The obit below is from the Daily Advocate, Belleville, St. Clair county, IL. I have on file a letter from the Belleville News Democrat (which the Advocate became a part of in later years) giving me permission to post any item that would be of help to genealogists. Unless stated to be a different state, all references to cities, villages etc. are in Illinois. I have been reading the Advocate on microfilm through inter library loan for several years, having started with 1850. The name of the paper and the paper date are shown at the end of each article. Transcribed and submitted by Nancy Giles Past Grand Master Of Knights Templar Dies At Age Of 88 - Chicago, Dec. 23 - (AP) - William L. Sharp, 88, a Past Grand Master Of the Grand Encampment of Knights Templar, died today. The Grand Encampment embraces North America. Sharp was grand commander of the Grand Commandery of Illinois Knights Templar in 1912. A 33rd degree Mason for 45 years, he headed the North American body from 1928 through 1931. He was a banker and once headed a glass firm bearing his name. Funeral services will be held in Chicago at 3 p.m. Wednesday. From The Daily Advocate, Belleville, IL Sat. December 23, 1950