Born: Columbia, Tennessee, 1823.
Died: Jacksonville, Illinois, 1892.
Came with his parents to Illinois in 1832. Their home was made near the present village of Riggston. His training in the public and subscription schools was supplemented by his lifelong readings and study. Thus he came to be a well-informed man, with good ability to think, reason and preach. He knew the Bible well and was sincerely devoted to the Restoratiop movement. Mr. Rice was a successful farmer throughout his life, in Cass County for fourteen years, but most of the time in Morgan.
He served frequently as an evangelist, but was particularly a friend of the weak and needy congregations. These he would help until they could help themselves, and then turn to other like places. In him were united many admirable traits. He was an intelligent, modest, gentle and strong, highly esteemed man and much loved by all. For many years he was a very valuable factor in the Jacksonville Church. His life and ministry were richly blessed of God. Of his eleven children nine are living.