My 3rd great grandfather was Rhinard Rhoads (1833-1920) of Dunlo, Cambria County, Pennsylvania. This photo of him was taken in the later years of his life. Note the flag he is holding has 48 stars. This flag was in use from the years 1912 until 1959, when Hawaii and Alaska became states. That places this photograph some time between 1912 and 1920 when Rhinard died. Rhinard and I share a birthday, 143 years apart.
Written on the back is my great grandmother, Ida Rhoads Sears’ (1900-2002), handwriting identifying him as “Grandpa Rhoads - My Dad’s Dad”. Ida’s father, my 2nd great grandfather, was John M. Rhoads (1852-1919).
Here is one of the earliest photos I have seen of him. It is said to be of Rhinard and his wife, my 3rd great grandmother, Eva Paul Rhoads (1832-1911), the couple standing in the back. It was labelled by my great grandmother.
The couple seated is labelled as “Uncle Pete Costlow and Wife”. I am not entirely sure this is accurate. While there are a couple of Peter Costlows in my family tree, the details and timing don’t quite match up with what is revealed in this photo. It requires some more investigation.
In 1910 Rhinard was likely living in this home with some of his extended family.
His wife, Eva, is sitting in the rocking chair. I believe that is his daughter in law, my 2nd great grandmother, Mary Margaret Costlow Rhoads (1858-1947) standing on the right.
You can read about this photo here: The Rhoads Men of Cambria County, PA. That is Rhinard sitting in the chair with his son, John, on the far left.
Rhinard died on June 30, 1920 at the age of 87. He is buried at the Salix Evangelical Church Cemetery in Salix, Cambria County, PA.
Photo Credit: Brian J. Ensley
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