Delaware State journal and statesman., 1861-11-22
THE LArE Join 1.1cr.

When good man dies, it is customary for his
friends to announce in kind and gentle assurances
his chief virtues and unvci to the public gaze
many if not all the pleasant characteristics Of
his life. SO common las this become, that We
naturally expect to see as matter of course
encouraging obituaries and sympathising notices
simultaneously with the announcement OF the
decease Of almost every person who has at all
figured on the public stage. But following the
humble and transformations example of the Ia.
mented fellow citizen whose name stands at tbe
head Of this article, his Immediately bereayed
friends and relatives have preferred TO let the
good actions Of his long life, rather than words.
stand ns his obituary aud monument before the
community in which he lived and upon the bosom
of whose esteem he died. But ne are not will
Ing to let the grave close over one so useful 40
hospimblc and so benevolent MS was JonS llicE,
without placing upon record our testimony to
his goodness Of heart, his uprgLtness of char
acter and his many enyiable qualities which On
deared him to 80 large II circle of his fcllows
while living.
Mr.. Rice was pro -cmincnlly an unscliish man.
There were no public enterprises set on foot
which were not aided on their way to success
by his energy and Lis purse. There wote no
charitable objects malc known to him, in which
he did not pour ont tile luncss Of tenderness in
practical and substantial help. There were mn
individual cases of DISTRESS brought to his know
ledge in which his heart, moved by ita inmate
sense Of bencyoenoc did not sympathisinplv
L.. oil
Many, many such, which tho public eve may
never see or tho public car never hear, are no
doubt 10 day wrnpt in sorrow at the demise Of
this humane anu liberal hearted citizen. lc
ever had keen sense of the obligation he was
under, as man, to feel for others mislortuucs.
and alleviate their miseIies 90 far ns il was in
his power to do so. No one ever appealed To
joins RICE for aid in vain A diiIusiye cha-itv
was at all times characteristic of his nature. and
an expansive public spirited libcralty marked
his career. In all bis intercourse with his fell
lows, he was uuostentatioui, aiiable, courteous
and gcntemanly. His friendships were deem.
strong and lasting. His useiulness ia socictv
was frequently acknowledged by his elevation to
public positions unsolicited by himself lle was
AesPtVufely cnObtu as member OF the Lew
Court the City Council for several years. and
as Treasurer Of the Poor, which last Office he
held at the time of his death While in the
City Council he was several times chosen its
President and filled that station with dignity and
honor In 1913 he was the Whig candidate far
Sheriff, and in 1858 the Peoples candidate for
Mayor of this city. The stroug tide Of partzan
feeling which prevailed on both these occasions
however, prevented his election, and for same
time past and up to the time of his last illness
he refused TO let his name be used in connection
with any public Office, except the one he then
held as Treasurer of the Poor
Ills last illness was marked by patience and
christian resignation and when the summons
came that was 10 remove him from this sphere
o' MS laoers to another where rewards are meted
to the faithful it found him ready; nnd calmly.
luieuy and pninlessly did he pass hence to the
eternal world, leaving behind him n mutti,ndo
o' sorroW'ng hiends and the example and in.
huenco of well spcR, life NAV tho soron,,,.
Of hi4 closing hours he hut ,ho faint rrocnrsa,
of that glorious peace which awaits him in
heaven.