Prior to the onset of the American Revolutionary War, he served on the Rowan County Committee of Safety.

William served as Colonel commanding the 2nd Rowan County Regiment of the North Carolina militia from 1776-1777.

[5] Sharpe placed the first bill before the legislature of North Carolina to propose a publicly supported university in the state.

This bill failed, but was taken up at the next seating of the legislature and was promoted by one of the state's Revolutionary War leaders General William Richardson Davie.

[5] He died near Statesville, North Carolina on July 6, 1818 and is interred in Snow Creek Burying Ground.