As the eldest son, he began working with his father in carpentry at a young age.
His work as a carpenter continued until the age of 28, when Rich moved to Carroll County, Iowa, where he became a farmer.
He remained a farmer until 1885, when he moved into the town of Glidden to serve four years as postmaster.
Subsequently, the Democratic Party nominated Rich as its candidate for the 1889 Iowa Senate election in District 48.
Despite living in the heavily Republican Carroll County, Rich won the seat, defeating Z.