Person:James Sharp (22)

James Sharp, Founder of Sharpsburg, Allegheny Co, PA

In 1794 James Sharp went to live with his half-sister, Mrs. Hancock and purchased land in Sharpsburg, PA of 1,000 acres in 1826; he was Presbyterian. In 1826 James Sharp rode into fertile territory of Allegheny and later purchased 200 acres from General William Wilkins for $270 at a marshall’s sale; he returned with his bride of 4 years and James Stewart, a teacher, who helped survey the land; he found 2 unoccupied cabins. James was 42 Y and built a 1 1/2 story log cabin for his wife which was later located on 10th and Clay Street; in 1916 a plaque was erected by the DAR stating James Sharp, Cpt in Expedition of General Forbes 1758; his son Matthew a soldier in the Revolution; his son James, the founder of Sharpsburg in 1826. James Sharp mentioned in will of half brother Samuel Culbertson and then his wife Elizabeth Culbertson. He died at 77 Y at residence in Sharpsburg, PA. His own probate in Allegheny Co, PA signed 11 March 1861 mentioned beloved wife Isabelle and his son John and daughter Mrs. Elizabeth Clarke who were all his executors and witnessed by M. L. Hawkins and G. T. Gilliam with both these men registering the will on 26 March 1861.

A STORY OF SHARP. THE FOUNDER OF THE TOWN THAT NOW BEARS HIS NAME,

Early history of this Borough. When it was Settled, and the Man who First Put His Shoulder to the Wheel. Other Early Inhabitant.

Sharpsburg. Although now occupying more than ordinary positions in the circle of out-of-town boroughs, and suburban cities within a moderate distance of the smoke begrimmed and busy Pittsburg, and its sister, Allegheny, was once but a small dot on the county map. We find refer- ences made to it away back when the red man had a rendesvous in almost every nook and corner of this section of country. A portion of BRADDOCK'S army passed along what is known as the "Morningside" road, just opposite here on the hill, and one of the old WEIBLE family joined its ranks, but a short time before the great defeat in which BRADDOCK lost his life, and WASHINGTON'S star of prominence be- gan to shine. The town, of course at that time, was little less than a for- est. There was a block house, and good landings where occasional boats made stops, either for wood or to evade the prowling Indians, then up to all manner of devices for exterminating the white man.

Glancing up on the hill from a point between Tenth and Clay streets, on Penn, the eye will rest on a log structure. This is pointed out to the stranger as the "first house ever built in Sharpsburg." And it is James SHARP, after whom the Borough was named came here in 1826. He had resided in Pittsburg since 1797, having left his home to seek his fortune.

Near Chambersburg, Franklin coun- ty is where James SHARP, first saw the light of day, on February 10th, 1784. There were two log structures when he came here, but they were unoccupied and old data does not give and account of the buildings. They more resembled store houses for grain, than human habitations, and as the whole tract was an immense farm in its early history, these buildings must have been put up for that purpose. SHARP began to stir himself as soon as circumstances would permit. He built the log dwelling, so faithful- ly portrayed by our artist at the top of this column, and afterward added an addition.

SHARP had married Miss Sarah THOMPSON, prior to his coming here, but she lived only a few years after, Two children survived her, and he again married Miss Isabella STOCK MAN. Six children was the result of this union. and but one remains, Mrs. Eliza CLARK, who still occupies the SHARP homestead built in 1842 or 1843.

When the canal was constructed here in 1829 SHARP saw an opportuni ty to develop the town. He was pos- sessed of shrewdness and was not slow to learn that time would soon see the foundation laid for a bustling village. His wife who closely assimilated in the manners of her husband, aided him much in all his transactions. He first turned his attention to the erection of a frame structure at where is now the corner of Fifteenth and South Canal streets, on the exact spots where JAGE MAN'S store building stands. Services were here held on Sunday, and con- ducted by the first clergyman ever in the place, Rev. Joseph STOCKMAN, who was a circuit preacher, and made his home with the SHARP family each Sun day he presided. During the week school was held in the building, and all expenses were defrayed by the town's namesake. He also built another school house on the COYLE property, and likewise endowed it with a teacher.

