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James Thomas Smith

Male 1887 - 1957  (69 years)


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Generation: 1

  1. 1.  James Thomas Smith was born on 28 Dec 1887 in Texas (son of Thomas F Smith and Mary Ellen Courts); died on 13 Jan 1957 in Port Arthur, Jefferson Co, Texas; was buried on 14 Jan 1957 in Greenlawn Memorial Park, Groves, Jefferson Co, Texas.

    Other Events and Attributes:

    • Census: 30 Jun 1900, Beaumont (Precinct 1), Jefferson Co, Texas
    • Census: 23 May 1910, Beaumont (Precinct 6), Jefferson Co, Texas

    Notes:

    Census:
    30 June 1900
    Beaumont, Precinct 1, Jefferson Co, Texas
    Residence 103
    Smith, Thomas head Apr 1869 39 Texas Texas Pennsylvania farmer (yrs married illeg, script. 29 is scratched out on her line)
    Mary E. wife Sep 1851 48 7 births 6 living, Texas Louisiana Tennessee
    Smith, Nonie daughter Nov 1874 26 m 2 yrs, 1 birth 1 living Texas Texas Texas
    Anie Wills dau Apr 1879 21 married Texas Texas Texas
    Brewer, Emma dau Nov 1880 20 single Texas Texas Texas
    Brewer, Bele dau Apr 1883 17 Texas
    Smith, Jim son Dec 1887 13 Texas Texas Texas
    Smith, Vivian dau Dec 1893 7 Texas
    Wallas, Ruby granddau Dec 1899 1
    Wallas Frank son-in-law Feby 1869 31 married New York New York farm Scotland carpenter
    Wills, John son-in-law Feby 1877 23 married Texas Texas Texas farm laborer
    Court, Emmett b-law Feby 1877 23 single Texas Texas Texas farm laborer

    res 104
    Will, Mary E. head Dec 1867 39 wd m 24 yrs 8 births 7 living Texas New York, Louisiana
    Ada dau Sep 1881 19 Texas Texas Texas home cook
    George son Mar 1884 16 Texas at school can read/write
    Lewis son Jul 1887 13 Texas at school cannot read/write
    Frederick son Mar 1889 11 Texas at school cannot read/write
    Coy son Mar 1894 6 Texas
    Keith, Lavina, grandmother Jul 1812 88 widow Louisiana Louisiana Louisiana cannot read/write


    Census:
    (Near McFaddin)
    residence 537
    Smith, Thomas F. 51 1859 Texas USA USA m1 23 yrs farmer truck and corn
    Mary E. wife 57 57 1853 Texas m2 7 births 6 living
    Brewer, Bella D. stepdaughter 26 1884 single
    Smith, James T. son 22 1888 Texas laborer oil fields
    Smith Ella V. daughter 16 1894 Texas
    Courts Julia A. mother-in-law 73 1837 widow TN USA USA
    Sparks, William E. cousin 59 1851 single Texas Texas Texas
    laborer truck farm

    residence 538
    Courts Matte E. 49 1861 Texas Texas Texas m2 21 yrs farmer truck farm
    Mary E. wife 49 1861 m2 10 births 8 living Texas NY Texas
    Coy G. son 16 1894 Texas
    Emma S. daughter 8 1902 Texas
    Emmet M. brother 34 1876 single Texas Texas Texas farmer truck farm


    Died:

    C.D. James T. Smith, married
    occupation, carpenter, trade of construction;
    father Thomas F. Smith, Tennessee; mother Mary Ellen Court, Texas
    died St. Mary's Hospital in Port Arthur, of congestive heart failure
    informant, Garland I. Smith

    James married Anna Pelt in 1913 in Beaumont, Jefferson Co, Texas. Anna was born about 1888 in Texas; died before 1929 in of, Beaumont, Jefferson Co, Texas. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

    Children:
    1. James O. Smith
    2. Garland Issac Smith was born on 17 May 1918 in Beaumont, Jefferson Co, Texas; died after 1930 in of, Beaumont, Jefferson Co, Texas.

    James married Mrs. Ezoria (..) Smith in 1929 in Beaumont, Jefferson Co, Texas. Ezoria was born in 1893 in Louisiana; died in 1930 in of, Beaumont, Jefferson Co, Texas. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

    Children:
    1. Mary C. Smith

Generation: 2

  1. 2.  Thomas F Smith was born on 11 Apr 1859 in Texas (son of Thomas Floyd Smith and Ella Ann Lowrey); died on 11 Jan 1936 in Beaumont, Jefferson Co, Texas; was buried on 12 Jan 1936 in Magnolia Cem, Beaumont, Jefferson Co, Texas.

    Other Events and Attributes:

    • Census: 1 Jul 1870, Beaumont, Jefferson Co, Texas
    • Census: 7 Jun 1880, Jefferson Co (District 41), Texas
    • Census: 30 Jun 1900, Beaumont (District 4), Jefferson Co, Texas
    • Census: 23 May 1910, Beaumont (Precinct 6), Jefferson Co, Texas
    • Residence: Between 1924 and 1936, 828 Harriot, Beaumont, Jefferson Co, Texas; D.C.
    • Census: 1930, Beaumont, 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:

    (Debbie) Children of T.F. Smith had an FL brand, June 16, 1863.
    Thomas F. Smith had T with a sideways S on top in June 1863. He also had a M7 in April 1864
    Located under Rachel C. Smith were ear marks in 1866, Sara Smith, 1867, T.J. Smith, 1867, and T.F. Smith, 2/27/66. This has to be the same Thomas F. Smith. I'm wondering now if he was related to Rachel Court Smith's husband's family (Nathan Canby Smith's of Orange). Got to do some digging on that. But, the T.F. Smith senior's son is the one that married Mary Courts who was originally married to the Brewer.

    1900 Jeff Co Census- states born in Apr 1869, age 39, b in Texas, father in TX, mother in PA

    from Debbie
    1910 census household 537 residing in Precinct 6, Port Arthur City, on Image 52 of the 1910 Census. It is listed as being a residence "near McFaddin Ranch Station". living on the McFaddin land or very close to it. W.P.H. McFaddin is listed on Image 54 I believe.



    Census:
    Beaumont, 1 Jul 1870
    J F Smith 57 1813 Tennessee
    Ella Smith 46 1824 Pennsylvania
    Nancy Smith 24 1846 Louisiana
    William H Smith 21 1849 Texas
    Francis Smith 16 1854 Texas
    Ella Smith 14 1856 Texas
    Thomas Smith 11 1859 Texas
    John Smith 5 1865 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 (Keith) 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 (Keith) 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


    Census:
    Smith, Thomas Apr 1869 31 TX TX PA
    Mary E. Sep 1852 48 TX LA TN
    Smith Nonie dau Nov 1874 26 m 2 yrs 1898
    Wills Annie dau Apr 1879 21 married TX
    Brewer Emma dau Nov 1880 20 single
    Brewer Belle dau Apr 1883 17 single
    Smith Jim son Dec 1887 13 TX
    Smith vivian Dec 1893 7 TX
    Wallas, Ruby granddau Dec 1899 1 TX
    Wallas, Frank, son-in-law Feb 1869 31 NY NY Scotland
    Wills, John son-in-law Feb 1877 23 TX TX TX
    Court, Emmett bro-in-law Feb 1877 23 single

    next door:
    Will, Mary E. head Dec 1867 33 widowed m 24 yrs 1876 TX NY LA
    Will, Ada dau Sep 1881 19 TX
    Will, George son mar 1884 16 TX
    Will, Lewis son Jul 1887 13 TX
    Will, Fredrick son Mar 1889 11 TX
    Will, Coy son Mar 1895 TX (Coy Court! ?)
    Keith, Lavina grandmother Jul 1812 88 wid LA LA LA


