Person Page - 2

     Lydia Rice was born circa 1657 at Sudbury, MA, the 2nd Lydia Rice is proven by the fact she was given land by her father, 10 May 1662, long after her half sister Lydia had married in 1645 to Hugh Drury.¹' She was the daughter of Deacon Edmund Rice and Mercy Hurd (?).^2,3 Lydia Rice married James Hawkins Jr, son of James Hawkins and Mary Mills, circa 1678.¹ Lydia Rice died on 26 May 1718; (death year may be 1709).

     Capt Samuel Wells was born on 13 April 1660 at Wethersfield, CT, (18th per Supplement).^4,5,6,3 He was the son of Samuel Wells and Elizabeth Hollister. Capt Samuel Wells married an unknown person on 20 June 1683 at Wethersfield, CT.^7,2,3 He married Ruth Rice, daughter of Deacon Edmund Rice and Mercy Hurd (?), on 20 June 1683 at Wethersfield, CT; (not found in the published records).^7,2,3 Capt Samuel Wells died on 28 August 1731 at Glastonbury, CT.^8,3,9
     Samuel and Ruth Wells sold land on 1 June 1684 as follows: "In consideration of £34, paid by Eleazer How, Carpenter, for the town of Marlboro, in the Countie of Middlesex, &c, sold and conveyed to said Eleazer How, a parcel of upland or House lot of about 12 1/2 acres, lying within the bounds of the town of Marlboro...."^10,9 He was grandson of Governor Thomas Wells of the Connecticut Colony.³

     Ruth Rice was born on 29 September 1659 at Sudbury (Marlborough), MA.^4,2,3,5 She was the daughter of Deacon Edmund Rice and Mercy Hurd (?). Ruth Rice married Capt Samuel Wells, son of Samuel Wells and Elizabeth Hollister, on 20 June 1683 at Wethersfield, CT; (not found in the published records).^4,2,3 Ruth Rice died on 30 March 1742 at Glastonbury, CT; under the name Welles.^6,7,3,8
     Samuel and Ruth Wells sold land on 1 June 1684 as follows: "In consideration of £34, paid by Eleazer How, Carpenter, for the town of Marlboro, in the Countie of Middlesex, &c, sold and conveyed to said Eleazer How, a parcel of upland or House lot of about 12 1/2 acres, lying within the bounds of the town of Marlboro...."^9,8

     Peter Rice was born on 29 March 1749 at Marlborough, MA.^3,4 He was the son of Ensign Abraham Rice and Persis Robinson. Peter Rice married Levina Howe, daughter of Joseph Howe and Grace Rice, on 2 January 1772 at Marlborough, MA.^5,1,2 Peter Rice died on 9 December 1826 at Marlborough, MA; aged 77y.^6,7,8 He was buried at Brigham Cemetery, Marlborough, MA.^6,5
     Peter Rice left a will on 10 January 1815, proved 13 February 1827.⁸

     Mary Rice was born on 19 September 1646 at Sudbury, MA.^2,3,4 She was the daughter of Henry Rice and Elizabeth Moore. Mary Rice married Thomas Brigham, son of Thomas Brigham and Mercy Hurd (?), on 27 December 1665 at Marlborough, MA; registered without the bride's maiden name.^5,3,6 Mary Rice died before 30 May 1695 at Marlborough, MA.¹

     Elizabeth Rice was born on 4 August 1648 at Sudbury, MA.^4,5 She was the daughter of Henry Rice and Elizabeth Moore. Elizabeth Rice married John Brewer, son of John Brewer and Ann (?).^1,2,4 Elizabeth Rice died on 25 February 1739/40 at Sudbury, MA.⁶
     Her share of her husband's estate was settled 12 March 1693 at £292.8.⁷

     Hannah Rice was born circa 1651 at Sudbury, MA, (not found in the published records).² She was the daughter of Henry Rice and Elizabeth Moore. Hannah Rice married Eleazer Ward, son of Deacon William Ward and Elizabeth (?), on 10 July 1675 at Marlborough, MA; (5 August per Ward).^1,2,4,5 Hannah Rice married 2nd Richard Taylor on 17 October 1677 at Sudbury, MA.^6,3,2,5,7 Hannah Rice died on 11 August 1707; (not found in the Sudbury vital records).

