Rea Families - Published 1967
The first man to file a homestead in the Brightside area was Samuel
Rea, uncle to Reeve James Rea. He made entry on this homestead, S.E. 1/4 18-21-28,
on the 24th of October 1881.
James Rea, father of Reeve J. Rea, first came to Winnipeg from Ontario
in 1874. It was a long difficult journey, the last part being by boat up the Red
River to Winnipeg. He worked for three to four years for a Mr. McKay, on the land
which was later sold to Lord Strathcona. The James Rea began hauling treaty for the
Indians, and mail and supplies to the Russell area. This was hard slow work, using
oxen and heavy wagons. He first came to the Brightside area in 1879 and with this
brother Sam, looked for land along Conjuring Creek. James Rea chose the N.W. 1/4
18-21-28 and filed for it on November 9, 1881. His marriage to miss Jemima MacDonald
of Minniska had taken place in 1880. They settled in their first home, a snug log
cabin, on this homestead. This house burned down in 1881. It was replaced by a
larger house, also of logs, but this house had a shingle roof. The Reas used horses
for farming and kept a large herd of cattle. They also had land in Minniska and
spent part of each summer there with the cattle.
John Rea, a brother of Sam and James, made entry on his homestead S.W. 1/4
18-21-28 on November 9, 1881.
THE JAMES REA FAMILY
In the year 1874 James Rea left Fitzroy Harbor, near Arnprior, Ont.
where he was born February 14, 1848, for Winnipeg, Man. travelling by boat down the Red
River.
Upon arriving in Winnipeg he obtained employment with Mr. D. McKay who farmed on a large
scale. James Rca late became manager of McKay’s and for several years was engaged in
trading at Julius’ Muskeg and other points, also superintended carrying of mail and
Treaty
to the Indians to the remote parts centering around Fort Pelly, using the Red River cart.
James Rea told many interesting stories of the hardships of the early days as well as
humorous incidents such as relating that Mr. and Mrs. McKay were both stout, each weighing
over 300 lbs. It was said that when Mr. McKay called at the office of the Winnipeg Free
Press
on business they could never find a chair strong enough to carry his weight.
In 1879 James Rea came to Russell, bringing horses, some implements and other essentials
for fanning.
His brother Sam travelled with him. Later, in 1879 they both went to Birtle to file on the
homestead. His brother Sam was the first to sign for land in the Brightside district.
James filed on
the N.W. 14 of 18-21-29 and his brother Sam filed on the SE 14 of 18-21-28. Another
brother, John, later came from Eastern Canada and homesteaded on the S.W. 14 of 18-21-28.
Married twice, he had eleven children. First family, John, Bert, Lester, Cleve, Ted, Allan
Second family, Eva, Leslie, Gordon, Wilfred and Kenneth. Their father also came west and
homesteaded on the S.E. 14 of 24-21-29. He sold this quarter section to Ed. Moore and
returned to Ontario. He later returned to this area and resided with James until his
death.
James and Sam then proceeded to cut logs and build a shack and a stable for the horses on
the edge of James’ homestead.
They spent their first Christmas in this district with the Lawther family, together with
most of the bachelors in the area. At the height of the festivities, a lantern which was
hanging from
the ceiling flared up and set fire to the hay covering the roof poles. Sam Rea climbed up
and put out the fire before much damage was done and the party
carried on!
In August, 1881 James Rea married Jemima McDonald, daughter of Roderick McDonald who had
also homesteadcd in the Minniska district. They were married by Rev. Hodnutt of Birtle. In
June of 1882, their son James was born. While he was still a baby their home burned down
and another log house was built. James and Jemima had five more children, George, John
Edward, Annie, Dorothy, and Bertha. The children attended school in Minniska and in
Brightside districts.
Jemima Rea passed away in 1903 after a lengthy illness. Four years later James Rea married
Mary Moffatt who died in 1922.
The following years were spent fanning, making hay in the summer and in winter Jim Jr.
together with John Edward, took their horse power sawing outfit and travelled from place
to place sawing the winter’s supply of wood for people residing in surrounding
districts. For entertainment the young enjoyed dancing, skating, cards and house parties,
making their own fun at every opportunity.
In 1910, James Rea, Sr., divided his land among his three sons, and he, together with his
wife Mary, and youngest daughter, Bertha, moved to Russell where he died in April, 1929,
at the age of 81 years.
In 1917, James Jr. married Nell
Burden, youngest daughter of Mr. and Mrs.Burden of the Brightside district,
moving to Russell in January, 1947, after which time they sold their farm property,
presently owned by Gordon Chandler. James was a councillor for ten years, and Reeve of
Rural Municipality of Russell for 29 years, also Justice of the Peace for many years. He
retired as Reeve and Justice of the Peace on December 31st, 1965.
George Rea married Winnifred Greayes, daughter of Mr.
and Mrs. Thomas Greaves, of the Russell district in October, 1919. Winnifred Rea passed
away suddenly in May, 1950, after which Geo. Rca sold his farm property and retired to
reside in Russell. He resided there
until a few months before he died in 1959. Mr. and Mrs. Mike Wonitoway purchased his farm
property and have continued to reside there.
John Edward Rea remained a bachelor. He too farmed in the Brightside
district until his death in December, 1947. This Property is presently owned by Mr. and
Mrs. Bill Thickett.
Annie Rea married Tom Craig of the Rossburn district
where they resided for several years before moving to Russell. Tom Craig died in 1956.
Annie Craig has remarried and is presently residing in Brandon.
Dorothy Rea married H. Lee Old in 1911 and resided in
Brandon until the death of her husband in 1961, and is now residing in Vancouver.
In August, 1917 Bertha Rea married Angus Bennett of the
Harrowby district where they resided until 1949 at which time they retired and now reside
in Russell.
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