    Census:
    (Near McFaddin)
    residence 537
    Smith, Thomas F. 51 1859 Texas USA USA m1 23 yrs farmer truck and corn
    Mary E. wife 57 57 1853 Texas m2 7 births 6 living
    Brewer, Bella D. stepdaughter 26 1884 single
    Smith, James T. son 22 1888 Texas laborer oil fields
    Smith Ella V. daughter 16 1894 Texas
    Courts Julia A. mother-in-law 73 1837 widow TN USA USA
    Sparks, William E. cousin 59 1851 single Texas Texas Texas
    laborer truck farm

    residence 538
    Courts Matte E. 49 1861 Texas Texas Texas m2 21 yrs farmer truck farm
    Mary E. wife 49 1861 m2 10 births 8 living Texas NY Texas
    Coy G. son 16 1894 Texas
    Emma S. daughter 8 1902 Texas
    Emmet M. brother 34 1876 single Texas Texas Texas farmer truck farm


    Census:
    1798 Cartwright
    Thomas F Smith 71 1849 Texas USA Pennsylvania
    Mary E Smith 76 1854 USA USA USA
    James T Smith 42 son 1888
    Ezora Smith 37 dau-in-law 1893 Louisiana Louisiana Louisiana
    Mary C Smith 0 [6/12] gdau 1930
    James O Smith 16 gson 1914
    Garland I Smith 12 gson 1918


    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)


    Died:
    Thomas F. Smith, 828 Harriot widowed,
    b Apr 17, 1859; age 76, 8 mos 24 days
    carpenter, building houses, etc
    d Jan 11, 1936 2:45 p.m. pneumonia; date of onset 18 Dec 1935.
    Father: Thomas Floyd Smith b Tennessee
    mother Ella Ann Lowery, born Green Co, Pennsylvania
    informant, Miss Vivian Smith, Beaumont, Texas
    Broussard's mortuary
    buried Magnolia Cem 1/12/36

    His wife died abt 3 weeks before him on 19 Dec. 1935. Both seemed to have pneumonia.


    Buried:
    It is this T.F. Smith for whom the T.F. Smith Homestead Tract is named for.

    Thomas married Mary Ellen Courts on 14 Dec 1886 in Beaumont, Jefferson Co, Texas. Mary (daughter of James* Madison Court and Julia* Ann Sparks) was born on 8 Sep 1852 in Sabine Pass, Jefferson Co, Texas; died on 19 Dec 1935 in Beaumont, Jefferson Co, Texas; was buried on 20 Dec 1935 in McFaddin, TF Smith Homestead, Forest Lawn Cem, Beaumont, Jefferson Co, Texas. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]


  2. 3.  Mary Ellen Courts was born on 8 Sep 1852 in Sabine Pass, Jefferson Co, Texas (daughter of James* Madison Court and Julia* Ann Sparks); died on 19 Dec 1935 in Beaumont, Jefferson Co, Texas; was buried on 20 Dec 1935 in McFaddin, TF Smith Homestead, Forest Lawn Cem, Beaumont, Jefferson Co, Texas.

    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: 30 Jun 1900, Beaumont (District 4), Jefferson Co, Texas
    • Census: 23 May 1910, Beaumont (Precinct 6), Jefferson Co, Texas
    • Residence: Between 1924 and 1936, 828 Harriot, Beaumont, Jefferson Co, Texas; D.C.
    • 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:

    She is listed as "Mrs Mary E Smith" on 11 Mar 1925 when she signed the Application for Mortuary Warrant for her mother, stating herself to be daughter to the petitioner. Her address was 1598 Cartwright Avenue, P.O. Box 864, Beaumont, Texas. There was a Miss Vivian Smith who was the informant for Julia Ann's death certificate.

    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:
    Smith, Thomas Apr 1869 31 TX TX PA
    Mary E. Sep 1852 48 TX LA TN
    Smith Nonie dau Nov 1874 26 m 2 yrs 1898
    Wills Annie dau Apr 1879 21 married TX
    Brewer Emma dau Nov 1880 20 single
    Brewer Belle dau Apr 1883 17 single
    Smith Jim son Dec 1887 13 TX
    Smith vivian Dec 1893 7 TX
    Wallas, Ruby granddau Dec 1899 1 TX
    Wallas, Frank, son-in-law Feb 1869 31 NY NY Scotland
    Wills, John son-in-law Feb 1877 23 TX TX TX
    Court, Emmett bro-in-law Feb 1877 23 single

    next door:
    Will, Mary E. head Dec 1867 33 widowed m 24 yrs 1876 TX NY LA
    Will, Ada dau Sep 1881 19 TX
    Will, George son mar 1884 16 TX
    Will, Lewis son Jul 1887 13 TX
    Will, Fredrick son Mar 1889 11 TX
    Will, Coy son Mar 1895 TX (Coy Court! ?)
    Keith, Lavina grandmother Jul 1812 88 wid LA LA LA



    Census:
    (Near McFaddin)
    residence 537
    Smith, Thomas F. 51 1859 Texas USA USA m1 23 yrs farmer truck and corn
    Mary E. wife 57 57 1853 Texas m2 7 births 6 living
    Brewer, Bella D. stepdaughter 26 1884 single
    Smith, James T. son 22 1888 Texas laborer oil fields
    Smith Ella V. daughter 16 1894 Texas
    Courts Julia A. mother-in-law 73 1837 widow TN USA USA
    Sparks, William E. cousin 59 1851 single Texas Texas Texas
    laborer truck farm

    residence 538
    Courts Matte E. 49 1861 Texas Texas Texas m2 21 yrs farmer truck farm
    Mary E. wife 49 1861 m2 10 births 8 living Texas NY Texas
    Coy G. son 16 1894 Texas
    Emma S. daughter 8 1902 Texas
    Emmet M. brother 34 1876 single Texas Texas Texas farmer truck farm

    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)


    Died:
    D.C. Mary Ellen Smith, b 8 Sep 1852 Texas,
    residence 828 Harriot, Beaumont
    83 yrs. 3 mos 11 days
    died 19 Dec 1935, buried 20 Dec 1935, husband, T.F. Smith; parents, James Court born unknown and Julia b TN.
    informant: Miss Vivian Smith, Port Arthur
    Broussards Mortuary
    transcription says "Moriah Cemetery"
    however image is not clear.
    findagrave has her listed in Magnolia - no headstone shown.

    Her husband died less abt 3 weeks following her death, on Jan 11, 1936; both seemed to have pneumonia.

    Notes:

    Married:
    Texas Marriage Record
    Groom Thomas F. Smith
    Bride Mary E. Brewer
    marriage date 14 Dec 1886
    place Jefferson, Texas

    Texas Marriage Record
    Groom Thomas F. Smith
    Bride Mary E. Brewer
    marriage date 14 Dec 1886
    place Jefferson, Texas

    Children:
    1. 1. James Thomas Smith was born on 28 Dec 1887 in Texas; died on 13 Jan 1957 in Port Arthur, Jefferson Co, Texas; was buried on 14 Jan 1957 in Greenlawn Memorial Park, Groves, Jefferson Co, Texas.
    2. Ella Vivian Smith was born in Dec 1893 in Beaumont, Jefferson Co, Texas; died after 1972 in of, Jefferson Co, Texas.


Generation: 3

  1. 4.  Thomas Floyd Smith was born in 1819 in Tennessee; died after 1870 in of, Beaumont, Jefferson Co, Texas.

    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]


  2. 5.  Ella Ann Lowrey was born in 1824 in Green Co, Pennsylvania; died after 1870 in of, Beaumont, Jefferson Co, Texas.

