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Maternal
  THORP, c.1750-1976 Related Families:  Jeffers | Young | Shull | Youngs | Jenkins
Migration: NJ>Montgomery Co., NY>Herkimer Co., NY>Jefferson Co., NY>Cook Co., IL

 


        (1) John Thorp, born around 1750 probably in Middlesex Co. or Union Co., New Jersey, died between 1815 and early 1820 in the Town of Charleston, Montgomery Co., New York; married first Hannah Jeffers on 20 January 1771 at the Presbyterian Church, Westfield, Union Co., New Jersey (church transcript says Hannah, but SAR documentation says "John Sr. m. Mary Jeffers).
        According to Sons of the Anerican Revolution application papers, John "served as private in Capt. Nichols' company of Artillery Artificers, of the New Jersey Line" (no sources provided; application filed by Russell Thorp Kirby, Nat. # 34561 / State # 3686).
        John first appears in New York records in 1794 when on June 7th his name was recorded in Town of Amsterdam, Montgomery Co., records in connection with four days of road repair (Records of Town Meetings and Highway Town of Amsterdam 1794-1811, p.9. Amsterdam was formed from Caughnawaga in 1794, which is where Abner Thorp lived in 1790). A description of road work bordering John Thorp's was also recorded 3 September 1796 (p.29). Similar entries for John Tharp on May 6th (for four days) and John Thorp on May 13th are recorded on pages 88 and 89 of the records respectively.
        In 1798, the first record of Enoch Thorp is found in Town of Amsterdam records when on May 25th road repair bordering land of Enoch Thorp (2 days) and John Thorp (4 days) occurred (p.111).
        John does not appear in the 1800 census of Montgomery Co., New York, and is not found in records there again until 1808 when he was co-defendant in a civil case, an extract of which is entitled "David Tygert Sr. vs. John Thorp Sr. and John Thorp Jr., filed 21 June 1808 / Enoch Thorp of Charleston, yoeman, and John Doe of same, tinker." This record is the first in which a distinction in the records is made between John "Sr." and "Jr."
        Also in 1808, extracts of marriages for Montgomery County, New York show that a man named John Thorp married an unidentified woman in that county. Although John was more than 55 years old by that time the record still probably refers to him, since John Jr. was already married, and John Sr. is known to have had a daughter around 1812 (an indicator of a second marriage so late in life).
        On 23 May 1810, John Thorp of Charleston, farmer, mortgaged with George Clarke city of Albany, lot #1 by the corner of James Delancey's farm, to farm leased to Michael Carpenter (appears to be near property John Jr. mortgaged in 1809).
        In the census of Charleston taken that year, John Thorp Sr. was enumerated next door to Enoch Thorp, and two doors from Michael Carpenter, and having 1 male < 10; 1 male 16-26; 1 male over 45; 2 women 16-26; and 1 woman over 45.
        Around 1812 or 1815, John's daughter Caroline was born.
        In 1815, John Thorp Sr. was involved in two civil cases: for the first, John Thorp filed 4 July 1815 ads George Clark (bail book) / John Thorp Jr. of Charleston, yoeman, and John Doe of Florida, farmer; for the second, John Thorp Jr. filed 4 July 1815 ads George Clark (bail book) / John Thorp of Charleston, carpenter and John Doe of Florida, farmer.
        The 1815 court cases are the last records of John Thorp Sr. in Montgomery County records. He does not appear in the 1820 census, so is presumed to have died within that five year period, around age 65 or 70 (the 1820 census suggests Ebenezer Thorp was head of John's household that year). The location of his burial is not shown in transcripts for local cemeteries.

Children of John Thorp and Hannah Jeffers:

  1. John, born 29 November 1780 at Elizabethtown, Union Co., New Jersey, according to Perrine genealogy (matches census estimates of b.c. 1781-1782); married 24 August 1805 Mary Pruyne, at First Reformed Protestant Dutch Church at Glen, Montgomery Co., New York, daughter of Henry Perrine and Catherine Dey. Most sources call her Polly Perrine, ("Pruyne" may be Dutch spelling); the Perrine genealogy published in 1910 indicates Polly Perrine married John Thorp 22 Aug 1806 at Auriesville, Town of Glen.
            John was a carpenter by trade.
            The earliest record of John Jr. in New york was written in 1808 when he was involved in three civil disputes: first, John Thorp, Jr. [Pl] vs. Thomas Tulloch and others [DF], field 14 May 1808 / Rowell Murray, T/ Florida in said Co., farmer; John Doe, of same, [BM]; second, David Tygert Sr. vs. John Thorp Sr. and John Thorp Jr., filed 21 June 1808 / Enoch Thorp of Charleston, yoeman, and John Doe of same, tinker; third, Benjamin Van Veckten vs. John Thorp Jr., filed 25 June 1808 / Enoch Thorp of Charleston, farmer, and John Doe of same, farmer.
            John Thorp Jr. of Charleston, farmer, 15 May 1809, mortgaged between George Clarke, city of Albany, part of lot #80 in William Corry Patent, Charleston, 30 acres of land bordering John Dupp, David Dupp, Enoch Thorp, and land leased to Michael Carpenter now owned by Michael Stowitts.
            In 1810, John was enumerated in the census of Canajoharie, Montgomery Co., with 1 male 26-45 and 2 females <10, plus 1 female 26-45.
            In 1815, John was involved in two more civil cases: first, John Thorp Jr, filed 4 July 1815, ads George Clark (bail book) / John Thorp of Charleston, carpenter and John Doe of Florida, farmer; second, John Thorp, filed 4 July 1815, ads George Clark (bail book) / John Thorp Jr. of Charleston, yoeman, and John Doe of Florida, farmer.
            In the 1820 census of the Town of Charleston, Montgomery Co., John was enumerated next door to Ebenezer Thorp, with 3 males <10; 1 male 26-45; 1 female <10; 2 females 10-16; 1 female 16-25; 1 female 26-45 (1 manuf.).
            In the 1825 census of New York State, John was enumerated in the Town of Root, Montgomery Co., along with Ebenezer Thorp.
            Around 1828, John's daughter Mary C. Thorp was born.
            On 7 August 1829, John Thorp filed for bankruptcy at the court in Fonda, Montgomery Co.; he indicated he had no real estate, was a carpenter residing in Root, and had a wife and 9 children. Ebenezer Thorp signed papers with John. John owed money to several people at the time including Henry Shibley (John's son-in-law) and Joshua Young (probably Ebenezer's brother-in-law).
            In 1830, John was enumerated in the census of Root with 2 males <10; 2 males 10<15; 1 male 15<20; 1 male 40<50 / 2 females <5; 2 females 15<20; 1 female 20<30; and 1 female 40<50. Also in or about this year his daughter Elizabeth was born.
            John's family was listed on 14 November 1839 from Canajoharie as subscribers to the First Centenary of Methodism at Palatine Bridge and Canajoharie Methodist Churches, as follows (dates added): John Thorp age 57 years (b.c. 1782) "head of household"; "wife" Mary age 49 years (b.c. 1790); "sister" Caroline age 24 years 6 months (b.c. May 1815); and Diana Titus age 28 (b.c. 1811, no relationship listed, though note that Abner Thorp first married a Lydia Titus). In the transcript is also Jane Smith age 29 years 7 months (b.c. April 1810) who joined from Town of Root; a note following the entry says "this could be all one family."
            By 1840, John was living in Canajoharie, Montgomery Co., where he was enumerated in the census with 2 males 15<20; 1 male 50<60; 2 females 5<10; 1 female 10<15; 1 female 20<30; and 1 female 50<60.
            The 1850 census of Canajoharie includes John Thorp, age 69, carpenter, born in New Jersey; Mary, age 62, born in New Jersey; Morgan L. Thorp, 24, born in New York, carpenter; Mary C. Thorp, 22, born in New York; and Elizabeth A. Thorp, 20, born in New York.
            John and Mary do not appear in the 1860 census of Montgomery Co., New York.
            According to the Perrine genealogy published in 1910, Mary "Polly" Perrine/Pruyn, John's wife, died on 2 May 1864 at Auriesville, Town of Glen, Montgomery Co., New York, and John followed her that same year on August 23rd at Auriesville. Transcripts of local cemeteries do not include record of John's or Mary's burials.
    Children:
    1. Caroline, born about 1812 or 1815 (her tombstone says 1812, but in 1839 she was named a "24y.o. sister" in John Thorp Jr.'s house), but in affidavots filed pertaining to Henry Perrine's Revolutionary War pension she is indicated as a daughter of John Thorp and Mary Perrine; married in 1850, Henry Shibley, as his second wife. Parents of:
      1. Lucy Shibley, born about 1853.
    2. James Newton, born 1822 (according to Sons of the American Revolution application filed by Russell Thorp Kirby (Nat. # 34561 / State # 3686 ). Father of:
      1. Mary Frances, born 1854 according to Sons of the American Revolution application filed by Russell Thorp Kirby (Nat. # 34561 / State # 3686 ), specifically on 22 January in Lockport, Niagara Co., New York, according to "Kirbys of New England" by Melatiah Everett Dwight (1898). Married Mr. Kirby. Parents of:
      2. Russell Thorp Kirby, born on 4 July 1887 in Detroit, Michigan (according to Sons of the American Revolution application filed 30 November 1920 from Boronxville, New York, Nat. # 34561 / State # 3686 ). He named himself in his SAR application as a lineal descendant of John Thorp Sr. and Mary Jeffers and John Thorp Jr. and Mary Perrine.
    3. Morgan L., born about 1824 (according to 1850 census). According to the Perrine genealogy published in 1910, Morgan was born in 1807 in Auriesville, Town of Glen, Montgomery Co., NY; however, this is incorrect. Morgan L. Thorp appears in the household of B. F. & Henrietta Flowers in the 1880 census of Tomkins, Warren Co., Illinois. He was single and reported his age as 56, birthplace as NY, occupation as carpenter (like his father), and parents' birthplaces each in New Jersey.
    4. Mary C., Born about 1828.
    5. Elizabeth A., born about 1830.
  2. Ebenezer, mentioned below

