James Sharp (mayor)

James Sharp (18 November 1843 – 7 May 1904) was the sixth mayor of Salt Lake City, serving from 1885 to 1886. For several years, Sharp was also a member of the University of Utah board of regents. He was that university's chancellor from 1882 to 1883.[1]

James Sharp
6th Mayor of Salt Lake City
In office 1885–1886
Preceded by	William Jennings
Succeeded by	Francis Armstrong
Constituency	Salt Lake City, Utah
Personal details
Born	November 18, 1843 Falkirk, Stirlingshire, Scotland
Died	May 7, 1904 (aged 60) Salt Lake City, Utah, United States

Early life and career

Sharp was born in Falkirk, Stirlingshire, Scotland on 18 November 1843. He was the son of John Sharp, a leader in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints who was also a director of the Union Pacific Railroad. Sharp came to America in 1848 settling in St. Louis. In 1850 he journeyed to Salt Lake City. In 1862, he served under the command of Lot Smith during the Utah War. Sharp succeeded as director of Union Pacific Railroad after his father. In 1876, he was elected to the Utah territorial legislature and was the speaker of the House of Representatives from 1884 to 1886. Sharp was elected as mayor in 1885 and served until 1886.[2]

References

1. Chamberlin, R. V. (2003). "James Sharp". Utah State Historical Society. Retrieved 14 July 2014.
2. Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints (1904). The Improvement Era. 7. Young Men's Mutual Improvement Association. p. 635.