John was born 9 Jul 1814 in Cottartown of Hayston, Glammis Parish, Forfarshire, Scotland. He was the son of James Rae and Barbara Gibson. A census listed John as head of household 1841 in Charleston, Forfarshire, Scotland. John was employed as quarrier (stone mason) in Charleston, Forfarshire, Scotland 1841. In the Census of 1850, John was listed as a head of household in Warren (Merton), Waukesha Co., Wisconsin. The following individual is also linked to this event: David Allerdice (Household head). He purchased land from John Clute 6 Feb 1854 in Madison, Dane Co., Wisconsin. The following individuals are also linked to this event: A. Cavanaugh (witness); F. Woodward (witness). Purchase price was $250.

He purchased land from F. W. Woodward 3 Mar 1855 in Mt. Vernon (Primrose Twnship), Dane Co., Wisconsin. Purchase price $880.

In the Census of 1860, John was listed as a head of household in Mt. Vernon, Dane Co., Wisconsin. In the Census of 1870, John was listed as a head of household in Mt. Vernon, Dane Co., Wisconsin. He made a will 2 May 1872 in Madison, Dane Co., Wisconsin. The following individuals are also linked to this event: James C. Rea (executor); Edwin Shumway (witness); Mathias Schlingan (witness); Richard B. Chandler (witness). I John J Rea of the Town of Primrose Dane county State of Wisconsin Being of Sound mind and Memory and mindful of the uncertainties of human Life do make Publish and declare this my last will and Testament in manner following. First after the Payment of my just debts and Funeral Expenses I give devise and Bequeath to my wife Elen Rea all the Property that I have whether it be in land or money or in other Personal Property and in case there is any property that falls to me from my Fathers Estate I give devise and Bequeath it all to my wife Elen Rea allso to controle and dispose of as she Sees fit. I hereby nominat and appoint my Sone James C. Rea the Executor of this my last will and testament and hereby authrozie and empower him the said James C Rea to compound comp-- and Settle and Claim or --- which may be against or in favor of my Estate in witness whereof I have hereunto Set my hand and Seal this Second day of May AD 1872. John J. Rea The above instrument consisting of this Sheet was signed Published and declared by the Said Testator to be his will and testament in Presence of us who have signed our names at this request as witnesses on his Presence and in Presence of each other. Witnesses Richard B. Chandler of the Town of Primrose. Mathias Schlingan of the Town of Primrose. Edwin Shumway of the Town of Springdale. Inventory NW 1/4 North West Quarter Sec ten (10) town five (5) North of Range seven (7) east $2400 (Primrose Township). Horse $90, 3 yr old mare $70, Yearling Colt $35, 2 cows $50, 4 2yr old steer $72, 2 yr old heifer $16, 2 yearline heiffers $22, yearling $6, 23 sheep $54, Hogs & Sholts $31, Seeder $30, harrows $8, plows $3, Fanning mill $5, Sorghum mill $20, wagon $15, harness $15, sled $5, graindstone $1, 2 hive bees $10, 60 bu wheat $60, 150 bu oats $30, 100 bus corn $30, 20 bu potatoes $10, 2 stoves $20, watch & clock $25, Clothing $30, Sundry Household furniture $30, Total $796.50

His body was interred Mt. Vernon cemetery, NW of town in Mt. Vernon, Dane Co., Wisconsin. (See John J. Rea for the continuation of this line.) Helen gave legal title to Mr. Hobbs to secure a mortgage loan 3 Oct 1877. The following individuals are also linked to this event: Isaac George Brader Jr (witness); George M. Rea (witness). Paid 29 Jul 1881.Glorya Welch indicates that according to family stories Ellen's maiden name was Donald. She believes it is possible that Ellen's mother's maiden name was Donald or McDonald because two children, Jane and Alexander had Donald as a middle name. Ellen, born 1853, also had a middle initial of D.