 

 

        (2) Ebenezer Thorp, born about 1792 in Herkimer Co., New York (according to the 1855 census), was one of the pioneer settlers of Root, Montgomery Co., New York.  He is called "Ebenezer Deacon Thorp" in Hardin's History of Herkimer County (1893). A careful study of census returns for the 1800's shows that Ebenezer moved in tandem with a man named John Thorp.  Evidence strongly suggests that Ebenezer a son of John Thorp Sr. of New Jersey and Charleston.  Since both John and Ebenezer came from Charleston, it is likely that they were also related to Abner Thorp, also from New Jersey, who first purchased land in Charleston in 1790 (Abner's brother David moved from New Jersey to Charleston in 1830).
        In 1800, none of the Thorps from New Jersey were enumerated in Montgomery County, though were living there around that time.
        In the 1810 census of Charleston, there were three Thorp men enumerated as heads of household: "Ebner," Enoch, and John, of whom the last two were neighbors.  In that year, Enoch had no children of Ebenezer's age, so he can be discounted as his father.  "Ebner" (Abner) likwise had one son under 10, and one son age 10 to 16.  John Thorp was the only head of household enumerated with a son between the ages of 16 and 26, when Ebenezer would have been 18 years old. This appears to be John Sr. in Charleston, since he is of the correct age, and because a younger John Thorp is living in the nearby town of Canajoharie.

1810 Census of Charleston
M<10
10-16
16-26
26-45
45+
  
F<10
10-16
16-26
26-45
45+
Enoch Thorp
0
0
0
1
0
 
0
1
0
1
0
John Thorp
1
0
1
0
1
0
0
2
0
1
'Ebner' Thorp
1
2
0
1
0
3
2
1
1
0

1810 Census of Canajoharie
M<10
10-16
16-26
26-45
45+
  
F<10
10-16
16-26
26-45
45+
John Thorp
0
0
0
1
0
2
0
1
0
0


        Ebenezer Thorp served as a Lieutenant in the War of 1812, 26th Regiment, Jacob Hannon, Adjutant, for Montgomery County, NY. During that year, "Enock" Thorp and John Thorp "Sr." were enumerated on the tax rolls together (page 21) in Town of Downe, Cumberland Co., New Jersey, near Delaware Bay.

        In 1820, Ebenezer was enumerated as head of his own household for the first time. He is not known to have been married in that year, but interestingly, he has one boy under 10 years, and one woman between 16 and 26, living with him, plus three women over age 45. It is doubtful that the young boy and young woman were a wife and son, since Ebenezer married in 1824 and had children only from that marriage living with him in the 1830 census. Instead, the evidence suggests that perhaps he had a woman and her family living with him, due to the absence of a male relative.
        Perhaps it is more than coincidence, then, that John Thorp Sr. was found in New Jersey in 1812, and never again appears in the census records of Montgomery or Herkimer County, New York. In 1820, only one John Thorp, fitting the age of Jr., was in Charleston. Also that year, Enoch had moved back from New Jersey and was enumerated in neighborhing Schoharie Co., Town of Carlisle, where he remained for the rest of his life. Abner is found in Charleston as usual.