Altogether the SHARP estate com- prised 136 acres. The line ran from the river past the Presbyterian church, back on the hill, and along until it reached the line of SOCIET'S, father to Mrs. SEITZ, now deceased, and Mrs. DETHLEFS, when it took a course to the river again, zig-zag in shape. All this land was belonging to the old WILKINS estate. General WILKINS became fi- nancially embarrasses, and Mr. SHARP bought the tract at Sheriff's sale, pay- ing but a small amount compared with what property sells for to-day. It was then known as the "WILKINS Farm.' The Gen. Lived in Etna at that time but a place similar to a forest, and oc- cupied the old "Blue front." still standing, but remodeled in the time intervening.

The present SHARP residence, which occupies a prominent position on the hill side, and commands a view of almost the entire valley below, was erected, years after Mr. SHARP had completed his good work. He next built the old stone house that stood on the corner of North Canal and Eleventh streets. For years it went by the name of "Sharps stone house," and was torn down in the early 60's. The TEMPERANCE House was also an- other of SHARP's residences. He built it and opened the first public house in the town, conducting it as it has always been since, on the TEMPERANCE plan, and when he surrended to a new corner, he settled on the hill, where he ended his days taking leave of this world on the 12th of March, 1861.

When the Presbyterian congrega- tion grew to large for its edifice, he donated an acre of land where the present church stands. Also did he make a gift of a plot to the Catholics nearby, but afterward finding that the congregations were too close together he donated the lot where the present St. Joseph's church stands, also the cemetery ground on the hill. Rev. Father GIBBS was the parish priest here at that time. When the brick Presbyterian edifice was completed Rev. James CAMPBELL was given in charge of the pulpit, This church was afterward torn down and the present one erected.

In due time SHARP gave the lot for the erection of the M.P. church, now crowned by one of the handsomest church edifices in the place, and also the ground on which the old portion of the present public school building stands, erected by SHORT & MONTGOM- ERY, contractors.

A writer in referring to Mr. SHARP, thus eulogizes him, and that , too truth- fully.

"Mr. SHARP was essentially a gentle- man of the old school: courteous in manner, affable in disposition, and gen- erous in hospitality, he was a man whom to know was to esteem. Ever indulgent to those who were under ob- ligations to him; faithful and prudent in all trusts confided to his care; in commercial intercourse always just; the soul of honor, a man in whom in- tegrity might see reflected her own image undimmed by the breath of cal- umny, untainted by the base slanders of the age. His moral character was above reproach."

Mrs. Isabella SHARP survived her husband twelve years, and reached the age of seventy-nine. She died August 20th, 1873. The old lady was full of' life until a few days prior to her death. One cannot step on to the porch of the old homestead and fail to see the vis- ion of her; neat black gown, Snowy cap; and peeping out from under its dainty frills, a pair of eyes bright as the sun- beams that dance among the foliage, yet beaming with the tenderness that the needy will interpreted. She died as she lived, a model of the American women, a sincere Christian, beloved in the home circle, around which gather- ed the little family that was so near and dear to her.

James Sharp in the Federal Census Records

1820 Pitt Twp, Allegheny Co, PA Federal Census p165

• John Hancock 01010100001
• James Sharp 0000111001
• James B Clow 0212012201

1830 Indiana Twp, Allegheny Co, PA Federal Census p329

James Sharp 0000001/211011001

1840 Indiana Twp, Allegheny Co, PA Federal Census p172

James Sharp 01013111/0121001

1850 Sharpsburg, Allegheny Co, PA Federal Census, 30 July 1850, p304 h/h 84/90 Sharp, James 66 PA no occup Isabella 53 PA Jane 18 PA John 14 PA Clark, Stephen 25 CT lumberman Eliza 24 PA

1860 Sharpsburg, Allegheny Co, PA Federal Census 2 June 1860 p458, Roll: M653_1062; Page: 458; Image: 462. h/h 107/107 Sharp, James 76 PA gentleman Isabella 63 PA John 24 PA Clark, Eliza 35 PA Lloyd, Anne 15 PA Smith, Mary 13 PA Liggett, Giles 12 PA

He founded the town of Sharpsburg, PA; a kindly, generous, Christian gentleman; knwn as the “Father of the Town”.

