George W. Rice was born in Ohio in February of 1846. He was one of twelve children born to Abraham Rice (1801-1876) and Margaret Stecher (1801-1891). George was a great grandson of Revolutionary War hero Louis Stecher, who served under Washington at Valley Forge.

George was born in Lorain County, Ohio where he was a pioneer resident. In 1894 he married Sophia Martin, a daughter of John Martin and Fredericka Stabbal. George delighted in the legends of his community and was known for his narratives of historic events related to him by his ancestors. He was also known for his familiarity with the early history of Amherst and Lorain County.

George and Sophia had two children. One died in infancy. A daughter, Margaret, was born in 1897 and became a school teacher. She married John Egeland.

At the age of 85 years, George died at his home on Quarry Street in Amherst, which was also the home of his birth. He was survived by his wife Sophia, and his daughter Margaret and several nieces and nephews. George attended the South Amherst Methodist church and was associated for many years with the K. and P. Knights and Ladies' Security. The funeral was held at the home with Rev. James Lyons officiating. Members of the male quartet were John Wagener, William Meacham, Robert Allsop and Harold Allsop. Selections sung by the quartet were "The Old Rugged Cross" and "Coming Home".

Among those who attended the funeral were: Mr and Mrs Merle Fogt of Beree, Mr and Mrs Ralph Roof, EP Roe of Stongsville, Mr and Mrs Fred C Albert of Cleveland, Col and Mrs George Reid of Avon; DP Parsons of Avon Lake; Mr and Mrs Edward Immel and Mr and Mrs John Immell of Burbank; Mrs Orville Walker of Akron; Mr and Mrs George Martin of Bellevue; Mrs Clay Steele of Tiffin; Mrs Nell Jones of Milan; Arthur Pearl and Mr and Mrs Jesse Mellet of Norwalk; Rev and Mrs WE Speaker of Middlefield; Atty WE Roe of Cleveland; Mrs Helmar Nervy and son John of Norwalk.

Others in attendance at the funeral of George Rice, were Mrs Effie Smith, Mrs Harold Junkel, Miss Marion Steele, Miss Harriett Peck, George Janes, Paul Braun, Donald Ludwig, Frank Rockwood, Seymour Norton, William Guild and Earl Gillman.