    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

    Children:
    1. Nancy Smith was born in 1846 in Louisiana; died after 1870 in of, Beaumont, Jefferson Co, Texas.
    2. William H. (or M.) Smith was born in 1849 in Texas; died after 1870 in of, Beaumont, Jefferson Co, Texas.
    3. Parmelia Smith was born in 1852 in Texas; died after 1860 in of, Jasper Co, Texas.
    4. Frances "Fanny" Smith was born in 1854 in Texas; died between 1890 and 1891 in Port Arthur (Aurora), Jefferson Co, Texas (yellow fever epidemic -prob).
    5. Ella Janet Smith was born in Nov 1857 in Texas; died on 21 Nov 1928 in Beaumont, Jefferson Co, Texas.
    6. 2. Thomas F Smith was born on 11 Apr 1859 in Texas; died on 11 Jan 1936 in Beaumont, Jefferson Co, Texas; was buried on 12 Jan 1936 in Magnolia Cem, Beaumont, Jefferson Co, Texas.
    7. John H. Smith was born in Jun 1866 in Jefferson Co, Texas; died on 6 Feb 1935 in Beaumont, Jefferson Co, Texas.

  3. 6.  James* Madison CourtJames* Madison Court was born in 1829 in Louisiana (son of Thomas* Court, (immigrant) and Ann* Johnson); died after 15 Aug 1899 in Jefferson Co, Texas; was buried in McFaddin, TF Smith Homestead, Forest Lawn Cem, Beaumont, Jefferson Co, Texas.

    Other Events and Attributes:

    • Residence: Abt 1831, Lavaca Bay Region, Texas
    • Residence: Between 1836 and 1845, Sabine Pass, Jefferson Co, Texas; Republic of Texas
    • Residence: Feb 1836, Sabine Pass, Jefferson Co, Texas
    • Census: 24 Oct 1850, Sabine Pass, Jefferson Co, Texas
    • Census: 12 Jul 1860, Sabine Pass (Precinct 5), Jefferson Co, Texas
    • Residence: Between 1861 and 1865, Sabine Pass, Jefferson Co, Texas; Texas Confederate States
    • Military: 28 May 1862, enlisted Company B (gunboat "Uncle Ben")
    • Census: 23 Jun 1870, Sparks and River Settlement, Jefferson Co, Texas
    • Census: 12 Jun 1880, Beaumont (District 40), 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:

    1865 listed in Confederate Indigent Families Lists of Texas 1863-1865 by Linda Mearse (avail thru Interlibrary loan)

    ----- Original Message -----
    From: "Tom Cloud"
    The book "The Story of Beaumont" is on-line in html (web page)format with an index and list of illustrations that were created for it (it had neither). Published in 1925/26, it is a valuable reference for early East Texas researchers. The index has the actual page numbers where the reference is found to make citations more precise.

    The table of contents can be found here:
    http://www.mykindred.com/wiess/st-o-b/index.htm

    It can be a lengthy download if on a dial-up connection, so it is also available without the graphics at:
    http://www.mykindred.com/wiess/st-o-b/toc-old.html

    There were numerous typographical errors and some grammatical errors. No corrections were made to the document. It is, so far as I can determine, true to the original.

    If you find an error or want to make a suggestion, please
    contact me at cloud@peaches.ph.utexas.edu.

    "G. W. Hargraves, who was captain of a little Beaumont company of militia in August, 1835, had sixty-two men under him, twenty of whom took part in the battle of the Alamo. He also was at the head of twenty-one volunteers who started to join ston to stop the advance of Santa Anna, but the battle of San Jacinto was fought before they reached that place, and they were ordered to rout some hostile Indians north of the town. Men Mr. Hargraves could remember years after who were in his company, were;

    William Clark, ____ Clark, John Coale, ____ Coale, Bill Ashworth, Aaron Ashworth, Tapler Ashworth, Luke Ashworth, Charles Cronier, Elisha Stephenson, Lige Stephenson, Tom Berwick, Batiste Pevito, Dave Harmon, George Medgar, William Beckham, d Garner, Isaac Garner, Jim McCall, John Allen, ____ Allen, Joe Linsicomb, Jake Hays, Jim Jett, ____ Jett, Clark Beach, ____ Powers, Archie Richie, Wash Tevis, Jack Tevis, ____ Williams, Tom Yoakum, Jim Foreman and Ben Johnson, and Jim Courts."

    http://www.mykindred.com/wiess/st-o-b/16-Beaumont-in-the-Wars.html#457030
    "The Story of Beaumont" on-line

    (note: Jim Courts was born 1829; so, he would have been 6 yrs old.
    _____________
    Lived with John Sparks right after marriage (1850 Census - census date 24 Oct; marriage date, Oct 15), but must not have stayed there very long. They are also listed in 1850 living with James Eaves, a laborer, and his wife Eliza (ages 37), with the Eaves' children, Rachel, 8; Lazil, 5; and Joseph, 2, all from Louisiana except Joseph who was born in Texas. Julia was only 14. Listed as a farmer.
    _____________
    The marriage of James Courts, son of Thomas and Ann Johnson Court, and Julia Ann Sparks, 13 year old daughter of John Sidney and Melinda Jones Sparks, brought together two of the founding families of lower East Texas. Thomas and Ann, with James as a baby, came to Sabine Pass about 1829/30. The historical marker in Sabine Pass Lion's Club Parks states that our Court Family and another family named McGaffey were here "as early" as 1832. Not only were they in Texas before it became a state, they were here during the time that it was part of Mexico, and in 1836, when it became a Republic in its own right. Our family can truly say we are mutli-generation Texans.

    The Sparks arrived in Texas, traveling by covered wagon from Tennessee, in 1838, when Julia Ann was just two. They settled on Pavel's Island first, then came ashore at Sabine Lake and became the first permanent anglo inhabitants of what was called "Aurora", and which eventually became Port Arthur.

    The Pioneer Spirit prevailed as both families withstood early life on the Gulf Coast. Yellow Fever, mosquitos, hurricanes and tropical storms, alligators and other wild creatues combined to make life harrowing and an adventure at the same time. Some of those stories will be included in other history items.

    James and Julia began their married life in Aurora, and eventually built their own cabin. Julia's brothers, sisters, and some cousins married and remained in the area of Aurora. James' siblings stayed in the area of Sabine Pass and Port Arthur as well, although several moved away after they reached adulthood.

    James and Julia had 13 children, most of who have descendents still living here in the Golden Triangle. We have located descendents of the other children as well.

    James and Julia are featured in the Museum of the Gulf Coast in the section on "Aurora." Pictures of both of them and several other family members (Sparks) are on display.

    _____________________________
    Transcript of a land transfer:
    James M Court : The State of Texas : 18 April 1856
    To Transfer : County of Jefferson : (vol A pg 113-114)
    Wm Burgett :

    Know All Men by these presents:
    That I, James Madison Court, eldest son of Thomas Court, deceased, of Orange County State of Texas for and in consideration of Seventy-Eight dollars paid to me by William Burgett of the County of Jefferson and State of Texas, have bargained and sold and by these presents do bargain, sell, and convey unto the said William Burgett all the right, title, and interest which I have and hold in the headright League of Land Granted to Thomas Court, my Father now deceased whch Land is located on the waters of the Palo Pinto a tributary of the Brazos River, my interest being one seventh there being seven children of us of my Father's interest. The said William Burgett to have and to hold said interest in said land hereby conveyed to the said William Burgett his heirs and assigns forever for further description of said Land reference may be had to the field notes and Patent in testimony whereof I hereunto set my hand and seal scrawl for seal this 18th day of April A.D. 1856.
    In the Presence of Otis McGaffy (Notary Public)
    _______________
    1869

    From: Debbie & Bryan Spurgeon
    Date: Tuesday, June 24, 2003 21:40:42
    To: Sherry
    Subject: Digging at the Orange Library


    Hey Sherry,
    I went digging at the Orange Library this evening. Actually came up with a book from the SE Texas Historical Society that showed some listings of civil cases filed in Beaumont in 1874/75.

    James Courts and other family members were listed in several of them.

