Ellnora Sparks

Notes:

Photograph of this family (1st 3 children) supplied by Paige Fontaine

Arthur married Maggie George Sparks on 27 Oct 1903 in Lissie, Wharton Co, Texas. Maggie (daughter of William Milam Sparks and Sarah Frances Adams) was born on 16 May 1887 in Colorado City, Mitchell Co, Texas; died on 29 Jan 1960 in Climville, Matagorda Co, Texas; was buried in Cedarvale Cem, Bay City, Matagorda Co, Texas. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Other Events and Attributes:

• Census: 12 Jul 1860, Sabine Pass (Precinct 5), Jefferson Co, Texas
• Census: 23 Jun 1870, Sparks and River Settlement, Jefferson Co, Texas
• Census: 7 Jun 1880, Jefferson Co (District 41), Texas
• Possessions: Dec 1889, South Park, Beaumont, Jefferson Co, Texas
• Other-Begin: 22 Mar 1936, Port Arthur News, Port Arthur, Jefferson Co, Texas
• Other-Begin: 30 Sep 1952, Beaumont, Jefferson Co, Texas; court case: Smith graves
• Other-Begin: 10 Aug 1961, Beaumont, Jefferson Co, Texas; court case: Smith graves

Notes:

He married a widow, Mrs. Ella Cleveland on October 22, 1869. The 1880 Census shows him living with his mother, Melinda Sparks, and brother Worth, also shown is Ella, age 23, born in TX, father in TN, mother in PA, probably his wife. James and Ella had four children, although they are not listed in 1880 census.

James and his brother Worthy left the lakeshore homestead in 1890 and bought a 34-acre tract of land 3 miles south of Beaumont (now South Park) located near the public road to Grigsby's Bluff (now Port Arthur Highway) and built homes where y spent the rest of their lives. They jointly owned and farmed the land until 1904 when James died. The property was divided. Court records reflect that 17 acres (east half) were deeded to Ella Sparks, widow of James, and her four children, Arthur W, James Chester, Ada Lura, and Clara Alice. The remaining 17 acres (west half) were retained by Worthy. This tract extended from Adams Street on the north to Lavaca Street on the south, and fronted by what is now Howard Street (Beaumont, Texas).

Birth:
Born in the new home; shortly after his birth the house was destroyed by fire and the family moved back to Pavell's iland until 1854.


Census:
12 Jul 1860 Precinct No. 5 Sabine Pass
residence 378
James Court 30 mail carrier 500 Louisiana
Julia 24 TN 1856 Tennessee
Mary E 8 1852 Texas
Henry C 6 1854 Texas
Julia A 4 1856 Texas
William F 2 1858 Texas
Elias M 6/12 1859 Texas

residence 379
John Sparks 49 1811 North Carolina farmer 320 2100
Malinda Sparks 41 1819 Tennessee
Albert Sparks 19 1841 Texas
John F Sparks 14 1856 Texas
Sarah C Sparks 11 1849 Texas
Arabella H Sparks 8 1852 Texas
James C Sparks 6 1854 Texas
Worthey C Sparks 4 1856 Texas
Henry E L Sparks 8/12 1859 Texas

residence 380
Samuel Lee 38 1822 Denmark stock raiser 4,000
Eliza 16 1844 Texas


Census:
Residence 77
Coats (Courts) J.M. 40 1830 Louisiana 400, 2,000 farmer
Julia 34 1836 Tennessee
Mary 18 1852 Texas
Clifton 16 1854 Texas
Nasthentha 14 1856 Texas
William 12 1858 Texas
Madison E. 10 1860 Texas
ekner 8 1862 Texas
James 5 1865 Texas
Anna 3 1867 Texas
Lisa 8 1862 Texas

residence 78
Sparks M (Melinda) 51 1819 at home Tennessee widow
James 17 1853 Texas farm laborer
Worthy 14 1856 Texas
John 27 1843 Texas farmer

residence 79
Spark, C (Caroline) 50 1820 SC keeping house widow
Edwin 23 1847 Louisiana
Joseph 16 1854 Texas
Oscar 14 Texas
Court T.J. 27 1843 Texas (Thomas Jefferson - bro of James Court)

residence 80
Brewton W.P. 33 1837 Tennessee
Sarah (Sparks) 22 1848 Texas (Dau of Melinda)
Grace 5 1865 TX
Silas F. 8/12 1869 TX

residence 81
Lee, Samuel 52 1818 farmer 1580 Denmark
Jane E. 27 1843 Texas
Emma 3 1867 Texas


residence 82
Smith. T.J. 34 farmer 500 Indiana (Later would marry Mary Ellen Courts
Sarah 25 Texas
Electra 3/12 Texas


Census:
Note: It appears the first page is the Sparks Settlement. And the 2nd page seems to be the Port Neches, Grisgsby Bluff area, a few miles north.

7 Jun 1880 District 41 Justice Precinct No. 2
Page 1

residence 1
Gentz Fred 35 Dec 1845 laborer Prussia Prussia Prussia
R. Belle 28 Aug 1852 TX NC TN
Welby 8 Jun 1872 TX NC TX
H.M. 7 Feb 1873 TX NC TX
M.J. dau 6 1874 TX
J.W. son 4 1876 TX
Buler 2 dau May 1878 TX
J. Lee 4/12 son Jan 1880 TX
Charlotte 77 mother widow Prussia NC TX
(census taker just carried the NC down the columns.
Only person from NC is Belle's father.

residence 2
Lee, Samuel 62 farmer Denmark Denmark Denmark
E. Jane 36 Oct TX NC TN
Emma A. 12 Jul 1868 TX
Hayes, Eliza Black 19 Jan 1861 servant Texas Texas Alabama
Eddy, Albert 37 Jul 1843 carpenter Ireland Ireland Ireland
Sparks, William E. 27 Mar 1853 TX

residence 3
Melinda Sparks 61 Mar 1819 TN VA TN
Worthy 24 Mar 1856 TX NC TN
James 26 son Dec 1854 TX NC TN <<<
Ella 23 Nov 1857 dau-in-law TX TN PA
Thomas George, Black 8 1872 servant TX

residence 4
Sparks, Caroline 60 May 1820 self widow SC VA SC
Sparks, J.M. 26 Aug 1854 son TX

residence 5
Kilgore, James S 28 1852 Mar Michigan Michigan Michigan
Elizabeth 50 Oct 1830 mother wid Michigan Michigan --
Columbus 28 25 May 1855 brother Texas Michigan Michigan
Susan F. 20 Feb 1860 sister Texas Michigan Michigan
Eugenia 17 Jun 1863 sister Texas Michigan Michigan
Swift, Fuller 3 May 1877 nephew Texas Michigan Michigan
Swift, Ida 3/12 Feb 1880 niece Texas Michigan Michigan

residence 6
Brewton, W.P. 47 Aug 1833
Sarah C. (Sparks) 30 Dec 1850
Grace 15 Feb 1865 TX
Silas F. 10 Oct 1870 TX
Esther 8 Dec 1872 TX
Almond 6 Apr 1874 TX
Inas 3 dau Aug 1877 TX
John Smith 14 June 1866 TX TN PA

residence 7
Gray, H.L. 33 head Sep 1847 Michigan VA MI
Gray, S.E. 33 wife Aug 1847 LA PA Indiana
Carey, Coy 11 son May 1873 TX Indiana Louisiana
Clara 7 dau Mar 1873 TX Indiana Louisiana
Gray H.E. son 9 Sep 1871 TX MI TX
Smith, T.F. 21 Apr 1859 TX TN PA
Courts, E.M. 20 1860 TX unk TX
___________
page 2
8 Jun 1880

residence 8
Yantz (Gentz), Wm Apr 42 1838 farmer Prussia Prussia Prussia
Susan 31 Jan 1849 wife TX GA LA
Leuvinia 12 Jan 1868 dau
William Y. 10 Jan 1870 son
H.L. 6 mos Nov 1879 son

residence 9
J. T. Rogers 28 Aug 1852 TX TN TX
Izzie J. Rogers 27 Aug 1853 TX NY LA
C. O. Rogers 3 Dec 1877
Wm. A. Rogers 1 Sep 1879
Levina Keith 68 Feb 1812 mother-in-law tx ga tn

residence 10
Keith, O 39 Feb 1841 Self TX OH LA
Margaret 39 Jun 1841 TX TN TN
George 7 Jun 1873 son LA TX TN
William O. 5 Mar 1875 son
Berry, Lethean female 11 Jan 1869 servant TX Prussia Prussia


Possessions:
Written by James Wills Sparks; posted to Ancestry.com
http://trees.ancestry.com/tree/3139485/person/-1696529283/story/1?pg=32817&pgpl=pid

In the winter of 1885 they had an epidemic of Yellow Fever to hit the Sparks Settlement that took a heavy toll of both children and adults. On August 20, 1886 (shortly after Mary Kate was born) a severe hurricane struck the section, the brunt of it felt at Sabine Pass. Discouraged, the families on the Lake decided to move nearer Beaumont. They dismantled most of the Aurora house and took them along.

James and his younger brother, Worth Cryndon (born 3/23/1856 first to be born at the Sparks Settlement) bought a 34 acre tract of land three miles south of Beaumont (now called South Park) located near the public road to Grigsby's Bluff (now Port Arthur Highway), and each of the brothers started building a new home where they were destined to spend the rest of their lives. Deed records at the Jefferson County Courthouse show that the Sparks brother's purchased this property jointly for the sum of $600, paying $200 down in December 1889 and balance in two equal notes of $200 due in 1891. (Would you believe that while I am typing this it has been 100 years ago, January 27,1991. Just think how things were then and what it is now. I some time wonder if their time wasn't the best. Family was closer and lived as a family. Now it s such a rat race, and every one going their own way and have very little time for a family or friends. Hopefully some one will keep up with us Sparks's in years to come.


The two Sparks brothers owned and farmed the 34 acres jointly until 1898. In December 21, 1904 following the death of James the property was divided. We have no record saying when James Christian died. The above indicate that he died in 1904, but his granddaughter, said her father, Arthur Worthy (James's oldest son) always said he was 14 years old when his father (James) died. James Leslie (James's Grandson) was born in 1904 he said his Grandpa was already dead when he was born. He didn't know when, and only knew his Grandma Ella. He was born in Beaumont and Maggie and Arthur were living with Ella at the time. They lived in Beaumont till 1911, Leslie was seven years old.This would indicate that it was in December 1904 they decided to divide the 34 acres.Court records reflect that 17 acres (east half) were deeded to Ella Sparks, widow of James Christian and her four children Arthur Worthy, James Chester, Lura and Clara Alice. (this also indicate that the other three children, Iloa Janet, Mary Kate, and James Christian Jr. were all deceased at this time.) The remaining 17 (west half) were retained by the Worthy Cryndon family. This extended from Adams Street on the north to Lavaca Street on the South, and fronted on what is now Howard Strayer. (Worthy made this road to his home and called it Howard Street, and when the City took it over they kept the name Howard.I guess it was good that the Sparks's were carpenters, as much building they did over the years. Jim built a large house out of cypress wood, the house stood for many years.

