Joseph Simpson Fea was born on 21st October 1888 at Wayside, Spokane County, Washington and after the death of his mother Sarah in 1891, his paternal aunt, Jessie Cass (nee Fea), cared for him and his brothers. He had no children but married a lady named Neola who had offspring from a previous marriage:
Joseph Simpson Fea served in the Armed Forces during WW1 as a Sergeant, 64 Balloon Co., Air Service. He was an American Legion Past Commander of the Pend Oreille Post. He was also a past Master of the Newport Masonic Lodge. After the death of Jessie Cass Scott (nee Fea), he and his wife Neola managed the Cottage House until March 1939 when they negotiated a contract with William Heath, of Dalkena, Washington to operate the facility. At that time, he and his wife were preparing to move to William Ranch, California where Joseph had recently started a business. It was the day after his return from California, a 700 mile trip, that he was suddenly stricken and died from a heart attack on the 2nd March 1939. Services were held for him at the Hope Congregational Church, Dr. J. Evans officiating and a Masonic burial followed in the family plot at Newport, Washington.