Sharp, A. J. 1859 – 1931
SHARP, SMITH, EMERY, HALSE, HEADINGTON, BURRACK, POWELSON, TILLOTSON
Posted By: Joy Moore (email)
Date: 5/2/2015 at 12:23:15
A. J. SHARP.
A. J. Sharp, one of the prosperous farmers and successful stock dealers of Canoe township, is a native son of Winneshiek county, born December 9, 1859. His parents were William and Sarah (Smith) Sharp, natives of Yorkshire, England, where they were reared and married. About the year 1850 they came to the United States and, locating in Canoe township, Winneshiek county, Iowa, made their home upon a farm whereon they continued to reside until their deaths. Their property was at first raw and unimproved but the father set himself with characteristic energy to develop the homestead, from time to time adding to his holdings until he owned about three hundred acres of fine land lying on sections 19 and 30, Canoe township, and on section 30, Bluffton township. He was one of the most extensive landowners and progressive agriculturists in this community and held the high esteem and respect of all who knew him. He was a member of the Episcopal church and a republican in his political beliefs, taking part in public affairs and serving in various responsible positions of trust and honor. Eleven children were born to Mr. and Mrs. William Sharp, as follows: Elizabeth, who makes her home with her brother, Edward J.; Sarah, the deceased wife of Milo Emery; Clara, who married Philip Halse, of Canoe township; William, who resides with his brother Charles; A.J. the subject of this sketch; Ralph, of Bluffton township; Ella, the wife of William Headington, of Canoe township; Josie, who resides in Chicago; Tillie, who married Lewis Burrack, of Detroit, Michigan; Edward J., who resides in Canoe township; and Charles, cultivating the old homestead.
A. J. Sharp grew to manhood on his father's farm, dividing his time in his childhood between his studies at the district school and work as assistant in the operation of the homestead. He remained with his parents until after his marriage and then purchased his present farm of one hundred and forty-eight acres on section 29. At that time this was an entirely uncultivated tract with not even a fence upon it, but with characteristic energy he set himself to improve and develop it, erecting modern and substantial buildings and installing the necessary machinery. His previous experience having made him a practical and progressive farmer, he met with success from the beginning and his property is today one of the finest in this section, a visible evidence of his life of thrift, industry and well directed labor. Mr. Sharp also does an extensive business as a buyer and shipper of cattle and this branch of his activities has become profitable and important under his able management.
On the 24th of November, 1884, Mr. Sharp was united in marriage to Miss Lizzie Headington, who was born in Canoe township in 1863. She is a daughter of Jacob and Martha (Powelson) Headington, natives of Ohio and early settlers in Iowa. The father has passed away, the mother making her home in Decorah. Mr. and Mrs. Sharp have become the parents of nine children: Floyd, who resides in Sugar Creek, Missouri; Harry and Arthur, at home; Stella, the wife of Roy Tillotson, of Canoe township; Walter; Ruby; Myrtie; Fred; and Clyde.
Fraternally Mr. Sharp is connected with the Masonic order at Decorah, also belonging to the Eastern Star, and is a member of the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks and the Modern Woodmen of America. He takes an active part in local democratic politics and has been honored by his fellow citizens by election to various positions of trust and responsibility, including that of township treasurer and member of the school board, which latter office he has held for the past fifteen years, his work being at all times conscientious, efficient and beneficial. Having resided in this township during his entire life, he takes a great interest in its advancement and upbuilding and anything tending to promote its progress receives his indorsement and hearty support. He is a public-spirited, able and progressive citizen and well deserves the high regard and esteem in which he is uniformly held.
Source: History of Winneshiek County, Iowa Vol. II Chicago the S. J. Clark Publishing Company 1913
Transcriber’s Note: His gravestone shows year of birth as 1856.
Phelps Cemetery gravestone
Winneshiek Biographies maintained by Jeff Getchell.
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