    The files are in the Sam Houston Regional Library. They are:

    File 106 - Case #517
    Wesley Garner, administrator of Estate of Holland C.V. Edmondson vs. James Court - 1869

    File 107 -
    Wesley garner, administrator of Estate of Holland C.V. Edmondson vs. Lewis King (Lewis was Sarah Ann Court's husband) - 1869

    File 108
    same as above vs Sam Lee (Sam was married to Julia Ann's sister) -1869

    Box 6
    File #3 - Case 609
    James Courts, C.C. Gientze vs. Charles W. Winn - 1874 - Postal Service (this one has me intriqued)

    Case 610 has same infomration as Case 609

    File # 51
    Case #626
    William Allison vs. James M. Court - 1875
    ______________

    1865 listed in Confederate Indigent Families Lists of Texas 1863-1865 by Linda Mearse (avail thru Interlibrary loan)

    ______________

    Civil War vet....he was a marksman in Speight's batallion Company B who served on the war-converted cotton boat steamer "Uncle Ben" and was involved in at least one Sabine Pass battle. (Frank Courts)

    1870 Sparks and River Settlement:
    res 95/77 val of real estate val of personal estate
    Coats, Jim 40 Farmer, b. LA, 400, 2000
    Julia, 34 keeping house TN
    Mary, 18, at home TX
    Clifton 16, mail rider
    Nastebenthia 14 at home
    William, 12, laborer
    Madison 10, at home
    Helmer 8, at home
    Anne 3, at home
    Lisa 8 at home TX

    ______________

    1875 - listed in newspaper that he made a loan at a merchandise store in Beaumont so that he could farm that year and raise crops
    ______________

    1880 census lists himself as wagoning age 50, from LA, father from Eng, mother from Louisiana. Household 211/220, next door to Clifton Court, his son. The children listed still living at home are Helmer, James, Anna, Lillian, Fannie, Emmet, and Viola.
    ____________

    1890s, moved from Aurora upriver to around DuPont area. The family founded what became South Park ISD.
    ____________

    Texas Revolution Page 2 p 9
    listed: Courts, Jim Private, Captain Logans 3rd Company M.R. 43
    ____________

    (Note from Kirby Courts:)
    James "Jim" was one of the first Pony Express Riders in Texas. He carried mail from Sabine Pass to Harrisburg (Houston), Texas. He was also a farmer and cattleman. During the Texas Battle for Independence in 1836, James was on the muster Roll for Jefferson Co. George Hargraves organized the company. They were known as "Capt. Chessire's Company Volunteers." (Jefferson Co Historical Commission Veterans, Pt 1). The Book "Pioneer Remimscences of Jefferson County" by T.J. Russell, p 34, states in Sabine Pass "Thomas Courts and son, James Courts, were there with John McGaffey at an early day. Both are dead. Several children of James Courts are now in this county."
    _________
    To: archinfo@tsl.state.tx.us
    8/19/98
    Court, James M. 02271
    Claimant: Court, James M.
    Pension Number: 02271
    County: Jefferson

    Application approved Oct 7, 1899
    Q. What is your name? Answer: James M. Courts
    Q. What is your age? Answer: 69
    Q. In what County do you reside? Answer: Jefferson
    Q. How long have you resided in said County and what is your post office address?
    Answer: 60 years, Beaumont.
    Q. Have you applied for a pension under the Confederate Pension law heretofore, and been rejected? If so, state when and where. Answer: No sir
    Q. What is your occupation if able to engage in one: Answer: Farmer when able
    Q. What is your physical condition: Answer: Bad
    Q. If your physical condition is such that you are unable by your own labor to earn a support, state what caused such disability. Answer: broken leg, rupture
    Q. State in what company and regiment you enlisted in the Confederate army, and the time of your service. Answer: Company "B" Speight's Battalion,
    first called Liberman Batal.
    Q. State whether or not you have received any pension or veteran donation land certificate under any previous law, and if you answer in the affirmative, state what pension or veteran donation land certificate you have received. Answer: No sir
    Q. What real and personal property do you now own, and what is the present value of such property? Give list of such property and value. Answer: Five horses, $50.00 value of
    them all, bring with on range.
    Q. What property, and what was the value thereof have you sold or conveyed within two years prior to the date of this application? Answer: none
    Q. What income, if any, do you receive? Answer: none
    Q. Are you in indigent circumstances; that is, are you in actual want, and destitute of property and means of substistence? Answer: Yes sir
    Q. Are you unable by your labor to earn a support? Answer: Yes sir
    Q. Have you transferred to others any property of value of any kind for the purpose of becoming a beneficiary under this law? Answer: No sir
    Q. Did you ever desert the Confederacy? Answer: No sir
    Q. Have you been continuously since the first day of January, 1880, a bona fide resident citizen of this State? Answer: Yes sir
    Wherefore your petitioner prays that his application be approved and that such other proceedings be had in the premises as are required by law.
    (Signature of Applicant) J.M. (X) Court
    Sworn to and subscribed before me this 28 day of July A.D. 1899.
    George O'Brien
    County Judge, Jefferson County, Texas
    (Signature of Witness) C. E. Hillebrandt
    (Signature of Witness) Pierce (X) Fuige

    Affidavit of Physician (abbreviated)
    Dr. J.W. Cruse, practicing physician of this County, duly sworn, examined James M. Court and finds him laboring under the following disabilities which render him unable to labor at any work or calling sufficient to earn a support for himself: Broken leg in the ankle, can't use his foot., inguinal hernia which is very severe. Sworn 15 day of Aug 1899

    Certificate of County Commissioners: signed 15 Aug 1899
    (commissioners signed: A. Jroard (?) Pnct #1; H.T. Bist 2nd Pnct; B.J. Johnson Pnct 3; S. Landrum 4th Pnct)
    --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    According to Ruth McVey, Pierre Fruge (Pierce Fuige) Confederate App was witnessed the day before James', on July 27, and was witnessed by Hillebrandt & James; also Judge O'Brien.
    ________________________________________
    From Frank Courts: I also checked the article on the removal of graves from the private cemetery where Dupont is now located on Port Arthur Road in the 60's. It states that James M. And Julia were both found there and moved to Forest Lawn. It also lists the other graves, 22 in all, including a James F. (as you stated) and a James C. Court as being moved from there. I dont know why your list is different. I have been to Forest Lawn and have seen the moved graves. The remains were grouped under four headstones which say "T. F. Smith Homestead Tract Cemetery" or something similar. Forest Lawn does have the names listed, and Carroll Wallace funeral home has other records of the move, which they coordinated. T. F. Smith was somehow connected with the Sparks, I believe.
    ________________________________________
    From: mac@lcc.net (Ruth A McVey)
    To: lumoto@aol.com (Sherry Sharp)
    Hi Sherry,
    I received this info from a friend who "lives" genealogy and has been very helpful to me. His name is James A. Johnson age 75 who lives in Bellaire but doesn't have a computer. He sent the following:

    1850 St. Landry #1996-2361 #455-455

    Vigel Frozia 45 Farmer $800 Pers. LA (1850 Fruge 40)
    Mary 46 (35) LA
    Artimese 14 LA (17 Pierre, 10 Louisa, Artimese 8)
    Susan 12 (6) LA
    Uzenie 10 (1) LA (Eugene)
    Useph 8 LA (Joseph?)
    Phitestine 5 LA (Celestine?)
    Alzemah 7/12 TX (Azema?)

    #456-456

    Pier Frozia 23 farm laborer LA (#1996-2361 1850 St Landry age 17)
    Elizabeth 17 H.K. LA (b. TX)

    Sherry I've written the above just as Mr. Johnson wrote it to me. Hope it's not to confusing. Artemeas/Artimese and Susan were sisters of Pierre but I don't find Denise. Could she have been born later?

    I know that my GGF Pierre Frugia (Fruge) married a second time and had a son Lyman Frugia and a dgt. named Goldie. Lyman Frugia, Jr. and his wife Doris Ann live in Vidor and I've written to her twice sending her my data in hopes she would share but she hasn't.

