Excerpt of the book "Writer and Engraver's Picture of Graham County's Progress Since Its Organization" (1906)

A.J.Rice

(pages 47-48)

A.J.Rice of the Rice Land Company of Hill City, owns some one hundred quarter sections of Graham and Rooks county land, which he holds for speculation.

It is pleasant to do business with a thoroughly reliable man, one in whose judgment you can place absolute confidence, and as such we cheerfully recommend A.J. Rice.

He is an excellent judge of human nature and to this is due to a large measure of his success, for in carrying on the business, he has had to depend on the industry, integrity and ability of those about him.

The greater part of his 16,000 acres are under cultivation; most of it being planted in wheat, and on the land which he does not lease or have operated on shares, he himself superintends the planting and harvesting of the grain.

Mr. Rice is best know as the wheat king of Kansas and although his home is not in Graham county, she claims much of his time and interest.

A.J.Rice came from York State to Atchison county, Kansas in 1876, and speculated extensively in land there where his largest interest still are. He claims as his home Effingham in Atchison county. Twelve years ago he became interested in Graham county lands beginning operations here twenty quarters and has increased those possession until last year his taxes on farm land amounted to $1500. This season he has 2500 acres of his land in alfalfa and 10,000 acres in wheat.

Mr.Rice is familiar with the value of land in all parts of Kansas, and considers those of Graham county a better investment than the older and higher priced lands of the eastern portion of the State.