Middletown transcript., 1886-09-16
Death of Harry sharpley.

4 AeAAAy ASkA0A PAOJs - -INAAS'tAA -" y -.
and Democratic politician of Wilmington
died on Saturday morning last at 9.45..
The following Il. taken from Saturdays
Hsery Evening:
Five weeks ago to-day the deceased was
stricken with typhoid fever, in it's snlosl
appalling form, and from the first his
condition was such as to awaken the
grayest apprehensions of his family and
friends. A robust constitution foughi
vigorously the treacherous disease, but
it hold was too firmly established to be
shaken of.
His condition during the long period
of his illness was exceedingly variable,
and at times his chances for recovery
seemed bright and hopeful, but any ad-
vantage he could gain in, the battle with
the treacherous nnalady could not bere
tanned. Up to Thursday the physicians
In attendance felt that there was yet
hope, but in the evening of that day worse
symptoms developed themselves. Yes;
terday he was much weaker and his con-
dition was regarded as being beyond
medical aid. Last night he grew much
weaker and gave every Indication that the
end was near at hand, but survived until
nearly 10 O'Clock, this morning. just be-
fore passing away, lifelong friend call
ed at his bedside, and was recognized by
she dying man, who seemed conscious
almost up to the time of his heath <
When his death was once knownupo
the street the sad news spread rapidly.
The city hall bell tolled mournful dirge
for the deceased and knots of men stood
about the streets discussing with express
sions OF deep and profound regret the
death OF one so we'll beloved, whose
future seemed so bright and promising.
Harry Sharpley was born in Brandy
wine hundred, Delaware, April 4th, 1s46,
and was completing his 4lst year. He
was son of John Sharpley, awell-known
farmer Of the hundred, who died several
years ago. His youth was spent upon the
fArm, and in attending the district schools
Of the neighborhood.
From bis boyhood he was noted for his
unusual mental vigor and aptitude in
learning, traits which early in Life m
stilled in him the desire to leaye the pur-
suits Of the farm and follow the profession
of the law. AS means of gratifying this
desire, he not only worked on the farm
but taught school in Brandywine hun
dred for the purpose OF procuring the me-
cesaary money. He was thus enabled to-
take course 1t the Pennsylvania State
Normal School at MillersviHe, Pa, where
he acquitted himself. with great credit.
On May 4th, 1872 he registered as law
student with Hon. Charles B. Lore, and
after iliing the required course of three
year, was admitted to practice in the
various courts Of New Castle county and
subsequently in the United State district
and circuit courts.
AS legal practitioner, Mr.. Sharpley
gained considerable prominence, and soon
became regarded as one of the foremost Of
the younger members efthe bar. Being
an ardent Democrat, and actively interest
ed in political affairs, he also took a pro-
miuent part in local politics. In 1875,
while still resident of Brandywine hun-
dred be was nominated as the Democratic
candidate for State senator, and after
triumphant election served with great
credit during the legislative session of
1877. At the ensuing session, 1879, he was
aleading competitor for the speakership of
the Senate, but was unsuccessful. In
1878 he removed to Wilmington, and
ever after made this city his place of resi-
denoe..
At the city election of September, 1879,
Mr.. Shsrpley was the Democratic candi-
date for the president OF City Council, and
was elected by vote of 2,596 to 2,192 for
his able competitor, NJ. L. Lichtenstsin..
Mr.. Sharpley filled the Office until June,
1882, a period of two years and ten
months. During this time he not only
made capable and popular presiding
officer but always evinced careful and
intelligent interest in all the affairs of city
government, frequently leaving the chair
to take the floor in advocacy of such mea-
sures as he approved, or in opposition to
those he considered detrimental 10 the
city's interests. During his career as pre-
siding ofacer of the City Council, his
ability and impartialty were 30 marked
that he never had an appeal taken from
any OF his decisions.
In May, 1882, Mr.. Sharpley was q can
didate for the Democratic nomination for
mayor, but was defeated by Joseph L.
Carpenter, Jr., though he polled large
and creditable vote. This was his last
public appearance in connection with
political 7office, beyond a strong public
sentiment for his appointment as attorney
general when Hon. George Gray was elect;
ed to the United States Senate. He
always maintained his interest in political
affairs, however, and did effective work
for the Democratic party on the stump
during the campaign of 1882 and 1884.
Personally, Mr.. Sharpley was one Of
the most popular men in the city. His
sterling integrity, genial qualities, and
answering friendship gained for him
hosts Of admirers, and no death of recent
years has caused such general feeling
Of profound sadness throughout the city.
He was respected by the court and highly
esteemed by his fellow members of the
bar. It is doubtful II he had an enemy
In the community, and Of him 1t can be
truly said, Take him all In all. we ne'er
shall look upon his like again."
The deceased was member of I.aIay-
ette Lodge, No. Il, A. +. AN. So Johns
Chapter, No. 4, n. A. NJ, and st. Johns
Commandery, No. l, X. T.
Tho City Council will hold special
meeting at 8 o'clock this evening, to-
take aollon In espect to Mr.. Sharpiey's
death.
The Citv Council passed resolutions of
regret and respect on Monday and the
court adjourned.
The funeral took place on Tuesday.
The iaterMeat being Al Old Swedes
Church,