List of carpenters that I know of:

1st generation John Sidney

2nd " James Christian

3rd " Arthur Worthy

4th " ?

5th " James Willis

6th " Alfred Ricky

Deed record show that on November 18, 1895 the Sparks heirs received $3,300 for the 150 acres John Sparks bought 42 years before, for $375.


Other-Begin:
Court Cause No. 16107
W.P.H. McFaddin, Jr., et al
vs
Unknown Heirs of Caroline Sparks, et al

Court Cause No. 18399
W.P.H. McFaddin, Jr., et al
vs
Robert S. Frugia, et al

Court Cause No. 20324
W.P.H. McFaddin, Jr. et al
vs.
Coy V. Courts, et al (Sr.)

On this 10th day of August 1961, came on to be heard the application of the plaintiffs in the above entitled and numbered cause for an order of the court showing that the plaintiffs have complied with the judgments previously entered in said cause and further showing that the plaintiffs or their successors in interest are entitled to the free and unrestricted use of the land hereinafter described, as set forth in plaintiff's petition in the above entitled and numbered causes...
(pgs 10-13 of attached pdf)

James married Ella Janet Smith on 22 Oct 1869 in Jefferson Co, Texas. Ella (daughter of Thomas Floyd Smith and Ella Ann Lowrey) was born in Nov 1857 in Texas; died on 21 Nov 1928 in Beaumont, Jefferson Co, Texas. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Other Events and Attributes:

• Census: 7 Jun 1880, Jefferson Co (District 41), Texas
• Residence: 1914, 1/2 blk w of Port Arthur road, Beaumont, Texas
• Census: 10 Jan 1920, Beaumont (Ward 3), Jefferson Co, Texas

Notes:

Census:
Note: It appears the first page is the Sparks Settlement. And the 2nd page seems to be the Port Neches, Grisgsby Bluff area, a few miles north.

7 Jun 1880 District 41 Justice Precinct No. 2
Page 1

residence 1
Gentz Fred 35 Dec 1845 laborer Prussia Prussia Prussia
R. Belle 28 Aug 1852 TX NC TN
Welby 8 Jun 1872 TX NC TX
H.M. 7 Feb 1873 TX NC TX
M.J. dau 6 1874 TX
J.W. son 4 1876 TX
Buler 2 dau May 1878 TX
J. Lee 4/12 son Jan 1880 TX
Charlotte 77 mother widow Prussia NC TX
(census taker just carried the NC down the columns.
Only person from NC is Belle's father.

residence 2
Lee, Samuel 62 farmer Denmark Denmark Denmark
E. Jane 36 Oct TX NC TN
Emma A. 12 Jul 1868 TX
Hayes, Eliza Black 19 Jan 1861 servant Texas Texas Alabama
Eddy, Albert 37 Jul 1843 carpenter Ireland Ireland Ireland
Sparks, William E. 27 Mar 1853 TX

residence 3
Melinda Sparks 61 Mar 1819 TN VA TN
Worthy 24 Mar 1856 TX NC TN
James 26 son Dec 1854 TX NC TN
Ella 23 Nov 1857 dau-in-law TX TN PA
Thomas George, Black 8 1872 servant TX

residence 4
Sparks, Caroline 60 May 1820 self widow SC VA SC
Sparks, J.M. 26 Aug 1854 son TX

residence 5
Kilgore, James S 28 1852 Mar Michigan Michigan Michigan
Elizabeth 50 Oct 1830 mother wid Michigan Michigan --
Columbus 28 25 May 1855 brother Texas Michigan Michigan
Susan F. 20 Feb 1860 sister Texas Michigan Michigan
Eugenia 17 Jun 1863 sister Texas Michigan Michigan
Swift, Fuller 3 May 1877 nephew Texas Michigan Michigan
Swift, Ida 3/12 Feb 1880 niece Texas Michigan Michigan

residence 6
Brewton, W.P. 47 Aug 1833
Sarah C. (Sparks) 30 Dec 1850
Grace 15 Feb 1865 TX
Silas F. 10 Oct 1870 TX
Esther 8 Dec 1872 TX
Almond 6 Apr 1874 TX
Inas 3 dau Aug 1877 TX
John Smith 14 June 1866 TX TN PA

residence 7
Gray, H.L. 33 head Sep 1847 Michigan VA MI
Gray, S.E. 33 wife Aug 1847 LA PA Indiana
Carey, Coy 11 son May 1873 TX Indiana Louisiana
Clara 7 dau Mar 1873 TX Indiana Louisiana
Gray H.E. son 9 Sep 1871 TX MI TX
Smith, T.F. 21 Apr 1859 TX TN PA
Courts, E.M. 20 1860 TX unk TX
___________
page 2
8 Jun 1880

residence 8
Yantz (Gentz), Wm Apr 42 1838 farmer Prussia Prussia Prussia
Susan 31 Jan 1849 wife TX GA LA
Leuvinia 12 Jan 1868 dau
William Y. 10 Jan 1870 son
H.L. 6 mos Nov 1879 son

residence 9
J. T. Rogers 28 Aug 1852 TX TN TX
Izzie J. Rogers 27 Aug 1853 TX NY LA
C. O. Rogers 3 Dec 1877
Wm. A. Rogers 1 Sep 1879
Levina Keith 68 Feb 1812 mother-in-law tx ga tn

residence 10
Keith, O 39 Feb 1841 Self TX OH LA
Margaret 39 Jun 1841 TX TN TN
George 7 Jun 1873 son LA TX TN
William O. 5 Mar 1875 son
Berry, Lethean female 11 Jan 1869 servant TX Prussia Prussia


Residence:
Sparks, A. Howard clk P O, bds 895 Highland ave
Sparks, Chester, oil producer, bds Samuel M Hobert, Port Arthur rd
Sparks, Ella (wid J Coleman), res 1/2 blk w of Port Arthur rd 3/4 mil s of Highland ave
Sparks, Ethel Miss, bds 492 E Buford
Sparks, James C, carp, res ws Port Arthur rd, 3/4 mi s of Highland ave (5)
Sparks, John L, carp, res 492 E Buford (4)
Sparks, Pearl Miss bds 793 Bonham
Sparks, Wm C, lab, bds 492 E Buford
Sparks, Worth C, gardener, res 4 blks e of Highland ave, 2 blks s of Avan ave (4)

Census:
Port Arthur Road 63 1857 wid Texas Tennessee Pennsylvania
Sparks, Ella J. head
Halbert, Clara dau 24
Halbert, Ella N. granddau 6 1914
Halbert, Stella N. granddau 4 6/12 Jun 1915
Halbert, Lloyd M. grandson 1 11/12 Feb 1918
Sparks James C. son 22 1898 Texas
Inez A. dau-in-law 19 1901 Louisiana Louisiana England

Other Events and Attributes:

• Census: 1920, Matagorda Co, Texas

Notes:

written by James Willis Sparks, grandson of Milam, son of Leslie.

"Milam was born on March 1, 1863 northwest of Eagle Lake, Texas or about three miles north of a place called Metz. Milam was raised between the Bernard river and Bernard creek. Why Jacob named three of sons "William" after his father I do not know. But that was the way is was on the Census.

His father owned land there, they raised cattle and some farming. Milam grew up to be one of the best in breaking wild horses. They said even though he was small man of about 5'7" and weight about 145 pounds, was few horses that he ever had to get on twice.

Milam grew up in the hard times. When he was only nine years old his father died. There is no proof but some of us believe that he is the one who was killed over some horses. It has been passed down through the years one of the Sparks's had bought two horses and a colt from two men. a few days or so they came back and wanted to buy the horses and colt back. Sparks said he didn't want to sell the horses, and they had a few words like, we will get those horses one-way or the other. Later he (Sparks) was about to cross the Bernard creek, when his pony jumped sideways, and at the same time of gunshots. Sparks roll out of the saddle with his rifle in his hand and when the shooting was over, Sparks had killed both of the men who was trying to buy the horses back. Later they found out the horses had been stolen and they were trying to get them back before the laws could find them. But later, one of their kinfolks shot Sparks either going to town or in town.

Doris Roberts, Milam's sister-in-law, said that she had heard the same thing from the talks of her husband and his half brothers would have. But there has not been any record to show that was the way it happen, or if it even happen. But most tales like these or mostly right.
Milam grew up with a stepfather, after his father died in 1871, Nancy, his mother remarried to Thomas Jefferson Roberts in 1872. Milam had kinfolks in and around Beaumont, Jefferson County, Tex. What ever the reason was Milam was in that area when he met Sarah Francis Adams from Orange, Tex. and married her on August 2, 1884 in Beaumont, Tex. She had kinfolks living in Colorado County. So she may have been visiting there or Milam may have been visiting his kinfolks in Jefferson County. Any way they lived in Colorado County for a while where Milam and family was for a number of years we cannot say. He and his family did not show on any census from the time he left home, until in 1912 in Matagorda County, Texas some 28 years later.

There are a lot of tales about Milam in his younger days. He worked for some of the biggest cattle Kings of that time. After the Civil War there was a lot of big cattle kings and companies that took over the open range and pushed out all of the small cattle ranchers. Down in what is called the valley was (and still is) King Ranch, which covered hundred of square miles. Was said that no man went across this ranch and reached the other side, the riders shot you on sight. Another ranch was Pierce, was know throughout the state as "Shanghai Pierce." He had like King Ranch, hundred of square miles of land. At one time it cover over eight counties and to this day it is called Pierce Estate, has large amounts of land in three or four counties. They said that he got his name because he sold a lots of cattle, but very few would he let off his land.

He would sell the cattle and when they got 30 or 40 miles away some of his men would kill the drivers and bring cattle back to the home range.

They had the same thing over in Jefferson County and some of the other counties around in the state. They called this one The Cattle Industry in the area received when the "Beaumont Pasture Company" was created on March 14, 1878, With William McFaddin, C.C. Caswell, O.M. Kyle, Valentine Weiss, William, and Sam Lee as members. (This Samuel Lee was married to Eliza Sparks, her father was John Sidney Sparks. This was Milam's Uncle or his father's brother.)

During the time that Milam could not be found, as records of census went, he was working for Shinghi Pierce, most everything south of the town of the town of Columbus, Texas or at that point any thing south of the Colorado River was Pierce's land and cattle. Milam also worked for a cattle company named Dallas. He named one of his sons Dallas Reed Sparks. Reed said that his Dad named him after the company and the foreman over the cattle drive.

