My Genealogy Hound

HON. THOMAS J. RICE has met with more than ordinary success in prosecuting his calling as a farmer, and since casting in his lot with the pioneers of Perry County, more than half a century ago, has accumulated a valuable property and is classed among the wealthy and prominent agriculturists of this portion of the county. He owns two hundred and eighty acres of land on section 10, township 4, range 2, where he and his good wife are enjoying the fruits of their united labors in the comforts of a substantial home.

A native of Perry County, Ill., Mr. Rice was born September 16, 1841, and is the son of Hiram and Mary (Hutchings) Rice, natives of Tennessee. He received a liberal education, and when starting out in life for himself was prudent and frugal, and soon laid by a sufficient sum of money to enable him to engage in business on his own account. In 1864 he married Miss Fannie, daughter of William and Mary (Hall) Rhine, and to them were born five children, three of whom are still living, Lyman, a farmer in this county; T. Warren and Dora.

In his political relations, Mr. Rice has been an active worker in the ranks of the Democratic party, and in 1888 was elected on that ticket as a member of the State Legislature. He is known for his sturdy championship of every measure calculated to benefit the community, and has always been progressive, fearless and honest. With his wife, he is a member of the Missionary Baptist Church, and is numbered among the most prominent residents of this section.