John Tharp Clarke

Army officer, born Jamaica, in Britain at the time of the 1841 and 1851 censuses, awarded part of the compensation for the Enfield estate in Westmoreland Jamaica.

1. Baptised 10/02/1795 in Hanover, Jamaica, son of Charles James Clarke senior and Margaret.

2. In 1851 John Tharp Clarke aged 56 Lieut. H[alf] P[ay] Army born Jamaica was a visitor at the house of Philippa Cocks aged 44 annuitant born Devon at 9 Clarence Road Withycombe Rawleigh, with 7 children surnamed Clarke aged between one and 21. In 1841 the family and 'John Clarke' aged 40 had been at Lympstone in Devon in a similar configuration. In 1861 and 1871 a Philippa Clarke, widow, appears at a different address at Withycombe Rawleigh as 'late school mistress' and dressmaker respectively.

3. John Tharp Clarke married Philippa Cock in Plymouth, Q2 1857. A newspaper notice that same year states: "I Hereby give notice that I will not be responsible for any debt or debts that my wife Philippa, now or late residing in New Town, Exmouth, in the County of Devon, may contract. Dated this 22nd day of June, JOHN THARP CLARKE. (Witness) EDWARD FLOWER."

1. Familysearch.org, Jamaica Births and Baptisms, 1752-1920 [database online].

2. 1841, 1851, 1861 and 1871 censuses online.

3. Findmypast.co.uk, England & Wales Marriages 1837-2005 [database online]; Western Times 27/06/1857.

We are grateful to Peter Selley for his assistance with compiling this entry.