People of Note
Ebenezer Rhodes
Described as
a Poet of no ordinary powers, Ebenezer Rhodes, son of John Rhodes, was born in 1762 at The Holmes, Masbrough. He was apprentice to Thomas Cousins, of Sheffield, scissorsmith.
After completing his seven years apprenticeship, he entered into partnership with David Champion, then a scissor- grinder, at Sheffield.
He joined The Society of the Friends of Literature, who held their meetings at a public-house in the Wicker, and among its members was James Montgomery, the Christian poet and philanthropist, with whom he became acquainted about 1792.
He first became known with the publication in 1789 of 'Alfred, an Historical Tragedy'
A senior partner in the firm of Rhodes & Champion. In 1808, he was appointed Master Cutler, and for many years was one of the most active and efficient members of the Cutlers' Company.
'Northern Star', a local magazine published monthly, printed some of his work: 'A Walk to Wharncliffe', 'A Walk to Sheffield Manor', 'Monody on Mary Queen of Scots', and a song written for the Sheffield Volunteers, 'In the prospect of Invasion'.
In 1826, Mr. Rhodes announced and published the first part of another work, ' Yorkshire Scenery' or Excursions in Yorkshire, which proved unsuccessful.
'Peak Scenery', was published in four parts, from 1818. to 1823.
Peak Scenery; Or, The Derbyshire Tourist By Ebenezer Rhodes
Rhodes married a Miss Hill, of Sheffield.
In 1827, Mr. Rhodes became a bankrupt and died December 10, 1839, aged 77. The latter years of his life were made comfortable by the help of his friends, including the Duke of Devonshire, Sir Francis Chantrey, James Montgomery, and John Bailey.