Notes:

Notes for Rufus W. Rice: http://familytreemaker.genealogy.com/users/p/a/i/Joanne-K-Paisley-MO/WEBSITE-0001/UHP-0040.html
In the papers : "On the Matter of the Estate of Rufus Rice Deceased. Oct. 10th, 1868 Rufus W. Rice Probate #54 Jackson Co. Ks. Courthouse.
Named the following heirs: Nancy J. Rice, now Nancy J. Zook; Stephen Rice; Sarah E. Rice, where abouts not known; Minors: Margret Rice, Benjamin F. Rice, Malissa A. Rice, Martha J. Rice. Guardian John A. Owens. Nancy and Stephen each recieved $13.00 and John A. Owens received $52.00.
The heirs paid John Hogalan from Marion Co, Ohio $25.07. Rufus had owed Mr. Hogalan $20.00 since December 12, 1859.
Although the estate was settled in 1868, there is an appraisal done on his estate on November 18, 186(2?) signed by Byron Steward and D. S. Rice Total for the estate was $175.
There also appeared in the Holton Newspaper for 3 times a notice that Elizabeth Ransier formerally Elizabeth Rice, widow of Rufus Rice to his legal representative that she was claiming half of the property. The property being north east quarter of section 8, township 9, Range 16, except 15 acres off, and in the north west corner; and one acre out of the north east corner; in the county and State above named. Jackson County, Kansas. Appeared Nov, 1867. That land had been given by law to Rufus Rice as a homestead.
There was also a claim for $39.00 from Nancy Hoaglin. It was signed by the heirs: Elisabeth Ransier Widow of Rufus Rice, Margaret Rice, Benjamin Rice, Stephen Rice, Malissa Rice, Martha Jane Rice, Nancy J. Zook. Dec. 30 th, 1865
According to a cousin (Alan Rice) Steven, Sarah E., and Nancy J. were Ruffus's children from his first marriage.
Ruffus was one of a large family in New York. He left home at a young age and became a mill wright. He then worked his was across the country building mills. He married Elizabeth Owens in Indiana and moved to Kansas. He built a mill in Atchinson, Kansas also. He was also a circuit rider preacher. He left Elizabeth to farm and raise all the children (seven at home). He is buried on the old farmstead in an unmarked grave (Steward Cemetery). According to another cousin, Rose) he was not liked by his children.

Family/Spouse: Elizabeth Jane Owens. Elizabeth was born on 12 Dec 1830 in Indiana; died on 04 Feb 1904 in Jackson County, Kansas; was buried on 06 Feb 1904. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

1. Nancy Rice was born about 1842.
2. Sarah Rice was born about 1848 in Indiana.
3. Stephen Rice was born about 1848 in Indiana.
4. Margaret Rice was born about 1851 in Indiana.
5. Benjamin Franklin Rice was born on 04 Sep 1856 in Jackson County, Kansas; died on 12 Nov 1926 in Dillon, Summit County, Colorado.
6. Melissa Rice was born about 1858.