George W. Sharp

George Sharp, Popular Auctioneer and Rancher, Is First Victim of Tick Fever; Funeral Is Held in Manville Last Sunday

DEATH OVERTAKES PROMINENT CITIZEN LAST FRIDAY MORNING, AFTER ILLNESS OF FIFTEEN DAYS; LAST RITES HELD BY LEGIONNAIRES

George W. Sharp, 44, World War veteran, rancher, auctioneer and prominent citizen of Niobrara County for the past 21 years, died early Friday morning at the Lusk Hospital, the first tick fever victim in Wyoming this year.

On Wednesday afternoon he was moved to the Lusk Hospital, in an effort to save his life, but this proved futile.

Mr. Sharp was stricken with Rocky Mountain spotted fever March 25, approximately nine days after suffering a tick bite. He was immediately placed in bed at his ranch home, 10 miles northwest of Manville, where he was cared for until April 4, when he was moved to the Lusk Hospital.

It is reported by Dr. W.E. Reckling, attending physician, that Mr. Sharp believed he was ill with influenza and did not come to him until March 25. The case was quickly diagnosed by the physician and treatment begun.

During the illness a gallant fight was waged both by the doctor and patient. However the destructive forces of this dread malady were more than could be combated, resulting in death which was a distinct loss to the community.

The World War veterans of Lusk and Manville joined forces Sunday afternoon to pay final tribute to their departed comrade, in impressive military ceremonies, which were conducted at the graveside in the Manville Cemetery, where interment was made. Members of the American Legion of Manville acted as pallbearers for their departed comrade, while the Derk J. Weiten Post of Lusk conducted the graveside ceremonies.

George Sharp enlisted in the army August 7, 1918, and was discharged February 13, 1919. He was attached to Co. C, 24th Machine Gun Battalion and was stationed at Camp Lee, Virginia, and Camp Fremont, Calif. His brother, Edward, was killed in action during the Argonne drive.

However, it was not as a soldier that George Sharp won widespread respect and admiration of all who knew him. His 21 years of life here have been filled with service to the community as an honored citizen, a fine farmer and auctioneer, and as a member of the Board of Trustees of School district No. 12 for a period of eight years. He will be remembered as a kind and loving husband and father, and the community extends its sympathy to his wife and daughter, Mary Iona.

Funeral services were held Sunday afternoon at the Methodist Church of Manville, with Rev. B.F. Farrar of Lusk, officiating. The church was filled to capacity and any who had gathered to pay their last respects had to stand outside the church during the service. It is stated by old-timers that the throngs which went to pay their last respects to Mr. Sharp was the largest since the death of Martin Agnew in 1919.

Pallbearers were: Fred Kettler, Bud Cantwell, Ivan Maxwell, Leo Eutsler, Lee Walsh and Joe Traphagen. These were fellow legionnaires of the departed.

Following the services at the church, military rites were held at the cemetery, the members of the Derk J. Wieten Post conducting them. Rev. Edwin F. Irwin acted in the capacity of chaplain in the absence of Harry Koontz, the regular chaplain of the local post. Members of the color squad were Thomas O. Miller, Fred Hanson, C.E. Marvin, and John B. Parr. E.A. Reeves, commander of the local post, was in command of these ceremonies.

A firing squad led by Sgt. John Thon, was furnished by the National Guard Unit of Lusk. Frankie DeCastro sounded taps.

The Midwest Funeral Home of Lusk had charge of funeral arrangements with Carl Weymouth acting as director.

OBITUARY

George W. Sharp was born July 16, 1889, at Loup City, Neb., and departed this life April 6, 1934. His age is 44 years, 8 months and 20 days. After finishing grammar school Mr. Sharp attended the State Agricultural College at Lincoln, and became an auctioneer. He came to Manville, Wyo., in the Spring of 1913 and homesteaded ten miles northwest of the town, where he established residence and has since resided.

While a youth he became a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church of Loup City , Neb., and that experience was ever in the background of all his afterlife. He saw service in the World War and on his return home became a member of the Stanley Klingsmith Post of the American Legion. On July 22, 1920, he was married to Miss. Elizabeth Davin. To this union a daughter, Mary Iona, was born, and survives her father.

There remain to mourn his departure, besides his wife and daughter, his mother, Mrs. Iona Sharp, 825 Riverine Avenue, Santa Ana, California; two sisters, Miss Elsie M. Sharp of the same address, and Mrs. J.C. Cook of Casper, Wyo; two brothers, Robert Sharp of Santa Ana, Calif., and Livingstone Sharp also of Santa Ana Calif. A third brother, Edward, was killed in action during the World War, in the battle of Argonne, in France

Thus was brought to a close the life of this man, who was respected, esteemed and honored by his fellows.

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