Delaware gazette and state journal. (Wilmington, Del.) 1883-1902, 1886-09-16
DnArH OF nanny snABpLsY. ESQ

Flags M RsniE-mnst.
Harry Sharpley, ESD, died ut o is
o'clock Saturday morning.
Five weeks ago the deceased was
stricken with typhoid fever, in It's most
appalling form, and from the first his
condition was suoh w TO awaken the
gravest apprehensions Of his family and
friends. A robust constitution fought
vigorously the treacherous diseahe, but
its hold was too firmly established 10 he
Hhakon of.
His condition during the long period
of his Illness WIS exceedingly variable,
and at times his chances for recovery
seemed bright and hopeful, but my I'D.
vantage he could gRin in the battle with
the troaoherous malaiy could not be re-
tanned. Up TO Thursday the ply SicianB
il attendance felt that there was yet a
hope, hut in the evening OF that
day worse sympioms developed
themselves. Saturday he was much
weaker and his condition was regarded
M being beyond medical aid. Friday
night 10 grew much weaker and gave
every Indication that the end wins near nj
hnnd, hut survived until nearly 10 O'Clock,
Saturday. Just before pnssing away, n
long friend called ut hiB bedside, and
was recognized by the dying man, who
seemed conscious almost up 10 the time
OF his death.
When his death was once known upon
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
HiOns Of deep and profound regret tie
nf I..I
future seemed no bright md promising
Harry Sharpley wis born III Brandy
wine hundred, Delaware, April It'll,
1876, and WINS completing his list
year. lie was son Of John bhaTpley, n
well-knOwn farmer of the hundred, who
died several years ago Ills youth was
spent upon the farm, and in attending
tho district schools of the neighborhood.
From his boyhood ho was noted for his
unusual mental vigor and aptitude In
learning, traits which early IN life in
stilled in him tho desire to leave the pur-
suits of tho farm and follow tho pro.
fesHion OF the law. As u means of graft
flying this desire, he moi only worked ON
the farm but taught school in Brandywine
hundred for the purpose of procuring the
necessary money. He was thus
enabled To take course at the
Pennsylvania State Normal School ut
Millorsville, Pa,, whore he acquitted him
self with great credit. On May 18th, 1879
he registered aa law student with lion.
Charles d. Lore, md nfter filling the re-
CURED course of three years was ADMITTED
To practice i'll the various courts Of New
CASTLE county and subsequently, i'll the
United State district and circuit courts
As o legal practitioner, MIR. Slnrpley
gained considerable prominence, and soon
became regarded rs one Of tho foremost
of the younger members of the bar.
Being an ardent Democrat, md actively
Interested in political affairs, he also
took "A prominent part in local poll
tics. In 1876, while still resi-
dent of Brandywine hundred he was
nominated ns the Democratic candidate
for State senator, md after triumphant
election served with groat credit during
the Legislative session of 1877. At the
ensuing session, 1879, he was leading
competitor for the speakership of the
Sannte, but was unsuccessful. III 1878
he removed to Wilmington, and ever
after made this city his place of residence.
Al the city election OF September, 1879,
MIR. Slarpl,,y was the Democratic candi-
date for president of City Council, md
WINS elected by u vote Of 2,b9G to 2,l99
for his able competitor, M. II. Lichtcn-
stein. MIR. Sharpley filled the Office until
June, 1889, u period Of two years and ten
months, During this time ho not only
made n capable and popular pre-
siding officer but always eyinoed
careful and intelligent interest in al
the Affairs of city government, frequently
having tho clair to take the floor in nd
vocaey of such measures Oh he approved
or ia opposition TO those he considered
detrimental to the city's interests. During
his career M presiding officer Of tho Git,
Council, his ability and impaftinlity wer'
NO marked TINT he never Ind an appoa
takon from any OF his decisions.
In May, 1882, MIR. Sharpley was can
tlidnte for the Democratic nomination fo
mayor, but wins defeated by Joseph l.
Carpenter, Jr., though he polled u larg'
and cretlitable vote. This WINS hia lns
public appearance in connection witt
political office, beyond strong public
sentiment for his appointment as attor
hoy general when Hon. George Gray wa
elected 10 the United States senate. liz
always maintained hiR interest i'll politica
affairs, however, aud did effective worl
for the Democratic party on tho stumI
during the campaign OF 1882 AMI 1854.
Personally, Mr. sharplcy WINS one o
the most popular men in the city. Ill
sterling integrity, gnninl qualiiica, AM
unswerying friendship gained for hill
hosts of admirers, and no death Of reeen
years Inns caused such II general feeling o
profound sadness throughout the city
llo wis respected by the court nnd hight
esteemed by his fellow members Of til
bar. II IL doubtful if he had m eneni
in tho community, and of him II can b
truly said, .'1'ako him all in all, we nee
shall look upon his like again.
The deceased was member of lAtnyett
Lodge, No. IA, A. Il. A. M; ~. John
Chapter, No. A, X. A. NJ, anti 81. John
Oo,umandery, No. l, X. Il.
RESOLUTIONS OF COUNCIL.
In response TO call issued by Mayo
Iihoads, City Council held special ne
sion ON Saturday evening for the p,irpo'
of taking recognition of the death
Harry Sharpley, Esq President Eek
appointed MeRsrs. Blake, Miller, haN
kiIls, Hcssion and Ayars n committee
draft resolutions and, on motion OF M
MoKonna, President Eckel was added
the committee. After Tcechs OF
minutes the following was submitted M
unanimously adopted;
WHEREAS, This Council has learned OF u
death Of Harry sharpley, ESQ., VINO
former years WINS an ass0clath meniper
this body, and nlled with credit md ann
tho responsible position OF It's presloll
officer ;iLu,i
WuEnE1s. The sud event which has tn,
fallen upon tho community has illlhi u
popular heart with sorrow ahd
WIIEnEAs, 1t becomes thls body u ~
expression OF its deep SENSE Of Srlei nv y
loss 1t has sustained In his sudden ielhoH
from tlmo to eternity; therefore belt
Ks,sOtpm, That the City Council leeo
ntses In his death ths loss Of an ass0ei0
and friend whose brilliant intellect, p'
snnal integrity. and manlness Of dnpn
ment beoame v. .uahle acqntsltinhsot nun
Importance, aud tended largely to btl
him forward as young man self-ehii'at
TO usefulness In all tho channels OF pun
duty md private citizenship.
Ras1lp,d, Tint the fidelity which marx
his career, whether MS an advocate "ot
aellOr, or Judge, wlsn prominent Tran ol
Young and active iiin, ANA WAS, InofooN
tho precursor Of future ht nor anu sheG
In tho field of eommendable amDHion'
his life been spared To him.
RESOLVED That ~ II mark OF respect 10
memory, this Council will attend his iuno
IN Il body. And 1t "a hernhy orderea U
these proceedings be entered mt length III
the Journal. and II copy bo forwhrhcu 10
flmlly, properly otgr isSod ana ittt'Sl,"l
the officers oi Council Anil further tliii
COPY be forwarded to all the city papers
publication. :. ~,
T.. Il. Il. MIII.ER,
joins W. HAWKINS,
OWES j. lIFssoN.