Sarpy County

Alonzo Rice, originally from New York State, settled in La Platte, Sarpy County, Nebraska, in 1870 after migrating from Pennsylvania. He and his brother, Palmer, each secured land claims, with Alonzo taking the south half of the southeast quarter of section 14. The prairie was sparsely populated, with the nearest sign of habitation being stove pipes emerging from the ground. Despite challenges, including harsh weather and crop losses due to grasshoppers, the Rice family persisted, building sod houses and utilizing innovative methods to sustain their farm. Alonzo’s involvement in local development included aiding settlers and contributing to road creation and community organization.