1820 Census of Charleston
M<10
10-16
16-18
16-26
26-45
45+
  
F<10
10-16
16-26
26-45
45+
  
Agric.
Manuf.
John Thorp
3
0
0
0
1
0
1
2
1
1
0
0
1
Ebenezer Thorp
1
0
0
0
1
0
  
0
0
1
0
3
 
1
0
Abner Thorp
0
1
0
0
0
1
  
1
1
3
1
0
 
1
0
 
1820 Census of Carlisle
M<10
10-16
16-18
16-26
26-45
45+
  
F<10
10-16
16-26
26-45
45+
  
Agric.
Manuf.
Enoch Thorp
0
0
0
0
0
1
0
0
0
0
1
0
1


        On 24 October 1824, Ebenezer was married to Martha Ann Young (record says "N.," not "Ann") by the Rev. Elijah Herrick of the Baptist Church of Charleston, Montgomery Co., New York.  It should be noted that in the 1810 census, Abner Thorp was living two houses away from the family of George Young, which consisted of two girls between ages 10 and 16, (and one girl between 16 and 26), when Martha would have been 12 years old. George was born 1 May 1761 in Readington, Hunterdon Co., New Jersey and died 9 September 1849 in Montgomery Co., New York. George Young first married around 1798 in Charleston, Jane Orr, and married second on 11 October 1829, Mary Bowman.
        On 2 March 1826, Ebenezer and Martha, together with John Bennett and Lydia his wife, all of Town of Root, deeded to Elias Kane and his wife Deborah, of the city of Albany, for $600, 48 1/2 acres in the southwest half of lot #2 in Root, part of the Jacob Glen patent. The co-ownership this sale suggests perhaps a close relationship between the Thorps and Bennetts. Recall there was a James Bennett married to a Hannah Thorp in the vicinity at that time—could Lydia, wife of John Bennett, be sister to Hannah, and in turn each be sisters of Ebenezer? Further research is needed. On 24 April 1826, Elias and Deborah Kane deeded the northeast half of the above lot #2 to Christian J. Leathers. (The grantees in the first transaction are probably Elias Kane and Deborah Van Schuyline, married 29 October 1797 at First Dutch Reformed Church at Albany, Albany Co., New York).
        On 29 September 1827, Ebenezer and Martha, of Root, were involved in two land transactions with Joshua Young, also of Root. First in deed 23:548, they sold for $400, 9 1/4 acres in Root of Lot #1 of the William Corry Patent, beginning at the corner of James Delancey's land to the farm leased to Michael Carpenter. Second, in deed 23.550, they conveyed 3 1/2 acres of land in Root for $40, bounded by a line running northerly until the corner of Solomon Thorp (may be transcription error; Solomon Sharp was living nearby in 1830 census), then west until the line of Asa Asburn, then south to land owned by Ebenezer and Martha. This second was a quit claim deed, implying perhaps a brother-sister relationship between Joshua Young and Martha (Young) Thorp.
        The location of the land in the first transaction is significant, as it is the same land mortgaged by John Thorp Jr. in 1809 and 1810, as follows: first, on 15 May 1809, John Thorp Jr. farmer of Charleston, mortgaged unto George Clarke (the original patentee) of the city of Albany, part of lot 80 in William Corry Patent, Charleston, 30 acres of land bordering John Dupp, David Dupp, Enoch Thorp, and land leased to Michael Carpenter then owned by Michael Stowitts (for $122 and an additional $132 to be paid by 1814). Second, on 23 May 1810, John Thorp of Charleston, farmer, mortgaged unto George Clarke city of Albany, lot 1 by corner of James Delancey’s farm, to farm leased to Michael Carpenter.
        These land records indicate that John Thorp Jr. lived on land adjacent to land lived on by Enoch Thorp in 1809, and then in 1810 also lived on part of Lot #1 bounded in the same manner as the lot Ebenezer Thorp later sold half of to Joshua Young in 1827.
         On 7 August 1829, Ebenezer Thorp of Town of Root signed documents as part of John Thorp's (of Town of Root) insolvent debtor petition to the court at Fonda. Two of the people John Thorp owed money to were Henry Shibley of Glen, and Joshua Young.
        In 1830, John Thorp Jr. was enumerated in the census of the Town of Root (page 46) as was Ebenezer (page 47). Enumerated next door to Ebenezer was Lewis P. Perrine, followed two doors further down by Enoch Perrine—this is significant since John Thorp Jr. appears to have married Mary "Polly" Perrine/Pruyn. Also in that year, brothers Abner and David Thorp were enumerated next door to one another in the Town of Charleston. Like John and Enoch, David appears to have had a hiatus in New Jersey before the census was taken, for he is recorded in a deed as being "of Middletown, Monmouth Co., New Jersey" when he bought land in Charleston in 1830. John Sr. does not appear in the 1820 or 1830 census of New York.
 
 1830 Census of Root
M<5
5<10
10<15
15<20
20<30
30<40
40<50
50<60
60<70
F<5
5<10
10<15
15<20
20<30
30<40
40<50
John Thorp
0
2
2
1
0
0
1
0
0
2
0
0
2
1
0
1
Ebenezer Thorp
1
0
0
0
0
1
0
0
0
1
0
1
0
0
1
0

 1830 Census
    of Charleston
M<5
5<10
10<15
15<20
20<30
30<40
40<50
50<60
60<70
 
F<5
5<10
10<15
15<20
20<30
30<40
40<50
50<60
David Thorp
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
1
 
0
0
0
0
1
0
0
1
Abner Thorp
0
0
0
1
1
0
0
0
1
 
0
0
0
1
0
1
0
1


        On 15 May 1839, Ebenezer was called for jury duty at the courthouse in Fonda to hear the case of Leander Fox vs. John C. Lipe. The jury found in favor of the defendant and awarded six cents for costs.
        In 1840, Ebenezer was enumerated in the Town of Root. With him were his three daughters Mary, Hope, and Hannah, and two young men, one of whom was son Joshua and another whose identity is unclear. Two houses away from Ebenezer lived Enoch Perrine. John Thorp Jr. appears to be back on his feet after the 1829 bankruptcy, for by this year he has re-established his family in Canajoharie.
 1840 Census of Root
M<5
5<10
10<15
15<20
20<30
30<40
40<50
50<60
F<5
5<10
10<15
15<20
20<30
30<40
40<50
Ebenezer Thorp
_
1
0
1
0
0
1
0
1
1
1
0
0
1
0
 
  1840 Census
          of Canajoharie
M<5
5<10
10<15
15<20
20<30
30<40
40<50
50<60
F<5
5<10
10<15
15<20
20<30
30<40
40<50
50<60
John Thorp
0
0
0
2
1
0
0
1
0
2
1
0
1
0
0
1


