Bourbon News Mirror

After months of sickness, Comrade George Tharp died at his home in this place last Friday and the funeral services were held at his old home church, Fairview, which is but a stone's throw from his old home, Sunday afternoon at 2 o'clock. There was a great concourse of friends in attendance at the services, which were conducted by Rev. Hively of Bremen, assisted by Rev. Hill of this place. The floral offerings were most beautiful and the respect shown the memory of the deceased by the old and young friends of the splendid man was very marked. The following obituary was read at the funeral services:

George W., son of John and Elizabeth Tharp, was born near Chillicothe, Ohio, August 2, 1843; and peacefully went to sleep at his home in Bourbon Indiana, at the close of the 22d day of July, 1922, at the age of 78 years, 11 months and 25 days.

He was the last of a family of eight children. His mother died at his birth. When a small boy he came with his father and three brothers to Indiana locating on a farm north of Bourbon. When he was 11 years of age his father died. He soon returned to his relatives in Ohio where he grew to manhood. At the age of 18 years, when this nation was engaged in a struggle for liberty and freedom, he answered the call of his country, enlisting in the Union Army, on the 19th day of February, 1864, serving until the close of the war, being a member of Co. M, 1st Ohio Cavalry. He was honorably discharged at Hilton Head, South Carolina, September 13, 1865.

After spending a few months in Ohio, after returning from the war, he again came to Indiana and purchased the Tharp estate, which he continued to own until the time of his death.

He was united in marriage to Mary E. Hover, June 6, 1867, and five children were given them; three daughters, Ida, Jane, Dean, and two sons, Newton and Marvin, all of whom survive. Fifty-one years of his married life was spent on the old home farm, where he and his companion labored hard and patiently to clear the land which was almost completely covered with timber, and to make for themselves a home. In 1919 he left the farm and came to Bourbon, where he resided until the time of his death. By far the most important event in his life occurred 43 years ago when he surrendered his life to Jesus Christ, and was converted at an altar of prayer, under the pastorate of Rev. J.A. Farmer. Since that time he has lived a consistent, Christian life. It can be truthfully said of him that he was a faithful desciple of his Lord, always manifesting a great interest in the church and the Kingdom of Christ.

In 1881 he and Grandpa Hanes, with the help of a few Christian people, organized and built the Fairview church, of which he was a charter member at the time of his death. He served his church in many official ways and was greatly missed by the church and community when failing health compelled him to remain at home. He was a good neighbor and respected citizen. As a father and husband he was all that could be hoped for. He had been in failing health for four years but his last sickness was of but four weeks duration. Although suffering intense pains, at times, he bore his afflictions patiently. Just a few days before his death he earnestly prayed for his children and the church and testified to the goddness of God, and often expressed his desire to go Home. Besides his companion he leaves an aged brother, who is 81 years of age; also five children, 22 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren, as well as a number of relatives and friends.

God in His wisdom has recalled
The boon of His love has given,
And though the body molders here
The soul is safe in Heaven.