Biography

One of O.K.’s first jobs was in the town of Valders, Wisconsin working for the Post Office. He was troubled by sinusitis in the damp and cold climate of Wisconsin. The doctor told him he would have to have a warmer climate or he would not live long. O.K. considered going to Oregon, Florida, or Texas. In December 1876 at the age of 22, O.K., the eldest child, left Wisconsin. Fearing tuberculosis, he decided to try the dry climate of Texas. Accompanied by his Uncle Tideman Hilmen, his mother Astri's brother, O.K. arrived in Waco, Texas on the train in January,1877. O.K. and his uncle traveled with some supply wagons carrying lumber to the Norwegian settlement of Norse in Bosque County founded by Cleng Peerson. O.K. worked for Jim Jensen in Bosque County for a while. Then he heard about the good sheep country down in Milam and Williamson Counties and decided to learn the sheep business. Here he started out herding sheep for ranchers and gradually his health improved. O.K. met a local girl Anna Zschiesche, a girl of German extraction, at a country dance. She was living with her parents near Bartlett in Bell County. They married in 1881. That same year, O.K. bought land in Hamilton County. In 1883, he moved to this property near Pottsville with his wife and one baby, John Oliver.

O.K. and Anna lived the rest of their lives on their farm in Hamilton county and had eleven children. Anna died in 1916 and O.K. died in 1944.

Children

O.K. and Anna had 11 children. If there is a link, click on one of the children below to see further information on that child.

1.		John Oliver Rea [1882-1907]	never married; died at the age of 25
2.		William Andrew Rea [1884-1976]	married Alma Wied; 5 children; died at the age of 91
3.		Anna Louise Rea [1886-1979]	married Mr. Erdman and divorced very quickly; no children; died at the age of 93
4.		Helen Julia Rea [1888-1984]	married Jesse Bronstad; 2 children; died at the age of 96
5.		Albert Sterling Rea [1890-1973]	married Paula Schrank; no children; died at the age of 82
6.		Emma Malinda Rea [1893-1936]	married John Blom; 4 children; died at the age of 43
7.		Otto Newton Rea [1895-1985]	married twice (Alma Baker and Lora Harvey); 2 children with Alma Baker; died at the age of 90
8.		Herman Paul Rea [1897-1980]	married Julia Talton; 1 child; died at the age of 82
9.		Edna Roselie Rea [1900-1974]	married Joseph LaDuke; 4 children; died at the age of 73
10.		Marguerite Tennie Rea [1902-1994]	never married; died at the age of 91
11.		Mary Nell Rea [1905-1992]	married Ellis F. Dawkins; 2 children; died at the age of 87

Photos