DICE - William - Fountain County INGenWeb Project

William Dice, a prominent and esteemed resident of Rapids Township, Sec 31, is the owner of 40 acres of finely improved land and although but a resident of five years’ standing in this vicinity, has identified himself with all its interests and is one of its most valued citizen.  Mr. Dice is a native of Virginia and was born 12 miles from the great Natural Bridge in Rockbridge County.  He is considerably advanced in years, having been born June 17, 1812. His father, Frederick Dice was a native of Pennsylvania and when nine years of age was taken to Virginia by his father, Christian Dice who was of Germany Parentage and died in Rockbridge County at the mature age of about 70 years. The maiden name of the mother of our subject was Miss Mary Reed. She was a lady of German ancestry and was married to Frederick Dice in Rockbridge County, VA where most of their family were born and reared. After a time they removed to Adair County KY where the life of the mother terminated the birth of her sixth child. Our subject was the fifth child, and at the time of this sore bereavement was only at the tender age of 3 years and 3 months. After the decease of the mother, the father, taking his six children with him, returned to Rockbridge County VA an din due time was there married to Miss Catharine Miller, a Virginia lady of German descent. The result of this union was the birth of four children, succeeding which the family came to Indiana and located on a farm in Fountain County. The father only survived this event the short space of five years, dying in 1832. His widow after a time moved to Livingston Co Ill was there married to a gentleman who followed the occupation of a surveyor and there her life terminated. At the time of his father’s arrival in Indiana William dice, the subject of our sketch was about 15 years old. Five years later he retraced his steps back to the Old Dominion but while passing through Ohio was detained for a time there upon very interesting and important business. He had there previously met Miss Maria Loveridge and soon after making her acquaintance, became convinced that she would make him a very suitable life partner and they were accordingly united in the holy bonds of matrimony March 28, 1839. This lady was  a native of Knox County, Ohio and some six years after becoming the wife of our subject and mother of one child died in her native county. This child was a son, named John L and he died at the age of 18 years.  The second marriage of Mr. Dice also occurred in Knox Co Ohio Aug 26, 1845 his second choice being Miss Emma Ustick, a native of Licking County.  The result of this union was two children: William W born Knox County Ohio died at age 24 years. He married Margaret A. Slick and at his death left a son and daughter; the daughter died at the age of four years; the son Frederic is now living with his grandparents. The other son, Alonzo M who is a farmer in Clinton Township married Miss Mary Jahue and by her became the father of two daughters. His wife died in the winter of 1880 and he subsequently married for his second wife Miss Margaret Davis, in July 1881 and by her has one daughter. Mr. Dice is an excellent citizen honorable and upright in all his transactions with his fellowmen and with his amiable partner is a member in good standing of the First Presbyterian Church. In politics he is a solid Republican and takes pride in upholding the principles which he believes are the best to be found in any land. - transcribed by kbz