    From marriage books for Jefferson County I have Pier Fruge m. Julia Courta 14 Jul 1897 and Pierre Fruge m. Mrs. Lidia Cuniff 31 Aug 1891. I know that my GGF Pierre called his son Pierre "Peter" but I have nothing else. So I don't know who married whom.

    You can say I'm still a novice when it comes to genealogy but I'm learning. Do you know if copies of Successions from LA can be ordered by mail? I found several Fruge's listed in Imperial Calcasieu and St. Landry Parish. Also listed were some Hayes. There is a book written by Shirley Burwell of Lake Charles I presume listing all the successions.

    Any tips or suggestions are most welcome. Keep in touch.

    Ruth

    _________________________________

    Residence:
    according to Historical marker, his father arrived in Sabine Pass in 1832, arriving from the Lavaca Bay region.

    Residence:
    his sister Sara Court said to be the first white child born in Aurora under the Mexican Flag

    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


    Military:
    Name: J M Courts
    Rank at enlistment: Private
    State Served: Texas
    Service Record: Enlisted in Company B, Texas 11th Cavalry Battalion.

    Sources: Index to Compiled Confederate Military Service Records
    --
    Name: J M Courts
    Rank at enlistment: Private
    State Served: Texas
    Service Record: Enlisted in Company I, Texas 13th Infantry Regiment.

    Sources: Index to Compiled Confederate Military Service Records



    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:
    12 Jun 1880 Beaumont (District 40), Jefferson Co, Texas

    210 Court, William 21 work at saw mill TX - TX
    Darinda, 22 wife Texas Georgia Texas
    Danie 3 dau TX
    Benton 1 son TX


    211
    J.M. COURT Self M Male W 50 LA Wagoning ENGLAND LA
    Julia A. COURT Wife M Female W 43 TN Keeping House NC AL
    Helma (Helmer) COURT Son S Male W 18 TX Wagoner LA TN
    James COURT Son S Male W 15 TX At Home LA TN
    Annie COURT Dau S Female W 12 TX At Home LA TN
    Lillian COURT Dau S Female W 8 TX At Home LA TN
    Fannie COURT Dau S Female W 5 TX At Home LA TN
    Emmet COURT Son S Male W 3 TX At Home LA TN
    Viola COURT Dau S Female W 11M TX At Home LA TN

    213
    Court, Clifton 25 1855 raftsman TX LA TN
    Fannie 26 1854 TX TN TN
    Ella M. 3 1877 TX


    (Peter Stockholm & Pierre Frugia in this community. No Sparks or Blocks or Burrrells. Must be Beaumont proper.)



    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 Julia* Ann Sparks on 15 Oct 1850 in Jefferson Co, Texas. Julia* (daughter of John Sidney* Sparks and Melinda* Jones, (maybe dau?)) was born on 13 Oct 1836 in Franklin Co, Tennessee; died on 25 Jan 1925 in Beaumont, Jefferson Co, Texas; was buried on 26 Jan 1925 in McFaddin, TF Smith Homestead, Forest Lawn Cem, Beaumont, Jefferson Co, Texas. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]


  4. 7.  Julia* Ann SparksJulia* Ann Sparks was born on 13 Oct 1836 in Franklin Co, Tennessee (daughter of John Sidney* Sparks and Melinda* Jones, (maybe dau?)); died on 25 Jan 1925 in Beaumont, Jefferson Co, Texas; was buried on 26 Jan 1925 in McFaddin, TF Smith Homestead, Forest Lawn Cem, Beaumont, Jefferson Co, Texas.

    Other Events and Attributes:

    • 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, Beaumont, Jefferson Co, Texas
    • Census: 12 Jun 1880, Beaumont (District 40), Jefferson Co, Texas
    • Residence: 1904, 1 blk w of 747 South Grand Ave, Beaumont, Jefferson Co, Texas
    • Census: 23 May 1910, Beaumont (Precinct 6), Jefferson Co, Texas
    • Residence: Between 1913 and 1925, 1598 Cartright, Beaumont, Jefferson Co, Texas; D.C.
    • 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:

    1910 Julia Courts, age 73; b TN; living w/
    514/537 Thomas F. Smith 51 head
    Mary E 57 wife TX father TX mother TN
    Brewer Belle D - step-dau 26 TX LA TX
    Smith James T son 22
    Ella V dau 16
    Court Julia A mother in law - 73
    Sparks William E cousin 59

    515/538 Courts Matt E head 49
    Mary E wife 49
    Coy G son 15
    Emma S dau 8
    Emmet M bro 34
    _____________________
    (Notes of Kirby Courts:)
    Julia was the daughter of John and Melinda Sparks, who came to Texas from North Carolina in the 1850s. Julia was probably born in Tennessee in about 1836. She lived to be 89 years old and spent most of her life in Jefferson Co, Texas. Shried James M. Court when she was 13 years old. They lived in Sabine Pass, Texas, during their first years of marriage. The older family members state that they remained there until the late 1880s. Severe hurricanes at this time destroyed the settlement on a number of occasions. The family moved to the Nederland-Port Neches area, away from the beach area. They remained there till their deaths and were buried in the old Sparks Cemetry. The cemetery is the present site of the DuPont Chemical plant. In 1952 all the bodies were reburied at Magnolia (sic) Cemetery. -- they were reburied in Forest Lawn

    To: archinfo@tsl.state.tx.us
    8/19/98
    Court, Julia Ann 11498
    Claimant: Court, Julia Ann
    Pension Number: 11498
    County: Jefferson

    Approved March 6, 1925
    The State of Texas
    County of Jefferson

    To the Honorable County Judge of Jefferson County, Texas,
    Your petition, Mrs. Julia Ann Court, respectfully represents that she is a resident citizen of Jefferson County, in the State of Texas; that she is the widow of Jas M Court, deceased, who was a Confederate soldier (or sailor), and that she ms this application for the purpose of obtaining a pension as the widow of said James M. Court, deceased...
    Q. What is your name? Answer: Julia Ann Court
    Q. What is your age? Answer: I will be 69 years old October
    Q. In what County do you reside? Answer: Jefferson
    Q. How long have you resided in said County and what is your post office address?
    Answer: About 65 years. P.O. Beaumont, Texas
    Q. Have you applied for a pension under the Confederate pension Law heretofore, and been rejected? If so, state when and where. Answer: No.
    Q. What is your occupation if able to engage in one? Answer: Have ironed, unable to work Q. What is your physical condition? Answer: Enfebled by age
    Q. What was the name of your deceased husband? Answer: James M Court
    Q. Were you married to him anterior to March 1, 1866? Answer: I was married to my
    husband in 1860 Orange Co, Tex
    Q. What was the date of his death? Answer: He died in February 1891
    Q. Are you unmarried, and have you so remained unmarried since the death of your said husband for whose services you claim a pension? Answer: Yes.
    Q. In what State was your husband's command originally organized?
    Answer: in Jefferson Co, Texas
    Q. How long did your husband serve? Give date of enlistment and discharge.
    Answer: about 4 years. He
    enlisted about June 1961.
    Q. What was the name or letter of your husband's company and name or number of his regiment? Answer: Don't know letter of Co.
    Capt Keith's Co (Griffith?)
    Q. State whether he served in the infantry, artillery, cavalry, or the navy.
    Answer: infantry
    Q. State wither or not you have received any pension or veteran donation land certificate under any previous law, and if you answer in the affirmative state what pension or veteran donation land certificate you hae received. Answer: None at all - my husband
    drew a Confederate pension in his life time.
    Q. What real and personal property do you now own, and what is the present value of such property? Give list of such property and value. Answer: Don't own any property.
    Q. What property, and what was the value thereof, have you sold or conveyed within two years prior to the date of this application? Answer: None
    Q. What income, if any, do you receive? Answer: Nothing
    Q. Are you in indigent circumstances; that is, are you in actual want, and destitute of property and means of subsistence? Answer: Yes.
    Q. Are you unable by your labor to earn a support? Answer: Yes.
    Q. Have you transferred to others any property of value of any kind for the purpose of becoming a beneficiary under this law? Answer: No.
    Q. Did your husband for whose services you claim a pension, ever desert the Confederacy?
    Answer: No.
    Q. Have you been continuously since the first day of March, 1880, a bona fide resident citizen of this State? Answer: Yes.
    (Signature of Applicant) Julia Ann Court
    Sworn to and subscribed before me this 5th day of August, A.D. 1905
    D.P. Wheat, County Judge, Jefferson Co, TX
    Affidavit of Witnesses:
    B.J. Johnson and R.D. Kent
    sworn to 10 October 1905

    Certificate of County Judge, D.P. Wheat, issued October 10, 1905.