James Sharp in Various Newspaper Entries

Star, Wed, 18 May 1831, p2

James Sharp of Pymatuning appointed on Correspondence Committee of Democrats

Daily Morning Post, Mon, 19 Sept 1842, p2

General election in Sharpsburg will be held in home of James Sharp

Daily Morning Post, Thurs, 21 Sept 1843, p2

General election in Sharpsburg will be held in home of James Sharp

Daily Morning Post, Sat, 24 Feb 1844, p2

General election in Lawrenceville will be held in home of James Sharp

Daily Morning Post, Fri, 11 Oct 1844, p3

General election in Sharpsburg will be held in home of James Sharp

Daily Morning Post, Thurs, 3 July 1845 p2

List of people who owned property with title changes - James Sharp and wife

The beginning part of Lot 13 in Cunningham’s District which William Lecky, High Sheriff of Allegheny Co, by his Deed Poll, bearing date 24 Apr 1826 granted and conveyed to Alexander Johnston Jr, Esq who by deed dated 10 Oct 1826 and recorded in the Recorder’s Office of said county in Book K 2d p156 granted and conveyed the same to James Sharp and wife, who by deed bearing date 20 Jan 1841 granted and conveyed the same to Valentine Fehl and wife who by deed bearing date of 184* granted and conveyed same to Joseph E Will which is seized and taken in execution as the property of said Joseph E Will at the suit of Jacob Will.......E Trovillo, Sheriff, Pittsburh, 1 July 1845

Daily Morning Post, Wed, 15 July 1846, p2

List of Letters at PO - James Sharp

Daily Morning Post, Thurs, 31 Dec 1846, p2

Democratic Ward Meetings - First Ward constable, James Sharp

Daily Morning Post, Thurs, 7 Jan 1847, p2

First Ward, James Sharp constable with 304 votes, no opposition

Daily Morning Post, Tues, 12 Sept 1848, p3

General election in Sharpsburg will be held in home of James Sharp

Daily Morning Post, Fri, 6 Jan 1849 p2

Ward 1 Constable is James Sharp

Pittsburgh Daily Gazette and Advertiser, Mon, 5 Feb 1849, p1

Sharpsburg - James Sharp, Jas Lewis on Committee of Reception at Wheeling for reception of General Taylor

Daily Morning Post, Wed, 29 Aug 1849, p2

General election in Sharpsburg will be held in home of James Sharp

Pittsburgh Daily Gazette and Advertiser, Tues, 14 Aug 1849, p3

A meeting of citizens of Allegheny Co to make arrangements for the reception of the Pres of US and Governor of Commonwealth who are to arrive here on 18th inst will be held at the New Court House in Pittsburgh on Tues the 14th inst at 4 PM - one of planners was James Sharp

Pittsburgh Daily Gazette and Advertiser, Mon, 10 June 1850, p2

Strayed. To the home of the subscriber in Allegheny Co near Plum Creek Church a small black cow with white belly and white on her tail about 10 years old; came on the 23th ult. The owner is desired to come forward, prove property, pay charges, and take her away. James Sharp

Pittsburgh Daily Gazette and Advertiser, Thurs, 17 Oct 1850, p3

Executor’s Notice for Stephen Clark, late of Sharpsburg, deceased, notice to thoses who have a claim against estate by James Sharp, executor (Stephen Clark was James Sharp's son-in-law.)

