SHARP, William D. (1830-1910) and Sarah F. (c. 1831-1910)

While visiting Green Springs, Ohio, in 1858, James and Ellen White stayed at the home of William Sharp, a carpenter, and his wife, Sarah. “They have recently embraced the truth,” Ellen wrote to a friend. “Seem to be first-rate people.” Though this appears to be the only reference to William and Sarah Sharp in her writings, Ellen White, while in Australia during the 1890s, developed a friendship with their daughter, Ida Ellen, and her husband, Edward Harmon Gates. The Gateses, pioneer missionaries to the South Pacific, sailed on the first voyage of the Pitcairn in 1890 and became well acquainted with Ellen White during visits to Australia.1EGWLM 888.4

See: Obituary: “William D. Sharp,” Review, Jan. 5, 1911, p. 23; 1870 U.S. Federal Census, “Wm. D. Sharp,” Ohio, Sandusky County, Green Creek, p. 53; 1910 U.S. Federal Census, “William D. Sharpe,” Michigan, Calhoun County, Battle Creek, Ward 3, p. 6A; SDAE, s.v. “Edward Harmon Gates”; Ellen G. White, Lt 1, 1858 (Mar. 3); Ms 29, 1892 (Feb. 15 entry); Lt 49, 1892 (Dec. 23).1EGWLM 888.5