RICE, JOHN
A telegram received here early this morning from Roanoke, announcing the sudden death in that city of Mr. John Rice, a former resident of Lexington, but for several years past engaged in business in Roanoke, and whose family now lives here. Mr. Rice had been complaining for some time. He spent Christmas in Lexington with his family, and after returning to Roanoke was taken worse, then began to improve. A letter was received from him last night stating that he was getting along nicely and hoped soon to be well.
Mr. Rice leaves a wife and eight children; Ira L. of Colorado; Samuel E. of Covington; Mrs. S. J. Bryant, of near Norfolk, and Thomas J., R. Eldridge, John, Mary, and Melvin, of Lexington.
Thomas J. and Eldridge Rice, left to-day for Roanoke and will bring the body of their father to Lexington for burial. Mr. Rice has been for years a member of the Baptist Church.
(The Lexington Gazette, Jan. 19, 1898. Submitted by Linda Rodriguez)