Person:Andrew Rice (1)

Andrew Rice was born in Boone County, Missouri, March 13,1831 and died at his residence three and a half miles east of this city, on Saturday morning last.

He was married to Rhoda Morris, April 4, 1850, and by this union they had thirteen children, three of whom preceded their father to the better land, while ten are still living.

Andrew Rice with his brother, Larkin Rice, emigrated to Buchanan Count, Mo., in September 1852. Andrew Rice was converted and joined the Baptist Church in January 1853 and in March 1855 emigrated to Kansas and settled in what is now Union Township, Jefferson County, and again united with the Baptist Church and has always lent a helping hand in the church, and ever lived a faithful Christian life from his conversion to his death. He went through all the toils and hardships of settling a new country as he was the first settler in what is now known as Union Township.

He lived and died on the homestead that he first settled in 1853 and reared his family with trials and difficulties on every hand; he knew what it was to pass through droughts and famine, for he has passed through them all; but amid them all he has always been found on the Lord's side, and in all his sickness he never complained, but said he was ready and willing to go and on Saturday morning September 6, at 1 o'clock, he passed away to the better land. He leaves a dear companion and ten children and a host of relatives and friends to morn their lose, but his lose is his eternal gain. May his dear wife and children so live in this world that when they come to die they may make an unbroken family in that haven of eternal rest where parting is no more.

The funeral was preached by Rev. Frank Marshall to a large company in and around the house of the deceased and his remains were laid in the Fowler Cemetery, there to rest until the morning of the resurrection.

OBITUARY: THE MCLOUTH TIMES September 12, 1890