        In 1850, Ebenezer and Martha were enumerated in the town of Root, Montgomery County, near their son Joshua's home.
        In the 1855 state census of New York, Ebenezer was enumerated as a 63 year old farmer in the Town of Root, Montgomery County, who owned his own land. He reported that he had been a resident of that place for 49 years, establishing his arrival in the town to about 1806 when he was about 13 or 14 years old—an indication that he probably moved with is parents. When queried about his birthplace, Ebenezer must have mentioned New Jersey in some way, because the census taker wrote "New Jersey" but then scratched it out and wrote "Herkimer Co." over it—this record further establishes the link between Ebenezer and the Thorps from New Jersey who were living in the area at the time. His wife, Martha A., was listed as a 57 year old woman who had resided in Montgomery County for 57 years, indicating her parents can likely be found in the 1800 census of that county with a young daughter in the household. With them is their daughter Hope A., age 18, also a life-long resident of the town.
        The 1855 census was a watershed year for records of this family. It was the first census taken after the deaths of Ebenezer's and Martha's daughter Mary, and of their daughter-in-law, Catherine Shull, the wife of their son Joshua Thorp. Living with them that year were Joshua and Catherine's two young children, Louisa, age nine, and John J., age six (mistakenly called "niece" and "nephew" by the census taker). Their father is noticeably absent; perhaps he had gone to look for work to support the children—a search which ultimately took him to Illinois.
        By the time of the 1860 federal census, Martha was dead too, passing away on 4 January 1858. That year, Ebenezer is enumerated as a 67 year old farmer in the Town of Root. With him are his daughter, Hope A. Thorp, age 23 and unmarried, and his grandson, John J. Thorp, age 11. John's older sister, Louisa Ann, is not to be found, (but she does surface in the marriage records of the Herkimer Reformed Church five years later).
        Ebenezer died on 9 August 1860 at age 68. He was buried next to his wife Martha, and their daughter Mary, in Rural Grove Cemetery, town of Root, Montgomery Co., New York.  They made up three of the eight burials in that cemetery when the stones there were transcribed in 1961 for the Caughnawaga DAR Chapter.
        In his will, filed at the Courthouse at Fonda, Ebenezer named daughter "Hannah Cole wife of Jacob Cole" and bequeathed the majority of his estate to daughter Hope Thorp who remained unmarried.  Son Joshua was not named, perhaps because he was no longer in the state. Ebenezer named Jacob Cole and daughter Hope Ann Thorp as co-executors of the estate. The witness Ebenezer chose was Henry M. Shibley of Charleston—this choice is highly significant, since Henry Shibley was married to Ebenezer's niece, Caroline Thorp, who, based on age, is likely the same Caroline Thorp listed as a 24-year-old "sister" in John Thorp Jr.'s household in an 1839 list of subscribers to the Methodist Church at Canajoharrie. The Caroline Thorp who married Henry Shibley on 13 March 1850, was born 17 April 1812 (tombstone says 1812) and died 3 May 1878 (tombstone says 1878).
         After Ebenezer's death, Hope appears to have sold the Thorp Farm, for in 1870, she was boarding in Johnstown, Fulton Co., with her employer and several co-workers, making gloves at a factory. She does not appear in the 1880 census so probably was deceased by then. Her departure from Root would have left little John J. Thorp without a guardian, yet still of minor age—perhaps he went to live with his father in Illinois at that time.

Children:

  1. Joshua, mentioned below
  2. Hannah, born about 1826 in New York; married Jacob Cole.  She received $150 from her father's estate. They lived in the Town of Ephratah, Fulton Co. for much of their married lives, but by 1880 were living in Johnstown. Parents of:
    1. Ebenezer Cole, born about 1854. In 1870 he was working in the local paper mill, as was most of the family of Jeremiah Cole, who lived two homes away.
    2. Margaret A. Cole, born about 1856. In 1880, she was living with her parents and working in a glove factory, like her Aunt Hope Thorp.
    3. Martha Cole, born about 1859. In 1880, she was living with her parents and working in a glove factory, like her Aunt Hope Thorp.
    4. Carrie Alida Cole, born about 1862. In 1880, she was living with her parents and working in a glove factory, like her Aunt Hope Thorp.
    5. Charles Cole, born about 1869. In 1880, he was attending school in Johnstown.
  3. Hope A., born about 1826 in New York, acted as her father's caretaker after the death of her mother in 1858, and watched over her niece and nephew after their mother died around 1850. When her father's will was made in 1869, she received eveything except the money given to her sister Hannah.
    4. Evidence suggests that she probably sold the Thorp Farm shortly thereafter, since in 1870 she was residing in Johnstown, Fulton Co., with her employer, J. McMartin, and several co-workers, making gloves at a factory. She does not appear in the 1880 census, so perhaps was deceased by then.
  4. Mary C., born about 1834 in New York, died 1853, buried with her parents in Rural Grove Cemetery, town of Root, Montgomery Co., New York.

 
 
 

        (3) Prof. Joshua Thorp, born about 1825, probably in Charleston, Montgomery Co., New York; married Catharine "Caty" Shull, born about 11 May 1825 in Danube, Herkimer County, New York, died 8 June 1853, buried in Rockwood Cemetery, Rockwood, town of Ephratah, Fulton Co., New York.
        Joshua is said to have spent most of his life in teaching. He was for some time principal of the academy at Onondaga Valley, New York, and also of the High School at Watertown, Jefferson County. The publication entitled "Oppenheim-Ephratah Celebrated" (1998) indicates that Joshua "Thorpe" was once a teacher at the Crum Creek School, District #6, located in Rockwood.  He was a very successful teacher and lecturer, and was in the War of the Rebellion.
        In about 1858, Joshua relocated with his children to Indian Castle, Town of Danube, Herkimer Co., New York.
        Sometime between 1859 and the end of the Civil War, Joshua removed to the state of Illinois.
        In 1870, at age 44, Joshua was enumerated on June 15th as a resident of the city of Polo, Ogle Co., Illinois, (west of Chicago). With him was a new wife, 27-year-old Katie Thorp, born in Illinois. (There is record of a Sarah C. Blanchard marrying a Joshua Thorp on 26 December 1864 in Peoria Co., Illinois, but there is no evidence to suggest this is the same couple). Also with them was a daughter, Carrie Thorp, age three, born in Illinois. Carrie's age and reported birthplace is evidence that Joshua had removed to and remarried in Illinois by 1866.
        In 1880, Joshua Thorp, age 55, "Teacher" was enumerated in the Village of Rodgers [a.k.a. Rogers] Park, Cook Co., Illinois, a suburb of Chicago, dwelling 386, with an Irish family.  The heads of the household were John Murphy, age 35, born in Illinois of Irish parentage and his wife Lizzie Murphy, age 25, also born in Illinois and of Irish parentage.  With them were their son Edward Murphy, age 1, also born in Illinois, and Ann Carroll, age 78, born in Ireland. Wiith him was Carrie Thorp, age 13, "at school," who was born in Illinois to a father from New York and a mother from Illinois.  Sadly, the census indicates by this year Joshua was once agian a widower.
        The suburb of Rogers Park was annexed into the City of Chicago in 1893.  No doubt Joshua obtained employment in one of the several schools or universities there.  He died in 1900 and was buried in Joliet, in neighboring Will Co., Illinois. He does not appear in the census that year.

Children of Joshua Thorp and Catherine Shull:

  1. John Jacob, mentioned below
  2. Louisa Ann or "Eliza", born about 14 August 1845, died 1925; married 14 March 1865 at Herkimer Reformed Church, Herkimer, Herkimer Co., New York, John P. Cristman, born 1 April 1844.  She received a legecy of one hundred dollars from her grandfather Jacob Shull.  Her obituary read as follows: "MRS. LOUISA A. CRISTMAN DIES AFTER YEAR'S ILLNESS -- At the home of her son, Phillip A. Cristmas, on Michigan street, at 9:20 o'clock this morning occurred the death of Mrs. Louisa A. Cristman. the end came after a year's illness and she had been confined to her bed the past ten days. Death ensued from complications incident to her advanced age, she being in her eightieth year. Mrs. Cristman was a native of the town of Danube, where she was born August 14, 1845, the daughter of the late Josiah and Ann Shaul Thorpe. On March 14, 1865, she was united in marriage to John P. Cristman and her life since that time had been spent in German Flatts, her late husband, who died seven years ago, being a farmer. For the last four years, she had resided in Mohawk, the last with the son, Phillip, who with his wife had given her that care and attention that only love and affection can command. Mrs. Cristman was possessed of those traits which made her a good neighbor and friend, and the children will have the sympathy of many friends in their affliction. She was an attendant of the Methodist church. surviving are the son, Phillip, another son, Byron, also of Mohawk, and a brother, John J. Thorpe, of Little Falls. The funeral has not yet been arranged. The funeral will be held Wednesday afternoon from the home and will be private. Rev. Arthur Partington will officiate and burial will be made in Oak Hill Cemetery." Parents of:
    1. Philip A. R., born 1866
    2. Byron A., born 1868
    3. Herman A., born 1877
Children of Joshua Thorp and Katie:
  1. Carrie, born about 1867 in Illinois.  She was not mentioned in her half-brother John's will.

