Biography

When Oscar John came to Texas is currently unknown. He attended school at Central College in Walnut Springs, Texas and later Add-Ran College in Thorp Springs. For some years he followed the teaching profession in Bosque County: Norse, Mosheim, Meridian, and then Clifton. It was while he was teaching that he met his future bride, Hilma Bergman, who was one of his students. In 1894, Oscar John established himself in the mercantile business in Clifton as Oscar J. Rea and Company. There were three main departments: groceries, a saddle shop, and farm implements and machinery. The stone building still stands at the southeast corner of Avenue D and 5th Street in Clifton.

Oscar John and Hilma Bergman were married in 1898 at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church in Norse. Hilma’s parents had immigrated from Sweden to Waco, Texas where Hilma was born and later bought a farm near Clifton. Oscar John built a house in Clifton within the first year of marriage and it was there that they had their nine children, four of whom died in infancy. The family took an active interest in the musical, civic, and educational affairs of the community. Oscar John served as Mayor of Clifton and as a member of the school board for several terms. For more that 30 years, he was an Elder in the Presbyterian Church and served several terms as President of the Texas Hardware & Implement Association. John died in 1935 and Hilma died in 1968.

Children

Oscar John and Hilma had 9 children. If there is a link, click on one of the children below to see further information on that child.

1.		Emma Estelle Rea [1899-1900]	died young at the age of 17 months
2.		Marvin Vernon Rea [1901-1902]	died young at the age of 13 months
3.		Lois Alleen Rea [1902-1989]	married Chester A. Perkins; no children; died at the age of 86
4.		Bernie Rea [1904-1976]	never married; died at the age of 71
5.		Oscar John Rea Jr [1907-1975]	married Elizabeth Harvey; no children; died at the age of 68
6.		Baby Boy Rea [1910-1910]	born and died on the same day
7.		Clara Dorothy Rea [1911-1995]	married Leslie M. Curtis; no children; died at the age of 83
8.		Esther Hilmen Rea [1916-1918]	died young at the age of 12 months
9.		Ann Elizabeth Rea [1919-1998]	married Harry M. Williams; 3 children; died at the age of 79

Photos