    Affidavit sworn to by C.E. Hillebrandt 10th day Oct, 1905
    The State of Texas } Before me D.P.
    County of Jefferson } Wheat, County Judge
    Jefferson County Texas on this day personally appeared C.E. Hillebrandt known to me, who being by me duly sworn says that he was personally acquainted with James Court who is an applicant for a confederate pension, that he knew James Court for more than 50 years, that he served in the confederate army with James Court in the same company viz Capt. Keith's Company, Speight's Batallion, does not recollect letter of company, but he served with him in the years 1862-1863 when he was transferred to Capt. O'Brien's Company and he remained in Keith's Company where he served until the end of war and was finally discharged. He said that he never deserted and was finally discharged, and he had reputation of being fine soldier. He was in one of the battles of Sabine Pass, can't recollect, which, I know his wife is feeble and in indigent circumstances.
    (signed) C.E. Hillebrandt
    Sworn to & Subscribed before me this 10th day October, 1905.
    (signed) D.P. Wheat, County Judge

    Certificate of County Commissioners: Issued 13 November 1905.
    (commissioners who signed: Mally Eastham, H.F. Bist, B.J. Johnson, S.C. Bigham)

    Comptroller's Department, State of Texas, Austin Febry 12, 1906
    To the Military Secretary, War Department, Washington, D.C.
    Dear Sir:
    I have the honor to request the military record of James M. Court who was reported to have enlisted in Company Keith's 15 Regiment, Texas Infantry in the service of the Confederate States army.
    Purpose: The widow of the person above named is an applicant for a Confederate pension granted by this State, and I desire to verify his proof of service.
    Very respectfully,
    J.W. Stephens, Comptroller

    from: War Department,
    The Military Secretary's Office,
    Washington,
    Feb. 17, 1906
    1101576

    Respectfully returned to
    The Comptroller, State of Texas, Austin,

    The name of James Court has not been found on the rolls, on file in this office, of the 15th Regiment Texas Infantry, C.S.A.
    The records show, however, that one J.M. Court, private, Captain Keith's Company (B), Spaight's Battalion Texas Infantry, C.S.A. (subsequently designated Keith's Company (I), 13th Texas infantry, C.S.A.), enlisted May 28, 1862, at Sabine. On the company muster roll for May and June, 1863, he is reported absent, detailed on gunboat "Uncle Ben," January 10, 1863; and on the company muster roll for January and February, 1864, the next and last roll on file, he is reported "absent without leave." No record of his capture or parole has been found.
    (signed) The Military Secretary
    ______
    Application for Mortuary Warrant:
    Submitted by Mrs. Mary E. Smith (daughter) 1598 Cartwright Avenue, P.O. Box 864, Beaumont, Texas, sworn to 11th day of March, 1925, stating she was "person to whom is entrusted the paying of the accounts and indebtedness of the late Mrs. Julia A. Court, who was a petitioner of the State of Texas, and whose file number was 11498, and whose original county was Jefferson.
    "The said pensioner died in the home of Mrs. Mary E. Smith who was related to the pensioner as Daughter.

    Certificate of Undertaker:
    C.M. Saunders, undertaker, Beaumont, had charge of body of Julia Ann Court, who died 25 January 1925, Pipkin & Brulin Co, Undertakers.

    Certificate of Physician:
    Joe Record, M.D., "attended Mrs. Julia Ann Court in her last illness, and am of the opinion that her ailments were gangrenous appendicitis."
    ______
    Death Certificate: (Registered No.: 45)
    Mrs. Julia Ann Court 1598 Cartwright, Beaumont, Jefferson Co, Texas Resident 12 years.
    Personal:
    Female, White, widow
    Occupation: None
    Date of Birth 13 Oct 1837.
    Age: 88 yrs 3 mons, 11 days.
    Birthplace: Tenn.
    Name of Father: John Sparks, birthplace unknown
    Maiden name of Mother: Melinda Jones, birth place Tenn.
    Informant: Miss Vivian Smith, Beaumont, Tx.
    Medical:
    Date of Death: Jan 25, 1925
    "I hereby certify that I attended deceased from Jan 21, 1925 to Jan 25, 1925, that I last saw her alive on Jan 25, 1925 and that death occurred on the date stated above at 12:45 pm." The cause of death was: Ruptured Chronic Appendicitis, duon 3 years.
    Operation precede death: No.
    Autopsy: No
    Test confirmed diagnosis: Clinical
    Signed: Joe Record, M.D. 1/26/1925
    Place of Burial: McFaddin Cemetery 1/26/1925; Undertaker Pipkin & Brulin, Beaumont, Tx.

    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
    Helmer 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:
    12 Jun 1880 Beaumont (District 40), Jefferson Co, Texas

    210 Court, William 21 work at saw mill TX - TX
    Darinda, 22 wife Texas Georgia Texas
    Danie 3 dau TX
    Benton 1 son TX


    211
    J.M. COURT Self M Male W 50 LA Wagoning ENGLAND LA
    Julia A. COURT Wife M Female W 43 TN Keeping House NC AL
    Helma (Helmer) COURT Son S Male W 18 TX Wagoner LA TN
    James COURT Son S Male W 15 TX At Home LA TN
    Annie COURT Dau S Female W 12 TX At Home LA TN
    Lillian COURT Dau S Female W 8 TX At Home LA TN
    Fannie COURT Dau S Female W 5 TX At Home LA TN
    Emmet COURT Son S Male W 3 TX At Home LA TN
    Viola COURT Dau S Female W 11M TX At Home LA TN

    213
    Court, Clifton 25 1855 raftsman TX LA TN
    Fannie 26 1854 TX TN TN
    Ella M. 3 1877 TX


    (Peter Stockholm & Pierre Frugia in this community. No Sparks or Blocks or Burrrells. Must be Beaumont proper.)


    Residence:
    Court, Edgar B., wks United Lbr & Export Co, h. James F. Court.
    Court, Emmett, wks United Lbr & Export Co., r. 1 blk w of same.
    Court, Homer, wks United Lbr & Export Co. h. James F. Court
    Court, H. Clifton, watchman mill, A, Kirby Lumber Co., r 747 South Grand ave, Cartwright add. 8
    Court, James F., wks United Lbr & Export Co., r 1 blk w of same. 4
    Court, Julia A. (wid James), h. Emmett Court
    Court, S. Helmer, carp r 350 Jackson ave, 5
    (five children - Bea, age 8; Hal age 6; Gladys age 3; abt 2; Lillian born 22 Jan 1904)

    Census:
    (Near McFaddin)
    residence 537
    Smith, Thomas F. 51 1859 Texas USA USA m1 23 yrs farmer truck and corn
    Mary E. wife 57 57 1853 Texas m2 7 births 6 living
    Brewer, Bella D. stepdaughter 26 1884 single
    Smith, James T. son 22 1888 Texas laborer oil fields
    Smith Ella V. daughter 16 1894 Texas
    Courts Julia A. mother-in-law 73 1837 widow TN USA USA
    Sparks, William E. cousin 59 1851 single Texas Texas Texas
    laborer truck farm

    residence 538
    Courts Matte E. 49 1861 Texas Texas Texas m2 21 yrs farmer truck farm
    Mary E. wife 49 1861 m2 10 births 8 living Texas NY Texas
    Coy G. son 16 1894 Texas
    Emma S. daughter 8 1902 Texas
    Emmet M. brother 34 1876 single Texas Texas Texas farmer truck farm


    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)


    Buried:
    d.c. widowed, res 1598 Cartwright
    residence there 12 yrs.
    88 yr. 3 mos 11 days
    birthplace, TN, Father: John Sparks, birthplace unk;
    mother Melinda Jones, birthplace, Tenn.
    cause of death, ruptured chronic appendicitis
    died at 12:45 p.m.
    informant, Miss Vivian Smith


    Died:
    Mrs. Julia Ann Court.