 
 
 
 

        (4) John Jacob Thorp, was born in Rural Grove, Montgomery County, 26 September 1848.  As a child, he and his sister each received received a legacy of one hundred dollars from their grandfather, Jacob Shull's estate.
         In 1853, John's mother died, and shortly thereafter in about 1858 or 1859 he relocated with his father and sister to Indian Castle, Town of Danube, Herkimer County, New York. There he spent his boyhood days attending the rural school and working on farms.
        In 1875, John became a resident of Little Falls, Herkimer Co., New York. John's obituaries indicate that "he lived in this vicinity" for all but 10 years of his life, which may be an indication that John spent his teen years in Illinois with his father.
       On 24 March 1875 in Herkimer, John married Ellen "Ella" Aljelina Youngs, born 19 April 1854 in Mohawk, Town of German Flatts, Herkimer Co., New York. The Rev. G.D. Consaul officiated at the wedding.
        In 1875 in Little Falls, John went into business as a piano salesman, and he was in the same business until his retirement in about 1918 due to failing health. He first worked for Snell & Scott, and when that firm was merged with Kempf Brothers he continued work with the new ownership.
        According to Hardin's 1893 "History of Herkimer County," John lived in Litchifeld and working as proprietor of the Cedarville Hotel. Since his obituary states he lived away from Little Falls for only eight months of his married life, the work in Cedarville was more likely done in 1889, where his daughter Edna Clare Thorp was born that March. She died in September of the same year, which is probably why the family left the village behind and returned to Little Falls. They also spent time at Little Lakes and at Warren where their daughter Mabel Janette Thorp was born in 1883 (she died in 1897, age 13).
        John Jacob Thorp was a member of the Little Falls lodge of Free & Accepted Masons for over 50 years, and was given his 50-year Masonic jewels in June 1924 at his home by a committee from the lodge. He was also a devout member of the Methodist church. He was also a member of the American Mechanics.
        John and Ella were married for over 50 years. John died 15 August 1925 at his home at 605 East Monroe St., Little Falls, Herkimer Co., New York, from hardening of the arteries and high blood pressure. He had been ill for seven years, and a few weeks prior to his death he fell and broke his hip, which hastened his passing. His funeral was held at the home at 2:30 Monday afternoon, Rev. J. W. Barrett officiating.
        After her husband's death, Ella went to live with her daughter Ethel's family in Amsterdam, Montgomery Co., New York. She died 2 January 1931 at their home. The body was brought to Little Falls by Undertaker Newitt and teken to the home of her son Benjamin Franklin Thorp at 26 Arthur St., where the funeral was held Sunday afternoon at 2 o'clock, Rev. H. C. Campbell of the Methodist church officiating. John and Ella are interred in Mohawk Cemetery, Mohawk, Town of German Flatts, Herkimer Co., New York.

Taken Spring of 1918, Ethel (Thorp) Jenkins holding newborn son Donald Thorp Jenkins, her parents John J. Thorp & Ella A. Youngs, next to Raymond Thorp, and an unidentified relative.
 
Children:
  1. Benjamin Franklin, born 25 June 1876 in Little Falls, Herkimer Co., New York, died in Little Falls 17 December 1942; married 29 May 1895 at the bride's parents' home on Furnace Street, in Little Falls, New York, Nellie Van Etten who died 15 August 1954. The wedding ceremony was performed by Rev. Richardson of the Presbyterian church. According to his obituary, published in the Evening Times of Little Falls on 17 December 1942, he received his education in the local schools of Little Falls, and had been a resident of that city for almost his entire life. For over 40 years he followed the occupation of piano tuning, and became noted for the excellence of his work. For a number of years he was employed at the Snell music store on Main St., and later at Kempf music store also on the same street. Benjamin Thorp was a member of the Little Falls Masonic lodge, like his father and his brother, and attended the Presbyterian church. He died at his home at 603 East Monroe St, (his parents resided at 605 East Monroe St.), at 10:40 in the morning, after an illness of only a few days. On Friday of the prior week he had sufferred a cerebral hemmorhage, and his condition remained critical until his decease. Benjaimn and Nellie were parents of:
    1. Glenn J., born 1 September 1897, died January 1976. He was residing in Town of Minden, Montgomery Co., New York at the time of his father's death in 1942. His birth and death dates come from the Social Security Death Index, which also indicates his places of residence to have been Ephratah, Fort Plain, Hallsville, Hessville, Minden, Mindenville, Sand Hill, Starkville, and Stone Arabia, Montgomery Co., New York.
    2. Agnes Louise; married Mr. Klock. She attended Little Falls High School where she graduated with honors in 1914.
    3. Gertrude F., born 29 June 1900, died 14 April 1989; married James Goodbred, and resided in Little Falls, Herkimer Co., New York. When she was born, a newspaper article was published profiling her 100-year-old maternal great-grandfather John Van Etten, and her 87-year-old paternal grandfather, Benjamin Youngs. Her birth and death dates come from the Social Security Death Index, which also lists her primary residences as Litle Falls and Salisbury, Herkimer Co., New York.
    4. Robert B., who at the time of his father's death in 1942 was stationed with the U.S. Army at Sioux Falls, South Dakota.
  2. Franklin, born about 1878; he appears in the 1880 census of Little Falls as a two-year-old son of John and Ella, however neither his birth nor death is recorded in the otherwise complete family Bible register. Note that John and Ella had already named their eldest son Benjamin Franklin, (though B.F. also appears, age 4, in the 1880 census alongside the younger Franklin).
  3. Raymond J., (at age 100 below) was born 24 April 1879 in Little Falls, Herkimer Co., New York, died in the spring of 1981, living almost until his 102nd birthday. He was and member of the Little Falls Lodge of Free & Accepted Masons from 1905 until at least 1973, and presided as Master of the lodge during construction of the new meeting hall. He had no children and outlived three wives: he married first Elsie M. Lawton, born 4 February 1878, died 7 August 1903, age 25; married second Mae Mellor, died 12 June 1948. Raymond married his last wife, Lydia E. Haug, on 30 June 1951. She died 11 July 1976.
  4. Mabel Janette, born 5 June 1883 in Warren, Herkimer Co., New York. She suffered from a curvature of the spine and the story of her uncommon treatment with a "plaster jacket" when she was two years old was the subject of a newspaper article (at right). She died in Little Falls 1 March 1897 at the age of 13, possibly because of the combined effects of her birth defect and "two severe illnesses" she had before the age of two.
  5. Edna Clare, born in Cedarville, Herkimer Co., New York, 17 March 1889. She died in Cedarville of illness when just five months old on 2 September 1889.
  6. Ethel Aljelina, born November 20, 1891 in Little Falls, Herkimer Co., New York, died 22 July 1976; married on August 31, 1915 at Little Falls, Herkimer Co., New York, Noah Avery Jenkins, born February 19, 1894 at West Chazy, Clinton Co., New York.