Later part of the 1800's, Milam and his two half brothers kind of went in business for them self. Now this is another one, we have nothing but stories that has been passed down. Milam and his two half brothers, Thomas (Tom) and Lee Roberts, would slip a few head of cattle of Pierce across the river and put their brand on them and later sold them. They also did a lot of trading of horses and cattle. But they gave up around the early 1900's.

Lee Roberts in later years became a Texas Ranger to help stop cattle rustling. Tom became the Constable in the town of Eagle Lake, Colorado County, Texas. I guess you would call this the wild days of a young man.

Milam and Sarah Francis lived in and around the home place in Metz, Columbus, Eagle Lake in Colorado County. Sarah Francie died May 2, 1897, seven months after her last child, Myrtle Frances was born. Maggie George the oldest girl was almost ten years old when her mother died.

Here Milam was with four children so young. Where he lived was close to his mother, Nancy Johnson Sparks Roberts or not and if she would have help if she had. They said she was ruff and a mean woman. (more hear say) But I'm sure he was needing some one bad. Maggie said she could remember standing on a box of a sort and washing dishes and trying to cook.

Seven months and two days later Milam had found him a new bride. He married Viola "Vee" (Court) Nobles on December 4, 1897 in Beaumont, Jefferson County, Texas. There again she was distance kin, as Julia Ann Sparks (John Sidney daughter) married James M. Court. This is where Vee or Viola was born and her family lived. I'm sure they went back to Colorado county soon afterwards, some one was keeping the four kids there. Viola had been married to Leroy E. Nobles and they had one son Loid (not Lloyd) born October 1897. They were living in a place called Spanish Camp (which is still there) about four miles north of Wharton, Texas.

Here again John Sidney's granddaughter, Helen Clair Gentz married Matthew Nobles and had 12 children. Don't know if Noble died, killed or divorced, but the baby was only a few months old when Milam and Viola married. She was living (probably with her parents) at Beaumont, Texas at the time the baby was born. There again we're not sure where Milam and Viola were living. At one time they were living at Lissie in Wharton County.


Doris Roberts and I went to a rest home in Eagle Lake to talk with Bonnie Parker that was living there, (no this is not the great woman outlaw Bonnie Parker.) she was 96 year old and her mine was sharp as a tack. I ask her if she knew a Milam Sparks; she said Oh, Lord yes. He had a pretties little wife named Vee and had a house full of kids. Their oldest boy Merril, I believe his name was. When she called Frank, Merril, I knew for sure that she knew them, because very few people knew his name was Merril.

I asked if she knew Maggie George and she said I don't guess I did. I told her that Maggie George Sparks and Arthur Worthy Sparks got married there in Lissie (where Benniers family was living at the time) on October 27, 1903. She laughed and sad if they got married in Lissie, then my Daddy was the one that married them, because he was the Baptist preacher and the only preacher in town. She said, she was living in Eagle Lake at that time. Bonnie never was married and died at the age of 98 Married 2nd Viola "Vee" (Court) Nobles

Milam's oldest child, Maggie George and her husband, Arthur Worthy Sparks (they were cousin) moved to Lessie, where some seven years earlier they had gotten married. Their son James Leslie born July 6, 1904 was now six and almost 7 years old.. In the first part of 1911 or the last part of 1910 Arthur, Maggie and James Leslie pack up and headed west in to Wharton County some 200 miles away to a little town of Lissie. Where they had gotten married back in 1903 and still living in the area was Maggie's father Milam. They were there for a short time, a few months.

When Milam along with his family and oldest daughter Maggie and her husband, Arthur and his grandson, left Lessie, heading south east to Matagorda County some 150 miles or so. They lived on a place on row Creek about half way between Markham and another little town Clemville. Clemville was just beginning to be a booming oil field.
Here Milam and Viola had their last child, Dallas Reed on July 3, 1911. Then shortly after Maggie and Arthur had their second child, Alvin Brooks on September 28, 1911. Vee just never really recovered, and in January of the following year, 1912 she died. I guess, knowing that she was going to die, had wanted her body shipped back to Jefferson County.

In January of 1912, Milam shipped Viola's body to Port Arthur, Texas, where she was buried in the Sparks Cemetery. (Now at the end of DeQueen Blv. and Lake View Drive. Was once a Sparks settlement, named Aurora, Texas before the name was change in 1897 to Port Arthur, Texas. This cemetery was later (part of) moved to Forest Lawn cemetery in Beaumont, Tex, by Court Order.

Again Milam and family out into the area they call Old Gulf and later Maggie and family did like wise. What year they moved, some 30 or 40 mile closer to the Gulf of Mexico we don't know.Milam married again in 1915 for the third time to Alice Williams who was 18 years old and Milam was 52 year old. Milam and Alice, they lived around Wadsworth, Matagorda County, Tex.. You would think that it was time to retire but not Milam. Alice and Milam had nine children. He was 74 when his last child was born, and he died in 1942 at the age of 79.

Milam and his new wife later moved back up close to the little oil field town of Clemville, Tex. Loid Nobles was still living with Viola and Milam. They did some farming and Milam did his horse trading, I don't know if he was still breaking horses or if some of the boys were doing it. There was a place they called Northern Head Quarters about seven or eight miles north of their place. I would think he and some of his boys sure would have been working out there. Milam's boys didn't much like working in the oil field, they were farmer. In later years they became rice farmers. Milam probably had four or five kids at home from the last marriage.Then again in the 1920's probably around 1925, he moved out on the edge of Clemville, where he lived till he died in January of 1942. All though he did not die in Matagorda County at Clemville. His oldest son, Milam Arthur "Bud" Sparks was living in China, Jefferson County, Tex. near Beaumont, Tex. He took his father home with him because he had been sick for a while. He wanted to take him to a Doctor and to see if they could find what was wrong with him. He was there only a few months when he died. Bud brought his father body back to Bay City, Tex. to be buried in the CedarVale Cemetery with other Sparks's that were buried there.

Alice and the family three of her kids moved up closer to the store in Clemville.I remember my Great Grandfather, Milam very clear, I was 15 years old when he passed away. I would say that he was the same height as my father, James Leslie Sparks who was Milam's grandson, which was 5"7" tall, weight 145 pounds, and 7 or 71/2 shoe or boot. Milam wasn't built like my father with heavy muscles in the upper part of the body.

Milam always had horses and a few cows. He was buying and selling in his late years. This was back when they still was having a lot of trouble with screwworm. My Dad, Leslie was gone a lot, he was a driller and was off looking for oil. When we need a cow or calf needed doctoring Grandpa Milam would come down and doctor it. He said back when he worked for them big cattle company, hides would bring almost as much as the whole cow. So when a number of cattle would die for what ever the reason would be. He had eat his dinner sitting on the side of a dead cow a many time. The way he doctored for screwworm was he took his finger or a stick (if he had one) and clean out all the worms that he could, he had some kind of mixture that he mixed up to kill the worms. Put that in the hole and then packed dry manure in on top. He said the medicine would kill most of the worms and the dry manure would be come wet and smother the rest, as this healed it would push out the cow manure.

Milam last home was about a quarter of a mile or so from his oldest child, Maggie. He would ride down there and have coffee as many did. They had open range then (no fences only pens) so it was left up to you to keep your stock in your area. There was a man that lived up in town that like to think that he ran the town. Any way, word was that this man told Milam that he was going to have to pen his cows. Milam told this guy: You may run that part of town where you live, but don't come down here trying to tell me what I'm going to do or not going to do. The best thing you can do is get your *#*++* ass back over there and don't mess with me because I'll shoot your *#*++* ass off. I Don't believe he ever said any more to Milam after that. He didn't mess with any one and he didn't want you to mess with him.


Milam would set on the front porch in a straight back chair for hours at a time looking out across open land. Probably think about the old days when he used ride all over this part of the country.I remember Bud (his oldest son) had bought his Dad a new pair of cowboy Boots. He looked at them and pitch them back in the box, "I won't wearing them dam Drug Store Boots". All he would ever wear was what they call the stove top boot, that came up almost to the knee. Bud though they would have been easer to get on and off. He wore those long-johns, two pair of pants the year round with no shirt in the summer.

Now if he went some place he would get all deck out in his best boots and hat. The story goes Milam was as good as they came when it came to bronco-busting, his son Arthur (Bud) was they said just as good. My father, Leslie told me this happened; There was a group of men standing around drinking. When one said, I got a horse out there tied to a tree has never been rode and can't be rode. Milam said for $50 dollars I'll ride him right now.

Well Milam got on that horse and after a few jumps Milam came off. Bud said Pa would have rode that horse if he hadn't been drunk. That man laughed and said can you do any better? Bud said yes; if you got a $100 dollars when I step down off that horse. The man laughed again and said hell yes. Bud put on his chaps and tied down his spurs and said hold his head. Before the horse gave up, Bud had that horse bleeding as far down as he could reach and dragging his spurs up the shoulder and neck. Bud stepped down off that horses and took that $100 and said if you all have more of them horses that no one can ride for a $100, Pa and I will take you money.

I went down to Grandpa Milam's and played with Clair Lee, who was about my age and Milam Lloyd was a little younger. (every one call Lloyd "Bull") One day I was over there and it was time for me to go home, Bull went and ask Pa (Milam) if he could go home with me for a while, Grandpa said no and you are not leaving this yard. Well in the mean time it had started raining. Grandpa Milam had gone out to the barn about 30 yards from the house to relive him self. Grandma Alice (I don't believe any one called her Grandma, Just Alice, why I don't know Because kids just didn't call adults by their first name) gave me Bull's coat and cap to wear home to keep from getting wet. I went out the back door and out in to the cow lot around the barn and started climbing over the board fence. As I was climbing over the top of the fence, Grandpa Milam grabbed me off the fence at the same time started whaling the hell out me. Saying Bull, I told you not to leave this dam yard. I was yelling Grandpa this is not Bull. Finally he said oh Hell I though you were Bull.

All these years Loid (Milam's stepson, most ever one knew Loid by the nick name of Duke.) "Duke" lived with Milam and helped support the family. If it hadn't been for Duke, for ten to fifteen years before Milam died and that long or longer after he died, the family could never have made it without him. Duke gave his whole life to supporting Milam's families. Seem like my Dad said that Bud took Duke to Beaumont to see a Uncle Nobles and some of his kinfolks, but I don't know which of the Nobles it was. Duke's father was Joseph G. Nobles from Beaumont, Tex. I don't guess his father ever came to see him or his father may have been dead. He lived his last days with a half sister Pauline (Sparks) Stoffer.

