WILLIAM T. Thorp

From the 1887 History of Vernon County, Missouri, p. 899-900:

William T. Thorp

(Farmer, Section 10, Post-office, Temple).

   It was in 1882 that Mr. Thorp first became located in Vernon county, his career since that time as an agriculturist having been but a continuance of the success which had previously attended him professionally, for for seven years he was a teacher before locating here, and won an enviable reputation as such.  Having himself been the recipient of a good education, he has always favored the carrying on of substantial educational institutions, knowing the benefit derived from a thorough intellectual training.  He was born in Andrew county, Mo., September 1, 1853, the son of Christopher H. and Elizabeth (Burnam) Thorp, the latter of whom, a Missourian by birth, was the daughter of Judge Joel Burnam, of Clinton county, Mo.  She died in 1881.  The father was born in Madison county, Ky., in 1812, and came to Missouri in 1829, settling in Clay county, but later going to Andrew county, where he lived many years.  From there he moved to Clinton county, and a year later to Buchanan county, but the following  17 years were spent in Clay.  In 1882 he took up his location in this county.  William T. Thorp is the elder of two children now living of his parents' family.  He was principally reared in Andrew and Clay counties, growing up to an agricultural experience, during which time he attended school.  To his primary course he added a good education at the State Normal School, at Kirksville, Mo., which he left well qualified to enter upon a professional career.  In March, 1882, he came to Vernon county, and in connection with his father is the owner of 160 acres of land, upon which are improvements of a high order.  April 21, 1881, Mr. Thorp was married to Miss Lizzie Conner, of Platte county, Mo.  They have three children:  Besse, Alma and Crittie.  In his religious preferences Mr. Thorp is a member of the Christian Church.  Politically he is a Democrat, and in the direction of politics has rendered his party efficient service, which has not gone unrecognized, for at this time he is secretary of the county central committee.  That the affairs of the position are properly conducted is never questioned.

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