    Funeral services for Julia Ann (Sparks) Court, 88, who died at the home of her daughter, Mrs. Mary Smith, 1598 Cartwright, at 12:45 p.m. Sunday. Services were held at the late residence at 2 o'clock Monday afternoon with Rev. J. W. Goodwin of the Roberts Avenue Methodist church officiating. Burial was in McFaddin cemetery at Port Arthur under direction of Pipkin & Burlin Company. (Note - Should have been called Sparks Cemetery as it was a Sparks Cemetery first) Mrs. Court was a pioneer Beaumonter, and had lived here 86 years. She is survived by two sisters, Mrs. Messie Brewton of Beaumont and Mrs. Jane Lee of Port Neches; one brother, W. C. Sparks Beaumont; three daughter Mrs. Mary Smith, Mrs. J. L Sparks and Mrs. Annie Willis all of Beaumont, and 57 grandchildren, 72 great-grandchildren and two great-great-grandchildren.

    I'm sure Solomon Sparks and a number of other kinfolks or buried in the Sparks's Cemetery. Do not know for sure when the Sparks's Cemetery was closed.
    (cemetery was exhumed and moved to Forest Lawn, see Cemeteries section)

    shared by James Willis Sparks29 -- author?

    Notes:

    Married:
    Name: James Courts
    Marriage Date: 15 Oct 1850

    Spouse: Julia Ann Sparks

    Marriage County: Jefferson
    Marriage State: Texas

    Source: County Court Records - FHL microfilm # 1311466


    license 12th day of October 1850 by I.K. Robertsosn, county clerk
    marriage 15th day of October 1850 by William Chisholm, Justice of the Peace, Precinct No. 5.

    Children:
    1. 3. Mary Ellen Courts was born on 8 Sep 1852 in Sabine Pass, Jefferson Co, Texas; died on 19 Dec 1935 in Beaumont, Jefferson Co, Texas; was buried on 20 Dec 1935 in McFaddin, TF Smith Homestead, Forest Lawn Cem, Beaumont, Jefferson Co, Texas.
    2. Henry Clifton Courts, Sr was born on 5 Jul 1854 in Sabine Pass, Jefferson Co, Texas; died on 18 May 1938 in Beaumont, Jefferson Co, Texas; was buried in Magnolia Cem, Beaumont, Jefferson Co, Texas.
    3. Julia Nasebyntha "Norie" Courts was born on 7 Jun 1856 in Sparks Settlement, Aurora, Jefferson Co, Texas; died on 19 Apr 1936 in Beaumont, Jefferson Co, Texas; was buried on 20 Apr 1936 in Magnolia Cem, Beaumont, Jefferson Co, Texas.
    4. William Thomas Courts was born on 27 Feb 1858 in Sparks Settlement, Aurora, Jefferson Co, Texas; died on 21 Feb 1943 in Houston, Harris Co, Texas; was buried on 23 Feb 1943 in Forest Park Cem, Houston, Harris Co, Texas.
    5. Elias Madison "Matt" Courts was born on 11 Dec 1859 in Sparks Settlement, Aurora, Jefferson Co, Texas; died on 28 Nov 1919 in Beaumont, Jefferson Co, Texas; was buried on 29 Nov 1919 in McFaddin, TF Smith Homestead, Forest Lawn Cem, Beaumont, Jefferson Co, Texas.
    6. Samuel* Helmer Courts was born on 15 Mar 1862 in Sparks Settlement, Aurora, Jefferson Co, Texas; died on 27 Dec 1954 in Port Arthur, Jefferson Co, Texas; was buried on 29 Dec 1954 in Greenlawn Memorial Park, Groves, Jefferson Co, Texas.
    7. Liza Courts was born in 1863 in Sparks Settlement, Aurora, Jefferson Co, Texas; died before 1880 in Sparks Settlement, Aurora, Jefferson Co, Texas; was buried in Sparks Cem, Aurora, Jefferson Co, Texas.
    8. James Franklin Courts was born in 1865 in Jefferson Co, Texas; died about 09 Nov 1910 in Beaumont, Jefferson Co, Texas; was buried on 09 Nov 1910 in McFaddin, TF Smith Homestead, Forest Lawn Cem, Beaumont, Jefferson Co, Texas.
    9. Annie Melinda Courts was born on 18 Sep 1866 in Sabine Pass, Jefferson Co, Texas; died on 7 Apr 1944 in Beaumont, Jefferson Co, Texas; was buried in Magnolia Cem, Beaumont, Jefferson Co, Texas.
    10. (daughter) Court was born in Oct 1869 in Sabine Pass, Jefferson Co, Texas; died in Oct 1869 in Sabine Pass, Jefferson Co, Texas.
    11. Lillian Sarah "Lillie" Courts was born in 1872 in Sparks Settlement, Aurora, Jefferson Co, Texas; died before 1910 in Jefferson Co, Texas; was buried in McFaddin, TF Smith Homestead, Forest Lawn Cem, Beaumont, Jefferson Co, Texas.
    12. Fannie Irene Courts was born in 1875 in Sparks Settlement, Aurora, Jefferson Co, Texas; died before 1910 in Jefferson Co, Texas; was buried in McFaddin, TF Smith Homestead, Forest Lawn Cem, Beaumont, Jefferson Co, Texas.
    13. Emmett Marion Courts was born in Jul 1877 in Sparks Settlement, Aurora, Jefferson Co, Texas; died on 04 Jan 1936 in Port Neches, Jefferson Co, Texas; was buried in Forest Lawn Memorial Park, Beaumont, Jefferson Co, Texas.
    14. Viola "Vee" Courts was born in Jul 1879 in Sparks Settlement, Aurora, Jefferson Co, Texas; died in Jan 1912 in Matagorda Co, Texas; was buried in McFaddin, TF Smith Homestead, Forest Lawn Cem, Beaumont, Jefferson Co, Texas.


Generation: 4

  1. 12.  Thomas* Court, (immigrant) was born before 5 Jan 1800 in St Mary the Virgin, Blackburn, Lancashire, England; was christened on 05 Jan 1800 in St Mary the Virgin, Blackburn, Lancashire, England (son of Thomas* Court, (FFDNA-J) and Ellen* Ainesworth); died before May 1850 in Sabine Pass or Galveston, Texas (drowned).

    Other Events and Attributes:

    • Immigration: 1826, "Delas," sailed from Liverpool, England to New Orleans
    • Residence: Abt 1831, Lavaca Bay region, Texas
    • Residence: 1832, Sabine Pass, Jefferson Co, Texas
    • Residence: Between 1836 and 1845, Sabine Pass, Jefferson Co, Texas; Republic of Texas
    • Property: 13 Apr 1838, Palo Pinto Co, Texas
    • Property: Bef 1 May 1838, Jefferson Co, Texas

    Notes:

    Moved to Texas in 1829 according to 1850 Jefferson Co, Census.

