John Rea (politician)

For other people named John Rea, see John Rea (disambiguation).

John Rea (January 27, 1755 – February 26, 1829) was an early 19th-century American politician.

John Rea
Member of the U.S. House of Representatives from Pennsylvania's 8th district
In office 1813–1815
Preceded by	Robert Whitehill
Succeeded by	William Maclay
Member of the U.S. House of Representatives from Pennsylvania's 7th congressional district
In office 1803–1811
Preceded by	Thomas Boude
Succeeded by	William Piper
Member of the Pennsylvania State Senate
In office 1823-1824
Member of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives
In office 1785-1786 1789-1790 1792-1793 1801-1802
Personal details
Born	January 27, 1755 Chambersburg, Pennsylvania
Died	January 29, 1829(1829-01-29) (aged 73) Chambersburg, Pennsylvania

Biography

Rea was born at "Rea’s Mansion," near Chambersburg, Pennsylvania.

Revolutionary War

Rea served as lieutenant and captain with the Cumberland County Militia during the Revolutionary War.

Career

On October 20, 1784, Rea was commissioned the first coroner of Franklin County, Pennsylvania.

Soon after, he was elected to Pennsylvania House of Representatives in 1785, 1786, 1789, 1790, 1792, 1793, 1801, and 1802. Also, Rea was the county auditor in 1793 and 1794.

He was elected as a Republican for the state of Pennsylvania to the Eight Congress and also served in the three succeeding Congresses (March 4, 1803 – March 3, 1810).

War of 1812

He then served in the War of 1812 as major general of the Eleventh Division of Militia.

Return to Congress

Following the death of Robert Whitehill, Rea was elected to the Thirteenth Congress, and served from May 11, 1813 until March 3, 1815. He then became a member of the Pennsylvania State Senate, serving in 1823 and 1824, when he resigned.

Death and burial

Rea died in Chambersburg, Pennsylvania, on February 26, 1829. He is currently buried at Rocky Spring Churchyard, near Chambersburg, Pennsylvania.

External links

• United States Congress. "John Rea (id: R000089)". Biographical Directory of the United States Congress.
• The Political Graveyard
• John Rea at Find a Grave