Dr. Nyland W. Rice, deceased, was born in Wilmington, Delaware, in 1850. His literary education received at Claveric University, and his medical education at Hahnemann, Philadelphia. At the latter place the first honors of his class were bestowed upon him, by which he was appointed to practice two years in the college hospital. After this he went to Aurora, Illinois, and then, his health failing, he came to San Bernardino.
Here he began to practice as the pioneer homoeopathist in the city. He was a man who possessed much personal magnetism and was a general favorite with all. He was elected to the office of Public Administrator of the county with 600 votes ahead of his ticket. He belonged to the Republican Party, and was a member of the Masonic fraternity. He also belonged to the Knights of Pythias, and was the author of the burial service of this order. While in Illinois he was Grand Chancellor for two terms, of the two years each, and then Past Grand Chancellor. He established the order in San Bernardino in 1878.
Dr. Rice was married in 1875, in Wilmington, Illinois, to Miss Mary P. Waterman, daughter of His Excellency, Robert W. Waterman, now Governor of California.
Dr. Rice died July 23, 1884, while in the prime of life. He was a profound student, and by his ability, honesty and integrity, had made a large circle of friends, and his funeral was attended by almost the entire county of San Bernardino.