Jabez Rhodes was a native of New England where he married Mahitabel Ballou of Providence, Rhode Island in December 1802. Within a few years the family had moved to Upper Canada settling in Leeds County.

Jabez Rhodes was a private in the Flank Company, 2nd Regiment Leeds Militia commanded by Captain John Struthers and was called to duty at Gananoque in July 1812 where he served until March 1813. He was likely present during the American attack on the settlement on September 21, 1812.

Jabez and Mehitabel Rhodes eventually settled in Leeds Township where they raised a family of five children. Jabez Rhodes was accidentally shot and killed in September 1832 by his son who mistook him for a bear while hunting.