William A. Tharp
The career of William A. Tharp extends over a period of half a century, practically all of which has been spent in Washington C. H., where his long residence and extensive business career have given him a wide acquaintance throughout the county. He is one of the substantial and enterprising business men of the city, who, from a small beginning, has built up a constantly enlarging trade. He is a fine example of a successful, self-made man, who is not only eminently deserving of the confidence reposed in him by his fellow citizens, but also possesses those necessary qualities which fit him to discharge the duties of any responsibility with which he may be entrusted. He comes from an old and highly respected family and was reared under excellent home influences, the result being that he is an ideal American citizen and stands for the best things in civilization.
William A. Tharp, of the firm of W. A. Tharp & Company, clothing merchants, was born in Wayne township, Fayette county, Ohio, July 13, 1864. His parents. William A. and Sarah Ellen (Davis) Tharp, were also natives of this county and reared a family of five children: William A.; Benjamin M., of Dayton, Ohio; Charles D., of Washington C. H.; Frank E., of Dayton, and Lizzie, the wife of Frank McCoy, of Akron, Ohio.
William A. Tharp, Sr., was reared in this county and spent his whole life within its limits. He was a stock buyer in Washington C. H. during his active life and handled thousands of head of cattle during his life time. His death occurred when about fifty years of age. His wife was about the same age at the time of her death. He was a member of the Episcopalian church, while his wife adhered to the Methodist faith. William A. Tharp, Sr., was the son of Daniel and — (Stoops) Tharp, natives of Highland county, this state, and early settlers in Fayette county. Later in life Daniel Tharp and his family returned to Highland county, where they lived to an advanced age. He was an extensive farmer and for many years managed a tavern at Samantha, Ohio. Daniel Tharp and wife reared a large family of children, William A., James, John, Eli, Mrs. Alva, Johnson and Mrs. Brown Moore. The father of the wife of William A. Tharp, Sr., was Jacob Davis, who, with his wife, were natives of Virginia and pioneer settlers in Wayne township, this county, where they spent the remainder of their days. Jacob Davis and wife had a family of five children. Nancy, Benjamin, Jacob, William and Sarah Ellen, the wife of William A. Tharp, Sr.
The education of William A. Tharp, Jr., was received in the schools of Washington C. H., and when sixteen years of age he began clerking in the clothing stores of this city. He was an efficient clerk and in this way acquired all of the details of the clothing business, so that when he embarked in the same line of activity for himself in 1898 he was capable of making his business successful from the beginning. He organized a company in 1898 under the firm name of W. A. Tharp & Company, and for the past sixteen years has conducted a successful clothing establishment in this city. He has a well appointed and up-to-date store and carries a large stock of the latest style clothing and wear for men and boys of all kinds.
Mr. Tharp was married August 2, 1885, to Minnie E. McKee, the daughter of John L. and Lena (Schumm) McKee, and to this union there have been born six children. Minetta L., Edwin M., Robert B., Lora Ellen, Wilma Marie and Charlene. Edwin M., who married Irene Curtis, and has a daughter, Marjorie, is a newspaper reporter and editor of the Ohio State Journal, at Columbus; Minetta L. married Richard Ramsey and lives in Washington C. H., while the other children are still unmarried and living with their parents.
Mr. Tharp is independent in politics, preferring to cast his ballot for the best citizens, irrespective of their political affiliations. Fraternally, he is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, the Knights of Pythias and the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks. He and his wife are loyal members of the Episcojial church.
From History of Fayette County Ohio - Her People, Industries and Institutions by Frank M. Allen (1914, R. F. Bowen & Company, Inc.)