Thomas Jefferson Rice, one among the oldest citizens of the County and a veteran of the Civil War, having served with the Union Army, died at his home on a farm adjoining Desloge, Saturday, December 23 [1922]. He had been in failing health for many months. He was 77 years, 9 months and 13 days old.
Mr. Rice was born at Ste. Genevieve, March 18, 1845. In the year of 1886, he was married to Miss Margaret Bone. To this union 12 children were born. The wife and 10 of the children survive.
The funeral was held at the Desloge Methodist Church Tuesday afternoon and was conducted by the pastor, Rev. Linus Eakers. Interment was made in the Herod cemetery [located near Desloge, Mo.].