He was the son of John Sharp, a leader in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints who was also a director of the Union Pacific Railroad. Sharp came to America in 1848 settling in St. Louis.
John Sharp's son was named after him; Sharp was an influential figure within the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, serving as a railroad director for the Union Pacific. He immigrated to America in 1848 and eventually established himself in St. Louis.