About ever one knew Pauline as "Peggy" as this was what Duke call her. Pauline was married to Vernon Stoffer at that time, Varian died 2/4/1980 and later married John Landrum (/18/1981.Of all the years that Duke lived around Clemville, I have for the first time to hear any one say any thing bad about him. Duke would help any one and would not ask for any pay. But all the people around spoke well of Duke and was always giving him extra work to do. Milam had 13 girls and 7 boys, he always said that he had 22 children. Alice lost two children, don't know if any of the other wife did.

I guess you would have to say that Milam was the last of the rough riders, for he surely was a breed of his own. He and his brother were probably like their father ;Jacob. All of Milam's boys were a little on the rough side also. To tell the truth I don't think there is a Sparks that would walk away from a fight.

http://trees.ancestry.com/tree/3139485/person/-1604307211/media/1

Census:
Milam Sparks 1863 TX TX TX
Alice Sparks, wife 1899 TX TX TX
Wilford 1901
Ellis 1903
Ruby 1905
Frank 1908
Lilly 1810
Dallas Reid 1912
Lorene 1819
Eloise 1920

William married Sarah Frances Adams about 1886. Sarah was born in 1868 in Orange Co, Texas; died on 02 May 1897 in Colorado Co, Texas; was buried in Allyton Cem, Colorado Co, Texas. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Birth:
Daughter of Henry James Adams and Pricey Adelaide Cooper. Wife of William Milam Sparks - Married 2 Aug 1884 and lived in Lissie, Wharton County, Texas. Died at age 29 and left a husband, 3 young daughters and a young son.

Other Events and Attributes:

• Census: 1830, Jackson Co, Alabama; in father's hh
• Residence: Between 1830 and 1833, Franklin Co, Tennessee
• Residence: Between 1837 and 1838, Natchitoches Parish, Louisiana; abt
• Residence: Between 1839 and 1841, Pavell Island, Orange Co, Texas
• Census: 1846, Jefferson Co, Texas; tax list
• Occupation: Between 1846 and 1848, Taylor Bayou Ferry Crossing, Sabine Pass, Jefferson Co, Texas
• Census: 24 Oct 1850, Sabine Pass, Jefferson Co, Texas
• Residence: Bef 1853, Old River Cove, Jefferson Co, Texas
• Property: 1853, Sparks Settlement, Aurora, Jefferson Co, Texas; purchased
• Residence: 1854, Sparks Settlement, Aurora, Jefferson Co, Texas; began home construction
• Residence: 3 Mar 1858, Sparks Settlement, Aurora, Jefferson Co, Texas; purchased 100 acres
• Census: 5 Jul 1860, Beaumont (Precinct 1), Jefferson Co, Texas; agriculture
• Census: 12 Jul 1860, Sabine Pass (Precinct 5), Jefferson Co, Texas
• Census: 1870, Jefferson Co, Texas; Morality Schedule
• Other-Begin: 22 Mar 1936, Port Arthur News, Port Arthur, Jefferson Co, Texas

Notes:

webpage http://freepages.genealogy.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~lmassia/fam11212.htm
shows born at Gatlenburg, Franklin Co, Tn.


NOTE: (Contact Christine Echels, 8635 Chateau Circle, Bmt 07 about Sparks history)

"History of the Sparks Family," Yellowed pages, Vol XIX, No. 4, 1989

"James, Melinda, William and Julia Ann arrived in Texas in late 1837, having traveled overland by ox wagon. Some of the furniture was transported down the Mississippi River by steamboat. The family first lived on Pavell's Island, which is located at the junction of the Sabine and Neches Rivers. Here John Sparks worked at the Pavell Bros shingle mill, and two other children were born, Thomas in 1839 and Albert in 1841. The family did not live on Pavell's Island very long after Albert's birth."
Taylor's Bayou, established and operated a ferry on what is now the road to Sabine Pass for at least 10 years.
In 1854 purchased a farm a few miles away where Worthy was born.


"The History of the Sparks Family":
Living on the edge of the marshlands of the Gulf Coast has its hazards. Mosquitoes by the millions swarmed up from the bayous and swamps to plague both man and beast. It was not uncommon for the settlers to be housebound until noon, waiting for the clouds of mosquitoes to settle. Disease was a threat to the village. Medical aid was a day's ride by horseback from the remote community. The death of the five Gentz children probably sealed the doom of the Sparks Settlement in the 1880s.

1850 Jeff Co Census: John S. Sparks 39 Farmer val. 50. N.C.
Melinda, 29, TN
Albert 9, TX
Eliza J 7, TX
John F. 4, TX
Sarah C 1, TX
James Court 22, farmer, value 20, LA -
Julia Ann 14, TN
James & Julia newly weds. Date of Census 24 Oct; they were married Oct 15.

Also living with him were William H Smith, 2 years old from Texas; Sarah Lawrey, 14, James Penrod, a laborer from Illinois, and James Dyson, a saddler from Missouri. Recording in Yellowed Pages does now show Melinda.
Moved to Tennessee about 1815; Texas in 1838
Lived in Alabama, Gatlinburg, TN
Several Sparks graves in Cade's Cove TN adjacent to a Methodist Church.

________________
http://sparksfamilytree.net/family_tree/wga84.html#first

SQ 3059:

"John Sparks, probable son of Joseph Sparks, was listed on the 1812 tax list of Franklin County, Tennessee. He was probably named for his uncle, John Sparks. We have no further record of him."


SQ 3356:


"John S. Sparks, probable son of William Sparks, was born on March 26, 1811, in Tennessee. It was probably there that he was married to Malinda Jones about 1834. She was born on March 1, 1819, in Tennessee.Two children were born to John and Malinda before they left Tennessee with their ox team and wagon and moved to the Texas border where the Sabine and Neches Rivers meet on the north shore of Lake Sabine. There John worked in a mill that made cypress shingles by using drawing knives. Later he established a ferry on Taylors Bayou and managed to buy 160 acres of land fronting on Lake Sabine on which he built his home. Here he was joined by his brother, Solomon, and others, and the site became known as "Sparks Settlement." The name was changed to Aurora about 1856, and it finally became the site of the town of Port Arthur in 1895.


"John Sparks was joined by his brother, Solomon Sparks, about 1847,and, according to information given in the HISTORY AND PROGRESS OF JEFFERSON COUNTY, TEXAS by Lorecia East, the two families lived just a few hundred feet from each other. They cultivated the land and raised their own food as well as much of their clothing for they raised sheep and carded and spun their own wool. It was John Sparks who established a family buriel ground quite close to his home. The cemetery filled gradually, and as the surrounding property became more desirable, it became necessary to move the graves. They were moved to Forest Lawn Cemetery in Beaumont, Texas.


"John Sparks died sometime between 1860 and 1870. Malinda died sometime after the 1880 census was taken of Jefferson County. She and John were the parents of twelve children, ten of whom we have been able to identify . (Here lists details of children]."
http://www.sparksfamilytree.net/ghtout/npr433.html#H02282


John was buried in Sparks cemetery.

John and Solomon selected the site, a 50 by 50 square which was a short distance from John's home, for their family burial plots. Today a 4' stone monument marks the cemetery site at the junction of DeQueen Blvd and Lakeshore Dr in Port Arthur. A part of the burial ground is now covered with the pavement of DeQueen Blvd. Balance lies under a big hackberry tree which stands just north of the two streets. The site is marked by a beautifully-cut granite headstone identifying the grave of the infant, Arthur Stilwell Smith.

Arthur Stillwell Smith was the son of Mr & Mrs Morgan Smith who had loaded their household effects into a covered wagon and traveled slowly and laboriously to the new town from their home in the Indian Territory. Their son was born in a tentr Lakeshore and Houston Avenue soon after their arrival, and he lived only ten days. He had been named after the new seaport's benefactor, Arthur Stilwell. All of the residents attended the town's first funeral, and the tiny casket was buried in the Old Sparks Cemetery. The marker at this site today was placed here in 1948 by the Port Arthur Teen Canteen members.

___________________
http://www.oldandsold.com/articles11/port-arthur-15.shtml

Old and Sold Chronology, originally published 1940
history of Port Arthur:

1543 July 25. Survivors of the Hernando de Soto expedition are driven ashore near Lake Sabine by a storm.

1745 Spaniards learn that Frenchmen are trading in the section.

1756 - Spanish establish the Presidio San Agustin de Ahumada and the Mission Nuestra Senora de la Luz del Orcoquisac near the mouth of the Trinity River, and tradition says a log building was erected by the mission near the head of the North Fork of what is now Taylor's Bayou.

1778 - Padre Juan Agustin Morfi records English attempts to establish amicable relations with Indians in this neighborhood.

1838 - John Sparks and family arrive in covered wagon from Tennessee.

1861 - Sparks settlement becomes known as Aurora.

1886-87 - Following an epidemic and a storm, Aurora is abandoned, and the land becomes cattle range.

1895 Arthur E. Stilwell visits the area and plans to build his "dream city." Town of Port Arthur is platted. Ship Canal is begun.


Census:
Name:
Wm Sparkes
[Wm Sparks]
Home in 1830 (City, County, State):
Jackson, Alabama

Free White Persons - Males - Under 5: 1 1825-1830 Jacob E.
Free White Persons - Males - 5 thru 9: 1 1821-1825 son6
Free White Persons - Males - 10 thru 14: 2 1816-1820 Daniel; Solomon
Free White Persons - Males - 15 thru 19: 1 1811-1815 John S
Free White Persons - Males - 40 thru 49: 1781-1790 1 Wm
Free White Persons - Females - Under 5: 1 1825-1830 dau7
Free White Persons - Females - 10 thru 14: 1 1816-1820 dau4
Free White Persons - Females - 15 thru 19: 1 1811-1815 dau2
Free White Persons - Females - 30 thru 39: 1 1791-1800 Mrs.
Free White Persons - Under 20: 8
Free White Persons - 20 thru 49: 2
Total Free White Persons: 10
Total - All Persons (Free White, Slaves, Free Colored):10

next door: (Melinda b 1819 or age 11; not here)
Martin (translated Master) Jones,
Home in 1830 (City, County, State):
Jackson, Alabama
Free White Persons - Males - Under 5: 2 1825-1830
Free White Persons - Males - 5 thru 9: 1 1821-1825
Free White Persons - Males - 10 thru 14: 2 1816-1820
Free White Persons - Males - 20 thru 29: 1 1801-1810
Free White Persons - Males - 40 thru 49: 1 1781-1790
Free White Persons - Females - 5 thru 9: 1 1821-1825
Free White Persons - Females - 15 thru 19: 1 1811-1815
Free White Persons - Females - 30 thru 39:1 1791-1800
Free White Persons - Under 20: 7
Free White Persons - 20 thru 49: 3
Total Free White Persons: 10
Total - All Persons (Free White, Slaves, Free Colored):10
(Martin Jones m Rhoda (Martin) Hodges 10 Jul 1804 Jefferson Co TN)
(Wm Jones m Elizabeth Randolph 25 May 1804 Jefferson Co)

same page:
Chesby R Jones (maybe a bro?)
[Cirby R Jones]
Home in 1830 (City, County, State):
Jackson, Alabama
Free White Persons - Males - 20 thru 29: 1 1801-1810
Free White Persons - Females - 20 thru 29: 1 1801-1810
Free White Persons - 20 thru 49: 2
Total Free White Persons: 2
Total - All Persons (Free White, Slaves, Free Colored):2

