Jacob H. Sharp facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Jacob Hunter Sharp
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| 41st Speaker of the Mississippi House of Representatives | |
| In office January 1886 – January 1888 |
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| Preceded by | William M. Inge |
| Succeeded by | Charles B. Mitchell |
| Member of the Mississippi House of Representatives from the Lowndes County district |
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| In office January 1900 – January 1904 |
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| In office January 1886 – January 1892 Serving with
1890-1892: T. B. Bradford, L. D. Landrum 1888-1890: M. M. Burke, J. H. Simmons 1886-1888: James T. Harrison, J. H. Simmons |
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| Preceded by | James T. Harrison W. H. Cook A. H. Myers |
| Personal details | |
| Born | February 6, 1833 Pickensville, Alabama |
| Died | September 15, 1907 (aged 74) Columbus, Mississippi |
| Resting place | Friendship Cemetery |
| Military service | |
| Allegiance |  United States of America Confederate States of America |
| Branch/service |  Confederate States Army |
| Years of service | 1861–65 |
| Rank | Brigadier General |
| Unit | Army of Tennessee |
| Commands | Sharp's Brigade |
| Battles/wars | American Civil War |
Jacob Hunter Sharp (born February 6, 1833 – died September 15, 1907) was an important figure in Mississippi history. He was a lawyer, a newspaper editor, and a politician. During the American Civil War, he served as a general in the Confederate States Army.
Sharp played a key role in many major battles of the Army of Tennessee. These battles took place in the Western Theater of the war. He was especially recognized for his bravery during the Atlanta Campaign in 1864. After the war, he continued to serve his state. He was a member of the Mississippi House of Representatives and even became its Speaker from 1886 to 1888.
Early Life and Education
Jacob Sharp was born in Pickensville, Alabama. His parents were Elisha Hunter Sharp and Sallie (Carter) Hunt. His mother's father, Major Isaac Carter, was a military officer. Jacob's brother, Thomas L. Sharp, also became important. Thomas was a state senator in Mississippi before the war. He later became a colonel in the Confederate Army. Sadly, Thomas was killed in action during the Battle of Atlanta in 1864.
When Jacob was a young child, his family moved to Lowndes County, Mississippi. At age fifteen, he went back to Pickens County, Alabama. In 1850, he graduated from the University of Alabama. While at the university, he joined the Alpha Delta Phi fraternity. After finishing college, he returned to Columbus, Mississippi. There, he began his career as an attorney. He married Miss Harris, who was the daughter of Judge Harris.
Military Service in the Civil War
When the Civil War began, Jacob Sharp joined the 1st Mississippi Battalion. This group later became part of the 44th Mississippi Infantry. It was also known as Blythe's Regiment. Sharp started as a private and quickly rose through the ranks. He became a captain.
He fought in several important battles. These included the Battle of Shiloh, the Kentucky Campaign, and the Battle of Murfreesboro. In August 1863, he was promoted to colonel. He then took command of a brigade. He led this group at the Battle of Chickamauga and the Battle of Missionary Ridge.
During the 1864 Atlanta Campaign, General Patton Anderson praised Sharp. He wrote about the Battle of Jonesboro. Anderson said Sharp's Mississippians bravely pushed forward. They went right up to the enemy's defenses. He noted that officers, including Sharp, were clearly seen encouraging their men.
On July 24, 1864, Sharp became a brigadier general. This happened after Brigadier General William F. Tucker was wounded. Sharp was then given command of the Fifth Brigade. This brigade was part of Edward Johnson's division. It belonged to Stephen D. Lee's corps in the Army of Tennessee.
Later that year, he took part in the Franklin-Nashville Campaign. During the Battle of Franklin on November 30, 1864, Johnson's Division attacked after dark. Sharp's Brigade fought very bravely. They captured three Union battle flags. Many of their soldiers were killed or wounded in the fight.
After the Battle of Nashville in December, the Confederate Army of Tennessee was defeated. They crossed back over the Tennessee River on December 26. Sharp's Brigade was then given a break until February 12, 1865. In April, he and his men surrendered at Bennett Place. This was after the Carolinas Campaign ended.
Life After the War
After the Civil War ended, Sharp went back home. He continued his work as a lawyer. He also became involved in the newspaper business. In 1879, he became the owner of the Columbus Independent newspaper.
In 1885, he was elected to the Mississippi House of Representatives. He represented Lowndes County for the term from 1886 to 1888. He was re-elected in 1887 for the 1888-1890 term. He was elected again in 1889 for the 1890-1892 term. During his first term (1886-1888), he served as the Speaker of the House. He served again in the House from 1900 to 1904.
Jacob Hunter Sharp passed away in Columbus, Mississippi. He is buried in Friendship Cemetery in Columbus.
