Parents: Thompson and Mary Rea. Margaret first married James H. Brady and they had one child (Mary Ellen Brady). Mr. Brady died and she married Alvin Thayer on April 1, 1856 in Cable County, Ohio. They had two children (Joel Thompson and Angeline Elizabeth).

Guthrie Times - Dec 7 1916
Obituary of Mrs. Margaret Jane Thayer
Nov. 22 1916 at the home of her daughter, Mrs. James Lees of Guthrie Center, Iowa, Mrs. Margaret Jane Thayer passed away, aged 92 years 7 months and 22 days.
Margaret Jane Rea was born in Harrison County, Ohio, March 31 1824. She was the daughter of Thompson Rea and Mary Harrah Rea, and grand daughter of Dr. John Rea a pioneer minister of eastern Ohio, founder and for 40 years pastor of the Beach Spring Presbyterian Church near Cadiz, Ohio.
Three children, four grand children and two great grand children survive her.
Her father moved near Zanesville, Ohio, and there in her early girlhood, she united with the Presbyterian church, of which she was always a consistent member. In her home there was always a warm welcome for all ministers but her poor health and advanced years have long deprived her of the ministrations of her church.
She was first married in November 1847 to James Brady, who died Feb. 1850, leaving one daughter about one year of age. In the early spring of 1856 she was married to Alvin Thayer, and with him came to Cedar County, Iowa, making their home there for a number of years, uniting with the Presbyterian church at Tipton.
In 1875, they came to Adair, Adair County, Iowa, uniting with the Presbyterian church just organized.
Two children were given them: Thompson Thayer of Muskogee, Okla. and Mrs. James Lees, and with her daughter Mary Brady in the home they made an ideal happy Christian family. In 1901 her husband passed to the Home Beyond, there to await her coming. Since 1904 she has made her home with her daughter, Mrs. James Lees of Guthrie Center.
In 1905 she had a stroke of Paralysis whish left her unable to walk alone. Since January 1913 has been confined to her bed most of the time. She would spend from two to three hours each day, sitting up in bed reading either Bible, Hymn book or the Presbyterian Banner of which she has been a reader and subscriber since 1854, not neglecting the daily and home papers, wanting as she would say, to keep up with the times.
Born in a Christian home, reared in a Christian atmosphere, given a Christian training, she developed a character that shown resplendent not only as the servant of God, but also as wife, mother, and friend. The fullness of her entire trust in her Heavenly Father, the fond memories of her quiet, peaceful life, and the sweet patience of her invalid days, area as a monument to those left behind.
Mrs. Thayer was a member of the Adair Presbyterian Church for 40 years. She was one of its most loyal supporters, and in her early days an energetic worker. Though living in Guthrie Center her interest was in the Adair Church and her prayers and best wishes for its success. The funeral was held Saturday, Nov. 25th conducted by her pastor, Rev. Sampson Cocks. Burial was in the Sunnyhill Cemetery by the side of her husband.
Contributor: Sharon Aupperle