James E. Rice

JAMES E. RICE, a prominent and well known agriculturist of Neosho township, Labette county, Kansas, was born in Washington county, Illinois, in 1859, and there resided until he came to Kansas with his father, in 1865. Although Labette county has been his home for the past twenty-two years, he has spent a number of years in traveling, chiefly in Missouri, Texas and Colorado. Mr. Rice is a son of H. P. and Rebecca M. (Lyons) Rice.

H. P. Rice and his wife were born in Washington county, Illinois, and there began the journey of life as husband and wife. They came to Neosho township, Labette county, Kansas, in 1865, and a year later the father of the family died. Six children were born, as follows: Francis; James E.; Julietta; Thomas; Clementine; and Lemuel.

James E. Rice, during youth, worked for three years at the printer's trade, and also learned to be a cooper. Mr. Rice located on his present farm, consisting of the east half of the southeast quarter of section 27, in 1879. He carries on general farming, and has succeeded very well; he enjoys an excellent reputation as an honest, upright citizen, and is highly respected by all in the community in which he lives.

Mr. Rice married Kate Grey, who was born in Clinton county, Illinois, in 1859. He is a Democrat in politics and is a justice of the peace of Neosho township; he has served on the school board for four years.