December 6, 1869, when he was succeeded Mason. Congressional career Rice was elected to represent Illinois's 1st congressional district in the United States House of Representatives in 1872. While serving in the House, he died from liver cancer on December 17, 1874 in Norfolk, Virginia. He died on December 17, 1874 in a home he constructed in Norfolk, Virginia. Rice had been in ill health for some time, even before his election to congress, but refused medical treatment. He was survived by his widow and five daughters. He had not sought re-election in 1874, and his death soon after the election raised issues about whether Illinois Governor John Beveridge was required to appoint a replacement to complete his term. In the end, Bernard G. Caulfield won a special election to complete the term, after having already been elected to succeed Rice. Rice was buried in Chicago's Rosehill Cemetery. See also List of United States Congress members who died in office (1790–1899) References External links 1809 births 1874 deaths Burials at Rosehill Cemetery Male actors from Chicago Mayors of Chicago Republican Party members of the United States House of Representatives from Illinois 19th-century American politicians