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Source: History Morris County New Jersey, Volume II, Lewis Publishing Co., 1914 Thomas E. THARP, a prominent business man of Mount Olive, Morris county, New Jersey, is a member of a New Jersey family and was born about a mile outside of Flanders, an adjacent town to Mount Olive, August 15, 1855. He is the son of William and Charity (LANDON) THARP, both now deceased, the father born in Bartley and the mother in Flanders. Mr. THARP Sr. was a successful farmer and lumber dealer in that part of the state, his death occurring August, 1899, at the age of seventy-seven, and that of his wife in 1895, at about the same age. To them were born three children, as follows: Mahlon K., a sketch of whom follows in this work; Margaret A., died in April, 1908, wife of Anson PROTZMAN, of Eastern Pennsylvania; and Thomas E., the subject of this sketch. Mr. THARP obtained the elementary part of his education at the local public schools and later attended the State Normal School for two years. In his youth he had had a desire to go west, and upon reaching man�s estate he realized this wish and went to Des Moines, Iowa, where he remained long enough to learn the painter�s trade. In 1883 he returned to his home in New Jersey, and there has plied his trade continuously ever since in the vicinity of Flanders. Besides this occupation he is engaged in the coal business which has thriven remarkably under his skilful management. Mr. THARP has not confined his activities to his own personal affairs, however, but has taken part in the politics of the community. He is a Democrat and prominent in the party�s councils. He has served in a number of public offices, notably as collector of Mount Olive township for seven years, and for four years as postmaster of the same place. He is also prominent in fraternal circles and is a member of Ionic Lodge, Order of Odd Fellows, of the knights of Pythias of German Valley, of the Junior Order of American Mechanics, Stanhope, and of the Royal Order of Moose of Dover. Mr. THARP was married May 10, 1883, to Miss Mary L. YEAGER, a daughter of Jacob and Dorothy YEAGER, of Flanders, New Jersey. Mr. YEAGER was a native of Germany, but came to this country and settled in Morris county, where he engaged in farming. Here he met and married his wife, a native of Morris county. Both Mr. and Mrs. YEAGER are now dead. To Mr. and Mrs. THARP has been born one son, Charles, born in 1884, who only lived to the age of nine years. Mr. THARP is one of he substantial citizens of Mount Olive township, and a man of substance and property, owning considerable real estate in Flanders. In 1889 he erected a fine home for himself, which was unfortunately destroyed by fire in 1906. Mr. THARP rebuilt the following year, however, the handsome house in which he now lives. He and his family are members of the Presbyterian church. Transcribed by John Cresseveur |
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