Tho Jone [Thos Jones] (Melinda b 1819 or age 11)
Home in 1830 (City, County, State):
Jackson, Alabama
Free White Persons - Males - 15 thru 19: 1 1811-1815
Free White Persons - Males - 50 thru 59: 2 1771-1780
Free White Persons - Females - Under 5: 1 1825-1830
Free White Persons - Females - 5 thru 9: 2 1821-1825
Free White Persons - Females - 10 thru 14: 2 1816-1820
*** COULD BE MELINDA ***
Free White Persons - Females - 40 thru 49: 1 1781-1790
Free White Persons - Under 20: 6
Free White Persons - 20 thru 49: 1
Total Free White Persons: 9
Total - All Persons (Free White, Slaves, Free Colored): 9


all names on page 101 in sequence:
Edward Berry; Jas Simmons; Geor W. Wichell; Samuel Reynolds; Barbary Lathas; Pashot Pringle; John Jolly; Wm Compbelle; Wm Davis; Thomas Molson; Wm Gowens; Robt G. Hord; David Gowens; Eliphodd Jarvis; Wm Sparkes; Master Jones; Joseph Resk; Abram Goose; Chesby R. Jones; Martin Gowens; Tho Jone; Joel Kee; Saml Kerk; Mans L. Bumalley; Barnet Cheathan; Wm Campbelle


Residence:
Per memoirs of his daughter Eliza Jane Sparks Beaumont, they briefly lived in Louisiana before purchasing land in Texas. Since brother Jacob was in Natchitoches Parish, Louisiana in 1940 census, it's assumed that's where they were in Louisiana. The dates are estimated from the dates between Julia who was born in Tennessee and Thomas who was born in Texas.


Census:
Name: John Sparks
State: TX
County: Jefferson County
Township: No Township Listed
Year: 1846
Record Type: Tax list
Page: NPN
Database: TX Tax List Index, 1840-1849


Occupation:
The most common crossing of Taylor?s Bayou was located at the foot of West 7th Street, Port Arthur, Texas just 200 feet from the back corner of the now Chevron's main office building (formerly Gulf main office building). At this site was a ferry crossing for many years. Jefferson County Commissioners Court authorized a second bridge built to replace the ferry in 1898. This portion of Taylor?s Bayou was filled in about 1912 when a more direct route was dug by Gulf Oil to link their new dock to the Port Arthur Canal. The bridge was moved to its current location on Hwy.87 by 1916.

http://csa.tripod.com/articles.html

Census:
24 Oct 1850 Sabine Pass

residence 215:
Milton H Bloodworth 25 1825 Louisiana farmer
Nancy (Holt) Bloodworth 18 1832 Texas
Benjamin P Bloodworth 2 1848 Louisiana
William Bloodworth 1 1849 Louisiana
Benjamin Holt 55 1795 Mississippi
Thomas C Holt 50 1800 Mississippi
Thomas D Holt 4 1846 Louisiana
William Holt 53 1797 Mississippi
Mary Ann Holt 17 1833 Texas
Thomas R Holt 26 1824 Louisiana
Charles Holt 28 1822 Louisiana
William C Holt 15 1835 Louisiana
Richard Holt 13 1837 Louisiana

Residence 216
Stockholm, Peter D. 31 1819 New York carpenter
Mary 17 1833 Louisiana
William 2 1848 Texas
Elizabeth 0 1850 Texas

Residence 217
Brewer, William 23 1827 Louisiana laborer married in the year
Brewer, Caroline 22 1828 Louisiana

Residence 218
Solomon Sparks 30 1820 Tennessee laborer
Martha C Sparks 30 1829 South Carolina
Lucy Ann Sparks 8 1842 Tennessee
John L Sparks 6 1844 Tennessee
James E Sparks 3 1847 Louisiana
Mary Susan Sparks 1 1849 Texas
Jacob Sparks 22 1828 Tennessee laborer

Residence 219
John S. Sparks 39 1811 North Carolina farmer $150
Melinda Sparks 29 1821 Tennessee
Albert Sparks 9 1841 Texas
Eliza J. Sparks 7 1843 Texas
John F. Sparks 4 1846 Texas
Sarah C. Sparks 1 1849 Texas
James Court 22 1828 Louisiana farmer $20 (married in the year)
Julia Ann (Sparks) Courts 14 1836 Tennessee



Property:
Port Arthur News article (attached)
1853 John Sparks purchased 160 acres of land, including the section around what is now DeQueen boulevard at Lakeshore drive. At the time he paid $375 for the land which is worth more than $150,000 today. (1935)


Residence:
"He was a thrifty man, and by September 12, 1853, he had saved enough money to buy two parcels of land, one of them 130 acres and the other of 30 acres, from Allen and Nancy Franklin.

This land, fronting on Lake Sabine, was part of a 250-acre tract that the Franklins had purchased from Thomas Holt in 1851. Sparks immediately set to work building a house, into which he moved his family in time for the birth of another child. Then, within the week, fire destroyed the new home, and the family returned to Pave11's Island, where friends took them in. But by the autumn of 1854 he had started another house which he completed in the spring, and the family returned."
http://www.oldandsold.com/articles11/port-arthur-4.shtml

The Holts and Franklins were listed in Sabine Pass 1850 census records. This land must have been on the Sabine Pass side of the waterway (Taylor Bayou) rather than the Port Arthur side. However mention is made that his ferry was bout where the Gulf main office building is on West 7th Street in Port Arthur. Would that part of Port Arthur be considered Sabine Pass in the census records?

In 1858 he purchased 100 acres from C.S Hunt on what was known as Old River Cove for $80. That is for sure the Sparks Settlement location.


Residence:
on March 3, 1858, he purchased an additional 100 acres of land from C. S. Hunt, on what was known as Old River Cove, for $80.


Census:
12 Jul 1860 Precinct No. 5 Sabine Pass
residence 378
James Court 30 mail carrier 500 Louisiana
Julia 24 TN 1856 Tennessee
Mary E 8 1852 Texas
Henry C 6 1854 Texas
Julia A 4 1856 Texas
William F 2 1858 Texas
Elias M 6/12 1859 Texas

residence 379
John Sparks 49 1811 North Carolina farmer 320 2100
Malinda Sparks 41 1819 Tennessee
Albert Sparks 19 1841 Texas
John F Sparks 14 1856 Texas
Sarah C Sparks 11 1849 Texas
Arabella H Sparks 8 1852 Texas
James C Sparks 6 1854 Texas
Worthey C Sparks 4 1856 Texas
Henry E L Sparks 8/12 1859 Texas

residence 380
Samuel Lee 38 1822 Denmark stock raiser 4,000
Eliza 16 1844 Texas


Census:
Persons who died during the year ending 1st June 1870 in Jefferson County, Texas

Name: John Sparks
Gender: Male
Race: White
Place of Birth: North Carolina
Estimated Birth Year: abt 1811
Age: 59
Month of Death: Aug
Census Year: 1870
Census Location: (City, County, State)
All, Jefferson, Texas
Line: 7
Archive Collection Number: T1134
farmer, cause of death not known

also:
Court (no first name) 2/30, female white, Texas, Oct.
cause of death: "congestion lun" - scratched thru
Drs. ? (copy darkened at edge of page)

Died:
1870 Ag census taken in Jul and M. Sparks (Melinda) is listed, next after James Court. John is deceased.

Federal Mortality schedule year ending 1 Jun 1870
Sparks, John age 53 born North Carolina, died in October, farmer, cause of death not known.
Note at the bottom of the page states that cause of death for John Sparks "could not be found out, as no physician attended him.

Surname: John Sparks
Year: 1870
County: Jefferson CO.
State: TX
Age: 59
Gender: M (Male)
Month of Death: Aug
State of Birth: NC
ID#: MRT197_312070
Occupation: FARMER

John married Melinda* Jones, (maybe dau?) on 1 Mar 1833 in near Gatlinburg, Franklin Co, Tennessee. Melinda* (daughter of Thomas* Jones, (bro of Martin?) and Mrs. (..)* Jones) was born on 25 Mar 1819 in Middleton, Rhea Co, Tennessee (?) ; died after 1880 in Jefferson Co, Texas; was buried in Sparks Cem, Aurora, Jefferson Co, Texas. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Other Events and Attributes:

• Residence: 1819, Middleton, Rhea Co, Tennessee (?); birth
• Census: 1830, Jackson Co, Alabama; in father's hhold (?)
• Residence: 1 Mar 1833, near, Gatlinburg, Franklin Co, Tennessee; married
• Residence: Between 1837 and 1838, Natchitoches Parish, Louisiana
• Residence: Between 1839 and 1841, Pavell Island, Orange Co, Texas
• Residence: Between 1846 and 1848, Taylor Bayou Ferry Crossing, Jefferson Co, Texas
• Census: 24 Oct 1850, Sabine Pass, Jefferson Co, Texas
• Census: 12 Jul 1860, Sabine Pass (Precinct 5), Jefferson Co, Texas
• Census: 23 Jun 1870, Sparks and River Settlement, Jefferson Co, Texas
• Census: 7 Jun 1880, Jefferson Co (District 41), Texas
• Other-Begin: 22 Mar 1936, Port Arthur News, Port Arthur, Jefferson Co, Texas
• Research Notes: 16 Mar 2014

Notes:

Date: 98-04-13 10:08:26 EDT
From: jsparks@beamans.com (JAY SPARKS)
To: Wileyz@aol.com (John E Sharp)

Speaking of picture I have also have a picture of Malinda, a picture of James and Worthy togeather.
Also have one of James, Worthy and Joseph Madison (Solomon son) togather. They are the old tipe that has the tin backing. Joe Crindon Echels wife, Christine gave me the pictures back when I visted them a few years back. Joe Crindon was named after his Dad & Grandpa Worthy Cryndon "Word" Sparks. (Note - the spelling was changed) I ask Christine why, she said that his mother was a school teacher and that is should be spelled that away. Lucy May Sparks (Miss Lucy what the children call her) She married Joseph "Joe" Howard Echels 7/7/1909 Beaumont. He got killed on the 7/10/1911 on a motercycle thay hit a wagon (buggy) at night. Said that one of the buggy
tounge went through him. They only had the one child.


