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biography from Portrait & Biographical Album of Mahaska Co., Iowa, 1887
JAMES A. RICE, of Oskaloosa, is the oldest son of Gen. S. A. Rice, who died during the late war from wounds received in the battle of Jenkin's Ferry, Ark. He was born in Oskaloosa, Iowa, Sept. 30, 1855. After attending the public schools, young Rice entered Oskaloosa College, where he studied two years, and then took a classical course in Washington and Jefferson Colleges. In the fall of 1876 he entered the law department of the Iowa State University, from which he graduated with honors in the class of 1877. Mr. Rice began the practice of law in Oskaloosa, and in the spring of 1878 was elected Mayor of the city, being re-elected in 1879. After serving two or three terms he resumed the practice of law, and in 1881 was elected City Solicitor, which position he held four years. In 1882 he was a candidate for the General Assembly of Iowa, and ran 3,000 votes ahead of his ticket. During his second term of Mayor the Holly water system was put in, and in this great public enterprise he took a great interest. While serving his last year as solicitor Mr. Rice revised the city ordinances, which had not been done for ten years, his work being a model of neatness and accuracy. He also conducted a number of important cases for the city through the Circuit, District and Supreme Courts of Iowa. Mr. Rice was one of the number elected to deliver a eulogy at the grand memorial services in this city. He is an active member and Trustee of the First Presbyterian Church, and belongs to the Masonic fraternity, being an officer in Commandery No. 6, Knights Templars, located at Oskaloosa. He is Vice President of the Library Association, Superintendent of the Fine Arts in Mahaska County Agricultural Society, and Captain of Samuel A. Rice Company No. 48, Sons of Veterans, U. S. A., at Oskaloosa. Mr. Rice is a studious, energetic and reliable young man, always ready to assist in promoting any worthy enterprise.
Portrait & Biographical Album of Mahaska Co., Iowa, 1887
Mahaska County, Iowa Genealogy