The Last Roll - William Sharkey

Confederate Veteran
Volume 7, Number 12, Page 599
December 1904

William Sharkey was born in Botetourt County, Va., in June, 1839, and died in Los Angeles, Cal., in October, 1904.

Removing to Texas in his boyhood with his father, Judge John Sharkey, and his large family, William became identified with the State of his adoption. He enlisted in September, 1861, as a private in Company G (called the "Havalina), Eighth Texas Cavalry, Terry's Texas Rangers, and was paroled in May, 1865.

During the yellow fever epidemic in Victoria William Sharkey faithfully cared for the sick, and there are yet a few survivors of that dreadful scourge who remember his ministrations. When suffering Memphis made an appeal to the world for help, he responded, saying he had no wife nor child to mourn for him should he die. He remained at his post, nursing the sick and dying, until the scourge was spent.

In every walk of life he was modest and unassuming, maintaining a quiet dignity in all surroundings. The last months were filled with pain, borne with Christian fortitude. For several years he had lived in the genial climate of California, and it was there he passed away, looking forward to the reunion with loved ones beyond. Two sisters survive of the large family.