Sharp Delany (345)

Sharp Delany (1736–13 May 1799) was a druggist, colonel, customs collector, and a member of the American Philosophical Society, elected in 1774. Born and educated in Ireland, Delany moved to Philadelphia in 1764. Once there, he worked as a druggist, lawyer and politician: signing the Pennsylvania Bill of Credit (1775), becoming deputy of the Provincial Conference, and signing Pennsylvania's declaration on the subject of independence (1766). That same year, he became a Captain in the Pennsylvania Militia, rising to Colonel in 1777. As Colonel, he commanded the Second Pennsylvania Battalion. A former druggist, he also provided medicines to the Pennsylvania Board of War. In 1784, not long after peace was declared, Delany began working as a customs officer in Philadelphia. When his job fell under federal jurisdiction in 1789, President George Washington re-appointed him. The Executive Council of the State passed a resolution of thanks for his supposed dedication to the position. However, in 1798 it had come to light that Delany embezzled at least $86,000 in Federal revenue. Despite this, he was permitted to resign without having to repay the money or face any charges. He died one year later, St. Peter’s Churchyard in Philadelphia serving as his final resting place.