 


John and Ella's marriage certificate from their family Bible



"Bay View—Thorp's Cottage—Pleasant Lake N.Y."


Unknown man (resembles Young family), Raymond Thorp, and John J. Thorp.
 

Thorp Family at Cottage on Pleasant Lake, circa 1920.

Front row: Benjamin Thorp holding unidentified child;
John J. Thorp & wife Ella A. Youngs.
Middle Row: Raymond Thorp second from left, Ethel (Thorp) Jenkins
at far right; two young girls are daughters of Benjamin Thorp.
Back row: Unnamed son and daughter of Benjamin Thorp.
 

 

Raymond J. Thorp at Age 100 Years

"Must Have Been Lucky"
Raymond Thorpe Will Observe
His 100th Birthday Tomorrow

By Betty Sarvey

The Evening Times Mon., Apr. 23, 1979, Little Falls, New York
 

        "We all go sometime. Must have just been lucky," was Raymond Thorpe's comment on being a century old. He will observe his 100th birthday tomorrow.
        His handshake is firm, he walks with ease, and according to his housekeeper, Jeanine Patrick, he takes no medication, "not even aspirin."
        Mrs. Patrick comes every day to cook and clean for "Uncle" Ray, and as she says, keep him out of mischief.
        "I'm not as spry as I used to be," Mr. Thorpe says as he makes his way into an adjoining room.
        But Mrs. Patrick says he likes to go out for walks. "He's a demon. When I leave he takes off."
        Mr. Thorpe can also be seen out for dinner almost every Sunday and at local stores.
        "He loves to go shopping for groceries. He woudl buy everything in the store if I let him," Mrs. Patrick said.
        Until a year ago, Mr. Thorpe was driving his own car, but his license expired. Now he wants to apply for another.
        Reading and watching baseball are a couple of his favorite activities along with working around outdoors. And he still plays the organ, which is kept in the basement. Mrs. Patrick said that when he can, he sneaks off to play, at full volume.
        Ray Thorpe was born on West Main Street in Little Falls, he said, on April 24, 1879 and has remained in Little Falls most of his life. He attended Little Falls schools and later, Albany Business College.
        When asked if he had ever gone hunting or fishing, Mr. Thorpe said that he had often gone with his father to a camp they owned on Pleasant Lake. It was very pretty, he added, although he hadn't been there in a while.
        For several yeats, he played clarinet in the Little Falls Military Band. they gave concerts in the city parks and went on trips -- Bsoton, Philadelphia, Washington, D.C., he said.
        Mr. Thorps said that he had also traveled to the Pacific Coast, Western Canada, the Grand Canyon and Florida. "I had a friend who lived in Flushing, L.I. She took me to the pont of Long Island once, and that's the closest I've ever been to Europe."
        A member of the Little Falls Masonic Lodge since 1905, Mr. Thorpe is a past master. He was also active in Ziyara Temple of the Shrine in Utica at one time. About 1912, he joined the Methodist Church, here.
        After graduating from the Albany Business College, he worked as a stenographer for the master mechanic on the Mohawk line of the New York Central Railroad, but only for two months. His next job was with an insurance company in Amsterdam. He stayed there nearly a year. Then he was offered a job with Cherry-Burrell so he returned to Little Falls. "I worked at Cherry-Burrell 47 years," he said. He had charge of the office employees and the building department.
        Mr. Thorpe is widower after three marriages, and has no children.
        "If you gave me a month, I could think up a lot of things," Mr. Thorpe commented later, "some things I would like to forget - but who doesn't?"
        Mr. Thorpe said that he had never served in the armed services. He had registered for the army during World War I, "but then they stopped fighting," and he didn't have to serve. "Just lucky."
  Since 1939, he has lived at 227 Church Street. His last wife, Lydia, died in 1976. A nephew, Donald Jenkins, lives in Watertown.
        Mr. Thorpe, who voted in the past November elections, says he hopes to vote again this year.
        Friends and relatives will join Mr. Thorpe for his hundredth birthday. They'll have turkey, his favorite food, and cake.
 

 

Photos from the John J. Thorp Family Bible of 1875
                   
        These photos appear at the back of John J. Thorp's family Bible, situated below a photo of his grandmother, Anna (Klock) Shull.  Neither photo is labeled, but certain characteristics suggest the most likely subjects....
The photo at left of a young woman is a very small tintype attached to an embossed carte-de-visite-sized paper holder. Embossed paper mounts for tintypes first appeared in 1863, so although the woman bears a strong resemblance to Anna (Klock) Shull—even the same eye color—this cannot be her daughter, Catherine Shull, who died around 1850. This is more likey a photo of Catherine's daughter, Louisa Ann Thorp, who would have been in her 20's when this picture was taken. The photo of the man at right is a carte-de-visite. The border consists of one thin and one thick line. The cardstock is of medium thickness with squared corners, and the studio "props" are very simple, consisting of only a table and plain chair. These characteristics are most typical of the period 1863-1867. This timeframe and the man's apparent age of 35-45 years excludes John Jacob Thorp (15-20 at the time) as the subject of the photo, but corresponds to the approximate age and time when Joshua Thorp moved to Illinois, as well as to his age (about 40)—perhaps this was his "parting shot" given to relatives for remembrance. The photo was taken at C. Vincent's New Photography Gallery, Coe's Block, Mohawk, NY.  It should also be noted that this man bears a very strong resemblance to both Josiah Shull and Benjamin Youngs (the latter lived in Mohawk).

 

© Mark A. Wentling, 1999-2008
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OLD THORP RESEARCH NOTES (some items outdated):

Summary:

Judging from facts below, it appears the following men of roughly the same age came from New Jersey and settled in Montgomery County, New York. Based on their similar ages and places of origin it is possible they are all brothers:

David, born 1763, is definitely (based on his will) brother of,

Abner, born 1766/1767, has an unclear relationship with,

John Sr. , born in or before 1765 (based on census data), is probably brother or father to,

Enoch, born as early as 1765 or as late as 1780 (he lived next door to John in 1810).

These four men are likey candidates as the father of Ebenezer Thorp, born 1792. Of these, John Sr. seems most likely, as Ebenezer traveled with John Jr. throughout his life, and appears to have land deals with John Sr.'s probable daughter Caroline (Thorp) Shibley. However, in 1855, Ebenezer was living with Hiram Grandy, who married two daughters of Abner Thorp & Sarah Osbun.

David left a will in 1832 and named only two daughters....
Abner left no will and so far no documents name him as father of Ebenezer....
John Sr. appears not to have left a will....
Enoch moved away and likewise appears to have left no will....

These circumstances make it unclear who Ebenezer's father really was....


