Burlington R Sharp

William Sharp and Nancy Riley had several children, Burlington Riley Sharp was born on April 28, 1857, the 5th and middle child.

He was a Baptist minister at the New Hope Baptist Church in Massac County, Illinois, and for the bread-and-butter was a farmer.

He married Nora Alice Poe on the 18th of April in 1880 in Johnson County, Illinois, presumably.

Burl is in quite a few census records, always in Massac or Johnson County, Illinois. He passed away on the 8th of March, 1936, and was buried on the 10th of the same month at the cemetery of the very church he preached at so many years, New Hope.



These photos came from one of our cousin's collections. Please do not print them, higher resolution copies are on the way. Below is a family reunion in 1923, Burl is down front and center- or almost in the center. We're not sure whose farm this was held at.

To the best of our knowledge, the individuals are as follows:

Back Row: Oscar Leukering holding Mary Ellen Leukering, Beulah (Smith) Leukering, Fred Sharpe holding Alice Elizabeth Sharpe, Violet Malinda (Stout) Sharpe, Alva Alex Sharp holding Olive Aline Sharp, Iva (Payne) Sharp, John Calvin Sharp, Hattie Orlena (Teague) Sharp, James Arthur McBride, Margaret Mae (Sharp) McBride.

Middle Row: Cora Alice (Sharp) Smith, Calvin F. Smith, Mary Eunice Sharp, William Joshua Teague holding Fred L. Teague, Ira Lannes Sharp, Opal (?) Sharp, Vance Smith, Jewell McBride.

First Row: Unk., Unk., Unk.,Burlington Riley Sharp, Ila Mae Teague, Golda Leone Sharp, Nora Alice (Poe) Sharp, Wilma Pauline Sharp, Unk., Victor McBride, Wayne Teague.

Nora Alice Poe

From her published obituary:

Nora Poe Sharpe, widow of the late Rev. B. R. Sharpe, was born April 26, 1860, in the state of Kentucky. In early childhood she moved with her parents to this community, where she spent the rest of her life. At 5 p.m. Jan. 13, 1941, she passed from this life at the home of a daughter, Mrs. Arthur McBride, at the age of 80 years, eight months and 17 days.

She leaves to mourn her passing the following children, all of whom she has nourished through critical years of childhood and has seen grow to besome respected citizens of the community: Cora Smith, Mae McBride, Eunice Teague and Alva Sharpe, all of this community; Calvin Sharpe of Hornbeck, Tenn; Fred Sharpe of Decatur, Ill.; and Lannes Sharpe of Paducah, Ky. All her children were with her during her last hours. One son, Charlie, her first-born, died in infancy.

In addition to her children she leaves 19 grandchildren, 13 great-grandchildren, a number of nieces and nephews, and a host of other relatives and friends.

Perhaps the greatest test of a life is the conduct and attitude of each individual towards the problems which must be faced in life.

For over half a century Grandma Sharpe was the mainstay and councellor of her husband in his work for the Lord. Not only did she assist him actively in his church work, always pointing the way of the cross to sinners, but when he was away from home she was trusted with the care and training of her large family. At all times she could be found in her accustomed place in Old New Hope church of which she was a lifelong member.

Perhaps her greatest tribute was spoken by her husband, who said: "She was always my inspiration. I attribute whatever success I may have had to her."

After her husband passed away five years ago, she faced life just as bravely, never losing an opportunity to council with others to live for God.

However sweet and gracious though she was, she often spoke of the time when the Lord would call her home. That release from a long, active life has now been realized, and we know that her goal has now been reached.

We bow our heads in thanks to God for giving to us such a wonderful character to call Mother. We can now but cherish her loving deeds and remember that God's will is done.

"For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: Now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known."

Great-Granddaughter Gerry writes: (Burl Sharp) married Nora Poe who was born April 26, 1860 in Marshall County, Kentucky and died January 13, 1941 in New Columbia, Ill. Inez told me Grandma Sharp had severe migraine headaches and had to lie down in a darkened room often. Nevertheless, my mother as a little girl used to love to visit their home as well as Aunt Eunice’s.

Granddaughter Betty remembered most that Grandma (Nora) chewed tobacco and always spit into the fire.

We have other pending comments from family members.