Daily Morning Post, Wed, 11 June 1851, p3

Lawrenceville and Sharpsburgh Plank Road Company - The stockholders are hereby notified that an election will be held at the office of Bigham and Leslie, in Pittsburgh on 12 June to elect officers for Company. Signed Commissioners, James Sharp, Wilson McCandless, James Blakely, CW Ernest, and Wm Werneburg

Daily Morning Post, Wed, 1 Oct 1851, p3

General elections in Sharpsburg held at home of James Sharp

Daily Morning Post, Wed, 7 Jan 1852, p3

Ward 1 general elections - James Sharp as constable

Daily Morning Post, Sat, 2 Oct 1852, p3

Elections in Sharpsburg will be held in home of James Sharp

Daily Morning Post, Mon 18 July 1853 - Wed, 10 Aug 1853, p3

Land for Sale - a superior improved farm of 128 acres with 4 good houses and bank barn and adjoining lands of James Sharp, Esq, within 1/2 mile of Sharpsburg, 5 miles of city of Pittsburgh - going cheap, if called for soon, enquire of Thomas Woods, No 45 Market St

Daily Morning Post, 8 Oct 1853, p3

Elections for Sharpsburg held at home of James Sharp

Pittsburgh Daily Gazette and Advertiser, Wed, 4 Jan 1854, p3

James Sharp elected constable of Ward 1

Daily Morning Post, Tues, 28 Feb 1854, p4 and Wed, 1 Mar 1854, p4

Bridge over Allegheny River or near Sharpsburg - commissioners to this project - James Sharp; this is in 1853 Daily Mirror for December issue as well

Pittsburgh Daily Gazette and Advertiser, Sat, 1 July 1854, p1

Sheriff Foreclosures mentioned right, title, and estate of John Berkey on a lot in Sharpsburg extending back in depth of alley bounded by property of Elijah Barker on one side and by James Sharp on the other ; recorded v93 p349

Pittsburgh Daily Gazette and Advertiser, Mon, 25 Dec 1854, p2

James Sharp signed petition to ask Ferdinand E. Voltz, Esq. to run for Mayor of Pittsburgh

Pittsburgh Daily Gazette and Advertiser, Tues, 15 May 1855, p3

James Sharp of first ward defeated for tax collector

Pittsburgh Daily Gazette and Advertiser, Fri, 26 Mar 1858, p1

Plum Twp, Election results for both inspector and assessor - James Sharp, winner

Pittsburgh Daily Gazette and Advertiser, Tues, 13 Sept 1858, p2

List of general election sites - Sharpsburgh will meet in home of James Sharp

Press, Mon, 18 Mar 1861, p1

Obit of James Sharp: Another Old Citizen Gone - On Tuesday evening Mr. James Sharp, an old and respectable resident of Sharpsburg, Allegheny County, died at his residence near that borough. Mr. Sharp was for many years one of the most prominent citizens of this vicinity and founded the borough which bears his name at a period when he owned a large tract of land surrounding its site. He took an important part in public affairs at one time, but for some years has led a very retired life, dying at the advanced age of 77 years..... Pittsburg Dispatch

Pittsburgh Daily Gazette and Advertiser, Fri, 4 July 1862, p1

Description of land sale mentioning James Sharp - All the right, title, interest, and claim of the defendant DP Hatch of in and to all that certain lot or piece of ground situated in the borough of Sharpsburg; said lot being bounded on the north by the towing path of the PA Canal, on the east by lands of Joseph Barner and A. Forbes, on the south by the Allegheny River, and on the west by land purchased from James Sharp by AH Loyd or CF Spang; being the same lot of ground which by deed dated 6 Apr 1858, Jas O’Hara and wife conveyed to said defendant in fee. This was a suit of Thomas Bakewell, guardian of the minor children of John P Bakewell, dec’d.

Pittsburgh Daily Gazette and Advertiser, Fri, 2 Oct 1863

General election in Sharpsburg will be held in home of James Sharp; this would be after his death.

