1914 Delaware County History pgs. 355-356

Amandus Wilson Rea

Amandus Wilson Rea, deceased, was one of the leaders in financial circles in Colesburg, where he engaged in the private banking business for a number of years. He was also one of the best informed men of the town and his advice was often sought upon many different questions, his wide knowledge and sound judgment enabling him to counsel wisely. He was born March 13, 1841, in Ohio, a son of Washington and Mary (Meredith) Rea, in whose family were eight children: Amandus W.; George T., who died in January, 1907; Margaret A., the wife of S. Myers; Oscar E.; Albin M.; Emma J., now Mrs. F. A. Grimes; Florence S., the wife of O. A. Dunham; and Frank H., who died in December, 1907. The family came to Delaware county in 1848 when this region was still upon the western frontier, and the father operated a farm near Colesburg until his demise, which occurred in 1896. For a number of years he had survived his wife, who died in 1887.

Amandus Wilson Rea received his formal schooling in the public schools of this county, but, realizing that if a man would continue to grow in mental power he must remain a constant student and retain an open minded attitude at all times, he read broadly throughout his life and kept fully abreast of the times. He was a man of intense patriotism and served as a soldier in the Union army during the Civil war, being a member of an Iowa regiment of infantry. After the close of hostilities he engaged in farming for a time and was then connected with G. F. Potts in the conduct of a general store at Colesburg. He then engaged in the private banking business at that place for fifteen years and was one of the most prominent men in financial circles of the community. His bank was excellently managed, and he considered the safety of his depositors' funds of greater importance than his personal profits, this faithfulness to trust securing him the confidence and support of the public. He was eventually forced to retire from active life because of ill health.

On the 14th of May, 1891, Mr. Rea married Miss Mary Lochridge, a daughter of I. N. and Martha G. (Emmerson) Lochridge, who were early settlers in this county. Both passed away in 1902 and were laid at rest in Colesburg.Mr. Rea died on the 21st of April, 1914. He was a democrat in politics and although solicited to run for mayor, refused, as he did not care for the responsibilities of office, preferring to devote his time to his business affairs. He found his greatest pleasure in his own home and his married life was one of mutual understanding and true companionship. His nature was one that formed deep and lasting friendships, and no sacrifice was too great if made for one that he called friend. Loyalty was one of his outstanding characteristics and manifested itself in all relations of life and was one of the traits of character which gained him the unstinted respect and esteem of his fellow townsmen. The influence of his life of integrity and consideration for the rights of others will long be felt in the town where he lived so many years, and his intimate friends will hold his memory in loving regard throughout life.

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