Thomas A. Rice

Thomas A. Rice, a prominent and influential citizen of Ventura County, came to California in 1859. He comes of a good old Southern stock, which originated in England, his great-grandfather Rice having come from England to this country and settled in North Carolina. To him was born a son, Archibald, who wedded Miss Richmond, whose ancestors were the founders of Richmond, Virginia. To them was born a son, William. He married Miss Louisa Ish, a native of Tennessee, and daughter of William Ish, also a Tennesseean. This worth couple were the parents of seven children, of whom the subject of this sketch, Thomas A. Rice, was one. He was born in Jackson County, Missouri, January 24, 1849. His ancestors, on both sides, participated in the Revolutionary War. One branch of his maternal ancestry is among the oldest Virginia families.

     When Thomas A. was ten years of age, the family removed to California, coming across the plains and bringing with them 1,000 head of cattle. Here the father was largely engaged in stock-raising, both in Merced and Contra Costa counties. They had 2,000 acres of land in Contra Costa County, where the family resided, and where the father's death occurred in 1885. He had been a Democrat all his life, was a strict member of the Baptist Church, and was a leading and prominent man. He was possessed of those generous and courteous manners so characteristic of the Southern gentleman. It was said of William Rice that he lived an exemplary life.

     Thomas A. Rice received his education in a private school at his home, and began life as a farmer on his own fine ranch, in 1876. His father had given him 470 acres, and to this he has added until he now has 900 acres in one body, located seven miles northeast of Hueneme and ten miles southeast of Ventura. He has converted it into a magnificent ranch; has a whole village of ranch buildings on it and his own school-house. He has recently built the finest residence in the county. It is artistic in design and is planned with every modern comfort, including electric bells, gas and hot and cold water. Mr. Rice is carrying on general farming, and is much interested in the breeding of fine horses, both driving and draft. In addition to the property already described, he also owns 320 acres of land about two miles from his home ranch, which is leased and which is being cultivated to beans and corn.

     In 1877 Mr. Rice was united in marriage with Miss Lilian Flournoy, a native of Santa Clara County, California, daughter of Thomas Flournoy, now a resident of Danville, Contra Costa County. Their union has been blessed with four children: N. Blanche, Madge, P. Alvin, and Merrill. They are being educated at home by their governess. Mr. Rice does not give much attention to politics, but is a Democrat, and has held the office of Supervisor. He inherits those generous traits of character for which his ancestors were distinguished; is affable alike to both stranger and friend, and is much respected and highly spoken of by his fellow-citizens. November 4, 1890, he was elected to the State Assembly, on the Democratic ticket by a majority of 175. He ran 300 ahead of his ticket in his county, Ventura, the highest compliment ever paid to a candidate in that county.

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