James Sharp in Various Historical Accounts

PA Founding Families 1681-1911

Elizabeth Lindsay Culbertson, wife of Matthew Sharp, descends from the well known Scotch family of Lindsay, which dates back to the days of William the Conqueror. Her father, Lieutenant James Lindsay, was collector of revenue in Cumberland county, in the years 1764-69. (Penn. Archives, vol. ix, p. 788). He was a lieutenant in the Provincial forces of Pennsylvania, in Captain David McAllister's company, First Battalion, in regiment commanded by Colonel James Burd. He was commissioned April 25, 1760, and was in active service that year, (Penn. Archives, ed. 1876, vol. ii, p. 605). His daughter Elizabeth (Mrs. Matthew Sharp) was a remarkably handsome woman, high spirited, and the belle of her county (Franklin). Her first husband, whom she married at the age of sixteen years, was Robert Culbertson, a soldier of the Revolution, by whom she had five children: Esther, married her cousin Andrew, son of Colonel Robert Culbertson; Elizabeth, married her cousin, William Lindsay, and removed to Kentucky; Jane, married John Hancock, an English gentleman; Samuel, married a Miss Monk; Agnes, married James B. Clow. In 1780, when about twenty-five years old, Elizabeth (Lindsay) Culbertson married her second husband, Matthew Sharp, by whom she had three children: Rosana, James, and Mary. In 1798 she married (third) Robert Peebles, nephew of Colonel Robert Peebles, of the Revolutionary army. The issue of the last marriage is not recorded. Of the three children of Matthew and Elizabeth (Lindsay-Culbertson) Sharp, James and Rosana (Mrs. John Liggett) are further referred to; the youngest child, Mary, born 1789, died March, 1859, married Martin Hawkins.

James Sharp, only son of Matthew and Elizabeth (Lindsay-Culbertson) Sharp, was born in March, 1784, died April 12, 1861. He went from Franklin County to Pittsburgh early in the nineteenth century, and bought land between Lawrenceville and Sharpsburg. This he sold and obtained by patent and purchase from Judge William Wilkins, a large tract of land on the north side of the Allegheny river, where he built his homestead, still standing, the scene of many social gatherings in the early days. On this land the present town of Sharpsburg was laid out and named in his honor. He was a most kindly, generous, Christian gentleman. This was shown in many ways. In times of epidemic he personally nursed those stricken, who were without means or friends. This he did out of pure humanity, as they had no other claims upon him, and no others would go near them. He donated land to every church in Sharpsburg, regardless of creed. He was broadminded in every sense of the word. His affection for children was very marked. He would buy large quantities of "The Child's Paper" and other juvenile literature, and give them away to the school children, with kindly words of cheer and encouragement. He was called the "Father of the Town", and died universally mourned. Says his grand-nephew, Sidney B. Liggett: "I was indebted to him for a home, as I was left an orphan at the age of five years with a small estate. I can never forget that kindly grand-uncle who thus sheltered me and taught me what was good and true in life. I lived under that Christian roof for nine years, and I charge my descendants to ever bear in tenderest regard, reverence and affection, the memory of James Sharp".

James Sharp married Isabella Stockman. Issue: Eliza, afterwards Mrs. E. L. Clark, who died at the old homestead in November, 1901, the last of this branch of the Sharp family. Mary Rowan, afterwards Mrs. Alfred G. Loyd; Jane Beltzhoover, unmarried; John Rowan Sharp.

