Denver County, History of Colorado, BIOS: SHARPLEY, William H., M.D. (published 1918)
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"History of Colorado", edited by Wilbur Fisk Stone, published by The S. J. 
Clarke Publishing Co. (1918)  Vol. II

p. 78-79



WILLIAM H. SHARPLEY, M. D.

	Dr. William H. Sharpley, actively engaged in the practice of 
medicine in Denver and also manager of health and charity for the city, 
has for a number of years been quite prominent in connection with 
public office and high honors have been conferred upon him. He was born 
In Norfolk, Virginia, and is a son of Mr. and Mrs. William Parker 
Sharpley, both of whom have passed away. He was educated in the public 
schools of Denver and in the University of Denver, from which he was 
graduated in 1898. He became a resident of this city in 1876, when but 
a youth, and was employed at various trades. In early life he was 
connected with newspaper work but became imbued with a desire to enter 
upon the practice of medicine and put forth every effort to prepare for 
a professional career. His earnings enabled him to pay his way through 
the university and after his graduation he entered upon the practice of 
medicine, in which he has since continued. He has won liberal and well 
deserved success, for he closely confines his attention to professional 
duties, keeps well Informed concerning advanced thought and scientific 
investigation relative to the practice of medicine and surgery and in 
tact is interested in everything that tends to bring to man the key to 
the complex mystery which we call life.

	Dr. Sharpley was married in Denver in 1883 to Miss Kate Lennon, a 
native of Hannibal, Missouri, and a daughter of the late Colonel John 
and Elizabeth (Brown) Lennon. Mrs. Sharpley passed away March 5, 1910, 
leaving a daughter, Elizabeth, who is the wife of Earl M. Scanlan, of 
Denver.

	Dr. Sharpley is a democrat in his political views and has always 
taken a deep interest in politics and vital questions relative to the 
welfare and progress of his city. He has served as police surgeon from 
1898 to 1904 and health commissioner from 1904 to 1912. He was 
superintendent of the county hospital in 1913 and 1914 and was elected 
commissioner of social welfare and also mayor of the city, serving 
until 1915. Since the latter date he has been manager of health and 
charity tor the city of Denver. He also represented his district in the 
state senate for four years and was elected a member of the second 
charter convention of the city. He now fills the position of a member 
of the state board of health. His high professional standing is 
indicated in the tact that he was honored with the presidency of the 
city and county medical society. He likewise belongs to the Colorado 
State Medical Association and to the American Medical Association. His 
military record covers four years' service In the early '80s with the 
Governor's guard. Fraternally he is connected with the Benevolent 
Protective Order of Elks, the Knights of Pythias and the Modern Woodmen 
of America and his religious faith is that of the Episcopal church. Dr. 
Sharpley deserves much credit for what he has accomplished. He has 
steadily worked his way upward through persistency of purpose and 
individual effort and, not afraid of hard work. he was able to advance 
step by step. Feeling that the professions offered a broader field than 
the trades, he at length turned to a professional career and in the 
practice of medicine has found a work for which he is eminently fitted. 
He thoroughly understands the principles of the science of medicine and 
keeps in touch with the trend of modern thought and investigation, 
adopting those advanced ideas which are so rapidly working a 
transformation in medical science and which have gone far toward 
solving the problems of health.