Willmar tribune. [volume] (Willmar, Minn.) 1895-1931, 1921-09-14
Gov,A.E.R1ceP asses Ava,
PIONEER CITIZEN
AND STATESMAN
Wa. Lieutenant Governor, State
Senator and Regent Of
University
Funeral Take. Place Friday After
noon at Wil|mar

Funeral Take. Place Friday After
noon at Wi1mar
Governor A. E. Rice passed from
the scenes of a busy and useful lie
last Sunday morning, Sept. II, at $3.50
O'Clock at Rochester. The end came
peacefully. The son, Col. Cushfnan
A. Rice, had been with him since be-
fore the operation was performed,
which occurred on Sept. 2.
The Governor survived the opera
tion and seemed to be doing we'll. He
had been able to partake of nourish-
ment On Saturday alarming symp-
toms developed. The kidneys refused
to function and the heart action be-
came weak. Mr.. NJ. D. Manning of
Willmar called Saturday and the
Governor bade his lifelong associate
and comrade farewell. Mr.. Manning
brought the alarming news to Will
mar, and the telegraphic news OF Mr.:
Rice's death not reaching here until.
late on Sunday, Judge G. E. Qvale,
and Mr.. S. B. Qvale started Sunday
morning for Rochester by auto.
The remains were brought to the
home at Willmar Monday night, ac-
companied by Col. Rice.
Funeral on Friday
The funeral will be held Friday,
Sept. Is. The body will lie in state
at the Masonic Temple from ten
O'Clock a. M until two o'clock p. M,
during which time people who wish
to view the features Of the departed
may do so. The American Legion
will have a guard of honor posted
there, and the Spanish War Veterans
in uniform will act as ushecs and
make arrangements for caring for the
crowd. . 49, -, =. ~ .:>~.- re =
The funeral will be religious. mas
onic and military. Rev. Walter H.
Stowe, rector of st. Lukes Episcopal
church. will officiate at the religious
services, the Uitchfeld lodge OF
knight Templars will have charge Of
the Masonic rites, and the Austin r.
Hanscom Post of the American Le-
gion will furnish the military escort
and burial ceremonies.
A number of the late Gov. Rice's
associates among the Board of Re-
gents and State officials are expected
to be present at the funeral. The
flags on the state capitol will be low
cred to half mast Friday afternoon in
honor of the departed. It is probable
that Gov. Preus will speak at the fun
eral, and Ex-Gov. Burnquist is also
expected to be present.
Biographical
Albert E. Rice was born Sept. "a,
lS47, at Vinje, Telemarken, Norway.
He came to America alone as boy
thirteen years Of age. He came to
GAINESVILLE, Wis, and at Christmas
time of 1861, he joined the 18th Wis
consin Regm ent of Volunteers, known
as the Scandinavian regiment. Owing
to youth Rice was not formally mus
tered in until later. He was wounded
in the left hand in the action at New
Hope church. He was mustered out
as a member of Co. K. in April, 1865
He attended school at GAINESVILLE dur.
ing the fall and winter following. The
following spring he went to Minneap
oils and worked in sash and door
factory until the fall of 1869. At this
time he came to WiLmar, just then
established as the Western terminus
of the first division of the St. Paul
and Pacific Railway. In partnership
with John Paulson he built the first
store building on the south side OF
the railroad. In 1872 he acquired an
interest in the Willmar Republican
and later became exclusive owner and
editor. He sold this in 1875. In 1878
he became connected with 0. B. Rob
bins in the lumber and machinery bu
siness and remained with him until
in 1877. In 1881, in partnership with
NJ. D. Manning, he purchased the
Hans Paulson mercantile business ant
the firm of Rice and Manning contin
ued for many years. Mr.. Rice had ar
interest in the Bank Of Wiltmar be
fore it was incorporated in 1888, an(
became its first vice president. II
1885 he was elected president ani
continued actively directing the bust
ness of the bank until his fatal Hines:
overlook him. Many a pioneer farm
er of this county who was struggling
with hardships and privations wa:
helped and remained the steadfas
friend of the Governor for life.
Political Honors
Politically Gov. Rice occupied po
sition of influence in the State ach
ieved by few. His first experience
was as member of the Legislature
from Minneapolis in 1859. In 1877:
he was a delegate to the National Re
publican convention at PHILADELPHIA
which nominated q. S. Grant for re
election as president. In 1876 ant
1882 he was elected State Senate
from this district. In 1886 he wa!
elected lieutenant governor and wa
reelected in 1885, Since that tim.
he has refused further elective hon
~ 'ors, that Of Congressman having