Jeremiah Rea
Is a native of the county, son of Matthew and Ann (Amos) Rea and was born in London, October 19, 1824. In 1835, his father located in Oak Run township and there his son grew up, becoming a successful farmer, stock raiser and a popular as well as prominent citizen. He has always been a Democrat, yet has held in the township, largely Republican, every office of trust and honor within the gift of the people. August 24, 1850, he was married to Miss Catherine Leach of Fayette county.
With his son, Matthew Rea, he still carries on farming. Together they have 2,400 acres of land, on which are generally 200 head of cattle, 300 or 400 hogs and fifty or sixty horses. They are great cattle shippers and feed more grain than they raise. Mr. Rea and his wife have lived in the residence shown in this book, 57 years. Both are still hale, genial and in the enjoyment of excellent health. Adjoining their home and nearby, is the residence of their son, Matthew, shown herein. Jerry L. Rea and his son are both very popular all over the county. They are public spirited and proud of Madison and her agricultural record. Mr. Rea has been a subscriber to the Democrat ever since it was first published and expects to read it many years to come.
From Madison Democrat 50th Anniversary - Published by the Madison Democrat, 1908
Jeremiah Rea, P. O. London, is a life resident of Madison County, and a prominent stock-raiser and farmer of Oak Run Township. His grandfather, Joseph Rea. was born in January. 1754 (probably in Pennsylvania). He was married, January 10, 1783, to Elizabeth Conn, who was born January 27, 1762. They were residents of Rockbridge County, Va., and removed to Ross County, Ohio, in 1810. They came to Madison County about 1818, locating on Walnut Run, in Union Township, where both died about 1829. They were the parents of nine children, all reaching maturity, but none now living. One son, Matthew Rea, the father of our subject, was born in Rockbridge County, Va., June 22, 1793. He came to this county with his parents in 1818, and resided in Union Township until 1835, when he removed to a farm on Deer Creek, in Pleasant (now Oak Run) Township, where he resided till his death, September 23, 1873. He was a man highly respected and enjoying the full confidence of all his acquaintances. He took a deep interest in stock matters, and the prosperity and advancement of Madison County. He married Ann Amos. born in Harford County. Md., November 15, 1802. They were married in London by Squire Patrick McLene. Mrs. Rea departed this life February 22, 1857, aged fifty-four years. They were the parents of seven children, three dying in childhood, one at the age of forty-four, and three now living—Robert, in London; Margaret, wife of Marion Chenowith, of Fairfield Township: and Jeremiah. Mr. Rea was a large land-holder, once owning 2,000 acres, and at his death leaving an estate of 800 acres. Both parents are buried in Kirkwood Cemetery. Union Township. Jeremiah Rea was born on the home farm in Union Township (now within the corporate limits of London). August 10. 1824, and remained with his father till twenty-six years of age. On August 23, 1850, he was married to Catherine Leach, a native of Pleasant Township, and daughter of Benjamin Leach. The following winter his father gave him some land (a portion of his present farm), where he has since resided. He had 260 or 270 acres at first, inherited some, and purchased over 500, his present farm, consisting of over 1,400 acres. Mr. Rea resides in a very handsome residence, and his land is supplied with all the conveniences necessary to successful farming. He is Democratic in politics, and has served as Trustee and Clerk of Oak Run Township. Seven children have been given to himself and wife, two living—Matthew A. and Sarah L., both residing at home. Mr. Rea has about retired from active life, and his son has entire management of the farm.
From HISTORY OF MADISON COUNTY - W. H. Beers [Chicago, 1883]