An American Family History

John Rhea was born about 1753 in Ireland. He was the son of Joseph Rhea and Elizabeth McIlwaine. Rhea County, Rheatown and Rhea Springs, Tennessee, were named in his honor

He graduated from Princeton University.

John was one of Rheatown's first settlers in 1771. It is in the upper east end of Greene County. He was the first representative from Sullivan County to the legislature.

In 1780, John was appointed to be the county clerk of Sullivan County, Tennessee.

In 1780 he participated in the Battle of Kings Mountain.

In 1782 and 1787 John received warrants for land in Sullivan County, Tennessee. At that time it was in North Carolina.

When Tennessee was divided into three Congressional Districts in 1803, John was elected to Congress from the First District.

1809 Petition of John Rhea regarding lands south of the French Broad River. Sandin Carter also named.

In 1815 John was appointed by President, James Madison, as a commissioner to make treaties with the Choctaw.

In 1817 he returned to Congress where he continued to serve until 1823.

John died in 1839 in Sullivan County, Tennessee.