----Source: (By News Herald Correspondent) Sat. Evening, Marshfield News-Herald, 29 May 1937.

PIONEER EDUCATOR OF CLARK COUNTY IS BURIED FRIDAY

Thorp--Rites for A. O. Rhea, 87, pioneer resident of Thorp and former Clark County superintendent, who died Tuesday afternoon, at the home of a daughter, Mrs. H. Landry, Wisconsin Dells, were conducted Friday afternoon at 2 o'clock from his home.

Mr. Rhea was superintendent of schools in LaCrosse county from 1880 to 1888, and superintendent of Clark county schools from 1900 to 1912. He was a member of the state legislature from 1912 to 1914. Thirty-nine years of his life were spent in educational work, during which he taught school for 16 years.

To attain his success, Mr. Rhea found it necessary to overcome many obstacles and handicaps. At the age of five, he lost his father, and at 12 he lost an arm in a sawmill accident, making it necessary to discontinue his studies at school before receiving a diploma. In spite of these drawbacks, he managed to educate himself by reading and study, and so attained an enviable position.

During his retirement from active work, Mr. Rhea devoted himself to study and research, and was an authority on many subjects, his favorite being science. His private library contained over 800 volumes treating on almost every conceivable scientific subject, 200 of which were devoted to astronomy. His own observatory was built on the roof of his home.

Mr. Rhea's collection of minerals, sea shells, and like article was famous and contained many precious and rare specimens. In addition to his scientific studies, he was greatly interested in the study of languages and was acquainted with six different tongues. He traveled extensively throughout his life.

*This obit was found inside an old picture which we took apart. It happened to be used as backing!