Good afternoon, listmembers, Today I had the opportunity to attend the memorial service of a gentleman descended from some of our county's pioneer families; a man who was aware of his heritage, and preserved it in story and writing. FRANK SMILEY SHARP II was born in the village of Curtin, Boggs Township, Centre County, Pennsylvania, on August 30th, 1910; he departed this life the 30th of May, 2001, in Venice, Florida, of heart failure, at the age of 90 years and 9 months. The late Mr. Sharp was a son of Frank V. Sharp II and his wife, Ella Harriet (Garthoff) Sharp. His paternal grandparents were Frank S. and Mary M. (Gingher) Sharp; his maternal grandparents were James David and Frances Iola (Leathers) Aikey Garthoff. On Sunday, August 19th, 2001, the ashes of Mr. Sharp were conveyed to the United Methodist Church at Curtin, where the memorial services were held at one o'clock. Family members and friends shared in the celebration of his life and remembrance of his many stories. Letters were read that he had written to friends; his deep faith in God, and his persistent attention to holding correct doctrine, was evident with each paragraph. The Coburn Brass Band and a select choir were present to render, in musical tribute, the hymns and cornet music so dear to Mr. Sharp. Following the congregational song, "Lord of the Dance," the remains were conveyed to their final resting place in the Eagle Cemetery in Boggs Township. The ashes were interred on the family lot, near his parents. Graveside services were held; "Taps" was played, in commemoration of his military service in the Second World War. Mr. Sharp's connection to the Bald Eagle Valley was quite extensive. Among his ancestors may be named John and Susan (Garrett) Ginger; John H. and Caroline (Robenold) Garthoff; Richard and Mary (Leathers) Malone; Jacob and Mary (Shirk) Leathers; and many others. His sister, the late Mary Frances Ward, who passed away in 1989, will be remembered as the author of the three books chronicling the History of Curtin. Those books made his grandmother, "Fanny Garthoff," one of the most celebrated figures in Centre County history. "Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord: they rest from their labors, and their works do follow them." (excerpted from Revelation 14:13) Justin Justin Kirk Houser Genealogist/Researcher of Central PA and Beyond Main Lines: Houser, Breon, Shawley, Ranio (and others) President, BAHS Class of 2003 Listowner, PACENTRE-L@Rootsweb.com Historian, Schürch Association of North America (specialty Central PA lines) Member, Valley View United Methodist Church "Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature"