Nathaniel Rice facts for kids

Nathaniel Rice (born around 1684, died 1753) was a British official who worked in the colonies. He served as the acting governor of North Carolina two times. First, in 1734, and then again from 1752 to 1753.

Early Life and Career

In 1724, Nathaniel Rice joined the Royal African Company (RAC). This company was involved in trade. He became a factor (which means an agent or manager) at Cape Coast Castle. This was a trading post where the company traded gold, silver, and enslaved people.

Rice went back to England in 1726. There, he married Anne Gibbs. Her brother-in-law, Martin Bladen, was an important person at the Board of Trade.

In 1730, Nathaniel Rice was chosen to be the Secretary of the North Carolina Council. He started this job in April 1731. This was when George Burrington began his second term as governor. Burrington's first time as governor had been difficult. He often argued with his senior council members.

Martin Bladen had a special interest in North Carolina. His father-in-law had been governor there. Bladen also owned land in the area. He did not like that Burrington was governor again. He also didn't like that his own brother-in-law, Nathaniel Rice, was now a senior council member under Burrington.

Nathaniel Rice: Acting Governor

After Governor George Burrington started his new term, many officials complained about his actions. William Smith, who was the Chief Justice, quit his job. He went to England to tell officials about the governor's behavior.

Because Smith left, Nathaniel Rice became the President of the Council in late 1731. By the next year, Rice and other council members also complained about Governor Burrington. The complaints kept coming. Finally, in 1733, it was decided that Burrington would be replaced.

Burrington had to stay in his job for several months until the new governor arrived. When William Smith returned from England, the Council welcomed him warmly. Burrington felt threatened by this. He took away Rice's official papers to stop him from doing his duties. Then, he ended the council meeting.

On April 15, 1734, Governor Burrington was in South Carolina. Nathaniel Rice, as the next most senior council member, took over as acting governor. When Burrington came back on September 17, 1734, he immediately suspended Rice from his job. He also suspended other council members.

However, by the end of September, Governor Burrington himself was removed from office again. A new governor, Gabriel Johnston, arrived to take charge. Governor Johnston immediately gave all the suspended council members their jobs back.

Nathaniel Rice worked closely with Governor Johnston for many years. Rice was appointed to several important roles. He became a Commissioner of the Peace for New Hanover Precinct. He was also a member of the General Court. He helped on a board to build Fort Johnston.

Rice did well in America. He likely owned land before he arrived in 1731. He had a large farm called 'Rice's Plantation' in New Hanover County. Records show he owned about 6,000 acres of land. He also owned 17 enslaved people. He was a church official at St Philip's Parish Church. Nathaniel Rice was buried in his family vault near his home on January 29, 1753, in Wilmington, North Carolina.

Family Life

Nathaniel Rice was married at least two times. On August 24, 1726, he married Anne Gibbs in London. Later, he married Mary Bursey, who was his last wife and outlived him.

He had one son who survived him, named John Rice. John Rice became the Deputy Secretary of the province. He also served as the Clerk of Craven County, North Carolina. Nathaniel Rice may have had another son, Martin Rice, born in 1729, who likely died young.

Through his son John Rice, Nathaniel had several grandchildren. His grandson, also named John Rice, married Abigail Sugg in 1773. This grandson was the first Clerk of Wake County, North Carolina. He also served in the North Carolina House of Commons in 1777. Nathaniel's granddaughter, Sarah Rice, married John Hawks. He was the architect who designed Tryon Palace in New Bern, North Carolina.