebecca, Benjamin, and Melvina. He created a huge Rhodes community in Augusta that has branched into Connecticut and California. From what has been gathered, some amazing gems were created down this branch and we can't wait to get more information to add.

       We are diligently and constantly researching our family's history and are hopeful that we will find more information on Hershel and Henry Rhodes. What we do know is that according to the 1900 census, Hersel was 18 years old and was a day laborer. He also knew how to read and write. Henry, lived to be 85 years old and resided in both North Carolina and West Virginia according some online sources. Not much else is known about them but we are hopeful to uncovering more information soon.

      We have been gifted by these powerful men and women with a profound and eternal love for our Creator, God, a strong sense of family togetherness and love, fortitude, courage, faith, and endurance. We've come a long way and will continue to run the race because we've always been a prayerful family with a strong faith in the Lord.