Thomas J. Thorp, farmer. Was born in Howard county, Missouri, in the year 1827, and came to Saline county, in 1847. During 1847, ’48 and ’49, he taught school at Ridge Prairie, and in the Sappington neighborhood. In 1852, he married Miss Mary J. Marshall, daughter of Richard Marshall. They have had ten children, eight of whom are living: Hattie B., William M., Thomas J. Jesse H., R. Marshall, Robert P., Pearlie B., and Edward S. In 1852, Mr. Thorp moved to his present residence. In 1874, he rented out his farm and went to California with the intention of moving there; but not liking the prospects, he returned to his farm in Saline, where he has remained since. In 1864, he joined the Confederate army on Price’s last raid, and was in Blue Mills, Osage, Westport, and all the battles of the retreat. He was educated at the Howard high school, since called Central College, and has been a member of the Baptist church for thirty-eight years; membership at Zoar. Has 320 acres of fine farming land, all under fence, and in cultivation and pasture.