     Jonathan Rice was born on 3 July 1654 at Sudbury, MA.^3,2,4 He was the son of Henry Rice and Elizabeth Moore. Jonathan Rice married Martha Eames on 23 March 1674/75 at Sudbury, MA; the marriage is explicitly 75-6, while the death is explicitly 75, but Ward gives his opinion that the marriage record is the one in error.^5,2,6 Jonathan Rice married Rebecca Watson on 1 November 1677 at Sudbury, MA; (1679 per Cambridge records, which do not mention Sudbury at all).^2,7,8 Jonathan Rice married Elizabeth Wheeler on 12 February 1690/91 at Sudbury, MA.^5,2,9 Jonathan Rice died on 12 April 1725 at Framingham, MA, at age 70, in his 71st year according to his gravestone.^5,10 He was buried at Church Hill Cemetery, Framingham, MA.¹¹ He estate was probated on 21 May 1725 at Middlesex County, MA.^12,13,14
     Jonathan Rice was an innkeeper, operating a public house for many years at East Sudbury, MA.¹³ He resided circa 1706 at Framingham, MA, he moved in with his father after his mother died.^15,13 He bought 38 acres at Salem End in Framingham from Benjamin Nurse and resold it to son Abraham in 1725 on 16 June 1707.¹⁵ He served as selectman in Framingham 10 times beginning 1708 and sat in the General Court in 1711 and 1720.¹³ He left a will on 15 March 1724/25 at Framingham, MA,, proved 21 May 1725. Will mentions wife: Elizabeth, sons: Jonathan, David, Henry, Hezekiah, Abraham, Ezekiel, Phineas, Richard, daughters: Anna wife of William Cutler, Martha wife of James Whitney, Elizabeth wife of Daniel Pratt, Sarah, Abigail. Executor: son Hezekiah.^5,16,14

     Abigail Rice was born on 17 June 1657 at Sudbury, MA.^3,4 She was the daughter of Henry Rice and Elizabeth Moore. Abigail Rice died on 9 December 1735 at Sudbury, MA.⁵

     Deacon David Rice was born on 27 December 1659 at Sudbury, MA.^4,2,5 He was the son of Henry Rice and Elizabeth Moore. Deacon David Rice married Hannah Walker, daughter of Thomas Walker and Mary (?), on 7 April 1687 at Sudbury, MA.^6,3,2,7 Deacon David Rice died on 16 October 1723 at Framingham, MA; aged 63y (not found in the published records).^6,8
     11 October 1682 Deacon David Rice bought 60 acres between Cochituate Pond and his father's land, from Gookin and How.⁸ He was an original member of the church in Framingham, serving as deacon, selectman, and treasurer in Framingham.^8,6 David Rice's estate was settled as follows: Bezaleel and Josiah Rice Administrators. Agreement of the heirs, 9 November 1723, was signed by Bezaleel Rice, Josiah Rice, Samuel Frost and his wife Elizabeth, John Bent and his wife Hannah.⁶

     Tamasine Rice was born on 2 February 1661/62 at Sudbury, MA, (literally 1661).^2,5 She was the daughter of Henry Rice and Elizabeth Moore. Tamasine Rice married Benjamin Parmenter, son of John Parmenter and Amy (?), on 22 September 1680 at Sudbury, MA.^1,3,2,4,6 Tamasine Rice died on 15 April 1748 at Sudbury, MA.^4,7

     John Moore Sr was born in 1610 at Henham, co Essex, England.³ He married Bridget (?).² John Moore Sr married Elizabeth Rice, daughter of Henry Rice and Elizabeth Frost, on 27 November 1633 at Little Gaddesden, Hertfordshire, England.^4,2,3 John Moore Sr died on 6 January 1673/74 at Sudbury, MA; (literally 73).^5,6 He estate was probated on 7 April 1674.^7,8,9
     John Moore Sr left a will on 25 August 1668 at Sudbury, MA,, mentioning eldest son John of Lancaster, sons William, Jacob, Joseph, and Benjamin, eldest daughter Elizabeth Rice, daughters Mary Stone and Lydia Cutler, and executrix wife Elizabeth.^7,10

