Biographies
ELTON DENNIS SHARPE
Genealogical records indicate the
identification of the Sharpe family with the history of England from a period
so remote that authentic annals become merged into traditional lore. Some years
before the opening of the Civil War a young Englishman, Samuel J. Sharpe,
sought the opportunities which he believed to exist in the new world. Among the
pioneers of Iowa he became interested in general agricultural pursuits and also
followed the trade of a carpenter. With loyal devotion to the country of his
adoption he offered his services to the Union immediately after war had been
declared. Being accepted as a volunteer, he went to the front with Company G of
the Ninth Iowa Infantry. For a period of four years, or until the close of the
Rebellion, he remained in active service and meanwhile took part in thirty-two
battles, among them being Gettysburg and other history-making engagements.
Notwithstanding his active participation in such a large number of fierce
contests he was injured only once and that proved to be a mere flesh wound.
During the progress of the war he had the satisfaction of casting his ballot
for Abraham Lincoln at the time of the second election of that illustrious
statesman.
Upon exchanging the accoutrements of war
for the tranquil pursuits of peace Samuel J. Sharpe engaged at his trade of a
carpenter at Canon City, Colo., besides which he followed general farming.
About 1887 he became a pioneer fruit-grower in the Walla Walla
valley of Washington and later he became interested in agricultural and
horticultural enterprises neat Mabton, Wash., a
thriving little village in the Yakima valley. On his ranch there he passed away
in 1904 and since then his wife has made her home with their son, Elton Dennis.
The latter was born at Canon City, Colo., January 21, 1871, and by dint of his
own determination acquired an excellent education. From his earliest
recollections he was ambitious to acquire knowledge and studious in
temperament. After he had completed the regular high school course he attended
an academy at Milton, Ore., and afterward spent several years in Union college
at Lincoln, Neb., from which institution he was graduated in 1895 with a high
standing.
Possessing the bent of mind that finds its
highest enjoyment in educational activities, it was but natural that Professor
Sharpe should have entered upon pedagogacal labors
when the time came for him to select his life work. From his earliest
identification with the profession of educator he was successful and particularly
so in the instruction of young men and young women. Those who earnestly and
sincerely are preparing for the responsibilities of the future awaken his
sympathy and arouse his deepest interest. To aid them in their noble endeavors
he always has felt to be one of the greatest privileges that life can offer the
vast army of teachers. Not only does he possess the desire, but in addition he
possesses the ability to develop the mind and bring out the latent energies of
the soul. In every sphere of mental training his co-operation proves beneficial
to the student earnestly seeking to solve some of life's great mysteries.
As an illustration of the splendid
leadership of which Professor Sharpe is capable it may be stated that at Lodi,
Cal., he founded a normal school and built up an institution having an
attendance of two hundred and fifty. However, the task proved too much for his
health and nervous prostration resulted, which obliged him to resign the
presidency of the school in the spring of 1910. Afterwards he spent one year
with a brother at Mabton, Wash., and meanwhile
enjoyed a gradual restoration to complete health. Upon his return to
California, Professor Sharpe opened the Westonian
Normal College of Arts and Sciences during February, 1912, this being a training school for those who wish to secure training in
arts and sciences. The school has ten departments operating, all of which have
experienced success. It occupies one floor of the new Siller
building on Ninth street between K and L streets, and has
been elegantly fitted and substantially prepared for its specific use. Mrs.
Sharpe, who prior to her marriage December 25, 1898, was Miss Sylvia Compton of
Boise, Idaho, has proved a most able assistant to her husband and the two
co-operate to secure the most gratifying results in the instruction of each
student. Music and art have their special departments. There will also be
afforded training for mechanical trades. It is the aim to develop professional
and technical departments, also a research department for the study of
astronomy and archeology, and already the Professor has made arrangements with
the Astronomical Association of Great Britain for co-operation in the securing
of literature and in other movements for the upbuilding
of the science. It is also his intention to conduct, under the auspices of the
school, a series of illustrated lectures throughout the state, and indeed into
every part of the west as far as practicable, showing the material resources
and the commercial and educational advantages offered by the great Sacramento
valley.
Transcribed by Sally Kaleta.
Source: Willis,
William L., History of Sacramento County,
California, Pages 958-959. Historic
Record Company,
© 2006 Sally Kaleta.