Rice Harris was married five times. His wives were Nancy Bollinger, whom he married in 1863, Emily Lower, whom he married in 1877, Sarah E. whom he married about 1896, Phoebe Turner, whom he married in 1910, and his last wife was Martha Barnes.

Rice and Nancy Bollinger had six children. Their known children are Lucinda C., David S., Annie N., and Emma N.

Known children of the 11 children born to Rice and Emily Lower are Minerva M., George W., James H., William Rice, Clarence F., Clara, Joseph E., Grover C., and Bessie E.


The Hannibal Evening Courier Post, Thursday, July 27, 1933, page four

Rev. Harris Passes Away
Minister and Retired Farmer
Dies at the Age of 89 Years

At the age of 89 years, 11 months and 15 days, Rev. Rice Harris, minister in the Old School Baptist church, and retired farmer, passed away at 5:15 o'clock this morning in the family home, 2210 Hope avenue.

Rev Harris, a son of the late Solomon and Lucinda Barker Harris, was born August 11, 1844, at Big Neck, Adams county, Ill. For years he was an active minister in the Old School Baptist church and organized a number of congregations of this denomination. He was engaged in farming for some time, but in 1920, retired and removed to Hannibal, where he spent the remainder of his long and active life. Rev Harris was a life-long democrat, casting his first vote for Stephen A. Douglas and had voted for all democratic presidential candidates since the race of Lincoln and Douglas, casting his vote last November for Franklin D. Roosevelt for president. He was very active physically until about a year ago when he began to fail.

Mr. Harris was a Mason, affiliated with Basco Lodge No. 618 A. G. and A. M. in Illinois. During his residence in Hannibal he formed a wide acquaintance and was popular with his many friends both young and old, because of his strong character and affability. HIs ministrial career led him into many communities where he always made friends of all whom he met.

Rev Harris was the father of 17 children, six of whom survive, with his wife, Mrs. Martha F. Harris. The children are Mrs. Anna Rowe of Minco, Okla., William R. Harris of David City, Nebr.; Frank Harris of Philadelphia, Mo.; Joe E. Harris, this city; Mrs. Bessie O'Haver of Phoenix, Ariz.; and Grover Harris of Palmyra, Ill.

Funeral services will be held at 2:30 o'clock Saturday afternoon from Schwartz's funeral home, conducted by the Rev. W. C. David, pastor of Arch Street Methodist Episcopal church, South. Interment will be in Mount Olivet cemetery