Concerning the query from Gregory McReyolds as to whether Edward Sharpless was a Conservative Friends Minister ---- I am not acquainted with the life of Edward Sharpless. I would have the inclination to believe that he was probably a Friend of the Philadelphia area, although he could have lived in Ohio. During the later nineteenth century there was a large representation of Wilburite Fiends in the membership of Philadelphia Yearly Meeting (Orthodox), otherwise known as Philadelphia Yearly Meeting (Arch Street). This Yearly Meeting could not correspond with the other Wilburite and Conservative Yearly Meetings because there was also a substantial Gurneyite faction within the Yearly Meeting. In order to prevent a split in the Yearly Meeting, the Yearly Meeting suspended correspondence with all Yearly Meetings. However, it is my impression that Philadelphia Orthodox ministers often traveled among Wilburite and Conservative Yearly Meetings in the West, and Philadelphia (Orthodox) Friends also contibuted to the building of Meetinghouses and Schools in the West. The Quaker genealogist Gilbert Cope compiled an extensive genealogy of the Sharpless family which was published ca. 1885. This genealogy was expanded into a two volume work ca. 1967 by Bart Anderson, as I recall. These genealogies can be found in large Quaker libraries. ------- Herbert Standing.

Herbert, Thank you very much for your response to my query regarding Edward Sharpless. Here is what I found regarding his visit to Pasadena in Elizabeth Pearson's history of the Pasadena Conservative Friends Meeting, published in 1918: 12-26-1886‹‹Thirty-one present, including Edw. Sharpless. A silent Meeting. 1-2-1887‹‹About twenty-five present. Edward Sharpless spoke to our edification and comfort. 1-16-1887‹‹About thirty present. Edward Sharpless was greatly favored both in vocal prayer and sermon, cautioning us against being disturbed by "the many voices of the world" and forgetting the "one thing needful." 1-23-1887‹‹Thirty-four at Meeting. Edward Sharpless spoke with Heavenly unction, and offered acceptable prayer we cannot doubt. He has labored faithfully here, both publicly and from house to house, especially among the Progressive Friends, and though the fruits do not seem apparent he is willing to leave that with Him who sent him. He is soon leaving for Santa Barbara. The phrase "among the Progressive Friends," makes me think he was a Conservative rather than Orthodox minister. If anyone on the list has the Sharpless genealogy that Herbert mentions I would very much appreciate it if they would check it for Edward Shapless (1831-1899). Thank you, Gregory McReynolds Pasadena, California