     Bridget (?) married John Moore Sr.¹ Bridget (?) died before 1639 at England.¹

     Lydia Rice was born on 4 June 1668 at Sudbury, MA.^5,2,6 She was the daughter of Henry Rice and Elizabeth Moore. Lydia Rice married Deacon Samuel Wheelock, son of Gershom Wheelock and Hannah Stodder, circa 1692.^1,7,3,6,8

     Mercy Rice was born on 1 January 1670/71 at Sudbury, MA, (literally 1670, listed as Mary).^2,4,5 She was the daughter of Henry Rice and Elizabeth Moore. Mercy Rice married Elnathan Allen, son of Daniel Allen and Mary Sherman.^1,3,2,4,6 Mercy Rice died on 30 August 1727 at Sudbury, MA; and was listed as "Mary". (Ward indicates location of death as Hopkinton).^7,8,6

     Thomas Rice was baptized on 26 January 1625/26 at Stanstead, co Suffolk, England.⁴ He was the son of Deacon Edmund Rice and Thomasine Frost. Thomas Rice married Mary King, daughter of Deacon Thomas King and Anne Collins, in 1651 at Sudbury, MA; (not found in the published records).^5,6,3 Thomas Rice died on 16 November 1681 at Sudbury, MA; (at Marlborough per Ward).^7,8,9
     Thomas Rice and Mary King resided in 1664 at Marlborough, MA, The Boston Gazette, of 26 December 1768, communicates the subject of the longevity of Thomas' children. Article contains errors regarding the age of Thomas. Follow up article: Middlesex News Extra, Jun 8-14, 1984. Thomas was a proprietor.^10,11,12

     Mary King was born in 1630 at Shaston, Dorsetshire, England.^3,4 She was the daughter of Deacon Thomas King and Anne Collins. Mary King married Thomas Rice, son of Deacon Edmund Rice and Thomasine Frost, in 1651 at Sudbury, MA; (not found in the published records).^5,6,2 Mary King died on 22 March 1714/15 at Sudbury, MA.^7,8
     Mary King and Thomas Rice resided in 1664 at Marlborough, MA, The Boston Gazette, of 26 December 1768, communicates the subject of the longevity of Thomas' children. Article contains errors regarding the age of Thomas. Follow up article: Middlesex News Extra, Jun 8-14, 1984. Thomas was a proprietor.^9,10,11 Mary King left a will on 10 May 1710 at Marlborough, MA,, "May 10, in the 8th year (1710) of Queen Ann's reign", proved April 11, 1715, gave to sons Thomas of Marlboro, Peter, Nathaniel, Ephraim, Gershom, James, Jonas and Elisha, to daughters Mary White, Sarah Adams, Frances Allen and Grace Moore.¹²

     Grace Rice was born circa 1652 at Sudbury, MA.¹ She was the daughter of Thomas Rice and Mary King.³ Grace Rice died on 3 January 1653/54 at Sudbury, MA; (literally 1653).^1,2,4

     Mary Rice was born on 4 September 1656 at Sudbury, MA.^5,3,2,6 She was the daughter of Thomas Rice and Mary King.⁴ Mary Rice married 1st Josiah White, son of John White and Joane West, on 28 November 1678 at Marlborough, MA.^1,3,2,7 Mary Rice married 2nd Thomas Sawyer, son of Thomas Sawyer and Mary Prescott, on 15 July 1718 at Lancaster, MA.^3,8,9 Mary Rice died on 22 August 1733 at Lancaster, MA; under the name Sawyer.^3,10
     Mary Rice was admitted to the church on 30 August 1712 at Lancaster, MA.¹¹ She is said in the Gazette to have lived to the age of 80.³

     Capt. Peter Rice was born on 24 October 1658 at Sudbury, MA.^1,2,3,6 He was the son of Thomas Rice and Mary King.⁵ Capt. Peter Rice married Rebecca Howe, daughter of Abraham How and Hannah Ward, circa 1688 at Marlborough, MA; there is no record of their marriage in Marlborough, but Rebecca was mentioned as wife of Peter Rice in her father's will of 1694 and as Rebecca Rice in her mother's will of 1716.^1,2,3 Capt. Peter Rice died on 28 November 1753 at Marlborough, MA; aged 95y 1m 4d.^7,2,8,9 He was buried at Old Common Cemetery, Marlborough, MA.⁸
     Capt. Peter Rice resided at Marlborough, MA. Peter built, and his descendants for many generations occupied, the Peter Rice Homestead. This home is now the residence of the Marlborough Historical Society.¹⁰ He was in the military as a Captain of the train-band and, in 1711, one of the committee to designate the garrison houses in Marlborough, MA and designated the heads of families that were to belong to them in 1711.^7,4 He left a will on 6 January 1746/47, proved 7 Jan 1754. The will names wife Rebecca; sons Elisha, Cyprian, Pelatiah, Peter, and Abraham; daughters Abigail Bouker and Rebecca Eager. Abraham Rice, Executor.⁷

