From A Biographical History of Central Kansas, Vol. II, p. 1172
published by The Lewis Publishing Co, Chicago & New York, 1902

CHARLES O. SHARPE

   Center township has its full quota of reliable citizens who are interested in agricultural pursuits, and among this number is Charles O Sharpe, who is living on section 8.  He was born in Adams county, Ohio, March 12, 1862, and the record of his ancestry is one of which he has every reason to be proud, for members of the family have ever been honest, upright and industrious.  The Sharpes are of German lineage, and the family was founded in America at an early day.  Daniel Sharpe, the grandfather of our subject, was born in Pennsylvania, whence he afterward removed to Adams county, Ohio.  In the latter district Daniel Sharpe, Jr, the father, was born sixty-five years ago.  When he had reached man’s estate he wedded Nancy Wickerham, who was born in Adams county and was a daughter of Peter and Elizabeth (Copeland) Wickerham.  Her mother was a native of County Down, Ireland, born near Belfast, and was of Scotch-Irish parentage.  Daniel and Nancy Sharpe became the parents of four sons and four daughters, namely:  Annabell, wife of James Ingram, of Hamilton county, Ohio; Charles Oscar, of this review; Mary E Wickerham, of Adams county, Ohio; Mrs Sarah Florence Campbell, who is also living in the same county; Ulric Zwengle, a successful professor, who for some years has been connected with educational interests; David S, a theological student in the United Presbyterian College, of Xenia, Ohio; Robert Hamilton, who is living in Adams county, Ohio; and Eva B, who is still with her parents.  The children received excellent educational privileges, and five of the number have been successful teachers.  The father desired to give his sons and daughters good opportunities in that direction that they might be well fitted for the practical and responsible duties of life.  Through farming he provided for the support of his family.  In politics he is a Republican, and both he and his wife are members of the Covenanters church, to which most of their children belong.

   Charles O Sharpe became familiar with farm work on the old homestead where he was reared.  The lessons of industry and honesty which were instilled into his mind in his youth have largely shaped his career and have made him a man worthy of the high regard in which he is uniformly held.  When a youth of sixteen he began to earn his own livelihood by working by the month.  In 1885 he came to Rice county, Kansas, where he has since made his home, and it was not until the following year that he was married, on the 28^th of September, 1886, in Lyons, the lady of his choice being Miss Ruth Almyrta Reed, a lady of intelligence and good family.  She was born in Adams county, Ohio, and the public school system of that locality provided her with the educational privileges which she enjoyed.  She is a daughter of Enos Reed, who died March 12, 1867, leaving a widow and eleven children.  He was a native of Virginia and throughout his active career devoted his time and energies to farming.  The cause of temperance found in him a warm advocate and he gave to the Republican party his political support.  His widow is Mrs Ruhama Ann (Summers) Reed, and she now makes her home in Adams county, Ohio.  Seven of her children are yet living, namely:  William, who resides in Rice county, Kansas; Anna Florence, of Missouri; Mrs Belle Smittle, of Adams county, Ohio; Charles, living in Missouri; Mrs Laura Hooper, also living in Adams county; Fenton, who makes his home in Missouri; and Mrs Ruth A Sharpe.  Those who have passed away are:  Mrs Jane Carter, Mrs Ella Stewart, Mrs Lou Secrest, and Townsend.  The marriage of Mr and Mrs Sharpe has been blessed with four children:  Eva Leona, who was born January 6, 1889; Roy Oscar, born December 3, 1890; and Homer Daniel, born June 30, 1901.  They also lost one child, Ora Enos, who died October 13, 1895, at the age of nine months.

   After his marriage Mr Sharpe located in Rice county, Kansas, and subsequently took up his bode upon a farm which he rented.  In 1892 he purchased eighty acres of land on section 13, Raymond township, which he still owns.  The following year he bought his present farm of one hundred and sixty acres near Chase, and is now engaged in general farming.  His life has been quietly passed, but is characterized by devotion to upright principles, by fidelity to duty and by close application to his business affairs.  He has never sought or desired office, yet he has been a member of the school board for nine years, and the cause of education has found in him a warm friend.  He votes independently, regardless of party affiliations.  In the Congregational church he holds membership, and his wife belongs to the Methodist Episcopal church.  He is a good citizen, whose life is upright, whose word is as good as his bond and who, at all times, commands the respect and confidence of those with whom he is associated.