Felix Rice

     

A third line of Rices desended from Rose Rice through a brother of Mary and Annie Rice. The brother's given name is not remembered; his children were living with a Margaret O'Maley in the 1900 census of Scammon, KA. This was most likely his wife who was remaried, but it could have been a married sister or other relative whose husband was deceased. Their children were Felix, Edward, and Mammie. These children went with the McCormacks to Scammon and my grandmother, Mary Ellen McCormack, 'grew up' with the Rice children and was close to them.² Felix Rice was born on 27 February 1873 at Hickory Twp, Mercer Co, Pennsylvania.^3,4 He was the son of John Rice and Margaret Toner.¹ Felix Rice was baptized on 9 March 1873 at Neshannock Catholic Church, Neshannock, Mercer Co, Pennsylvania; Sponsers at the baptism are Patrick and Margaret Toner.⁵ He was born on 27 February 1874 at Elkstown, Ohio, United States of America.⁶

Felix was enumerated with Margaret Toner on the census of 10 June 1880 at Youngstown, Mahoning County, Ohio, as Fhelix Rice. He is a 7 year old white male born in Ohio. He attends school.⁷ Felix Rice was the godparent at the baptism of John Patrick Fern on 1 April 1899 at St. Bridget's Catholic Church, Scammon, Cherokee County, Kansas; (Mary Pryor is indicated as the godmother).⁸

Felix was enumerated with Margaret Toner on the census of 6 June 1900 at Mineral Township, Scammon, Cherokee County, Kansas, as Felix Rice. He is a 27 year old single white male born Feb 1873 in Pennsylvania. Both of his parents were born in Ireland. He is a coal miner.³

Felix Rice married Josephine Lyons, daughter of John Lyons and Catherine Gavin, circa 1901 at St. Bridget's, Scammon, Cherokee County, Kansas.⁹

The following appeared in the Scammon Journal: Felix Rice is at the miner's interstate convention at K.C. as a delegate from Local Union 760.¹⁰ Felix Rice was associated in 1910 at Scammon, Cherokee County, Kansas; with the AOH. "Resolution of Condolence: Whereas it has pleased the Almighty God to call from our midst, our beloved and esteemed Brother Daniel Grant....
Resolved by the members of Division No 1 of the Ancient Order of Hibernians.
Committee Felix Rice President."¹¹

Felix is head of household on the census of 28 April 1910 at Scammon, Cherokee County, Kansas, as Felix Rice. He is a 38 year old married white male born in Pennsylvania. He has been married for 9 years and is a coal miner. Both of his parents were born in Ireland. Enumerated with him were Josephine Lyons and Joseph Rice.¹²

Felix is head of household on the census of 3 February 1920 at Scammon, Cherokee County, Kansas, as Felix Rice. He is a 46 year old married white male born in Pennsylvania. He owns his home free of mortgage. Both of his parents were born in Ireland and his is a coal miner. Enumerated with him were Josephine Lyons, Joseph Rice and Margaret Rice.¹³

Felix is head of household on the census of 10 April 1930 at Scammon, Cherokee County, Kansas, as Felix Rice. He is a 57 year old married white male born in Ohio. He was 27 years old at his first marriage. He owns his home valued at $500. Both of his parents were born in Northern Ireland. He is a laborer in a coal mine. Enumerated with him were Josephine Lyons, Margaret Rice and Edward Rice.¹⁴ Marge Thayer remembers Felix Rice as a very kind and very funny man.¹⁵

Felix Rice died on 27 February 1934 at at the home, Scammon, Cherokee County, Kansas, at age 61.⁶

An obituary was in the local newspaper: "Felix Rice passed away on Tuesday, February 27th, 1934. Born in Elkstown, Ohio, February 27th, 1874. He was 60 yrs old the day of his death. He was a veteran shot firer in the Kansas coalfields having lived here 46 years. Felix always looked on the bright side of life, thus his passing will be felt with much regret. He is survived by his wife, one daughter, Mary, two sons, John of Detroit and Joe at home; one brother, Ed, and one sister, Mamie Rice, both of Parsons. He was a member of the U.M.W of A. and the Woodman of the World. Funeral was held last Friday morning at 10 o'clock at the Catholic Church. Burial was in St. Bridget's cemetery."¹⁶

An obituary was in the local newspaper: "Last Tuesday afternoon at 3:15 o:clock, Felix Rice, 60, died at the home here after a lingering illness. He was born in Ireland and came to Scammon with his parents when 11 yrs old. He had been a resident here for 46 years. Survived by his wife, Josephine, two sons, John of Detroit and Joe of the home; one daughter Mary of the home; a brother, Ed and sister, Mamie of Parsons. Funeral Friday morning. Reverend O'Leary officiating."¹⁶ He was buried on 2 March 1934 at St. Bridget's Cemetery, Scammon, Cherokee County, Kansas.^17,18