Sharp, Joseph Russell – 1845-1931

BIRKSHIRE, EADIE, GAGLE, RUSSELL, SHARP

Posted By: Diana Wagner
Date: 7/13/2021 at 21:35:32

J. R. Sharp, Pioneer Died Saturday Night
Prominent In Church And Civic Affairs Throughout Life
J. R. Sharp, one of the truly pioneer men of the community, passed away Saturday evening at the home of his daughter, Mrs. Frank Gagle, north of Colfax.
Mr. Sharp, throughout his entire life, took a deep interest in the church and civic affairs of his community and it is to men like him that the people of this generation owe much for the advancement that has been made. His church home was the Presbyterian church and here he gave loyally of both his time and talents and until recently when his physical condition forbid, he was in attendance at each and every meeting held in the church. If there was to be a meeting in the church, Mr. Sharp could be counted on as being there.
His friends were numbered by his acquaintances and he enjoyed his friends and was able to visit with them up until his last sickness.
For the past two years Mr. Sharp has been in poor health, but following a few weeks illness he would be able to be up and around again, but after each sickness he has seemed just a little weaker until Saturday night, when life passed away peacefully while he slept.
Joseph Russell Sharp, son of John and Marry Russell Sharp was born in the town of Ardrie, Scotland, October 16th, 1845, and died at the home of his daughter, Mrs. F. M. Gagle, north of Colfax, October 31st, 1931, at the ripe age of 86 years and 15 days.
His father dying when the son was but four years of age, he went to make his home with an uncle. In the meantime his mother remarried and three of these brothers remain to this day.
With his uncle, Joseph at the age of 15, went to Australia, where he lived about five years. He returned to Scotland and later came to America. From very early life Joseph worked in the coal mines in Scotland and in Australia. And when he came to America he followed that trade in Pennsylvania, Virginia, Illinois and Iowa. Near the scene of his death, in company with the late James Leonard Sr., and his own sons, he operated coal mines. He was also a farmer, and was one of the most prosperous farmers to be found in this section.
Soon after coming to America he was united in marriage to Miss Elizabeth Birkshire in Pittsburg, this was on June 24th, 1868. Their children are John of Clarke Fork, Idaho; Mrs. Betty Gagle of this city; Richard of Garvin, Minn.; Dr. Joseph of Kingsley, Iowa; George, deceased and Henry of this city.
The brothers who are left to mourn his passing are George Eadie of Swissvale, Pa.; William Eadie of Scotland, and Andrew Eadie of New Zealand.
During the years of his residence in the vicinity of Colfax, Mr. Sharp, so well known as Uncle Joe, identified himself with all the life and activity of the community. He held many township offices, was a member of both Masonic and Odd Fellows lodges, being a charter member of the latter, which lodge had charge of the service at the grave.
Coming from Scotch ancestry, it was natural that he would be identified with the Scotch Presbyterian church. And the Presbyterian church became his church in his new home, and for many years Mr. Sharp has been looked upon as the spiritual father of the Colfax Presbyterian Church. Nearly forty years ago his name appears on the roll of Elders and since 1896 he was clerk of the session, until he became too feeble in health. The last two years h has been too feeble to attend church with any great regularity, but previous to that time, Mr. Sharp was always in his place and took part in the service. When he could no longer attend, one young man said, it does not just seem like church to have Mr. Sharp’s pew vacant.
Mr. Sharp’s last illness is common knowledge in Colfax, but this much will be said, that for the past year he has failed rapidly. But, after repeated illness, his strong constitution reasserted itself and he was again on the streets. But sixteen weeks ago he became bedfast,, and for six weeks lingered day after day at the Colfax Sanitarium, and then ten weeks ago he was removed to the home of his daughter, Mrs. Gagle, and now began the gradual weakening of body, and the dying of that glowing life-fire so manifest all his years, and then last Saturday night at 10:15 the fire went out, and his spirit was parted from us. But of Mr. Sharp, it can be said, as it was said of one in ancient time, “He being dead, yet speaketh.”
Funeral services were held Tuesday afternoon at 2 o’clock from the Presbyterian church with Dr. Theodore Morning, pastor, in charge of the service.
Music was furnished by a male quartette composed of Frank Woods, Dr. Theodore Morning, John Davis and Dr. O. S. Fatland with Mrs. S. E. Tennant at the organ.
Pall bearers were F. M. Gagle, H. W. Wood, N. E. Patterson, Wm. Thomas, Dick Sharp and Joe Sharp.
Burial was made in Highland cemetery, where the Odd Fellows were in charge.
Source: Colfax Tribune; Thursday, November 5, 1931