1880 census: daughter Arabella states mother born in Tennessee.
Possibly born in Alabama, as per "History of Sparks Family."
Shown in 1850 census as head of household with Albert, Eliza, John and Sarah.

Widowed in 1870 at age 51, she is shown head of household in the 1870 Jefferson County census, Sparks & River Settlement. She recorded her birthplace as Alabama, listed her property at a value of $2,000 and her personl estate as $500. Living with her were her sons James, 17, a farm laborer, and John 27, a laborer, and Worthy, age 14. She was living next door to her daughter, Julia Sparks and Jim Courts on one side and Mrs. Solomon Sparks, Caroline, her daughter-in-law on the other.

1880, Worthy is still living at home, working as a mail carrier, and James has married Ella. They are living with her, too. In this census, she states that she was born in Tennessee rather than Alabama. She lists that her father was born in Virginia and her mother in Tennessee. Also listed is Thomas George, 8 years old, as a servant, born in Texas but whereabouts of his parents' birth was listed as unknown.

Melinda Sparks 61 Mar born TN father VA, mother TN
Worthy 24 Mar mail carrier TX father NC mom TN
James 26 Dec laborer TX
Ella 23 Nov TX

Malinda was buried in Sparks cemetery.

Birth:
Middleton is in Hardeman county; not Rhea.

Census:
Name:
Wm Sparkes
[Wm Sparks]
Home in 1830 (City, County, State):
Jackson, Alabama

Free White Persons - Males - Under 5: 1 1825-1830 Jacob E.
Free White Persons - Males - 5 thru 9: 1 1821-1825 son6
Free White Persons - Males - 10 thru 14: 2 1816-1820 Daniel; Solomon
Free White Persons - Males - 15 thru 19: 1 1811-1815 John S
Free White Persons - Males - 40 thru 49: 1781-1790 1 Wm
Free White Persons - Females - Under 5: 1 1825-1830 dau7
Free White Persons - Females - 10 thru 14: 1 1816-1820 dau4
Free White Persons - Females - 15 thru 19: 1 1811-1815 dau2
Free White Persons - Females - 30 thru 39: 1 1791-1800 Mrs.
Free White Persons - Under 20: 8
Free White Persons - 20 thru 49: 2
Total Free White Persons: 10
Total - All Persons (Free White, Slaves, Free Colored):10

next door: (Melinda b 1819 or age 11; not here)
Martin (translated Master) Jones,
Home in 1830 (City, County, State):
Jackson, Alabama
Free White Persons - Males - Under 5: 2 1825-1830
Free White Persons - Males - 5 thru 9: 1 1821-1825
Free White Persons - Males - 10 thru 14: 2 1816-1820
Free White Persons - Males - 20 thru 29: 1 1801-1810
Free White Persons - Males - 40 thru 49: 1 1781-1790
Free White Persons - Females - 5 thru 9: 1 1821-1825
Free White Persons - Females - 15 thru 19: 1 1811-1815
Free White Persons - Females - 30 thru 39:1 1791-1800
Free White Persons - Under 20: 7
Free White Persons - 20 thru 49: 3
Total Free White Persons: 10
Total - All Persons (Free White, Slaves, Free Colored):10
(Martin Jones m Rhoda (Martin) Hodges 10 Jul 1804 Jefferson Co TN)
(Wm Jones m Elizabeth Randolph 25 May 1804 Jefferson Co)

same page:
Chesby R Jones (maybe a bro?)
[Cirby R Jones]
Home in 1830 (City, County, State):
Jackson, Alabama
Free White Persons - Males - 20 thru 29: 1 1801-1810
Free White Persons - Females - 20 thru 29: 1 1801-1810
Free White Persons - 20 thru 49: 2
Total Free White Persons: 2
Total - All Persons (Free White, Slaves, Free Colored):2

Tho Jone [Thos Jones] (Melinda b 1819 or age 11)
Home in 1830 (City, County, State):
Jackson, Alabama
Free White Persons - Males - 15 thru 19: 1 1811-1815
Free White Persons - Males - 50 thru 59: 2 1771-1780
Free White Persons - Females - Under 5: 1 1825-1830
Free White Persons - Females - 5 thru 9: 2 1821-1825
Free White Persons - Females - 10 thru 14: 2 1816-1820
*** COULD BE MELINDA ***
Free White Persons - Females - 40 thru 49: 1 1781-1790
Free White Persons - Under 20: 6
Free White Persons - 20 thru 49: 1
Total Free White Persons: 9
Total - All Persons (Free White, Slaves, Free Colored): 9


all names on page 101 in sequence:
Edward Berry; Jas Simmons; Geor W. Wichell; Samuel Reynolds; Barbary Lathas; Pashot Pringle; John Jolly; Wm Compbelle; Wm Davis; Thomas Molson; Wm Gowens; Robt G. Hord; David Gowens; Eliphodd Jarvis; Wm Sparkes; Master Jones; Joseph Resk; Abram Goose; Chesby R. Jones; Martin Gowens; Tho Jone; Joel Kee; Saml Kerk; Mans L. Bumalley; Barnet Cheathan; Wm Campbelle


Census:
24 Oct 1850 Sabine Pass

residence 215:
Milton H Bloodworth 25 1825 Louisiana
Nancy (Holt) Bloodworth 18 1832 Texas
Benjamin P Bloodworth 2 1848 Louisiana
William Bloodworth 1 1849 Louisiana
Benjamin Holt 55 1795 Mississippi
Thomas C Holt 50 1800 Mississippi
Thomas D Holt 4 1846 Louisiana
William Holt 53 1797 Mississippi
Mary Ann Holt 17 1833 Texas
Thomas R Holt 26 1824 Louisiana
Charles Holt 28 1822 Louisiana
William C Holt 15 1835 Louisiana
Richard Holt 13 1837 Louisiana

Residence 216
Stockholm, Peter D. 31 1819 New York carpenter
Mary 17 1833 Louisiana
William 2 1848 Texas
Elizabeth 0 1850 Texas

Residence 217
Brewer, William 23 1827 Louisiana
Brewer, Caroline 22 1828 Louisiana

Residence 218
Solomon Sparks 30 1820 Tennessee
Martha C Sparks 30 1829 South Carolina
Lucy Ann Sparks 8 1842 Tennessee
John L Sparks 6 1844 Tennessee
James E Sparks 3 1847 Louisiana
Mary Susan Sparks 1 1849 Texas
Jacob Sparks 22 1828 Tennessee

Residence 219
John S. Sparks 39 1811 North Carolina
Melinda Sparks 29 1821 Tennessee
Albert Sparks 9 1841 Texas
Eliza J. Sparks 7 1843 Texas
John F. Sparks 4 1846 Texas
Sarah C. Sparks 1 1849 Texas
James Court 22 1828 Louisiana
Julia Ann (Sparks) Courts 14 1836 Tennessee



Census:
12 Jul 1860 Precinct No. 5 Sabine Pass
residence 378
James Court 30 mail carrier 500 Louisiana
Julia 24 TN 1856 Tennessee
Mary E 8 1852 Texas
Henry C 6 1854 Texas
Julia A 4 1856 Texas
William F 2 1858 Texas
Elias M 6/12 1859 Texas

residence 379
John Sparks 49 1811 North Carolina farmer 320 2100
Malinda Sparks 41 1819 Tennessee
Albert Sparks 19 1841 Texas
John F Sparks 14 1856 Texas
Sarah C Sparks 11 1849 Texas
Arabella H Sparks 8 1852 Texas
James C Sparks 6 1854 Texas
Worthey C Sparks 4 1856 Texas
Henry E L Sparks 8/12 1859 Texas

residence 380
Samuel Lee 38 1822 Denmark stock raiser 4,000
Eliza 16 1844 Texas


Census:
77 Coats (Courts) J.M. 40 1830 Louisiana 400, 2,000 farmer
Julia 34 1836 Tennessee
Mary 18 1852 Texas
Clifton 16 1854 Texas
Nasthentha 14 1856 Texas
William 12 1858 Texas
Madison E. 10 1860 Texas
ekner 8 1862 Texas
James 5 1865 Texas
Anna 3 1867 Texas
Lisa 8 1862 Texas

residence 78
Sparks M (Melinda) 51 1819 at home Tennessee
James 17 1853 Texas farm laborer
Worthy 14 1856 Texas
John 27 1843 Texas farmer

residence 79
Spark, C (Caroline) 50 1820 South Carolina keeping house
Edwin 23 1847 Louisiana
Joseph 16 1854 Texas
Oscar 14 Texas
Courts J.B. 27 1843 Texas

residence 80
Brewton W.P. 33 1837 Tennessee
Sarah 22 1848 Texas
Grace 5 1865 TX
Silas F. 8/12 1869 TX

residence 81
Lee, Samuel 52 1818 farmer 1580 Denmark
Jane E. 27 1843 Texas
Emma 3 1867 Texas


residence 82
Smith. T.J. 34 farmer 500 Indiana
Sarah 25 Texas
Electra 3/12 Texas








Census:
Note: It appears the first page is the Sparks Settlement. And the 2nd page seems to be the Port Neches, Grisgsby Bluff area, a few miles north.