The Founding of a Church in Sharpsburg

History: Methodist Protestant – Pittsburgh Conference. Sharpsburg grew out of a camp meeting held on the old Sharp Farm in the area, in the summer of 1838. At the close of the meeting the Reverend George Brown, then pastor of the Methodist Protestant Church of Allegheny City, made an appointment for services to be held in the little red brick school house. In 1839 a red brick church, known to later generations as the “Little Jim Church”, was erected for the use of the this new group by James Sharp. On December 16, 1845 the church was chartered and in March of 1847. James Clark and his wife deeded the property on which the church stood to the Board of Trustees for the sum of $256.00. During its early years Sharpsburg was sometimes listed as a Station charge and sometimes as part of a Circuit. The Sharpsburg Church entertained the Pittsburgh Conference in the fall of 1859. A pipe organ was donated by the Pittsburgh Bar Association in honor of Judge Collier who was choral director of the church. The Church building known then as Grace Methodist Protestant Church was dedicated in 1872 under the pastorate of Reverend Edward A. Brinkley. Mr. Henry J. Heinz, who became a member of the church 1879, served as Sunday School superintendent for nearly 30 years. He bequeathed a considerale sum to be used for music and maintenane of the property. The building was partially damaged by fire in 1938 and the congregation joined with the now closed Union Centenary Methodist Episcopal Church for worship until the damage was repaired. In 1939, after the merger the church was known as the Grace Methodist Church of Sharpsburg. The new educational wing and parsonage were the latest additions to the church and completed in 1968. Sharpsburg: Grace, Community and Millvale were made a three point Charge in 2002. The originial bell from the “Little Jim Church” is still on permanent display. The membership on January 1, 2003 was 315. Transferred from Pittsburgh East District in 2004.   Pastors: Sharpsburg: Grace: John Clarke, Jr. 1839-1843; T. W. Stevens 1843-1846; William H. Doe 1846-1848; John C. Hazlett 1848-1849; Valentine Lucas 1849-1851; John Scott 1851-1852; To Be Supplied 1852-1853; Fielding A. David 1853-1854; Robert H. Sutton 1854-1856; William Collier 1856-1857; To Be Supplied 1857-1858; J. R. Tygart 1858-1859; John Scott 1859-1862; J. D. Herr 1862-1863; William Collier 1863-1864; To Be Supplied 1864-1865; Samuel Ferry Crowther 1865-1866; Berry Edmiston 1866-1867; H. B. Knight 1867-1868; Thomas Henry Colhouer 1868-1871; Edward A. Brinkley 1871-1874; Alexander Clark 1874-1874; William R. Cowl 1874-1876; John Scott 1876-1879; Conrad ___1879-1880.

Will of James Sharp

James Sharp, Will of Allegheny Co, PA Will Book 9 p612 #381

In the name of all mighty God I James Sharpe of Sharpsburgh, Allegheny Co, PA ....make my last will and testament: I be buried according to the wishes of my family; All my just debts be paid I appoint my beloved wife Isabella and son John Sharp and daughter Mrs. Eliza Clarke to be my executors; written 11 Mar 1861 in the presence of M L Hawkins and G F Gilliam

Will Book 9 1857-1861 Allegheny Co, PA Vital Records, P612 #381 - James Sharp of Sharpsburg

• Wife - Isabella Sharp
• Ch - John Sharp, Ellen Clark
• Exec - wife Isabella, son John and dau Ellen
• Wit - ML Hawkins, GT Gillion
• Dated 4 Mar 1861; recorded 26 Mar 1861

Sources from Various Texts

• “Pittsburgh Gazette”, Saturday, 12 Aug 1815; Wednesday, 13 Mar 1861
• History of Allegheny Co, PA V2 p159,333
• William Engle, Notes and Queries, p143
• Alice McCormick, The History of the Borough of Sharpsburg, PA, Part I, <www.geocities.com/Heartland/Acres/7967/shbg2.htm>, 19 Apr 2000
• Allegheny Co, PA Wills: Samuel Culbertson, Will Book 1 p128 #72; Elizabeth Culbertson, Will Bk 1 p129 #73; Will Book 9, p612 #381

Obituary of James Sharp, Founder of Sharpsburg, PA

Lawrenceville and Sharpsburg, PA Plank Road Company

Notice of Property Purchase with Mention of James Sharp

Notice of Executor James Sharp for Estate of Stephen Clark, His Son-in-Law

Notice by James Sharp of Stray Cow

Notice of Property Sale by James Sharp

Appointment of Job for James Sharp