Keziah Stryker THARP ****************************************************************** File contributed for use in USGenWeb Archives by: M. Meier USGENWEB NOTICE: In keeping with our policy of providing free information on the Internet, material may be freely used by non-commercial entities, as long as this message remains on all copied material, AND permission is obtained from the contributor of the file. These electronic pages may NOT be reproduced in any format for profit or presentation by other organizations. Persons or organizations desiring to use this material for non-commercial purposes, MUST obtain the written consent of the contributor, OR the legal representative of the submitter, and contact the listed USGenWeb archivist with proof of this consent. ******************************************************************* Keziah Stryker THARP was born in Hunterdon Co., NJ, on March 30, 1840, and departed this life at her home in Raritan, Illinois, Monday, November 19, 1923, the span of her life having been 83years, 7 months and 18 days. Deceased was the eldest of a family of eight children, two sons and six daughters, born to Alvin and Deborah Tharp, pioneer settlers of this community. Of these eight children, "Aunt Kiz", as she was lovingly called by a host of warm friends, was the first to "cross the River of Death". The survivors are: Jacob W. Tharp, of Kirkwood; Mrs. Amanda Gardner of Blandinsville; Mrs. Charlotte McDill of Biggsville; Mrs. Lorinda Daugherty of Monmouth; Mrs Emma Schenck of Raritan township; Mrs. Maggie Nevius of Cheyenne, Okla; George M. Tharp of Seattle, WA. She came with her parents to the vicinity of Raritan in the early fifties, where she formed the acquaintance of Joseph B. Philhower, to whom she was married, October 8, 1857. For a short time after their marriage, they resided upon the farm now owned and occupied by Swan Rosen, two miles east of Raritan. Later, they moved to what is now the Fred Lyon homestead, just over the Warren-Henderson county line, east of town, where they remained until 1912, when they moved into the village of Raritan to enjoy at ease a well-earned competency. Two people who have been here from the founding of the town and witnessed the changes that have redeemed the prairie from its wild, uncultivated state and transformed it into the garden spot of the earth. That couple was Mr. and Mrs. Joseph B. Philhower. All roads lead to their home, 2 miles east of Raritan, yesterday, and their friends from near and far poured in upon them; they came singly, by twos and in carriage loads until the house was filled to overflowing and the crowd in the yard resembled a 4th of July celebration. All were intent upon making the day a most enjoyable one - one to be remembered with pleasure the remainder of their days by "Joe" and "Kiz", as they are familiarly called, to celebrate their 50th anniversary.. Keziah Tharp came to Raritan with her parents in 1854. Four children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Philhower, 2 sons and 2 daughters. One son and one daughter are dead. Those living are Alvah T. of Wellington, KS, and Mrs. W. H. VanArsdale of this township. --------------------------------------------------------------------- UGENWEB NOTICE: These electronic pages may NOT be reproduced in any format for profit or presentation by other organizations or persons. Persons or organizations desiring to use this material, must obtain the written consent of the contributor, or the legal representative of the submitter, and contact the listed USGenWeb archivist with proof of this consent. --------------------------------------------------------------------- - File contributed for use in USGenWeb Archives by: MMeier1432