Gilbert S. Rice
Gilbert S. Rice, manager of the Auto Sales Co. of Whitehall, has developed that institution into one of the most important industries in the village. Efficient in his chosen line, affable of manner, and keenly interested in public affairs, he has taken his place as one of the public spirited citizens of the county, and his influence has ever been used in behalf of progress and betterment. He is a native of this county, born on Trempealeau Prairie, Jan. 11, 1872. His father, Tracy E. Rice, was born in New York state, came to Trempealeau County in the early days, and here married Ellen G. Hanson; he died many years ago, and his widow, who married Christian Everson, now lives in Lincoln Township. The subject of this sketch was educated in the schools of Whitehall, and devoted his early life to farm pursuits. Since boyhood, however, he has been interested in machinery, and in 1895 the opportunity came to enter his chosen fine by embarking in the implement business at Whitehall. With the development of the automobile industry he saw a still wider opportunity, and late in 1910 organized the Auto Sales Co. For a time he was president and manager, but as the business grew he retired from the presidency to devote all his time to the active management. Busy as he has been with his life work, he has found time for public service, and has given general satisfaction at different times as village president, village clerk and village treasurer. His business holdings include stock in the Farmers and Merchants Bank of Independence. Mr. Rice was married May 30, 1895, to Ida O. Wold, born in this county, a daughter of Ole O. and Kari (Bang) Wold, both now deceased. Their happy home has been blessed with six children: Tracy O., born May 18, 1896; Kathryn I., born April 14, 1898; Elsie V., born July 10, 1900; Evelyn M., born Jan. 13, 1904; Donald O., born April 14, 1906, and Marion, born March 12, 1914.
(from HISTORY OF TREMPEALEAU COUNTY WISCONSIN
Compiled by Franklyn Curtiss-Wedge
Edited by Eben Douglas Pierce, M.D.
H. C. Cooper, Jr., & Co.
Chicago and Winona 1917)
(from HISTORY OF TREMPEALEAU COUNTY WISCONSIN
Compiled by Franklyn Curtiss-Wedge
Edited by Eben Douglas Pierce, M.D.
H. C. Cooper, Jr., & Co.
Chicago and Winona 1917)