7 Jun 1880 District 41 Justice Precinct No. 2
Page 1

residence 1
Gentz Fred 35 Dec 1845 laborer Prussia Prussia Prussia
R. Belle 28 Aug 1852 TX NC TN
Welby 8 Jun 1872 TX NC TX
H.M. 7 Feb 1873 TX NC TX
M.J. dau 6 1874 TX
J.W. son 4 1876 TX
Buler 2 dau May 1878 TX
J. Lee 4/12 son Jan 1880 TX
Charlotte 77 mother widow Prussia NC TX
(census taker just carried the NC down the columns.
Only person from NC is Belle's father.

residence 2
Lee, Samuel 62 farmer Denmark Denmark Denmark
E. Jane 36 Oct TX NC TN
Emma A. 12 Jul 1868 TX
Hayes, Eliza Black 19 Jan 1861 servant Texas Texas Alabama
Eddy, Albert 37 Jul 1843 carpenter Ireland Ireland Ireland
Sparks, William E. 27 Mar 1853 TX

residence 3
Melinda Sparks 61 Mar 1819 TN VA TN <<<
Worthy 24 Mar 1856 TX NC TN
James 26 son Dec 1854 TX NC TN
Ella 23 Nov 1857 dau-in-law TX TN PA
Thomas George, Black 8 1872 servant TX

residence 4
Sparks, Caroline 60 May 1820 self widow SC VA SC
Sparks, J.M. 26 Aug 1854 son TX

residence 5
Kilgore, James S 28 1852 Mar Michigan Michigan Michigan
Elizabeth 50 Oct 1830 mother wid Michigan Michigan --
Columbus 28 25 May 1855 brother Texas Michigan Michigan
Susan F. 20 Feb 1860 sister Texas Michigan Michigan
Eugenia 17 Jun 1863 sister Texas Michigan Michigan
Swift, Fuller 3 May 1877 nephew Texas Michigan Michigan
Swift, Ida 3/12 Feb 1880 niece Texas Michigan Michigan

residence 6
Brewton, W.P. 47 Aug 1833
Sarah C. (Sparks) 30 Dec 1850
Grace 15 Feb 1865 TX
Silas F. 10 Oct 1870 TX
Esther 8 Dec 1872 TX
Almond 6 Apr 1874 TX
Inas 3 dau Aug 1877 TX
John Smith 14 June 1866 TX TN PA

residence 7
Gray, H.L. 33 head Sep 1847 Michigan VA MI
Gray, S.E. 33 wife Aug 1847 LA PA Indiana
Carey, Coy 11 son May 1873 TX Indiana Louisiana
Clara 7 dau Mar 1873 TX Indiana Louisiana
Gray H.E. son 9 Sep 1871 TX MI TX
Smith, T.F. 21 Apr 1859 TX TN PA
Courts, E.M. 20 1860 TX unk TX
___________
page 2
8 Jun 1880

residence 8
Yantz (Gentz), Wm Apr 42 1838 farmer Prussia Prussia Prussia
Susan 31 Jan 1849 wife TX GA LA
Leuvinia 12 Jan 1868 dau
William Y. 10 Jan 1870 son
H.L. 6 mos Nov 1879 son

residence 9
J. T. Rogers 28 Aug 1852 TX TN TX
Izzie J. Rogers 27 Aug 1853 TX NY LA
C. O. Rogers 3 Dec 1877
Wm. A. Rogers 1 Sep 1879
Levina Keith 68 Feb 1812 mother-in-law tx ga tn

residence 10
Keith, O 39 Feb 1841 Self TX OH LA
Margaret 39 Jun 1841 TX TN TN
George 7 Jun 1873 son LA TX TN
William O. 5 Mar 1875 son
Berry, Lethean female 11 Jan 1869 servant TX Prussia Prussia


Research Notes:
1830 Jackson Co Alabama (west of the H. Range Line

a Weathy (Wesley) Jones; 50-59 (1771-1780) (one of children named Wesley; but Melinda b 1819 is not in this household)
Home in 1830 (City, County, State):
Jackson, Alabama
Free White Persons - Males - Under 5: 2
Free White Persons - Males - 10 thru 14: 1
Free White Persons - Males - 20 thru 29: 1
Free White Persons - Females - 20 thru 29: 2 1801-1810
Free White Persons - Females - 50 thru 59: 1
Free White Persons - Under 20: 3
Free White Persons - 20 thru 49: 3
Total Free White Persons: 7
Total - All Persons (Free White, Slaves, Free Colored): 7

Chesby (Cirby R.) R. Jones (same page 101 as Wm Sparks in 1830 Jackson Co AL - James still at home) (maybe Melinda's bro?)
Free White Persons - Males - 20 thru 29: 1 1801-1810
Free White Persons - Females - 20 thru 29: 1 1801-1810
Free White Persons - 20 thru 49: 2
Total Free White Persons: 2
Total - All Persons (Free White, Slaves, Free Colored):2

next door to Wm Sparks, where John Sparks, Melinda's future husband was living) (Melinda b 1819 or age 11; not here)
Martin (translated Master) Jones,
Home in 1830 (City, County, State):
Jackson, Alabama
Free White Persons - Males - Under 5: 2 1825-1830
Free White Persons - Males - 5 thru 9: 1 1821-1825
Free White Persons - Males - 10 thru 14: 2 1816-1820
Free White Persons - Males - 20 thru 29: 1 1801-1810
Free White Persons - Males - 40 thru 49: 1 1781-1790
Free White Persons - Females - 5 thru 9: 1 1821-1825
Free White Persons - Females - 15 thru 19: 1 1811-1815
Free White Persons - Females - 30 thru 39:1 1791-1800
Free White Persons - Under 20: 7
Free White Persons - 20 thru 49: 3
Total Free White Persons: 10
Total - All Persons (Free White, Slaves, Free Colored):10

same page:
Chesby R Jones (maybe a bro?)
[Cirby R Jones]
Home in 1830 (City, County, State):
Jackson, Alabama
Free White Persons - Males - 20 thru 29: 1 1801-1810
Free White Persons - Females - 20 thru 29: 1 1801-1810
Free White Persons - 20 thru 49: 2
Total Free White Persons: 2
Total - All Persons (Free White, Slaves, Free Colored):2

Tho Jone [Thos Jones] (Melinda b 1819 or age 11)
Home in 1830 (City, County, State):
Jackson, Alabama
Free White Persons - Males - 15 thru 19: 1 1811-1815
Free White Persons - Males - 50 thru 59: 2 1771-1780
Free White Persons - Females - Under 5: 1 1825-1830
Free White Persons - Females - 5 thru 9: 2 1821-1825
Free White Persons - Females - 10 thru 14: 2 1816-1820
*** COULD BE MELINDA ***
Free White Persons - Females - 40 thru 49: 1 1781-1790
Free White Persons - Under 20: 6
Free White Persons - 20 thru 49: 1
Total Free White Persons: 9
Total - All Persons (Free White, Slaves, Free Colored): 9

Other Events and Attributes:

• Census: 25 Oct 1850, Sabine Pass, Jefferson Co, Texas
• Census: 3 Aug 1860, Newton, Jasper Co, Texas
• Census: 1 Jul 1870, Beaumont, Jefferson Co, Texas

Notes:

Census:
(Asst Marshal: Worthy Patridge)
(census page does not say "Sabine Pass" but other Sabine Pass residents are nearby)
(ancestry images - pg 32 of 38)

25 Oct 1850
residence 221
John Railey 51 1799 Georgia laborer
Delinda Railey 34 1816 LA (Malinda Cole Johnson)
Elisabeth Railey 17 1833 LA (step-dau Elizabeth Johnson)
James Railey 14 1836 TX (step-son James Johnson)
Nancy Railey 13 1837 TX (step-dau Nancy Johnson)
Sally Railey 12 1838 TX (step-dau Sally Johnson)
Moses Railey 7 1843 TX (step-son Moses Johnson)
Christian Railey 2 1848 TX
James Hayes 23 1827 LA laborer
Emily Hayes 21 1829 TX
Alzena Hayes 2 1848 2
Matilda Hayes 0 6/12 TX 1850


residence 223
Clubb, Thos B. 32 1818 SC laborer
Clubb Maria 24 1826 TX
Clubb William C. 1846
Clubb Sarah 1 1849
Burris Enos 1801 Canada blacksmith
Gibson Robert 20 1830 England laborer
Willis John 16 1834 TX laborer (relation unk)
Willis William 49 1801 TN laborer (relation unk)
Willis William J. 14 1836 LA laborer (relatin unk)
Wilson John 27 1823 LA laborer (relation unk)
Taylor John 39 1811 TN laborer (relation unk)

residence 224
Thomas F. Smith 31 1819 carpenter Tennessee
Ella A. 26 1824 Pennsylvania
Nancy F. 4 1846 Louisiana
William M. 2 1848 Texas
Sarah L. Lawrey 14 1836 Ohio (prob sis-in-law)
James Penrod 18 1832 laborer Illinois (relation unk)
James Dyson 57 1793 saddler Mississippi (relation unk)


nearby:
Solomon Sparks and Martha family
John Sparks and Melinda family and James Court and Julia Ann


Census:
3 Aug 1860 Newton, Jasper Co, Texas
Smith, Thomas 41 1819 Tennessee carpenter
Smith, Ella 36 1824 Pennsylvania
Nancy 14 1846 Louisiana
William H. 1848 12 Texas
Parmelia 8 1852 Texas
Ella 5 1855 Texas
Thomas 1 1859 Texas


Census:
1870 Beaumont, Jefferson Co, Texas
residence 190
J F Smith 57 1813 Tennessee wheelwright 325, 250
Ella Smith 46 1824 Pennsylvania
Nancy Smith 24 1846 Louisiana
William H Smith 21 1849 farmer Texas
Francis Smith 16 1854 Texas
Ella Smith 14 1856 Texas
Thomas Smith 11 1859 Texas
John Smith 5 1865 Texas

residence 192
J.J.F. Gilliland 38 1832 saw miller Pennsylvania
Anna M. Gilliland 33 Maryland (died 1873 in Jeff Co.)
William N. Gilliland 2 1868 Texas
(william N. m Clara E Broussard, dau of Moise Broussard)

Mentioned in THE GREAT STORM OF 1886:
A DAY OF AGONY AND DEATH AT
SABINE PASS, TEXAS
By W. T. Block
Reprinted from Beaumont ENTERPRISE, January 9, 1977.
Sources: Galveston DAILY NEWS, October 14-21, 1886.

"After the 1886 (Oct 12) storm had subsided, all that remained intact was Gus Higby's store and the residences of Dr. J. J. L. Gilliland and W. F. McClanahan, the town's
publisher and printer."

Thomas married Ella Ann Lowrey about 1845. Ella was born in 1824 in Green Co, Pennsylvania; died after 1870 in of, Beaumont, Jefferson Co, Texas. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Other Events and Attributes:

• Census: 25 Oct 1850, Sabine Pass, Jefferson Co, Texas

Notes:

Census:
25 Oct 1850
residence 221
John Railey 51 1799 Georgia laborer
Delinda Railey 34 1816 LA (Malinda Cole Johnson)
Elisabeth Railey 17 1833 LA (step-dau Elizabeth Johnson)
James Railey 14 1836 TX (step-son James Johnson)
Nancy Railey 13 1837 TX (step-dau Nancy Johnson)
Sally Railey 12 1838 TX (step-dau Sally Johnson)
Moses Railey 7 1843 TX (step-son Moses Johnson)
Christian Railey 2 1848 TX
James Hayes 23 1827 LA laborer
Emily Hayes 21 1829 TX
Alzena Hayes 2 1848 2
Matilda Hayes 0 6/12 TX 1850


residence 223
Clubb, Thos B. 32 1818 SC laborer
Clubb Maria 24 1826 TX
Clubb William C. 1846
Clubb Sarah 1 1849
Burris Enos 1801 Canada blacksmith
Gibson Robert 20 1830 England laborer
Willis John 16 1834 TX laborer (relation unk)
Willis William 49 1801 TN laborer (relation unk)
Willis William J. 14 1836 LA laborer (relatin unk)
Wilson John 27 1823 LA laborer (relation unk)
Taylor John 39 1811 TN laborer (relation unk)

residence 224
Thomas F. Smith 31 1819 carpenter Tennessee
Ella A. (Lowrey) 26 1824 Pennsylvania
Nancy F. 4 1846 Louisiana
William M. 2 1848 Texas
Sarah L. Lawrey 14 1836 Ohio (relation unk)
James Penrod 18 1832 laborer Illinois (relation unk)
James Dyson 57 1793 saddler Mississippi (relation unk)


nearby:
Solomon Sparks and Martha family
John Sparks and Melinda family and James Court and Julia Ann

Other Events and Attributes:

• Birth: 1833, Alabama; per 1860 census
• Census: 24 Oct 1850, Sabine Pass, Jefferson Co, Texas
• Census: 29 Jul 1860, Colorado Co, Texas
• Census: 1870, Colorado Co, Texas

Notes:

Laborer. He is living with Solomon and Martha Sparks at the time of 1850 census.
Info from Jay Sparks states he was born in Alabama, 1850 census states Tennessee.
1860 Census - living in Colorado Co, Texas, gives birth info as born 1833 in Alabama.
1870 census - living in Colorado Co, Texas, gives age as 28, born in Alabama (first child Emma is 16; so clearly he was older than he felt. Nancy also had her age too young, stated 29.)


