In March 1832, a young, inquisitive and talented young man arrived in Columbus. Seventeen-year-old Thomas Kelah Wharton was a recent immigrant from England with his family. His father was an entrepreneur facing business reverses in England and who had come to America seeking a fresh start.
With the arrival of St. Patrick’s Day each March 17, large numbers of people, young and old, dress in green and note their allegiance – real or imagined – to the emerald isle of Ireland.