Person:Rhoda Morris (1)

Rhoda Morris was born near Providence, Boone Co., Mo., March 13, 1832, where she grew to womanhood and was married to Andrew Rice, April 4, 1850. They moved to Buchanan County, Mo., in September, 1852. In 1855 they came to Kansas, and on March 5th located on the present homestead, 4 1/2 miles northeast of McLouth. They were the first settlers in what is now Union Township, Jefferson Co. The husband died September 6, 1890, and Aunt Rhoda lived with her children on the farm until the spring of 1899, when she moved to McLouth, where she peacefully passed to the beyond at 6:40 o'clock Sunday morning, Feb. 11, 1912. She is survived by 7 children, 40 grandchildren and 24 great grandchildren. One brother alone remains of a large family of brothers and sisters. Rhoda was converted when she was 14 years of age and for several years was a member of the Methodist church. About 45 years ago she was united with the Baptist church in order to have a church, home with her husband and always lived a devoted Christian life. Hers was the spirit of the pioneer. Coming to Kansas at the very beginning of the great struggle to make Kansas a free state, she and her husband, with the few scattering neighbors, dauntless spirits like themselves, were forced to endure the perils of a murderous border warfare. In addition to the ravages of plundering guerrilla bands, seasons of drought burned up the crops, sickness invaded the home and all the other hardships of the pioneer life were encountered. Through all, Rhoda Rice, the young wife and mother, was always ready and eager to bear more than her share of the burdens. Every enemy, whether ruffian, disease or famine, found in her a foeman worthy of her steel. She unflinchingly and couragesly met them all. Standing with her two small children by her side, she faced one murderous band and fearlessly defied them to do their worst. The story of her life and of the scattered neighbors about her between the years 1855 and 1875 is the history of the foundation of the great state of which we are all so proud. With such a foundation, what other destiny could it have ? She was a woman of firm determination and outspoken convictions, yet with a heart overflowing with mother love for her children and sympathy for those in trouble. For miles around people came to her for help in times of illness, and no one was denied, no matter how dark the night, nor how furious the storm. Her later life was spent in visiting among her friends, doing little errands of love and mercy and carrying sunshine wherever she went. She loved flowers and pictures and kept her little cottage filled and surrounded with blossoms and the walls hung with pictures. On February 6th she suffered a stroke of apoplexy from which she partially recovered but was stricken again February 8th, and a 3rd stroke ended her life without a moments warning. She met death with characteristic courage and calmness, happy in the promise of the Savior she had served so faithfully. Funeral services were held Thursday morning at the Baptist Church in McLouth. Interment was made in the Fowler burying ground north of town by the side of her husband.