A.
J. Rhoads. Among the long resident citizens of Sacramento who still take an
active interest in her affairs, is the one with whose name this sketch is
commenced. A. J. Rhoads is a native of Philadelphia, born in August, 1830, his
parents being Andrew D. and Rebecca (Denby) Rhoads. His mother was a native of North Carolina. His father was born in Maryland,
and came of an old family of that State. He removed to Philadelphia, where he
followed the profession of an architect, and during the years before the
consolidation of the city was one of the commissioners of Spring Garden, and
later a member of the Select Council of the city. He resided in Philadelphia
until his death. The subject of this sketch spent his boyhood days in his
native city, and in her public schools received his education. In 1850 he came
to California, leaving New York September 11, on the steamer Georgia, and after
crossing the Isthmus of Panama, resumed his sea voyage in the steamer Republic
(Captain Hudson), landing at San Francisco in November. He came at once to
Sacramento, and was soon on his way to the mines. He went to the digging at Red
Dog, Nevada County, but after mining a short time returned to Sacramento, and
engaged in the draying business. He was so employed about ten years, and at the
expiration of that time opened the old Sacramento Theater on Third street, and
ran it about one year, and in the occupation of hotel and exchange keeper. He
is now retired from active business pursuits, though yet retaining a lively
interest in public affairs. Mr. Rhoads holds a prominent position in the
councils of the Republican party, and has been constantly a working member in
the party organization, serving in the city, county and State committees, etc.,
and having great influence in the direction of affairs. In the days of the old
volunteer fire department, when the leading business and professional men “ran
with the machine,” Mr. Rhoads has acted in the ranks and served as foreman for
a number of years of Confidence Engine, No. 1. He is now a member of the Exempt
Firemen. In 1871-‘72 he was Sergeant-at-arms of the House of Representatives,
General Assembly of California. Mr. Rhoads was married in Sacramento to Miss
Tillie Tuill, a native of Portland, Maine. They have one son living of their
children, viz, Franklin M. Mr. Rhoads is an enterprising man, and has figured
in Sacramento history since the early days. He has been an eye-witness to the
growth of Sacramento to its present position as a city, and the complete
transformation it has undergone from the days when “Gold was King.”
Transcribed
by: Marla Fitzsimmons
An Illustrated History of Sacramento County, California.
By Hon. Win. J. Davis. Lewis Publishing Company 1890. Page 285-286.
© 2004 Marla Fitzsimmons.