Pike Atlases

A. P. SHARP


Was born in Pomfret, Windham county, Connecticut, on the 14th day of January, 1809, and remained there with his parents until the year 1834, when he emigrated to Illinois, entered land, and settled on section 19 and 20, in Griggsville township, Pike county, where he built a small house, and made the first improvements in that part of the township. He remained on his land, keeping "bach," and improving his farm, for about two years, when he came to the conclusion that it was not good for man to live alone, and returned to the state of Connecticut, where, on the 1st day of Sept, 1837, he was married to Miss F. L. Hutchins, who was born in the town of Thompson, Windham county, Connecticut, on the 9th of December, 1816. Immediately after his marriage, Mr. Sharp returned, with his wife, to his farm in Pike county, where he has remained, engaged in farming and stock raising, ever since.

His father's name was Abishai Sharp, and was born in the state of Connecticut in the year 1788, and died on his own homestead, in his native state, in 1865. His wife's maiden name was Hannah Trowbridge. She was born in the state and county where her husband was born, in the year 1790, and died on the same homestead, in 1855. They both lived long and honorable lives, and, after raising a good and useful family, they both died devoted Christians. Their loss was mourned by a large circle of relatives and friends.

A. P. Sharp was one among the early settlers of this county, and has endured many hardships and privations in life. When he first settled here, wild deer, wolves, etc., were as plenty on the prairies and in the forests as the herds of domestic cattle and sheep at the present day. Mr. Sharp occasionally indulged in a hunt with his gun, and many a fine buck or fat turkey has answered to the call of his trusty rifle.

Mr. Sharp commenced life in rather limited circumstances, and for many years struggled along under difficulties — selling pork at $1.50 per hundred, beef at 41.25 per hundred, and wheat at twenty-five cents per bushel, and even at these prices he thought himself lucky to get one-half the amount in cash and the balance in trade; but being a man of industrious habits and strict integrity, his credit and moral standing has always been good, until to-day there are few, if any, who stand higher in community as a man of moral influence and usefulness.

As the country developed and property increased in value, Mr. Sharp, having increased his possessions, has become one of the heavy land holders of the county. He is extensively engaged in farming and raising of fine stock, which he has for sale at all times and at fair prices.

Mr. Sharp is the father of eleven children — four daughters and five sons still living, three of whom are married, and six at home, single. They are a very interesting family, and are very warmly attached to their parents, and their parents to them.