Umatilla County OR Archives Biographies.....Rhea, C. A. May 8, 1845 - 
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File contributed for use in USGenWeb Archives by:
Carlene Still crstill@oregontrail.net October 9, 2006, 6:21 am

Author: Colonel William Parsons 

Page 480

C. A. Rhea
	"Tis a trait of human nature to admire one who has been found to 
possess within himself the force and spirit to conquer difficulties, overcome 
obstacles and achieve success in any defined line of endeavor despite every 
adverse circumstance. Possessed of our full share of this hero-worshipping 
spirit, we have always experienced a thrill of pleasure when it has fallen to 
our lot to chronicle the achievements of one who belongs to the conquering 
class, and such pleasure is ours in approaching the life history of him whose 
name appears above. Like most other men in this new west, Mr. Rhea has turned 
his mind to the pursuit of material success, with the result that he is now 
one of the richest men in eastern Oregon.
	But to the more specific, our subject was born in Jackson county, 
Missouri, on the 8th of May, 1845. Destiny seems to have intended him for 
pioneership in the west, however, and when seven years old he was brought by 
his parents to the vicinity of Eugene, in Lane county, Oregon, the journey 
being accomplished by the aid of the slow-moving, yet patient and faithful, ox 
team. The ensuing twelve years of Mr. Rhea's life were devoted mostly to 
obtaining his educational discipline, then, in 1864, he came to the territory 
now know as Morrow county and began the battle of life. His first home was on 
Rhea creek, so named in his honor, and the business which engaged his 
attention was the lucrative one of stock raising. At first he operated under 
the direction of his father, but when years of sufficient maturity had been 
attained and a knowledge of the business acquired, he embarked therein on his 
own behalf. He is now the owner of over seven thousand acres of land, also of 
large herds of cattle and sheep. These are now in the care of other men, and 
Mr. Rhea's time and talent are being devoted to the First National Bank of 
Heppner, of which he is the founder and animating spirit. He enjoys the 
distinction of being the oldest resident of what now constitutes Morrow county 
still living, and it is but fair to add that during the many years of his 
residence here he has been an honored citizen and a forceful factor in every 
progressive movement.
	On January 22, 1868, in the Willamette valley, Oregon, our subject 
married Miss Emmaline Sophronia Adkins, a native of Missouri and a 
granddaughter of the man whose name is commemorated by the city of Kirksville. 
She died on May 12, 1900, leaving eight children, namely: Lillie, now wife of 
George Conser, of Heppner; Ella, wife of Wilson Brock, a druggist at 
Pendleton; E. W., a merchant in Heppner; Josie, wife of N. Jones, a resident 
of Idaho; Ada, wife of Charles Curtis, of Morrow county; Lena; Curtis; and 
Carl.
	Mention should be made of the fact that Mr. Rhea is a prominent Royal 
Arch Mason. His parents died at the old home place on Rhea creek and their 
remains are buried in the Heppner cemetery. He was the builder of the first 
house on Rhea creek and remained there during all the Indian troubles.


Additional Comments:
An Illustrated History of Umatilla County by Colonel William Parsons and of 
Morrow County by W. S. Shiach with a brief outline of the early history of the 
State of Oregon.  W. H. Lever, Publisher  1902.

	Notice: These biographies were transcribed for the Oregon Biographies 
Project. Unless otherwise stated, no further information is available on the
individual featured in the biographies. 


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