The Hancock-Henderson Quill, Inc.
Both A. Tharp and Josiah Brokaw came to the area of Bedford Township in Henderson County about the same time, 1851.
Brokaw, however, was oft called the father of the settlement and did arrive when no houses were is sight and later the first sermon was preached at his cabin.
During his lifetime he saw the area go from wilderness to civilization.
1852 saw the arrival of John Goodnight, originally from Stamford, Lincoln County, Kentucky. He had served as a soldier under General Andrew Jackson in the War of 1812.
Peter Tharp appeared around 1854 or 1855. He and his son William built a small house before the family arrived.
He bought the land on which the village of Raritan stands and gave the ground for the cemetery and school building.
1882 History of Henderson County