SQ pg 3364: Jacob E. Sparks, probable son of William Sparks, was born about 1828 in Alabama. (When he registered to vote in Colorado County, TX , in 1867, he stated that he had been born in Alabama; had come to Texas in 1844 ; and had lived in Colorado County since 1854.) the first record we have found of him is in the 1850 census of Jefferson County, Texas. At that time he was living in the household of his brother, Solomon sparks, and he was 22 years of age.

Willis Sparks, mentioned earlier, tells a most interesting story about his great-grandparents, Jacob and Nancy (Johnson) Sparks. He wrote:

"About 1853, Jacob Sparks was working for a freight line which ran between Lake Charles, Louisiana, and San Antonio, Texas, probably following a trail which is present-day U.S. Highway 90. The line used oxen and wagons to haul supplies. It was at the village of Orange, Texas, that Jake met, courted, and married fourteen-year-old Nancy Johnson. They went by the freight line to the San Bernard River in Colorado County, Texas, where they started house keeping about three miles northeast of the village of Mentz. There, they reared their family. Jake died at the age of forty-three, and some descendants say he was shot."

Jacob Sparks married Nancy Johnson about 1853. According to census records she was born about 1839 in Louisiana. She and Jacob ("Jake") had seven children.
http://www.sparksfamilytree.net/ghtout/npr379.html#H02087

Census:
24 Oct 1850 Sabine Pass

residence 215:
Milton H Bloodworth 25 1825 Louisiana
Nancy (Holt) Bloodworth 18 1832 Texas
Benjamin P Bloodworth 2 1848 Louisiana
William Bloodworth 1 1849 Louisiana
Benjamin Holt 55 1795 Mississippi
Thomas C Holt 50 1800 Mississippi
Thomas D Holt 4 1846 Louisiana
William Holt 53 1797 Mississippi
Mary Ann Holt 17 1833 Texas
Thomas R Holt 26 1824 Louisiana
Charles Holt 28 1822 Louisiana
William C Holt 15 1835 Louisiana
Richard Holt 13 1837 Louisiana

Residence 216
Stockholm, Peter D. 31 1819 New York carpenter
Mary 17 1833 Louisiana
William 2 1848 Texas
Elizabeth 0 1850 Texas

Residence 217
Brewer, William 23 1827 Louisiana
Brewer, Caroline 22 1828 Louisiana

Residence 218
Solomon Sparks 30 1820 Tennessee
Martha C Sparks 30 1829 South Carolina
Lucy Ann Sparks 8 1842 Tennessee
John L Sparks 6 1844 Tennessee
James E Sparks 3 1847 Louisiana
Mary Susan Sparks 1 1849 Texas
Jacob Sparks 22 1828 Tennessee

Residence 219
John S. Sparks 39 1811 North Carolina
Melinda Sparks 29 1821 Tennessee
Albert Sparks 9 1841 Texas
Eliza J. Sparks 7 1843 Texas
John F. Sparks 4 1846 Texas
Sarah C. Sparks 1 1849 Texas
James Court 22 1828 Louisiana
Julia Ann (Sparks) Courts 14 1836 Tennessee



Census:
29 Jul 1860
Post Office, San Bernard, Colorado County


Looking at other names in the census living in close proximity, looks like a German/Prussian community.

Residence 665
Sparks, Jacob 27 1833 Alabama
Nancy (Johnson) 20, 1840 Louisiana
Emma S. 5 1855 Texas
Sophronia 4 1856 Texas
William M. 2 1858 Texas
Johnson, James 22 1838 Louisiana (bro-in-law)
Shote (Schoat), Elizabeth (Johnson) 24 1835 Louisiana (sis-in-law)
Shote, William M. 9 1851 Texas


Residence 655
Cole S.W. 41 1819 Louisiana (Solomon)
Zilla A. 26 1834 Louisiana
Mary C. 9 1851 Texas
Martha 8 1855 Texas
Sarah 2 1848 Texas
Priest, John 22 1838 Alabama


Residence 656
Cole, David 43 1817 Louisiana
Ann 23 1837 Germany
F.D. (male) 22 1838 Texas
Solomon 13 1847 Texas
Ganse, Charles 13 1847 Texas
Harris, Joshua 26 1834 Texas
Roberts, Thomas (Thos Jefferson) 23 1837 Louisiana (Married Elizabeth Johnson Schoat in 1864)
Cole, Elizabeth 2 1858 Texas


Census:
Jacob Sparks 23 (age clearly wrong) Alabama
Nancy Sparks 29 1841 (age clearly wrong) Texas
Emma Sparks 16 1854
Sophia Sparks 13 1857
Milton Sparks 12 1858
Franklin Sparks 10 1860
William Sparks 8 1862
James Sparks 3 1867
Jacob Sparks 1 1869
Hedley Faris 23 laborer, Louisiana
Mathew Canales 22 laborer Texas

Jacob married Nancy Johnson in 1853 in Orange Co, Texas. Nancy (daughter of John Johnson and Melinda Ann Cole) was born on 9 Jul 1837 in Jefferson Co, Texas; died on 13 Jun 1903 in Eagle Lake, Colorado Co, Texas. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Other Events and Attributes:

• Census: 25 Oct 1850, Sabine Pass, Jefferson Co, Texas
• Census: 29 Jul 1860, Colorado Co, Texas
• Census: 1880, Wharton Co, Texas

Notes:

Date: 9/24/99 6:11:48 PM Central Daylight Time
From: tlzumwalt@worldnet.att.net (Thomas Zumwalt)
To: WileyZ@aol.com

Dear Wiley, Ann Johnson/Jeansonne Daughter of Moses Johnson and Nancy Roberts married 19 Aug 1824 Thomas Court of England,her brother John L."Saddler" Johnson married Malinda Cole 15 Sept 1829.There daughter Nancy married Jacob Sparks. This is on my mothers side.

Census:
25 Oct 1850
residence 221
John Railey 51 1799 Georgia laborer
Delinda Railey 34 1816 LA (Malinda Cole Johnson)
Elisabeth Railey 17 1833 LA (step-dau Elizabeth Johnson)
James Railey 14 1836 TX (step-son James Johnson)
Nancy Railey 13 1837 TX (step-dau Nancy Johnson)
Sally Railey 12 1838 TX (step-dau Sally Johnson)
Moses Railey 7 1843 TX (step-son Moses Johnson)
Christian Railey 2 1848 TX
James Hayes 23 1827 LA laborer
Emily Hayes 21 1829 TX
Alzena Hayes 2 1848 2
Matilda Hayes 0 6/12 TX 1850


residence 223
Clubb, Thos B. 32 1818 SC laborer
Clubb Maria 24 1826 TX
Clubb William C. 1846
Clubb Sarah 1 1849
Burris Enos 1801 Canada blacksmith
Gibson Robert 20 1830 England laborer
Willis John 16 1834 TX laborer (relation unk)
Willis William 49 1801 TN laborer (relation unk)
Willis William J. 14 1836 LA laborer (relatin unk)
Wilson John 27 1823 LA laborer (relation unk)
Taylor John 39 1811 TN laborer (relation unk)

residence 224
Thomas F. Smith 31 1819 carpenter Tennessee
Ella A. 26 1824 Pennsylvania
Nancy F. 4 1846 Louisiana
William M. 2 1848 Texas
Sarah L. Lawrey 14 1836 Ohio (relation unk)
James Penrod 18 1832 laborer Illinois (relation unk)
James Dyson 57 1793 saddler Mississippi (relation unk)


nearby:
Solomon Sparks and Martha family
John Sparks and Melinda family and James Court and Julia Ann


Census:
29 Jul 1860
Post Office, San Bernard, Colorado County


Looking at other names in the census living in close proximity, looks like a German/Prussian community.

Residence 665
Sparks, Jacob 27 1833 Alabama
Nancy (Johnson) 20, 1840 Louisiana
Emma S. 5 1855 Texas
Sophronia 4 1856 Texas
William M. 2 1858 Texas
Johnson, James 22 1838 Louisiana (bro-in-law)
Shote (Schoat), Elizabeth (Johnson) 24 1835 Louisiana (sis-in-law)
Shote, William M. 9 1851 Texas


Residence 655
Cole S.W. 41 1819 Louisiana (Solomon)
Zilla A. 26 1834 Louisiana
Mary C. 9 1851 Texas
Martha 8 1855 Texas
Sarah 2 1848 Texas
Priest, John 22 1838 Alabama


Residence 656
Cole, David 43 1817 Louisiana
Ann 23 1837 Germany
F.D. (male) 22 1838 Texas
Solomon 13 1847 Texas
Ganse, Charles 13 1847 Texas
Harris, Joshua 26 1834 Texas
Roberts, Thomas (Thos Jefferson) 23 1837 Louisiana (Married Elizabeth Johnson Schoat in 1864)
Cole, Elizabeth 2 1858 Texas


Census:
1880 Wharton Co, Texas
Tom Roberts 49
Nancy (Johnson-Sparks) Roberts 44
Emma (Sparks) Roberts 26
S. (Sparks) female Roberts 24
Wm. (Sparks) Roberts 22
Frank (Sparks) Roberts 20
Milam (Sparks) Roberts 17
Jim (Sparks) Roberts 14
Jake (Sparks) Roberts 12
W. (Sparks) Roberts 10 male
Thos. Roberts 7
Jno. Roberts 5
Irene Roberts 14
Lizzie Roberts 13