William Tharp
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| William Tharp | |
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| Governor of Delaware | |
|---|---|
| Born | November 27, 1803 Farmington, Delaware |
| Died | January 9, 1865 Milford, Delaware |
| Residence | Milford, Delaware |
| Political party | Democratic |
| Religion | Episcopalian |
| Spouse | Mary A. Johnson |
William Tharp (November 27, 1803 – January 9, 1865) was an American farmer and politician from Milford, in Kent County, Delaware. He was a member of the Democratic Party, who served in the Delaware General Assembly and as Governor of Delaware.
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[edit] Early Life and Family
Tharp was born November 27, 1803 in Farmington, Delaware, son of James and Eunice Fleming Tharp. His great grandfather had settled near Frankford, Delaware in 1735. He married Mary A. Johnson, and they had five children: Ruth, Mary Elizabeth, Martina, Williamina, and Ann Purnell. It was through his wife that he inherited his first home on U.S. Highway 13 at Farmington. When he was elected Governor they moved to Milford and lived at the northeast corner of Church and Front Streets. They were members of Christ Episcopal Church in Milford.
[edit] Political career
Tharp was elected to the Delaware State Senate and served in the 1839/40 and 1841/42 sessions. He sought reelection to the State Senate in 1842, but after a months long recount, was found to have lost by 1 vote. He then ran for Governor in 1844, but lost again to the Whig Party candidate, Thomas Stockton. He ran again in 1846, and was finally elected, by defeating Peter F. Causey, the Whig Party candidate. He served as Governor from January 19, 1847 until January 21, 1851.
Following his term, Tharp continued his agricultural businesses and in 1852, was Treasurer of the Delaware Railroad.
[edit] Death and Legacy
Tharp died January 9, 1865 at Milford, Delaware, and is buried there, at the Christ Episcopal Church Cemetery. He was the grandfather of future Governor of Delaware William T. Watson.
| Political offices | ||
|---|---|---|
| Preceded by: William Temple |
Governor of Delaware January 19, 1847 – January 21, 1851 |
Succeeded by: William H.H. Ross |
[edit] Public offices
Elections are held the first Tuesday after November 1st. Members of the Delaware General Assembly took office the first Tuesday of January. State Senators have a four year term. The Governor takes office the third Tuesday of January and has a four year term.
| Office | Type | Location | Elected | Took Office | Left Office | notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| State Senator | Legislature | Dover | 1838 | January 6, 1839 | January 6, 1843 | |
| Governor | Executive | Dover | 1858 | January 19, 1847 | January 21, 1851 |
[edit] Election results
| Year | Office | Subject | Party | Votes | % | Opponent | Party | Votes | % | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1844 | Governor | William Tharp | Democratic | 6,094 | 50% | Thomas Stockton | Whig | 6,140 | 50% | ||
| 1846 | Governor | William Tharp | Democratic | 6,148 | 51% | Peter F. Causey | Whig | 6,012 | 49% |
[edit] References
- Sobel, Robert, John Racino (1988). Biographical Directory of the Governors of the United States 1789-1978, Vol. 1. Westport, Connecticut: Greenwood Press. ISBN 0-930466-00-4.
- Scharf, John Thomas (1888). History of Delaware 1609-1888. 2 vols.. Philadelphia: L. J. Richards & Co.. ISBN 0-87413-493-5.
- Martin, Roger A. (1984). A History of Delaware Through its Governors. Wilmington, Delaware: McClafferty Press.
- Martin, Roger A. (1995). Memoirs of the Senate. Newark, Delaware: Roger A. Martin.
[edit] Images
- Hall of Governors Portrait Gallery. State of Delaware. Retrieved on 2006-09-01. Portrait courtesy of Historical and Cultural Affairs, Dover.
[edit] External links
[edit] Places with more information
- Corbit-Calloway Memorial Library 2nd and High St., Odessa, Delaware (302) 378-8838
- Historical Society of Delaware 505 Market St., Wilmington, Delaware (302) 655-7161
- Newark Free Library 750 Library Ave., Newark, Delaware (302) 731-7550
- University of Delaware Library 181 South College Ave., Newark, Delaware (302) 831-2965