Abner Thorp married first Lidia Titus. Parents of:
  1. Jane Thorp, born 30 November 1791, baptized 1 January 1792, at Dutch Reformed Church at Caughnawaga, Montgomery Co., New York. Sponsors were John Leenderson and wife (not named). This is the only entry for Thorp in the church's registers. The IGI claims Jane died in August 1792.

Abner Thorp married second Jael Harmon (also spelled Jaal) sometime after 1792. Jael was previously married to John Hanchett. They had a duaghter Jael Hanchett, born 30 September 1790 in Charleston, Montgomery Co., New York, died 6 November 1845. Jael Hanchett married 17 March 1807 in Charleston, Ebenezer Wilcox of Charleston. Jael and Ebenezer had seven children between 1808 and 1815 in Charleston. Afterwards they moved to Aylmer, Elgin, Ontario, Canada where they had at least three more children. The second child born in Ontario was named Abner Thorp Wilcox, born 16 December 1817 in Aylmer. This affirms Jael's affection for her step-father, Abner Thorp of Charleston. Parents of:

  1. Abner Thorp, born (according to IGI) on 25 July 1797 in Charleston, Montgomery Co., New York, died 16 March 1818.
  2. Lydia Thorp born (according to IGI) on 6 August 1799 at Charleston, Montgomery Co., New York, died (according to tombstone) on 2 January 1878, "in 79th year"; married on 1 January 1821 to Henry Kimbal by Rev. Elijah Herrick at Charleston Baptist Church. They are buried in Charleston Baptist Church Cmetery (same place as Abner & Sarah). Henry died 10 September 1879, age 73 years.
  3. Nancy Thorp born (according to IGI) on 10 November 1806 at Charleston, Montgomery Co., New York; married on 21 December 1826 to Boswel Wilard by Rev. Elijah Herrick at Charleston Baptist Church.

Abner Thorp married third 12 August 1809 to Sarah Osbun, by Rev. Elijah Herrick of Charleston, Montgomery Co., New York. According to the IGI, Sally's surname was Green, but other records clearly show her as Sarah Osbun, including her letter of transfer from the church at Troy. Parents of (according to IGI):

  1. Harriet Thorpe, born 20 September 1810 in Charleston, Montgomery Co., New York, died 21 January 1890. . This Harriet Thorp married first Mr. Squiers; married second Hiram Grandy, who had previously been married to an Anne Thorpe, born 29 March 1808, died 4 November 1852. In the 1880 census of Charleston, Harriet (Thorp) Grandy reported that her father was born in New Jersey (and mother in Connecticut), which fits the profile of Abner Thorp's family. Living with Hiram in the 1855 census of Charleston was Ebenezer Thorp.
  2. Jane Thorpe, born 25 December 1812 in Charleston, Montgomery Co., New York.
  3. Mary Thorpe, born 6 September 1813 in Charleston, Montgomery Co., New York.

Abner Thorp was enumerated in the 1810 census of Charleston as follows:

Young, George 2-1-4-1-0/0-2-1-0-1 / 0/ 0
Remur, John 1-1-1-1-0/2-1-2-1-0 / 0/ 0
Thorp, Ebner 1-2-0-1-0/3-2-1-1-0 / 0/ 0 <-- 1 male < 10; 2 males 10-16; one male 26-45 / 3 females < 10; 2 females 10-16; 1 female 16-26; 1 female 26-45
Lam, William 2-0-1-0-0/1-0-1-0-0 / 0/ 0
Neelin, Michael 1-0-0-1-1/0-0-1-0-1 / 0/ 0

Abner Thorp died 8 July 1871 "in 105th year"; wife Sarah died 19 March 1860 in 87th year. Both are buried in Charleston Baptist Church Cemetery at Ryder's Corners. The newspaper account in the Canajoharie Radii, published 13 July 1871, said "ae 104/4/4," setting birth at about 9 March 1767. There are several records of an Abner Thorp born circa 1766/1767 in Monmouth Co., New Jersey, but no parentage is known.

Caroline Thorp, born circa 1815, enumerated in the home of John Thorp (prob. Jr.) & Mary in 1839 as John's "sister" indicates she was the daughter of John Thorp Sr.

Caroline Thorp, born 1812, died 1878 (according to tombstone), married sometime after 1839 Henry Shibley, Jr., born 1805, died 1895, according to their tombstones in Maple Avenue Cemetery, Fultonville, Town of Glen, Montgomery Co., New York. Henry was previously married to Jane Frank, born 1814, died 1847, also buried at Maple Avenue Cemetery.

Henry and Jane were parents of:

  1. Andrew Shibley, born 29 June 1835, died 22 August 1905; married Lucy C., born 2 June 1865. Both are buried in Maple Avenue Cemetery.
  2. John Shibley, born 1837, died 1918, buried in Maple Avenue Cemetery.
  3. Adam Shibley, born 1839, buried in Maple Avenue Cemetery.

Henry and Caroline were parents of:

  1. Lucy J. Shibley, born 1853, buried in Maple Avenue Cemetery.

David Thorp, died 19 August 1832, age 68 years, 9 months, 28 days, setting birth in winter 1763. Catherine "his wife" is buried with him, died 13 December 1837, age 68 years, 11 months, 12 days, setting her birth around winter 1768. In his will, he names wife Catherine, daughters Jane Stillwell and Mary Taylor, and naming as co-executor "my brother Abner Thorp." The stated relationship with Abner places David's birth in New Jersey as well.

Parents of (from 1832 will):

  1. Jane Thorp; married Mr. Stillwell.
  2. Mary Thorp; married Mr. Taylor.

Ebenezer Thorp was born about 1792. John Thorp Sr. was the only head of household enumerated in the 1810 census of Charleston with a son between the ages of 16 and 26, when Ebenezer would have been 18 years old. (Abner Thorp had a son 16 years old or under that year).

Ebenezer Thorp served as a Lieutenant in the War of 1812, 26th Regiment, Jacob Hannon, Adjutant, for Montgomery County, NY.

Ebenezer Thorp and Martha Ann Young his wife and John Bennett and Lydia his wife, all of Town of Root, on 2 March 1826 Indentured to Elias Kane and Deborah wife of Albany, SW half of lot 2 (48 ½ acres) in Jacob Glen patent in town of Root (formerly in Town of Charleston). Deed for NE half given by deed on 24 April 1826 by Elias and Deborah Kane to Christian J. Leathers.

Enoch Thorp was living next door to John Thorp Sr. in 1810 census of Charleston. In that year he had a daughter between the ages of 10-16. If Enoch is assumed to have been at least 20 years old at his daughter's birth, then his own birth falls somewhere between 1765 and 1780, based on combined census data for that year. Further census research is needed to pinpoint his birth year. There was an Enoch Thorp living in Town of Carlisle, Schoharie County, NY in 1830 and 1840, and Enoch does not appear on Montgomery County census records in those years.

Hannah Thorp married James Bennett. [ As I recall, there are Bennetts in the deeds of Montgomery County having transactions with Ebenezer Thorp. ] Parents of:

  1. Catherine Bennett, born 2 March 1818, baptized 39 March 1818 at Reformed Church of Canajoharie and Charleston, Montgomery Co., New York

John Thorp, b. 28 April 1751 in NJ, died 29 March 1819 in Ohio; married Hannah Hurin, can definitely be discounted as father of any of the Thorps in Montgomery County -- their family Bible register mentions none of them and it issworn to as a complete record.

