RHODES, DANIEL POMEROY (22 Nov. 1813-5 Aug. 1875) was a pioneer in the Cleveland coal mining business, contributed to the development of RAILROADS in northern Ohio, and heavily promoted the development of Cleveland's west side.
Rhodes was born and raised in Brandon, County of Rutland, Vermont. He worked on the family farm, receiving little formal education. At age 21 he moved west, settling in Cleveland by 1844.
Rhodes met David Tod and formed Rhodes & Tod to mine coal near Youngstown and in Wayne county between 1845-1855. In 1857 Rhodes and I.F. Card formed Rhodes & Card to mine coal in Tuscarawas county, expanding to Stark county in 1860, and into the manufacture of pig iron in 1864. In 1867 Rhodes & Card dissolved and was succeeded by Rhodes & Co., predecessor firm of M.A. HANNA & CO.
Rhodes helped construct several railroads including the northern division of the Cleveland & Toledo Railroad, the Massillon & Cleveland and Lake Shore & Tuscawaras Valley Railroads, and the West Side Street Railroad Co. (becoming president in 1863). He helped organize the Rocky River "Dummy" Railroad, running from Bridge Ave. and W. 58 St. to the Cliff House resort overlooking Rocky River Valley. This line helped promote LAKEWOOD's development. To further develop the area Rhodes helped establish the CLIFTON PARK Association.
Rhodes was president of the People's Savings & Loan Association (1873), a member of the first Cleveland Board of Education and promoter the West Side Gas Works.
Rhodes married Sophia Lord Russell on October 22, 1839. They had three children: Charlotte Augusta (Mrs. Marcus) Hanna, Robert R., and James Ford. Rhodes lived in Franklin Circle and is buried in RIVERSIDE CEMETERY.