My Genealogy Hound

James Sharp, who owns a fine farm of 156 acres of well improved land in section 6, Royal Oak township, Oakland County, was born in Lancashire, England, in 1832, and is a son of Edward and Sarah Sharp, both of whom were born in England and died there. The father was a farmer by occupation, a good, reliable man. The mother is recalled by our subject with the greatest affection; she was a most worthy member of the Methodist Church. The only surviving members of their family of eight children are: James, our subject, and his brother John, a farmer in Genesee County, Michigan, with whom he came to America in 1853.

James Sharp had but few educational advantages, and when he came to Michigan possessed no capital except a vast amount of energy, good health and the good principles which his mother had instilled. He went to work as a farm hand, receiving but $12 a month, and it is to his great credit that he now owns one of the fine farms of Royal Oak township and is a highly respected citizen.

In 1858 Mr. Sharp was married to Harriet Lawson, who was born in Southfield township, Oakland County, in 1841, and died in 1898. She was a daughter of John and Maria Lawson, well known residents of Southfield township. Two children were born to them: John, who is a farmer in Royal Oak township, Oakland County; and Mary, who is her father’s capable housekeeper.