Davenport in Scott County, Iowa — The American Midwest (Upper Plains)

The Sharon Home

728 Farnam Street

— The Celtic Heritage Trail —

The Sharon Home Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Duane and Tracy Marsteller, July 9, 2022

1. The Sharon Home Marker

Inscription. Click to hear the inscription.

Fred B. Sharon and brother Thomas arrived in Davenport, Iowa in 1882. Together they published the Iowa Catholic Messenger which Thomas had established a few months prior to the move. Upon the death of Thomas, in 1888, Fred took over the management; a tenure he held for fifty years. Under his leadership the Messenger became recognized as an outstanding religious publication, including not only religious information but Irish and German nationalistic writings. In 1931 Pope Pius XI conferred the rank of Knight of Saint Gregory on Mr. Sharon, primarily for his work on the Messenger. Known as an astute business man he was the incorporator of many banking institutions. Among these were the Home Building Loan and Savings Association, Union Savings Bank, and Citizens Trust. He was also the incorporator of the Hibernian Hall Association and charter member of the Ancient Order of Hibernians, Loras Council, Knights of Columbus, and Pelemorgues Court Catholic Order of Forestors. In 1913 President Woodrow Wilson appointed him Davenport postmaster, a position he held for nearly nine years. Mr. Sharon also served as Vice-President of the Roman Catholic Mutual

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Protective Society of Iowa and organizer of the Good Samaritans. In his private life Fred B. Sharon was an active member of Sacred Heart Cathedral. A prolific businessman, civic leader and esteemed resident of Davenport he made his home at 728 Farnam Street. Mr. Sharon died on July 10, 1949 and is buried in Mt. Calvary Cemetery.

Erected by The Riverboat Development Authority • The Celtic Heritage Trail.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Churches & Religion • Communications • Industry & Commerce. A significant historical year for this entry is 1882.

Location. 41° 31.658′ N, 90° 34.01′ W. Marker is in Davenport, Iowa, in Scott County. Marker is at the intersection of Farnam Street and East 8th Street, on the left when traveling north on Farnam Street. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 728 Farnam St, Davenport IA 52803, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. The Gannon Home (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Farnam & 5th Street (approx. 0.2 miles away); Sacred Heart Roman Catholic Cathedral (approx. 0.2 miles away); Original St. Ambrose College (approx. ¼ mile away); E.S. Barrows House (approx. ¼ mile away); First Railroad Bridge Across the Mississippi

Photographed By Duane and Tracy Marsteller, July 9, 2022

2. The Sharon Home Marker

(approx. 0.3 miles away); B.J. Palmer House (approx. 0.4 miles away); The Palmers (approx. 0.4 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Davenport.

Regarding The Sharon Home. Built in 1891, it was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1983.

Also see . . . Fred B. Sharon House. Wikipedia entry on the three-story, brick, Second Empire house. (Submitted on July 14, 2022, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee.)

Credits. This page was last revised on July 14, 2022. It was originally submitted on July 14, 2022, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee. This page has been viewed 107 times since then and 46 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on July 14, 2022, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee.