|
|
|
|
|
|
|
 George
Washington was here
Paul Revere
was here
And so
were
hundreds
of Rices!
|
RICE SOLDIERS IN THE REVOLUTIONARY WAR
Hundreds of Rices served in the Revolutionary War. In fact, there were more than 400 from Massachusetts alone. Rices served from each one of the original 13 colonies--Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Connecticut, New Hampshire, New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Maryland, Delaware, Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina and Georgia. Who Were They? Some were local militia members who fought in neighborhood or regional skirmishes. Others served in the Continental Army. Some were in only a few battles. Others served in several major battles. Most served in the army, but a few served in what became the fledgling navy. These men were corporals, or sergeants, or privates, or ensigns, or lieutenants, or captains, or majors. At least two reached the rank of colonel. These are but a few of the Rices who served from Massachusetts: - Benjamin Rice, a surgeon, served at Machias, Maine (then in Massachusetts), where your editor lived for more than 20 years.
- Calvin Rice, a fifer, was once paid for travel time of 200 miles to his Westboro, Massachusetts, home; another time he served at West Point, New York, and was paid for 400 miles return travel.
- David Rice, 19, of dark complexion and with black hair, was a Massachusetts seaman aboard the brig Adventure.
- Elijah Rice of Grafton, Massachusetts, was a drummer in the Minutemen who responded to the Concord & Lexington alarm in the first days of the war.
- Seaman John Rice, a prisoner in Halifax, Nova Scotia, was among men exchanged for British prisoners and returned to Boston aboard the Silver Eel, Oct. 8, 1778.
- John Rice entered the Massachusetts militia as a 1st Lieutenant in 1776, became Commandant of troops serving in and around Boston, accepted a command in the Continental Army and became Acting Adjutant General for the State of Massachusetts.
- Young John Rice was paid a bounty by the town of Brookfield, Massachusetts, to serve in the Continental Army for three years. When mustered in he was age 16 and described as being 5 feet tall and of light complexion. He was to serve in Capt. Gilbert's Co. of Col. Rice's Regt.
Rices who served from the other colonies include these men: - One Aaron Rice was a private from Connecticut. Another Aaron Rice was a soldier from South Carolina.
- Allen Rice was a private and wagoneer from Pennsylvania.
- Bailey Rice, who lived to be in his 90s, was among South Carolina soldiers who received a pension.
- Charles Rice from New Hampshire was wounded at the Battle of Bunker Hill. A ball passed through his right shoulder and chest and kept him from using his right arm.
- George Rice, a captain from Virginia, was among Virginia officers who received bounty land.
- Men named John Rice served from Connecticut, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, New York, Pennsylvania, North Carolina, South Carolina and Virginia.
- Rice soldiers who died during the war include Pvt. Joel Rice of New Hampshire, Pvt. Joseph Rice, Pvt. Solomon Rice and Phineas Rice Jr. of Connecticut, and Peter Rice of New Hampshire,
- Michael Rice served as a private from both Pennsylvania and Virginia.
- Sgt. Phillip Russell Rice of Virginia was a musician.
- Pvt. Solomon Rice of Maryland was a spy.
Many Rices, including at least one woman, have been cited by the D.A.R. (Daughters of the American Revolution) for offering patriotic service during the war. Many of them were men who were too old to don a uniform and go off to battle. They helped the war effort by providing supplies, horses and wagons; housing soldiers, tending the sick, serving on the local committees of correspondence and other efforts. Some of these patriotic supporters were: - Aaron Rice of Massachusetts, who married Freedom French
- Abigail (Hartman) Rice and her husband, Zachariah Rice, who set up a hospital to nurse soldiers wounded at nearby battles in southeastern Pennsylvania; Frederick Rice of Pennsylvania
- Charles Rice, David Rice and William Rice of Virginia; Charles died during the war
- Evan Rice and Thomas Rice of Delaware
- Henry Rice, James Rice and Thomas Rice of North Carolina
- Jonathan Rice of New Hampshire
- Moses Rice of Connecticut
|
RICE SOLDIERS IN THE WAR OF 1812
We are hearing a lot about the War of 1812 this year. It is that war's 200th anniversary.
It was slightly less than 30 years after the Revolutionary War ended that the British and the Americans again took up arms against each other. At this time the English ruled Canada and had forts near the headwaters of the Mississippi River, on Mackinac Island in northern Lake Michigan, and at Detroit, strategically positioned between Lake Huron and Lake Erie. The country that controlled the Great Lakes waterway that led into the St. Lawrence River and the Atlantic Ocean could well be the one that controlled North America. This waterway was the chief transportation artery and readily connected with Lake Champlain and points south in New York State. Many of the most important battles in the war took place on these waterways. It was when the U. S. Navy became a major fighting force.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Following are a few quick notes from your editor's files on Rices who fought in the War of 1812.
ALABAMA Soldiers included James M. Rice, probably from Morgan Co.; Joseph Rice of Madison Co.; and, William Rice of Autauga in Lowndes Co.
KENTUCKY Soldiers included Pvt. Samuel Rice of Muhlenberg Co.
NEW YORK - Seth Rice served from Camden in Ontario Co.; Ward and Abigail Rice of Ontario Co., signed an identification affidavit on behalf of Martha, widow of Lemuel Monroe, who was trying to obtain a pension based upon her husband's War of 1812 service.
- Arvin Rice Sr. served from Oswego Co.
- Soldiers who filed reimbursement claims included Asa Rice of Fort Ann, NY, and Asahel Rice of Manlius, NY. The widow of Asa Rice Sr. of Sullivan in Madison Co. also filed a claim.
OHIO War of 1812 soldiers included Sgt. Aaron Rice, Sgt. Ezekiel Rice, Pvt. James Rice, Pvt. John Rice, Pvt. Jonas Rice, Pvt. Mordecai Rice, Pvt. Pitch Rice, Capt. Thomas Rice, Sgt. William Rice,
TENNESSEE Soldiers from Roane Co. and neighboring communities included: - RICE, John, 1st Lieut., Captain James Preston's Company
- RICE, John B., Private, Captain William Neilson's Company
- RICE, Robert, Private, Captain William Neilson's Company
Pension Applications
A good way to find out more about an ancestor who served in the War of 1812 is to locate a pension application by either the soldier or his widow. An example is this application of the widow of Dr. John W. Rice of Virginia.
Declaration was made in Shenandoah County, Virginia, 1879, March 8th, by Anna M. Rice, 81, a resident of said county, stating she is the widow of John W. Rice, who served in the 10th military district, 6th regiment of Virginia, under Gen. Winscott, Col. Daniel Coleman, in the War of 1812; that her husband enlisted in Prince Edward County, Virginia, about 1814, for 3 months, and was honorably discharged in Washington, D. C., June, 1815. She thinks he resigned as Lieutenant in May or June of 1815.
...That she was married to John W. Rice in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, 18 June 1815, by Rev. Skinner, a minister; that her name previous to marriage was Anna M. Gilliany*, that her husband never made application for bounty land, to her recollection; that John W. Rice died near New Market, Shenandoah County, Virginia, the 10th of April, 1862; that since his discharge he had resided in Pennsylvania and Shenandoah Co., Va., near New Market.
She appointed A. G. Walker of Woodstock in Shenandoah Co. as her attorney. Accompanying Anna Rice's application are affidavits filed by George Philips, aged 80, and Washington Windle, age 76, of Shenandoah Co., Va., in 1879, stating they had been personally acquainted with Dr. John W. Rice, deceased, and his widow, Anna M. Rice, for 60 years, and know they lived together as man and wife. They also testify that John W. Rice died the 10th of April, 1862, and that she remained his widow since his death.
Family records were filed by William H. Rice (see below) of New Market, Va., showing John W. Rice and Anna M. were married in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania on June 18, 1815, when John was age 22 years, 4 months and 29 days, and of Virginia, and Anna Gilliams* was age 17 years, 3 months and 7 days, and of Philadelphia. William Rice testified that the Bible in which this information was written was printed in 1814.
____________
* The correct spelling is believed to be Gilliam.
|
RICE SOLDIERS IN THE CIVIL WAR
INTRODUCTION
Since beginning our Rice newsletter five years ago we've had hundreds of mentions of Rice Civil War soldiers. Meanwhile, the number of our readers has doubled. I've listed below some of the stories that discuss Rice Civil War soldiers in detail. All are accessible through our Archivesves:.
To find an article in the Archives: Go to the resources box at the end of this ~ezine and press the Archives link. A list of the back issues will appear. Click the one you wish to open.
The Civil War is also discussed in detail in some of the articles in our current series on the memoirs of Sarah (Rice) Pryor. The installment in our next issue gives details about the final days of the war in the south.
ARTICLES ON RICE FAMILY MEMBERS IN THE CIVIL WAR
- Gen. James Clay Rice of Massachusetts - Vol. 4, No. 11, Sept. 30, 2011
- Capt. John T. Rice of Wisconsin - Vol. 4, No. 10, Sept. 7, 2011
- Alexander Hamilton Rice (Massachusetts), U. S. Congressman and Chairman, Committee on Naval Affairs during the Civil War - Vol. 4, No. 9, August 29, 2011
- The Civil War Experiences of Dr. Albert Raymond Rice (New York / Massachusetts) - Vol. 4, No. 8, July 19, 2011
- Gen. Elliott Warren Rice of Ohio / Iowa - Vol. 2, No. 22. Dec. 14, 2009 (also see his brother in same issue).
- Gen. Samuel Allen Rice of Iowa (b. NY) - Vol. 2, No. 22. Dec. 14, 2009 (also see his brother in same issue).
- Soldier George N. Rice Captured and Marched to Libby Prison; Vol. 2, No. 17, Sept. 18, 2009.
- William H. Rice (New York / Wisconsin) enlisted at age 17; three of his brothers--Martin, Miner and Hiram, we also Civil War soldiers. - Vol. 2, No. 11, June 15, 2009
- Capt. William H. Rice's Virginia Unit - Vol. 2, No. 9, May 8, 2009
- More than 40 Rice Soldiers Were Prisoners at Andersonville; story lists them by name and regiment. - Vol. 2, No. 4, Feb. 20, 2009
- Rice Civil War Soldiers from Connecticut; lists more than 60 soldiers, giving a home town for most of them. - Vol. 1, No. 20, October 17, 2008
- Roster of Iowa Soldiers in the War Between the States. This list of about 100 Civil War soldiers from Iowa gives the soldier's hometown, his age and physical description, and mention of his rank and Civil War activity. - Vol. 1. No. 8, April 25, 2008.
More than 40 Rice Civil War soldiers were put in Andersonville Prison in Georgia. They were crowded together under small tents. More than 25% of the Andersonville prisoners died there because of starvation, malnutrition, diarrhea, disease, alleged abuse and blunt weapon executions from guards.
|
 Rices Buried at Suresnes American Cemetery in France
Pvt. Alpha L. Rice, who enlisted from Michigan and served in the Army's 20th Engineers Regiment. He died February 5, 1918, listed as Missing in Action or Buried at Sea; his name is inscribed on the memorial's Tablets of the Missing.
Fireman First Class Benjamin H. Rice
enlisted in the Navy from Ohio and served aboard theUSS Talbot. He died April 22, 1919, is listed as Missing in Action or Buried at Sea and is named on the Tablets of the Missing.
Rice Soldiers Buried at Meuse-Argonne American Cemetery in France
Army Pvt. Benjamin H. Rice was from Tennessee. He was serving with the 802nd Pioneer Infantry Regiment when he died on Oct. 5, 1918.  Charles Ed Rice entered the service from Indiana. He was serving as a Clerk with the Army's 22nd Engineer Regiment when he died Sept. 14, 1918.
Private First Class Floyd D. Rice from New York died Oct. 8, 1918 while serving with the Army's 307th Infantry Regiment in the 77th Division. Army Private John G. Rice of Rhode Island was serving with the 101st Field Artillery Regiment of the 26th Division when he died Nov. 1, 1918. Private Joseph Rice of New York was serving in the Army's 315th Infantry Regiment, 79th Division, when he died Sept. 28, 1918. Private Peter P. Rice from Wisconsin died Oct. 19, 1918 while serving with the 310th Infantry, 78th Division. 1st Lt. Wilhelmus M. Rice of New York served with the Army's 111th Infantry Regiment, 28th Division. He died Oct. 2, 1918.
Rice Soldiers Buried at the Oise-Aine American Cemetery in France Corporal Clarence R. Rice was from Georgia when he entered the Marines to serve with the 13th Regiment. He died Oct. 3, 1918. Private Joseph S. Rice enlisted in the Army from California. He served in the 30th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Division, and died Aug. 9, 1918. 
Private Melvin F. Rice of Massachusetts served in the
Army's 102nd Field Artillery Regiment, 26th Division.
Pvt. Rice died April 23, 1918. He is buried at St. Mihiel
American Cemetery in France.
. Private First Class Robert B. Rice enlisted from New York. He served with the Army's 106th Infantry Regiment, 27th Division. PFC Rice died Sept. 2, 1918. He was buried in Plot B, Row 3., Grave 12 in the Flanders Field American Cemetery in Belgium. (See below). Many of the soldiers who fought there earlier in the war--dozens of them Canadians-- had been gassed by the Germans. (See below)  ~ by John McCrae, May, 1915
In Flanders fields the poppies blow
between the crosses, row on row,
that mark our place; and in the sky
the larks, still bravely singing, fly,
scarce heard amid the guns below. We are the dead. Short days ago
we lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,
loved and were loved, and now we lie
In Flanders fields. Take up our quarrel with the foe:
to you from failing hands we throw
the torch; be yours to hold it high.
If ye break faith with us who die
we shall not sleep, though poppies grow
In Flanders fields. 
|
World War II was a cruel and horrific war. It was a record breaker in numbers of armies, soldiers and countries participating in it. Most United States and British residents over age 75 today knew either family members, friends or neighbors who served in it.
There were more soldiers wounded, missing in action and killed than in any previous war. Civilians were killed in horrendous ways on both sides. The Germans annihilated hundreds of thousands of Jews in savage ways. The Americans dropped atomic bombs on Japanese cities. According to the American Battlefield Commission, which operates 24 permanent American burial grounds on foreign soil, they contain 93,234 American World War II soldiers. Some of these cemeteries also pay tribute to, and list by name, many men who were missing in action. There are also remains of soldiers who have not been identified.
Of the thousands buried in these foreign cemeteries, 116 bear the Rice surname. For a list of these World War II Rice soldiers, go to this section of the American Battlefields Commission and put the Rice surname in the World War II search engine. When you get the list, if you push the GO button to the left of the soldier's name you will get additional information on that soldier.
Time will not dim the glory of their deeds. ~ General John J. Pershing ,
The Normandy American Cemetery and Memorial in France is located on a cliff overlooking Omaha Beach. It was established by the U.S. First Army on June 8, 1944 and became the first American cemetery on European soil in World War II. The cemetery covers 172.5 acres and contains the graves of 9,387 of our military dead, most of whom lost their lives in the D-Day landings and ensuing operations. On the Walls of the Missing, in a semicircular garden on the east side of the memorial, are inscribed 1,557 names. Rosettes mark the names of those since recovered and identified.
Marble crosses mark the graves of SSGT CARL E. RICE (KS), PVT. CLAYTON RICE (NC), PVT. FRANCIS M. RICE (TX), PFC GEORGE E RICE (TN), PFC JAMES J. RICE (NY), SGT. JESSE RICE (KY), PVT LEE T. RICE (AR), PVT PRESTON E RICE (SC), SGT RAYMOND RICE (IL) and PFC WILLIAM J. RICE (MO), all of whom were awarded the Purple Heart. Listed on the tablet of the missing is PVT WALTER H. RICE (TX), who was also awarded the Purple Heart.
|
 
THE KOREAN CONFLICT
|
 MAJOR CHARLES IRWIN RICE JR.
OF RIVER EDGE, NEW JERSEY
Major Rice was the pilot of a F4U-4 Corsair fighter with the Marine Fighter Squadron 212, Marine Air Group 12, 1st Marine Air Wing. On April 22, 1951, while on a combat mission of attacking enemy troop positions, his aircraft received a direct hit by anti-aircraft fire, it burst into flames, its wing folded over and it crashed. His remains were not recovered. His name is inscribed on the Courts of the Missing at the Honolulu Memorial. For his leadership and valor, Major Rice was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross, the Air Medal with 3 Gold Stars, the Purple Heart, the Combat Action Ribbon, the Korean Service Medal, the United Nations Service Medal, the National Defense Service Medal, the Korean Presidential Unit Citation and the Republic of Korea War Service Medal.
 CAPT. EDGAR DALE RICE OF SEMINOLE, OKLAHOMA Captain Rice was the pilot of a F-84E Thunderjet fighter with the 154th Fighter Bomber Squadron, 136th Fighter Bomber Wing. On March 3, 1952, while on a combat mission, he failed to rejoin his flight after a bombing run. He was listed as Missing in Action and was presumed dead on December 31, 1953. His remains were not recovered. His name is inscribed on the Courts of the Missing at the Honolulu Memorial. Captain Rice was awarded the Air Medal, the Purple Heart, the Korean Service Medal, the United Nations Service Medal, the National Defense Service Medal, the Korean Presidential Unit Citation and the Republic of Korea War Service Medal.
 MSGT HAROLD PATRICK RICE
OF TOMAH, WISCONSIN
| Master Sergeant Rice was a veteran of World War II. In Korea, he was a member of Company G, 2nd Battalion, 5th Cavalry Regiment, 1st Cavalry Division. He was Killed in Action fighting the enemy on September 5, 1950. Master Sergeant Rice was awarded the Purple Heart, the Combat Infantryman's Badge, the Korean Service Medal, the United Nations Service Medal, the National Defense Service Medal, the American Theater of Operations Medal, the World War II Victory Medal, the Korean Presidential Unit Citation and the Republic of Korea War Service Medal. |
|
 PFC JOHN RAYMOND RICE
OF WINNEBAGO, NEBRASKA
Sergeant First Class Rice was a veteran of World War II. In Korea, he was a squad leader in Company A, 1st Battalion, 8th Cavalry Regiment, 1st Cavalry Division. He was Killed in Action while fighting the enemy near Tabu-dong, South Korea on September 6, 1950. For his leadership and valor, Sergeant First Class Rice was awarded the Bronze Star, the Purple Heart with Oak Leaf Cluster, the Combat Infantryman's Badge with Star, the Korean Service Medal, the United Nations Service Medal, the National Defense Service Medal, the Korean Presidential Unit Citation, the Republic of Korea War Service Medal, the Pacific Theater Medal and the World War II Victory Medal.
PFC RONALD RICE
OF THE BRONX, NEW YORK
Private First Class Rice was a member of Company I, 3rd Battalion, 7th Marines, 1st Marine Division. He was listed as Missing in Action while fighting the enemy in Korea on July 19, 1953. His remains were not recovered. His name is inscribed on the Courts of the Missing at the Honolulu Memorial. Private First Class Rice was awarded the Purple Heart, the Combat Action Ribbon, the Korean Service Medal, the United Nations Service Medal, the National Defense Service Medal, the Korean Presidential Unit Citation and the Republic of Korea War Service Medal.
"Let every nation know, whether it wishes us well or ill, that we shall pay any price, bear any burden, meet any hardship, support any friend, oppose any foe to assure the survival and the success of liberty." ~ President John F. Kennedy
|
|
GENEALOGY RESOURCES
Quick Links for Curious Rice Ancestor Chasers
EDMUND RICE ASSN & ITS NEWSLETTER & ITS RICE DNA PROJECT
WAS YOUR FAMILY TREE LOOKING BARE LAST WINTER?
 TWO THINGS TO TRY:
1) If you are not a male bearing the Rice surname, find a relative who is and have a DNA test done. 2) Send in the name of your earliest known Rice ancestor, giving at least one date and location, and we will try to match it with those families being researched by other readers.
RICE EZINE NEWSLETTER ARCHIVE: Our past issues are being archived here.
If your newsletter looks like it is not properly formatted, or is garbled, please let us know! Address newsletter correspondence to: ricebooksreb@yahoo.com
|
|
|
|
|
