- Item
- 1936-12-07
Part of Richards Studio Photographs
John A. Rea, the last survivor of Cornell University's first graduating class, the class of 1869, holds a large trophy from the school. The silver trophy was awarded to the class having the largest attendance at the annual reunion held in June 1936. As the only surviving member of his class, Mr. Rea represented his class 100 %. Mr. Rea never missed a Republican National convention since he first attended as a reporter in the late 1800s. He was a speaking acquaintance of all US presidents succeeding Cleveland til his death in 1941. An astute politician, he was the drafter of the constitution adopted by North Dakota on its addition to the Union in 1889. He came to Washington in 1890 and became editor and publisher of the Olympian and an advisor and close friend of Governor Ferry. He settled in Tacoma in the late nineties and worked in the timber and real estate businesses. Rea died February 20, 1941 at his home at 1112 No. 5th St. (T. Times 12/7/1936, pg. 10; 6/1/1936, pg. 1; T. Times 2/20/1941, pg. 1)
Rea, John A.; Alumni & alumnae--Cornell University--1930-1940; Awards;