     Nathaniel Rice was born on 3 January 1660/61 at Sudbury, MA, (literally 1660).^1,2,3,5 He was the son of Thomas Rice and Mary King.⁴ Nathaniel Rice married 1st Sarah Stone before 1704.^1,2,3 Nathaniel Rice married 2nd Patience Brown, daughter of Thomas Brown and Patience Foster, in December 1704 at Sudbury, MA.^6,2,7,8 Nathaniel Rice died on 13 November 1726 at Sudbury, MA; aged 65y.^6,2,9,10 He was buried at North Cemetery, Wayland, MA.¹⁰
     Nathaniel Rice left a will on 11 November 1726, Joseph Muzzey (Muzzy), Executor. Son Nathaniel, administrator. The will named son Nathaniel, daughters Patience Muzzy and Mary Rice, and son-in-law Micah Stone. Samuel Stone was appointed guardian on 9 December 1726 for Mary Rice in her 19th year and Nathaniel Rice in his 17th year.¹¹

     Sarah Rice was born on 15 January 1662/63 at Sudbury, MA, (literally 1662).^1,2,4 She was the daughter of Thomas Rice and Mary King.³ John Adams married 2nd Sarah Rice.² She died circa 1742; at age 80 according to the Boston Gazette.^1,5
     Sarah Rice was dismissed from the church of Marlboro to that of Concord on 16 February 1682 at Marlborough, MA.¹

     Ephraim Rice was born on 15 April 1665 at Marlborough, MA.^5,2,3,6 He was the son of Thomas Rice and Mary King.⁴ Ephraim Rice married Hannah Livermore, daughter of John Livermore and Hannah (?), on 21 February 1688/89 at Watertown, MA; (22nd per Ward) listed as Ephraim of Sudbury and Hannah of Watertown.^7,8,2,3 Ephraim Rice married Mary Noyes, daughter of Joseph Noyes and Mary Darwell, on 24 March 1724/25 at Sudbury, MA; (literally 1725).^9,8,3 Ephraim Rice died on 25 October 1732 at Sudbury, MA; aged 67y.^10,3,9,11 He was buried at North Cemetery, Wayland, MA.¹¹
     Ephraim Rice and Hannah Livermore resided in 1688/89 at Sudbury, MA.⁸ Ephraim Rice was a proprietor of Worcester, having 30 acres of land granted him in that town in 1718. So far as is known, he never resided there.⁸ Ephraim Rice left a will on 20 October 1732, proved 27 Nov 1732. The will mentions wife Mary; sons Ephraim, Thomas, Gershom, and John; the heirs of Josiah, deceased; daughters Mary and Hannah Rice. Son Isaac Rice, Executor.⁸

