Rait Alex01

Waupaca Post

May 16, 1907

Alexander Rait, Sr., died at his home in the Second ward on Sunday evening, May 12, after a lingering illness, of heart failure, brought on by the weaknesses of age.

Mr. Rait was born in Aberdeen, Scotland on Aug. 4, 1825. He came to America in 1856 and settled on the farm at Badger in the town of Lanark which continued to be the family home until his retirement about six years ago when he purchased a home and came to live in this city. He was twice married, his first wife having passed away many years ago. He is survived by his widow and eight children, James Rait of Minneapolis, Mrs. S.B. Crocker of Sheboygan, Miss Elizabeth Rait of San Antonio, Texas, Mrs. J.J. Tardiff of Stevens Point, Alexander Rait, Jr., of Junction City, Kansas, Miss Agnes Rait of Stevens Point, William of Badger and Ralph of Bellingham, Wash. The last two are half brothers of the others.

Mr. Rait was a man of sturdy Scotch character, a man of energy and strong will, a worker and a thinker of more than ordinary ability. He was a good citizen of the best type and in the home he was loved and admired by his family as a father in the broadest sense of the term. He took a keen interest in the affairs of the day and even as late as Saturday called for a reading of the reports of the senatorial contest at Madison and discussed the issues, with intelligence. He was a prominent member of the Presbyterian church.

Funeral services were held at his late residence on Wednesday afternoon, and interment was at the Badger cemetery.

Waupaca Republican

May 17, 1907

ALEXANDER C. RAIT

The last of the Old Scottish Pioneers of Badger, Portage County, Wisconsin

Goes to His Rest

Died May 12, 1907 at his residence in Waupaca, Wis., Alexander C. Rait. Born in Aberdeen, Scotland Aug. 4^th, 1825.

He and Elizabeth McKinnon of Fort William, Scotland were married July 10, 1845.

In 1850 they emigrated to the U.S., living in Brooklyn, N.Y. Six years, when they moved to Portage Co., Wisconsin, there joining a Scottish settlement.

Of the eight children born to them two were born in Scotland, four in Brooklyn and two in Badger, Portage Co., Wis. Six are still living. James M. Rait of Minneapolis, Minn., Mary R. Crocker of Sheboygan, Wis., Elizabeth Rait of San Antonio, Texas, Annie Tardiff of Stevens Point, Wis., Alexander C. Rait of Junction City, Kansas and Agnes J. Rait of Stevens Point, Wis.

Elizabeth McKinnon Rait died Jan 22, 1868.

On July 4^th, 1869 he and Mrs. F.B. Underhill were married. By this marriage two children were born, William Rait who lives on the Badger farm and Ralph Rait who lives in Bellingham, Washington.

Portage Co. in the early days was called the Indian Land, but it soon began to take on the semblance of civilization. About the time Mr.Rait settled there the Township was organized and called Lanark in memory of the birth-land.

These pioneers brought to this country the habits, modes of living, intellectual, ambitious and religious fervor of the Old Country.

He helped organize a school district, a small school house was built. A religious society unique in its conception and execution was formed. They had no minister, each member was to do his share of the preaching as called upon.

Sunday School and Bible classes were formed and it was a delight and an inspiration to hear these Scotchmen expound the Scripture. Everyone was a patriot, and they soon transferred t heir love of Scotland to their adopted country.

Mr. Rait served with honor in the army of the North during the Civil War; was a member of the Grand Army of the Republic and belonged to Garfield Post No. 23 Waupaca, Wis.

Thus lived and died one of “Natures Noblemen” leaving his message of deeds well done as an example for his successors.