People's Pilot, Volume 5, Number 27-25, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 2 January 1896 — AMARIAH S. THARP. [ARTICLE+ILLUSTRATION]

AMARIAH S. THARP.

Among the earlier settlers of Rensselaer, whose active citizenship won the remembrance of friends and relatives' for years after his death, was Amariah S: Tharp, who. although removed from the midst of his friends almost a quarter of a century ago, is still remembered and still loved by many of the preseut residents of Rensselaer. ill-. Tharp, a splendid likeness of whom appears with this sketch, was born in Williagisport, Pennsylvania, in 1804. Whejj ipiite young he removed with his parents to Marion, Ohio, where he was married at the age of twenty-two years to Miss Elizabeth Reins, of that city. To

this union four children were born, viz: Mrs. Mary J. Hopkins, of Rensselaer; Mrs. Sarah Gibson, deceased; Mrs. Hannah I vers, of Topeka. Kansas and one child who died in youth. The four children of Mr. and Mrs. Gibson are well known in Rensselaer, Emma and Hattie are trained nurses in Brooklyn, New York; Armenia is the wife of Fred Cole, of Lafayette, and Miss Ida is a missionary, having been sent out by the M. E. church, of Lafayette. After about thirteen years, Mrs. Tharp died, and Mr. Tharp was then married to Miss Mary S. Hobb. of Marion, Ohio. To this upion were born eleven children, viz: Thersa, deceased wife of S. O. Duvall, of Chicago; Mrs Martha B. Hood, of Fort Wayne; Armenia wife of Caleb Hopkins, both deceased; Oscar R., who resides on a farm near Rensselaer; Henrietta wife of Dr. C. A. Barnes, of Greenfield, Ind.; Elizabeth, wife of J. O. Alter, of Rensselaer; John G , of Remington; Edgar H.. of Chicago; Mrs. Leota M. Jones, of Rens selaer. and Lillie W.. wife of E. N. Hyland. of Gilman, 111. To Mr. and Mrs. Caleb Hopkins, both of whom are dead, were born two children, viz: Lettie R., wife of Charles Pascall. of Indianapolis, and Caleb C. Hopkins of Chicago. Mr. Tharp removed to Rensselaer in 1845 and engaged in horse buying. The horses were driven across the Cumberland mountains, where he found a ready market for them. Mr. Tharp bought ground on Washington street and erected the frame building in which Ed. Parcel’s barber shop was located for several years, and which was recently torn down and replaced by a new brick building. For some time under the firm name of Tharp Bros., he and his brother William, carried on a general merchandise store in tin* building. He was then deeded from the government, the quarter section of land now the Jasper county poor farm, and he erected, thereon the small brick building which was recently torn down. In it his oldest daughter was married. After leaving the farm. Mr. Tharp bought the ground and erected what is known as the Lila ral Corner, one of the oldest frame business buildings now standing, and in tVhich he carried on business for some time. At the time of his death, he owned other property in Rensselaer. The house in which several of his children were married and where he and his wife both died was located on the site of J. 11. S. Ellis’ present residence. Mr. Tharp was a staunch republican,

and during the war times, when only a few papers reached Rensselaer, being brought hereby stage from Monon, (then Bradford,j"ahd when every one desired to learn of the battle results and chances for peace, he was called upon to read to the crowd, and accordingly would mount a temporary'stage of boxes, and in his clear and forcible way, read the news to the crowds that would gather to listen. Mr. Tharp was a member of the M- E. Church, having accepted Christ in his youth, and he lived a practical and exemplary life, always being active in good works. His home was a welcome gathering place for his church brethren and others at all times, and many a poor boy found a good home with him. Mr. Tharp died in October, 1872, and

his wife, “Grandma" Tharp, as she was affectionately called by all. died in July, 1883, beloved by all who knew her for she was kind of heart, self-sacrificing and living as she believed in the love and fear of her Heavenly Father. For two years prior to her death, she told her friends that she was prepared to die and only awaited the Savior’s call. Mrs. Tharp was born in Bethersdon, county of Kent, England. Mr. Tharp was identified with the early upbuilding and improvement of Rensselaer, and he dwells in the memory of many of the present citizens of the city, who would like to see him today as he was many years ago, but who will find pleasure in looking at his picture and perusing the short sketch of his interesting life.

AMARIAH S. THARP, DECEASED.

IRA W. YEOMAN, REMINGTON. See Sketch-Page eight.

RESIDENCE OF ALFRED THOMPSON. (SEE SKETCH.)