Henry Rice, ex-county judge, ex-assemblyman, pioneer, and a native of South Carolina, was born May 2, 1810.
Judge Rice came with his family to California in 1852, crossing the plains in an ox team, and soon settled in Santa Cruz. For many years Judge Rice was a prominent figure in the political and other affairs of Santa Cruz County. He was second judge of the county and represented it in the State Assembly in 1876. At this time he originated the well-known “Rice Free Bill,” which for many years regulated the salaries of the officers of this county. When he retired from active political and business life, he assumed charge of a fine ranch in Blackburn Gulch, where, until his death, he and Mrs. Rice kept a comfortable and hospitable home, often gathering their old friends about them to interchange reminiscences of early days.
Judge Rice died at this home September 29, 1889, being in the eightieth year of his age. He was a gentleman of the old school, strong in his likes and dislikes, and was a power in the local politics of Santa Cruz County.
History of Santa Cruz County, California
by E.S. Harrison
Published by Pacific Press Publishing Company
San Francisco, Cal., 1892
Transcribed by Yvonne Valentine 1/18/09, Page 245
Santa Cruz County Biographies ~ Archive Biography Index ~ Archive Index
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