Purchased property in Illinois 02/10/1834 39.84 Acres for $1.25 an acre.
Married Martha Jane Thomas 11/01/1835 Adams Co IL
07/03/1855 Census lived in Gilmer Adams Co IL

John Rice Hobbs was born September 22, 1816 in Shelby County, Kentucky. He was the youngest of at least 13 children. His parents were Henson (Hynson W) and Sarah Shipman Hobbs of Kentucky. On February 10, 1834 at the age of 17, John purchased 39.84 acres in Adams County, Illinois. The census list him as a farmer except in 1860 his occupation was men's agent.

He married Martha Jane Thomas November 1, 1835 in Adams County. She was born May 18, 1818 in Shelby County, Kentucky. Martha's family was likely in the area. It is believed they moved from Shelby County, Kentucky and lived in Adams County as well.

To this union there were 9 children: Isaac Harden (1838 - 1906), Mary Ann (1840 - 1914) , John Thomas (1842 - 1924), Sarah Elizabeth (1844 - 1850), Lucinda (1846 - 1850), Sharlotte Ann (1848 - 1850), James M (1849 - 1904), William Henry (1852 - 1915), and Thomas Jefferson (1854 - 1924). Sarah, Lucinda and Sharlotte died in 1850 probably from Cholera.

July 13, 1864, John died alone from Bilious fever in Nashville, Tennessee and was buried in the Nashville City Cemetery. He had lost his wife November 16, 1863 in Columbus, Illinois of unknown illness. He had come on hard times and had many IOU's. It is believed he had come to Nashville as an agent. Unknown what business he was in but had intended to return home in Illinois to fulfill his IOU's. At the time of his death, 6 children were still living: Isaac Harden and his wife Keziah Hays, Mary Ann (Roseberry), John Thomas, James M., William Henry, and Thomas Jefferson.

Notes for Henson Hobbs:
John Rice parents were Henson and Sarah Shipman Hobbs. Elder Henson Hobbs organized the South Long Run Baptist Church in 1802. He remained the pastor of this church until the day of his death. The South Long Run Log Meeting House or Church was located 2 miles south of Simpsonville, Shelby County, Kentucky. He is also linked to the present day Walnut Street Baptist Church in Louisville, Kentucky when in 1815 he helped organize the First Baptist Church. He was part time pastor for them, preaching once a month in Louisville.
Geni site lists Henson Hobbs death due to injuries sustained from being struck by a falling tree. Wiki site has his burial at the South Long Run Log Meeting House.

This information was gathered from find a grave, ancestry and family history.