The Franklin Koons and Frances May Cook Rhoads family lived in Pekin and Rock Island, Illinios. Franklin Koons Rhoads was born October 23, 1867 in Pekin, Illinois to Samuel Rhoads and Anna Koons. Frances (Fannie) May Cook was born around 1880 to John Spafford Cook and Sarah Dexter. Franklin and Fannie got married April 27, 1892, and they had two children, Dorothy Mary and Frances Louella. Dorothy was born March 19, 1895 and Frances was born September 8, 1898. The family lived in Illinois for many years, near other family members. Frances May died March 28, 1924 and Franklin died March 27, 1943 in Rock Island, Illinois. Dorothy and Frances moved to Sante Fe, New Mexico in about 1920, and Dorothy lived there until 1986, when she died. In 1927, Frances married Sylvanus Morley, and spent her remaining years between Mexico and Sante Fe. Dorothy was a children's book author, and spent time with her sister in Mexico. The family had a Maya godchild named Dorita, who was featured in one of Dorothy's books. Frances died in 1955 and Dorothy died in 1986, both in Sante Fe. Both Franklin and Frances were amateur photographers, and took hundreds of photographs on family trips and other events.

Dorothy Mary Rhoads was born to Franklin Koons and Frances May Cook Rhoads on March 19, 1895. Her younger sister, Frances, was born in 1898. The family lived in Illinois for many years, near other family members. After graduating high school, Dorothy attended Wellesley College. Dorothy and Frances moved to Sante Fe, New Mexico in about 1920, and Dorothy lived there until 1986, when she died. Dorothy was a children's book author, and spent time with her sister in Mexico. The family had a Maya godchild named Dorita, who was featured in one of Dorothy's books. Dorothy died in 1986 in Sante Fe.