John Thorp married 24 August 1805 Mary Pruyne, at First Reformed Protestant Dutch Church at Glen, Montgomery Co., New York.

John Thorp (11/29/1780-8/23/1864) b. Elizabethtown, Union Co., NJ, d. Auriesville, Montgomery Co., NY; married 8/22/1806, NY, Polly Perrine (6/11/1788-5/2/1864) b. & d. Auriesville, Montgomery Co., N. Parents of: Morgan A. Thorp, b. ca. 1807, Auriesville, Montgomery Co., NY [ From: http://www.stormpages.com/emtyville/Section_F_Pierre_Perrine_Family.html ]. Note that "Polly" is a nickname for "Mary", and that Perrine, Perrin, and Pruyne are variations of the same surname. Also, Auriesville is in Town of Glen. These similarities suggest this is John Thorp & Mary Pruyne from the Dutch Church at Glen.

John Thorp Sr. appears to have been born in or before 1765 according to 1810 census records. This conforms with estimated age of John Thorp Jr. born circa 1780-1782. Note that Abner Thorp was born circa 1767, David Thorp born about 1763, and Enoch Thorp may have been born around 1765 and all are allegedly from New Jersey.

John Thorp married 1808 in Montgomery Co. NY (spouse not listed). [Marriage Index of Selected Areas of NY State, 1639-1916).

John Thorp Sr. and John Thorp Jr., filed 21 June 1808, David Tygert Sr. vs. (bail book) / Enoch Thorp of Charleston, yoeman, and John Doe of same, tinker.

John Thorp Jr., filed 25 June 1808, Benjamin Van Veckten vs. (bail book) / Enoch Thorp of Charleston, farmer, and John Doe of same, farmer.

John Thorp Jr. of Charleston, farmer, 15 May 1809, mortgaged between George Clarke, city of Albany, part of lot 80 in William Corry Patent, Charleston, 30 acres of land bordering John Dupp, David Dupp, Enoch Thorp, and land leased to Michael Carpenter now owned by Michael Stowitts.

John Thorp of Charleston, Farmer, 23 May 1810 mortgaged with George Clarke city of Albany, lot 1 by corner of James Delancey’s farm, to farm leased to Michael Carpenter.

John Thorp was enumerated next door to Enoch Thorp as head of household in the 1810 census of Town of Charleston, Montgomery Co., New York. The households were as follows:

Head of Household 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12

Shebly, Henry 2-1-3-0-1/1-1-0-1-0 / 0/ 0 -- married Caroline Thorp, born 1812
Hamstreet, John 3-2-0-0-1/2-1-4-1-0 / 0/ 0
Hubbs, William 0-0-1-1-0/2-0-2-0-0 / 0/ 0
Hubbs, Alexander 0-1-0-0-1/0-0-0-0-1 / 0/ 0
Schuyler, William 0-0-1-0-0/0-0-1-0-0 / 0/ 0
Thorp, Enoch 0-0-0-1-0/0-1-0-1-0 / 0/ 0 -- 1 male 26-45; 1 female 10-16; 1 female 26-45.
Thorp, John 1-0-1-0-1/0-0-2-0-1 / 0/ 0 -- 1 male < 10; 1 male 16-26; 1 male over 45; 2 women 16-26; 1 woman over 45.
Bowman, John 2-0-0-0-1/1-0-0-1-0 / 0/ 0 -- Abner thorp was a witness to the wedding of Cornelius Bowman in 1834.
Carpenter, Michael 1-0-0-0-1/0-0-0-0-1 / 0/ 0 -- bordered land mortgaged by John Thorp Jr. in 1809.
Dopt, John 1-2-0-1-0/1-1-0-1-0 / 0/ 0 -- bordered land mortgaged by John Thorp Jr. in 1809.
Fero, Peter 1-1-2-0-1/2-0-1-1-0 / 0/ 0
Williams, Samuel 1-2-2-1-0/0-0-2-1-0 / 0/ 0
Cambell, Alexander 1-2-0-1-0/1-1-0-1-0 / 0/ 0
Ouderkirk, Abraham 1-1-0-0-1/1-1-1-2-2 / 0/ 0
Dup(s?)t, David 3-0-0-1-0/2-0-1-0-1 / 0/ 0 -- bordered land mortgaged by John Thorp Jr. in 1809.

John Thorp Jr, field 4 July 1815, ads George Clark (bail book) / John Thorp of Charleston, carpenter and John Doe of Florida, farmer.

John Thorp, filed 4 July 1815, ads George Clark (bail book) / John Thorp Jr. of Charleston, yoeman, and John Doe of Florida, farmer.

John Thorp Sr. and John Thorp Jr., Alexander and William Hubbs ads (bail book) / Charles Hubbs of Canajoharry, farmer, and John Doe of same, Gentleman.

John Thorp enumerated in 1825 census of Town of Root.

John Thorp of Root on 7 August 1829 filed with court at Fonda, Montgomery Co., New York, as an insolvent debtor. Ebenezer Thorp of Root signed papers on his behalf. John owed money to Henry Shibley and to Joshua Young. John indicates he does not own any real estate and had a wife and 9 children who lived with him.

John Thorp age 57 years (setting birth circa 1782) "head of household" and "wife" Mary age 49 years (setting birth about 1790) circa were listed from Canajoharie on 14 November 1839 as subscribers to the First Centenary of Methodism at Palatine Bridge and Canajoharie Methodist Churches. Subscribing with them were "sister" Caroline Thorp (surname not given in record), age 24 years 6 months (setting birth around May 1815) and Diana Titus age 28 (born about 1811, no relationship listed). The 32 year age difference between John and his "sister" Caroline indicates an older father who was married more than once and to a younger woman. [This fits profile of Abner Thorp and Sarah Osbun who were having children recorded as late as 1813; if research proves this relationship then it would establish Lydia Titus as John Thorp's mother, which would help explain why Diana Titus was living in John's household in 1839. However, it must be kept in mind that this appears to be John Jr., meaning John Sr. was the one who remarried by 1815 -- there is a record of a John Thorp marrying in Montgomery County in 1808, but the spouse' name is not listed. Also, the birth year of 1815 more or less matches the estimated 1812 birth year of Caroline (Thorp) Shibley. ] In the transcript of subscribers is also listed Jane Smith age 29 years 7 months (setting birth about April 1810), who joined from Town of Root. A note following the entry in the transcript says "this could be all one family."

Lydia Thorp born (according to IGI) on 6 August 1799 at Charleston, Montgomery Co., New York, daughter of Abner Thorp and Jael Harmon.

Lydda Thorp married on 1 January 1821 to Henry Kimbal by Rev. Elijah Herrick at Charleston Baptist Church.

Nancy Thorp born (according to IGI) on 10 November 1806 at Charleston, Montgomery Co., New York, daughter of Abner Thorp and Jael Harmon.

Nancy Thorp married on 21 December 1826 to Boswel Wilard by Rev. Elijah Herrick at Charleston Baptist Church.