Thomas Reid Tharp

Awarded part of the compensation with other family members for the enslaved people on the Windsor Castle estate in St James. Son of William Tharp of Green Pond (q.v.) and brother of John Tharp VII, Benjamin Haughton Tharp and William Tharp of Heavitree (q.v.).

1. In 1851 Thomas R Tharp aged 52 Fundholder born Jamaica was living at Seabrooke Topsham Devon with his mother Mary aged 96 [sic] born Esher Surrey. Marriage, 04/06/1857 at Topsham, T. R. Tharp Esquire, to Barbara, second daughter of John Clarke Esquire, both of the island of Jamaica. In 1861 Thomas Reid Tharp West Indian Proprietor aged 63 was living at Barton Cottage Topsham with wife Barbara aged 51 born Jamaica. By 1881 Barbara Tharp was living with an unrelated group including John Parkin widower West India planter aged 69 and Kate Parkin 'dependant on her father' [scored through] aged 23, born Jamaica.

2. Barbara Clarke and her sister Mary West Clarke were both orphaned by 1822. Their uncle James Clarke of Exeter, Devon, in his will written in 1822 and proved in 1823 bequeathed to them "five pounds each for mourning under the controul of their aunt Ann Clarke and for their further protection after my decease I earnestly implore my dear wife's continued care and guidance of these dear orphans and for their future support (as heretofore) I confidently rely on my brother William Clarke of Jamaica (joint trustee with me for those my nieces before mentioned) to remit annually as usual a sufficiency from the produce of their late fathers property (of which he has the management) and also to pay off the high arrears due to my estate as will appear by my accounts..." Barbara and Mary West Clarke were also his residuary legatees after the death of his wife Anne. The marriage record of Barbara Clarke and Thomas Reid Tharp gives her father as John Clarke deceased.

3. Will of Thomas Reid Tharp late of Topsham Devon who died 11/06/1867 proved 04/07/1867 effects under £1500.

T71/873 St James no. 41A-C.

1. 1851, 1861 and 1881 censuses online; Exeter and Plymouth Gazette 06/06/1857.

2. Will of James Clarke, PROB 11/1667/471; Findmypast.co.uk, Devon Marriages [database online].

3. National Probate Calendar 1867.

We are grateful to Peter Selley for his assistance with compiling this entry.