Transcribed from "An Illustrated History of The Big Bend Country, embracing
Lincoln, Douglas, Adams and Franklin counties, State of Washington",
published by Western Historical Publishing Co., 1904.
G. W. THORP, who resides about
seven miles southwest from Edwall, on a magnificent estate of over two
sections, is one of the earliest pioneers of this portion of Washington.
A part of the large estate is a homestead that Mr. Thorp took in 1880.
Since that time, he has resided here continuously and given his attention
to general farming and stock raising. Two hundred and forty acres
of his estate are devoted to raising grain and the balance is utilized
for stock purposes. Owing to his industry and wisdom, Mr. Thorp has
continuously prospered and is today one of the wealthy farmers in Washington.
He has excellent buildings and all improvements that are needed, together
with all the accoutrements necessary for the operation of the farm.
He owns considerable stock and other property also.
G. W. Thorp was born in Ohio, on January 20,
1851, the son of George and Martha (Turner) Thorp, natives of England.
They came to the United States in 1850 and settled in Ohio, where they
remained until their death. Our subject went to school in Ohio until
fourteen, then engaged in labors for himself. Two years later, it
being 1867, he enlisted in Company E, Ninth Regular Infantry, but afterwards
was transferred to Company E, Twelfth Regular Infantry. His company
was sent to California via the Isthmus and they landed in San Francisco
on July 24, 1867. They were immediately sent out on the frontier
to fight the Digger Indians, who were on the war path, and for two years
they were constantly in active duty. Mr. Thorp participated in many
battles and skirmishes and became a very skillful Indian fighter.
In 1869, they returned to the barracks and there he remained at Camp Gaston
until his term expired. After leaving the army, he took a stock ranch
on Redwood creek, which he sold shortly afterwards, and paid attention
to farming in Humboldt county. Then he was in the lumber woods for
seven years and in 1883, came to Dayton, Washington. In the spring
he took land near where he now resides and since that time, has been one
of the progressive and leading men in this portion of Washington.
In Humboldt county, California, in 1872, Mr.
Thorp married Miss Mary E. Devenish, a native of California. To them
the following children have been born, George A., William R., Anna, Grace,
Arthur, and Clarence.
Mr. Thorp is not especially active in political
matters, although he is always allied on the side of good men and upright
principles.
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