W. M. Rice Is Dead

Passed Away at Seattle Sunday Evening - A Former Resident of Lewiston and Westlake.

Telegraphic advices received in the city yesterday by J. B. and William Rice told of the death of their father, Judge W. M. Rice, at Seattle late Sunday evening. This news will come as a great shock to the many friends of Mr. Rice residing in Lewiston and the surrounding country, he at one time being among the most prominent resident of northern Idaho. About three weeks ago Mr. Rice suffered a stroke of apoplexy, but letters received by his sons last week bore the intelligence that he condition was much improved and that a speedy recovery was looked for.

W. M. Rice, as a resident of Lewiston, was engaged in merchandising business here and later held a position of trust with John P. Vollmer and the Grostein & Binnard firm. Still later he served Nez Perce county two terms as probate judge, and at the expiration of his second term he and his family removed to where the town of Westlake now stands. Westlake was founded by Mr. Rice, being named in honor of his wife, her maiden name being Westlake. After several years' residence there Mr. Rice went to Seattle where he engaged in the grain business, which he conducted until his death. He was the Seattle representative for important interests outside.

The deceased is survived by a wife [Sarah M. Westlake Rice] and eight children, these being J. B. Rice, William Rice and Mrs. Harry Harford, of this city; Mrs. S. J. Craig, of Clarkston; and Ernest, Archie, Grace and Florence Rice, who resided with their parents in Seattle. One brother and sister also survive, A. M. Rice, of New York City, and Mrs. C. E. Pitcher, of Boston. Mr. Rice had twenty-four grandchildren alive, of which number 23 are residents of Lewiston and Clarkston.

J. B. Rice and William Rice departed last evening for Seattle to attend the funeral service to be held Wednesday.