William Marsh Rice

William Marsh Rice
Engraving of Rice
Born(1816-03-14)March 14, 1816
DiedSeptember 23, 1900(1900-09-23) (aged 84)
OccupationBusinessman
Known forNamesake of Rice University

William Marsh Rice (March 14, 1816 – September 23, 1900) was an American businessman who bequeathed his fortune to found Rice University in Houston, Texas. Rice was murdered by his valet Charles F. Jones while sleeping. The murder was part of a plot to forge Rice's will. The instigator of the murder, attorney Albert T. Patrick, was sentenced to death.