     Gershom Rice was born on 9 May 1667 at Marlborough, MA.^5,2,6 He was the son of Thomas Rice and Mary King.⁴ Gershom Rice married Elizabeth Balcom, daughter of Henry Balcom and Elizabeth Haynes.^7,3,2 Gershom Rice died on 19 December 1768 at Worcester, MA; aged 101y. According to Ward, a tribute to Gershom Rice appeared in the Boston Gazette. In part it reads:
"Worcester, 19 December 1768. This day died here Mr. Gershom Rice, who completed the age of 101 years some time last May, besides retained his reason and understanding in a very good degree to the last.
"He enjoyed a long and almost uninterrupted state of bodily health; was able, till very lately, to travel on foot a mile or two a day among his neighbors; eat his food with a good appetite and sleep quietly at night without any attendance.
"He was naturally of a very pleasant disposition, very courteous in his behavior towards all, and withal grave and serious. Of late, the decay of Nature came on him fast; and he went calmly and quietly at last, expressing his hope and trust in his Redeemer for admission to a better world."
He was one of the "fathers of the town", and occupied many situations of public trust and confidence. The first place of worship in Worcester was at his house.^8,9,10,11 He was buried at Old Common Cemetery, Worcester, MA.¹¹
     Gershom Rice resided circa 1696 at Groton, CT.¹²
According to the Abstracts of Early Worcester Land Titles (copied from Middlesex County records): "Gershom Rice of Groton, Conn. and his wife, Elizabeth, sold to her brothers, John and Joseph Balcom, of Sudbury, November 12, 1709, for forty and Two pounds Some part in money the other part in moveables It being part of the Portion of my wife Elisabeth of her father Henry Balcoms Estate formerly of Charlestown in the County of Middlesex..."¹³
According to the Abstracts of Land Records for New London and Groton, CT:
On 28 April 1704 James Morgan and Nehemiah Smith, on behalf of the town, sell to Gershom Rice ten acres of meetinghouse finishing land .... joining westerly to his own land, which was laid out to Daniel Lane. The deed was recorded 23 July 1708.
On 8 May 1708 Nehemiah Smith, Esq, of Groton to Gershom Rice of Groton and Jonas Rice of Sudbury, MA, 2 parcels: 200 acres in Groton, formerly New London, ... 50 acres in Groton (partially) ... deed recorded 16 May 1709, John Avery, John Seabury, Andrew Kinnicum, witnesses.
On 19 May 1709 Jonas and Gershom Rice make a division of land ... deed recorded 20 May 1709, Andrew Kinnicum, Ephraim Rogers, Joseph Dean, witnesses.
On 27 Feb 1709/10 Gershom Rice, husbandman, to Jonathan Smith, 40 acres ... consideration £19 ... witnesses Nehemiah Smith, Joseph Woodmansee, Lydia Smith, witnesses.
On 10 Feb 1709/10 Gershom Rice of Groton for £40 in money at eight shillings per ounce ... to Nathaniel Brown ... deed recorded 8 March 1709/10, Aaron Stark, Abel Stark, witnesses.
On 22 Jan 1713/14 Gershom Rice of Groton, yeoman, to Nathaniel Brown ... recorded 22 Jan 1713/14, Nehemiah Smith, Lydia Smith, Mary Cleveland (her mark), witnesses.
On 29 April 1714 Gershom Rice to Aaron Stark ... recorded 29 April 1714 (Gershom Rice personally appeared), Edward Yeomans, Nehmiah Smith, witnesses.
On 20 April 1714 Gershom Rice of Groton, yeoman, to Jonathan Smith, cordwinder ... recorded 20 Apr 1714, Lydia Smith, Dority Smith, Elizabeth Rice, witnesses.
(undated) Gershom Rice of Groton to Nehemiah Smith, land at Nowayanck Neck ... recorded 8 Feb 1714, Lydia Smith, Elizabeth Hayns, witnesses.¹⁴
A letter dated 1 April 1713 and addressed to Elizabeth Rice at Groton, CT: from "Elizabeth Balcom to her loving daughter, Elizabeth Rice, living in Groton." Letter also referenced grandchildren Gershom, Jr, Elizabeth, Matthias.¹²
Ward cites a petition dated 13 October 1713 signed by Gershom and Jonas "of Marlboro" as evidence that Gershom had moved back to Marlborough by the fall of 1713. (The petition was presented to the General Court expressing desire to enter upon a new settlement of Worcester.) We have found no other evidence that Gershom had returned to Marlborough in 1713. Rather, evidence suggests that Gershom may have still been living at Groton.¹⁵
From the Abstracts of Early Worcester Land Titles: " William Payne, of Boston, Blacksmith, sold to Gershom Rice of Groton in the County of New London and Colony of Connecticut, yeoman, May 26, 1712 for Fifty pounds of good Silver current money, 'All the Messuage or Tenement with all the land whereon ye Same Doth Stand, and is thereunto belonging and appertaining Situate Standing and being in Worcester in the County of Middlesex in New England Containing Fifty acres more or less ..... '
"Deed signed by William Payne, and Elisabeth Payne, his wife, with her mark, in the presence of Jonas Rice and Edward Weaver, Sen., and recorded at Charlestown Oct 19, 1713, Book 16, p. 383."¹⁶ On 21 August 1721 Gershom Rice conveyed 103 acres of land in
Worcester to John Duncan.⁸
On 21 August 1721 Gershom Rice conveyed 103 acres of land in Worcester to his daughter Sarah and her husband Daniel.⁸

