My Genealogy Hound

FRANK P. SHARKEY is the efficient and popular Postmaster of Mauch Chunk, and his able administration of the affairs of the office has won him the high commendation of all concerned. He is also an attorney-at-law, and although a young man, has won at the Bar a prominence which might well be envied by many an older practitioner.

Mr. Sharkey was born in the city which is still his home, on the 27th of March, 1859, and is a son of Patrick and Catherine (O’Neil) Sharkey, both of whom were of Irish descent. For many years the father was a merchant at Mauch Chunk, and was recognized as one of its prominent and progressive business men. The greater part of his life was here passed, and his death occurred in this city in 1870. His wife still survives him, and is now living in Mauch Chunk. They were the parents of a family of eight children.

Frank P. Sharkey, whose name heads this record, spent the days of his boyhood and youth in his parents’ home, no event of special importance occurring during his early youth. In the public schools he acquired a good English education, which served as a foundation for the knowledge which he afterward gained. He subsequently went abroad, pursuing his studies in Carlow, Ireland, and in the London University, where he remained for five years. On the expiration of that period he returned to the United States and began the study of law under the preceptorship of Hon. Allen Craig, one of the best known legal practitioners in the state, now serving as Judge of the Forty-third Judicial District. Thus his time was employed until April, 1887, when he was admitted to the Bar, and at once opened an office and began general law practice in his own interest.

Mr. Sharkey takes quite an active interest in local and state politics, and is a stanch supporter of the men and measures of the Democracy, having voted with that party since attaining his majority. He was appointed County Solicitor in 1891, and filled that position during the succeeding three years in a capable and faithful manner. In December, 1893, he was appointed Postmaster of Mauch Chunk by President Cleveland, and is now discharging the duties of that office with credit to himself and satisfaction to his constituents. He is a wide-awake and enterprising young man, whose excellent ability destines him to rapid advancement, either in politics or at the Bar, whichever line of work he decides to follow.