MUSCATINE COUNTY IOWA REGISTER OF OLD SETTLERS BOOK ONE

Source: REGISTER OF OLD SETTLERS , BOOK One, page 374
submitted by Neal Carter, October 13, 2007

DEATH OF THOMAS SHARP
April 11, 1893 (hand written)

The venerable Thomas Sharp, one of Muscatine county’s most honored and respected citizens, died yesterday morning at his home in Bloomington township, 2˝ miles from the city, at the advanced age of 97 years.

Mr. Sharp was born in York, Penn., on the 10th of February, 1796, the oldest of a family of four children. At an early age he removed to Knox county, Ohio, with his father, where the latter for a number of years edited the Baltimore Almanac. Thomas was educated by his father and for three years assisted him in editing the magazine. When 32 years of age he began teaching as his profession, and for eight years taught during the winter and worked on the farm during the summer.

In 1833 he was united in marriage with Miss Sarah Willits and the young couple located on a 100 acre farm in Morrow county, Ohio. He cleared the land, built a cabin and by perseverance made a fine farm, enduring many of the trials of frontier life. Mrs. Sharp died in 1841 in Morrow county.

In 1842 Mr. Sharp was again married, Esther Giddley becoming his wife. They sold the Morrow county farm in 1864 and came to Muscatine county, where Mr. Sharp bought an improved farm of 200 acres in Bloomington township. By careful cultivation it became one of the best farms in the county. Mr. Sharp was public spirited and progressive, and took an active interest in building up of church and educational institutions, both in Ohio and since coming to Iowa. Mr. Sharp voted for William Henry Harrison in 1840, being a strong supporter of the Whig party and also voted for Benjamin Harrison, in 1888 and 1892. He enlisted in the ranks of the Republican party, on its formation and had since continued under its banner. He took a great interest in political affairs and was well informed on the leading issues of the day.

Mr. Sharp was a member of the Society of Friends and with his wife had been a life long worker in that body. Their Christian lives, their kindliness, and their consideration for others, has won for both the love and respect of all who knew them.

The funeral services will be held tomorrow afternoon at the late residence of deceased, with interment in the Friends’ cemetery in Bloomington township.

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