The Rice family of Annapolis Royal
Captain John Rice came to Annapolis Royal from Sudbury Massachusetts, in 1760 on the ship Charming Molly. Also on this ship were Beriah Rice and Ebenezer Rice Jr. John lived on the west side of the Lequille River along the Dugway Road on land owned by Colonel Jonathan Hoar. This land was left to John Rice when Colonel Hoar died. John Rice is believed buried in an unmarked grave in either the Harris/Oakes Cemetery on Dugway Road or in the Mt. Hope Cemetery in Bear River, Nova Scotia.
The following transcription of a Rice family genealogy is taken from original documents stored in the Fort Anne archives in Annapolis Royal. This page, as well as various other early Annapolis Royal documents from Fort Anne, can be found on microfilm at the AHS Genealogy Centre. Errors in spelling are found in the original document. (Fort Anne Papers Vol. 3 – A32).
- John Rice son of Mathias and Mary Rice Born the 15 day of December, old style which makes it the 26 day of December new style and married to Sarah Smith the 6th of May 1761 the Daughter of Zepheniah and Eunice Smith who was born the 22th day of April 1743 and departed this life on the 29th day of April 1784 at 10 o’clock at knight.
- Said Mr. John Rice departed this life 2 May, 1811.
- Silas Rice Son of John and Sarah Rice Born the 31th of August 1762.
- John Rice son of John and Sarah Rice Born the 20th of August 1764 and Departed this life on the 13th of March 1784 at 9 o’clock at night.
- Sarah Rice daughter of John and Sarah Rice Born 16 of May 1766 and departed this life on the 27th March 1784 at 4 o’clock in the morning.
- Molly Rice Daughter of John and Sarah Rice Born 18 of April 1769.
- Joseph Rice son of John and Sarah Rice Born 7th of March 1771 and Departed this life. the 4th day of April 1784 at 7 o’clock in the morning.
- William Rice son of John and Sarah Rice Born 24th June 1774.
- Thomas Rice son of John and Sarah Rice Born 23 of May 1779.
- John Rice Son of Matthias and Mary Rice married to Mary Potter on the 24th day of April 1785 the daughter of Joseph and Zephniah Potter who was born on the 1st day of February 1766.
- Joseph Rice son of John and Mary Rice Born on the 9th Day of June 1787 at half after 2 o’clock on Saturday Morning and Departed this life on the 27th day of December 1795 on Sunday Morning at half after 10 o’clock with the throat distemper.
- James Rice son of John and Mary Rice Born the 4th day of January 1790 at 9 o’clock in the morning on Monday.