William Rice

William Rice (March 13, 1788 – February 11, 1863) was a Massachusetts businessman and public servant, a member of the Massachusetts House of Representatives and a Registrar of deeds and Treasurer for Hampden County, Massachusetts. Early life William was born in Belchertown, Massachusetts to Nathan Rice (1760-1838) and Hepzibah Allen (1763-1854). His father, Nathan Rice was born in Sudbury, Massachusetts, the son of John and Thankful Rice. He was a Revolutionary War veteran and a descendant of Edmund Rice. Hepzibah was the daughter of Edmund Allen and Elizabeth Woodward, and a cousin of Ethan Allen. She witnessed the Battle of Concord from her home. In the end of their lives, Nathan and Hepzibah lived in Springfield, Massachusetts. William Rice was raised in Wilbraham, Massachusetts, but spent some time working as a carpenter in New York. He moved to Springfield, Massachusetts in 1818, where he remained for the rest of his life. Career William was originally involved in the mercantile business working with John Holt. He ran the firm Rice & Upham, then worked with Rev. Daniel Dorchester to form Rice & Dorchester, and later with Rev. Dr. Frederick Merrick to form "Rice, Dorchester & Merrick." He was well liked, and served in many positions including as a justice of the peace. He was elected Register of Deeds for Hampden County in 1830, which he continued for many years. His loss to Democrat James E. Russell in 1858 was considered the most significant result of the local election. Following this defeat, his son in law, Norman Norton also resigned from the post of County treasurer.