     James Rice was born on 31 March 1669 at Marlborough, MA, (WARD & Rice Gen'l Register indicate date of birth of 6 March 1669).^5,2,3,6 He was the son of Thomas Rice and Mary King.⁴ James Rice married Sarah Stone, daughter of Deacon Daniel Stone and Mary Moore.^1,2 James Rice died on 14 October 1730 at Worcester, MA.^7,8
     James Rice was living in 1706 at Sudbury, MA.⁷ He resided circa 1716 at Worcester, MA.⁷ He had 100 acres of land granted him in Worcester in 1718, of which town he was a proprietor.⁷ On 19 June 1730, after the deaths of his sons Daniel and James, James the father was granted administration of their estates. However, he in turn died before he could settle those estates.⁹ On 23 November 1730, James' eldest son Jotham took over administration of all three estates: father James and brothers Daniel and James.⁹

     Frances Rice was born on 3 February 1670/71 at Marlborough, MA, (literally 1670).^5,1,2 She was the daughter of Thomas Rice and Mary King.⁴ Frances Rice married Benjamin Allen; there is no mention of this marriage in the vital records of Watertown, where it presumably occurred, nor in those of Newbury or Marlborough.^1,2,3 Frances Rice died circa 1767; as calculated from an assertion in the Boston Gazette, cited by Ward, that Frances lived to the age of 96. However, no record of her death or remarriage has been found.⁶

     Jonas Rice was born on 6 March 1672/73 at Marlborough, MA.^5,2,6 He was the son of Thomas Rice and Mary King.⁴ Jonas Rice married Mary Stone, daughter of Deacon Daniel Stone and Mary Moore, on 10 February 1701/2 at Sudbury, MA.^5,2,7,8 Jonas Rice died on 22 September 1753 at Worcester, MA; (20th per gravestone) aged 80y.^5,9 He was buried at Old Common Cemetery, Worcester, MA.⁹
     Jonas Rice resided in 1702 at Worcester, MA, when it was broken up and abandoned soon after the commencement of Queen Anne's war, so called, which began in 1702.¹⁰ He resided before 13 October 1713 at Marlborough, MA, Ward cites a petition dated 13 October 1713 signed by Gershom and Jonas "of Marlboro". The petition was presented to the General Court expressing desire to enter upon a new settlement of Worcester.^11,3 He left a will on 23 July 1753, proved 7 Nov. 1753. The will mentions wife Mary; daughter Silence, wife of John Bond; eldest son Jonas; and sons Absalom and Adonijah. Inventory £200. Absalom Rice, Executor. (RICE FAMILY indicates that the will was issued in 1853, this is considered a typo).¹⁰

     Grace Rice was born on 15 January 1675 at Marlborough, MA.^4,2,5 She was the daughter of Thomas Rice and Mary King.³ Grace Rice married Deacon Nathaniel Moore, son of Jacob Moore and Elizabeth Loker, on 10 February 1701/2 at Sudbury, MA.^4,2,6,7 Grace Rice died after 19 December 1768.⁸
     Grace Rice and Deacon Nathaniel Moore resided in 1715 at Worcester, MA, where Nathaniel was the third settler and deacon of its first church from its foundation.⁹ Grace Rice was living on 19 December 1768 at Worcester, MA, reported living in Boston Gazette, age 94.^9,10

     Elisha Rice was born on 4 December 1679 at Sudbury, MA, (born 11 December at Marlborough per Ward).^1,3,6 He was the son of Thomas Rice and Mary King.⁵ Elisha Rice married Elizabeth Wheeler, daughter of Obadiah Wheeler and Elizabeth White, on 10 February 1707/8 at Concord, MA; listed as Elisha of Sudbury and Elizabeth of Concord.^1,2,3,7,6,8 Elisha Rice died before 19 October 1761 at Sudbury, MA; intestate. Estate appraised 19 October 1761, son Eliakim ad