My Genealogy Hound

Judge William T. Trice is a man well versed in the lore of his chosen profession, and fully competent to discharge the duties to which he has been elected, that of judge of county and probate court of Woodruff County. He is a native of Arkansas, and first saw the light of day in Woodruff County, May 17, 1859, being the son of Judge Tazewell W. and Martha A. (Dunlap) Trice. Judge Trice, Sr., was born in Virginia in 1812, and his wife in Limestone County, Ala., in 1827. They were married in Mississippi in 1854, and came to Woodruff County in 1858, settling in Freeman Township, on unimproved land, where the remainder of Mr. Trice’s life was spent. He was a man of an excellent English education, and began practicing as an attorney at twenty-five years of age. He was a probate judge in Alabama four years, and in 1872 was elected county and probate judge; but this election did not amount to anything, he being counted out with the rest of the ticket. He was a man of many accomplishments, and well qualified to fill the positions that he did so successfully. He owned a fine farm of 600 acres, on which he was residing at the time of his death, in December, 1873. The A. F. & A. M., Richmond Lodge, at Cotton Plant, counted him as one of its members for many years. He was the son of William A. Trice, who was born in England, and came to America when a young man, first locating in Virginia, but afterward immigrated to Alabama, where he was living at the time of his death as a successful farmer. Mrs. Trice was a daughter of John Dunlap, a prosperous farmer, who died in Alabama. His parents were born in Ireland. Mrs. Trice is now living, and for a great many years has been a member of the Methodist Church. Judge William T. Trice, the subject of this sketch, is the fourth in a family of six children, all residing in Woodruff County, and, with the exception of one, all married. Judge William T. was reared to farm life, receiving a good common-school education, and at the age of eighteen began the study of law, and as the result of his untiring efforts in that direction was his admission to the bar, in 1882, by Judge J. N. Cypert, since which time he has practiced with great success, being now a successful attorney of Woodruff County. In January, 1884, Judge Trice was united in marriage with Minnie C, daughter of Capt. John R. and Elizabeth Shelton. Mr. Shelton was born in Tennessee, but came to Arkansas (Woodruff County) in 1854, where he occupied himself with farming. He was a soldier in the Confederate army, and received the title of captain, his death occurring in 1881. Mrs. Shelton is still living, and belongs to the Methodist Church, as did her husband. Mrs. Trice was born in 1864. To Judge and Mrs. Trice two sons have been born, both still living. Judge Trice lived on a farm until 1887, then came to Cotton Plant, where he has a fine residence. His farm in Freeman Township is second to none of its size in the county. Its extent is 180 acres, with 100 under cultivation. This farm was obtained largely by his own efforts, but partially by inheritance. Judge Trice was justice of the peace two years, from 1884 to 1886, and in 1888 was elected county and probate judge, which position he filled with honor and distinction. He is a member of the K. & L. of H., Aurora Lodge, at Cotton Plant, No. 1314, in which he is present Protector, and of the K. of P., at Cotton Plant, Lodge No. 94, is Master of Finance. He is a strong Democrat, and voted for Hancock in 1880. Himself and wife belong to the Methodist Church, in which he is steward.