| Notes |
William H. Rice made a will dated 19 Apr. 1841, which was probated in Rockingham Co. in Nov. 1847. The will named his wife Elizabeth, daughters Rebecca Neal (wife of Zachariah Neal), Marcey Watt, Polly Scott, Betsey Simpson (wife of Oliver Simpson), Henrietta Rice (widow of nathaniel Lacy Rice), and sons Stephen Rice, William C. Rice (who received land on Hogan’s creek), Solomon Rice. His will also nmentions his daughter-in-law Sarah (widow of James G. Rice). Sons Stephen rice and William C. Rice are named as executors. C Graves, Ryal Bowman, and Alfred Windsor witnessed the will. Rockingham Co. Will Book C., inside front cover (Webster, p. 51).
Rev. War Pension Record
The widow of one William H. Rice, Elizabeth M., NC, must have filed a Rev. War pension application (approved) and there apparently was a bounty land warrant. The following is an abstract of the pension:
WILLIAM H. RICE, Elizabeth M., NC, W2437, BLWt. 12832-160-55. Rockingham Co., NC, 30 Oct 1832. William H. Rice, aged 71 years on the 12th of March last. In Oct 1778 he was drafted in Caswell Co., NC, for a term of 5 months in a militia company commanded by Capt. George Moore, with John Lawson acting as Lieutenant. On the following Nov 3rd marched to Hillsborough, NC, and joined a regiment of militia commanded by Col. James Saunders, and from there marched to Salisbury and joined a brigade of militia commanded by Genl. Rutherford, and then marched on to Ten Mile House in South Carolina. Then to Purysburg where they joined Genl. Lincoln's army, a number of British troops having been stationed at that time on the opposite bank of the Savannah River. A part of the troops were ordered to cross the river and attack them, which they did, and had an engagement with them at Briar Creek, though applicant did not participate, having continued with the main body of the army. From Purysburg, Genl. Rutherford's troops (the applicant's company being a part of them) marched to Two Sisters, and from there to Turkey Hill in SC, where the applicant was discharged 10 April 1779, and reaced home the 23rd of same month having served on this tour five months and upwards, and performed the duties of a sergeant. Does not recall having received a written discharge, if so, it has been lost or mislaid.
"About the last of Sept, 1780, applicant was drafted in Caswell Co., NC, for a term of 3 months in a militia company commanded by Capt. Wilson, in which company he served as Sergeant. Ordered to Hillsborough, NC, and was placed under command of Col. William Moore who commanded a regiment of militia, and from thence to Salisbury and joined several regiments of militia commanded by Genl. Rutherford. From there to New Providence, NC, where they joined Genl. Morgan and his Riflemen, Col. Washington and his Troop of Horse, and Genl. Davidson, who had a number of militia under his command. A part of the troops were ordered in pursuit of a number of Tories in that part of the state, and having attacked them, took a large number of prisoners at a place called Rudgely's Mills. Applicant was not in this engagement, but continued with the troops who remained at New Providence. He was afterwards discharged at Salisbury, in the latter part of December, having served a period of 3 months. Does not recall having received a discharge; if so, it has been lost or mislaid.
"On 12 March 1781 applicant joined Genl. Greene's army as a volunteer at the High Rock Ford, on Haw River, and was in the Battle of Guilford on the 15th of the same month, having served a total of five days in a militia company commanded by Capt. Oldham. In Aug or Sept applicant entered a militia company in Caswell Co., NC, for a tour of 3 months as a substitute for John Harvin, commanded by Capt. Oldham, where he acted as Lieutenant for three months, having been commissioned by Col. William Moore, commander of the regiment to which his company was attached. Marched to Hillsborough and joined the militia commanded by Genl. Butler, and were ordered in pursuit of a number of Tories. Having pursued them until we arrived near Wilmington, we were attacked by a body of British troops and Tories, and after a short engagement our troops were ordered to retreat. About two weeks later our army was attacked by the enemy about midnight at a place called the Brown Marsh. In this attack some of our men were killed and taken prisoners. In this expedition a militia regiment commanded by Col. Taylor from Granville Co., NC, was likewise with us. Was discharged in Nov. 1781, at Clayton's on the north fork of Cape Fear River, having served as Lieutenant for three months.
"Applicant was born 12 March 1761, Hanover Co., VA, as given in his father's Bible at home. In 1775 he removed with his father to Caswell Co., NC, and at age of 14 or 15 applicant removed to Rockingham Co., NC, where he has since resided."
(William Perry Johnson, "Abstracts of Pension Applications of North Carolina Soldiers of the Revolutionar War," NORTH CAROLINIAN V. 2, No. 1, pp. 147-149. (Raleigh: Mar 1956), LAFHC 975.6, b2J, V 2)
The application continues with the deposition of Jonathan Brooks of Guilford Co., NC. As noted, one of the daughters of Henry Williams married Christopher Brooks, who died soon after the marriage. In that deposition, Brooks states the Captain Oldham was John Oldham. (Note the name Brooks in connection with this application.)
The widow's statements include date of marriage and death date of pensioner--30 Aug 1847, and her maiden name is given--Elizabeth Boman.
Appended is the death date of the widow--6 Dec 1857.
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1761 - 1847 (86 years)
Children