    Edmond Speer - Jul 19, 2001 View | Viewers | Reply to this item
    I just returned from a trip to North Texas where Kittie and I made a jog over to the head waters of the Palo Pinto river, where, as I take it , Thomas Courts was given a section of land by the Texas government somewhere around 1838. He then sold it shortly after his death, around 1852. Acording to historical markers, Anglo settlers did not arrive untill around the 1850s. When we get upstairs some day we are going to have to talk to him about this, because it is a beautiful place. There is a large power plant setting at the head of the river, and some very nice homes thru that area. The sceanery was great and peaceful.
    Judy Armstrong had a plat of the exact location of this property. I will try to obtain a copy of it from her husband or sister next time I get to Beaumont.

    __________
    Birth estimated by Kirby's account that his father said Thomas was an "old man" when he drowned. A conflicting story of his drowning is that rather than returning to England for possessions, he had a boat that he hauled timber with and subsequently drowned in Galveston Bay. According to this account, he and James Madison and his other sons were raftsmen and hauled timber a good portion of their lives. Henry Clifton, a grandson, hauled timber till he was 76 years old. James Cole, son of Henry, also worked timber until 1932 when the industry shut down.
    __________
    (notes of Kirby Courts:)
    These facts are known about Thomas Court. He was in St. Landry Parish, Louisiana, in 1828; a marriage certificate for he and Anna Johnson are recorded.
    Thomas and Anna came to Texas in 1828 or 1829; he is listed in the Book "1830 Citizens of Texas" by Gifford White. This book was a census of the 6,500 pre-Revolutionary Texans. Thomas was the 162nd applicant for a land grant from Steven Ftin in 1829. It was granted in 1838. The grant was for one league 4,428.4 acres plus 177.1 acres in Jefferson County, Texas. "1840 Citizens of Texas Land Grants Vol 3."
    The Jefferson Co Clerk's Report for 1838 lists Thomas Court as a pioneer in Jefferson Co. Thomas never shows up on a census report taken in 1840 or 1850. His last child, Paul Phelan, was born in March 1846. Thomas probably died before thsus of 1850. This assumption is made due to Anna being wed to Enos Burrows in October 1851 (Jefferson Co Marriage Book Pg 6).
    Where did Thomas Court come from? In the census of Colonial America, they list: John Court, Maryland Colony in 1642; John Court, Dobbs Co, North Carolina in 1769; M. Court, Somerset Co, New Jersey in 1778; W. Court, Somerset Co, New Jern 1780. Could he be a soldier of the English Military that fought against Andrew Jackson in the Battle of New Orleans in the War of 1812? This battle was fought two weeks after England had surrendered to the U.S. The soldiers were released after this battle. Did he stay in America?
    In going through the census reports for the U.S., I have found hundreds of Court and Courts listed in every state of the Union. They are listed in all possessions of the British Empire. At this point I can go no further than I have with s Court. My gut feeling is he was from the Eastern part of the U.S.
    ________
    "A History of Jefferson County, Texas from Wilderness to Reconstruction" by
    W.T. Block ( a SIGNED copy, no less!), 1976

    pg 22 -
    After John McGaffey moved to Sabine Pass in 1832, he was joined in the same year by Thomas Courts, an Englishman, who had abandoned the Lavaca Bay region because of hostile Indians.55 In 1835, McGaffey applied for a land grant at Sabine, but, shortly after Dr. John A. Veatch completed the league's survey in November, 1835, the Nacogdoches land office closed. There is no record of other settlers at Sabine Pass until Benjamin Johnson and Jacob H. Garner, McGaffey's brothers-in-law, moved there in April 1838.56
    "http://www.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~txjeffer/history/Block/Jefferson_County_History/Chapter05.htm

    Has a note that this came from "History of the Thomas Courts Family, Port Arthur News, undated clipping, circa 1938, copy owned by WT Block

    pg 25 - "In her 'Story of Beaumont', Florence Stratton stated that Captain George W. Hargraves commanded a militia company of sixty-two men at Beaumont in August, 1835, and was en route to San Jacinto with twenty-one
    men when the battle was fought."
    A list of the men follows with the last on the list being Jim Courts...in a footnote, WTB states that some members on the list may have been too young...census records and tombstones indicate that Courts was born in 1829...

    pg 96 - "The greater concentration of Germans settled ib mid-Jefferson County, and by 1860, comprised one-half of the one hundred persons residing at Smith's Bluff and Grigsby's Bluff, where a post office was established
    in 1859." "The German population at Grigsby's Bluff included William, Charles, and George Christian Gentz..."
    from: Julia Brittain - judyb@pdq.net (She is a descendent of McGaffey)
    ===========================
    [23 June 1842]

    Republic of Texas
    County of Jefferson

    Know all men by these presents that I Thomas
    Court, for and in consideration of the sum of
    one hundred and fifty Dollars to me in hand
    paid by Niles F. Smith the [??] of which is hereby
    acknowledged here this day. Granted, Bargained, sold
    and Conveyed and by these presents doth grant, bargain
    sell and convey unto the said Niles F. Smith his heirs
    and assigns forever the following described piece
    or parcel of land situated in Jefferson County --
    To Wit -- One Labor of Land surveyed off of my
    head right League + Labor -- West am adjoining the
    survey of one League of land made for John McGaffey
    on the Sabine Pass said Labor of land is the
    same surveyed by Corday sometime last November or
    December [??] said Thos. Courts --

    To have and to hold said labor of land to him the said Niles F. Smith, his heirs and assigns with all the rights and
    ... And the said Court will
    warrant and defined the said labor of
    land to him the said Niles F. Smith, his heirs and
    assigns forever.

    In testiment to which I
    have herewith set my hand +
    seal this 23 dy of June 18[42]

    Witnesses -- Thomas Court

    Charles C. Burch
    [James] Smith

    ----------------------------------------------
    [9 June 1851]

    The State of Texas
    County of Jefferson
    Before me J. W. Hutchings a
    Notary Public in aforesaid
    county and State this day personally appeared Charles
    C. Burch, a subscribing witness to the within + forgoing
    deed and being by me duly sworn, deposes + says that he
    saw Thomas Court sign the same + heard him acknowl.
    edge it to be his act + deed for the purposes
    and considerations therein stated.
    In Testimony ...
    hereunto ...
    + appeared this witness
    the seal of my office at
    Sabine Pass this 9th dy of
    June A.D. 1851
    J. H. Hutchings
    Notary Public

    ===========================
    Notice

    Is hereby given that on this 15th day of
    June A.D. 1854 -- William Lewis has filed
    his application for Letters of Administration
    upon the Estate of Thomas Court
    deceased. Sue Pilsow having objections
    will file the same in accordance with law.

    Beaumont June 15th A.D. 1854

    J.K. Robertson clerk county court
    Jefferson County
    --------------------------------
    [15 July 1854]

    I do solomnly swear that Thomas
    Court Sr. died without leaving any
    lawful will for us I know or
    believe and that I will andd
    truly perform all the duties of
    administration of the said Thomas
    Court, Deceased.
    William Lewis
    --------------------------------
    [undated]

    To the Hon. Chief Justice
    Your petitioner William Lewis at the request
    of Some of the ... of the Estate of Thomas Sr. Court
    applies for letters of administration on the Estate
    said Thomas Court Sr. who died in Jefferson County
    in debt and a resident citizen of said county.
    William Lewis
    Applicant
    ------------------------------------------------------------
    [ca. Summer 1855]

    Will be sold at Public Auction at the Court House
    door at Beaumont Jefferson County on the first
    Tuesday of September A.D. 1855 in pursuance of an
    order of the Probate Court of said county so much
    of the Headright League of Land of Thomas Court
    belonging to the Estate of Thomas Court deceased.
    Situated in McClennon County in the Palo Pinto river
    as will be sufficient to make five hundred dollars.
    Reference is had to the Patent now on file in the
    County Clerk's Office for a more particular description
    of said Lands -- Terms of Sale Twelve Months Credit

    William Lewis, admin.
    of Thomas Court deceased
    -----------------------------------------------------------
    Administration of Thomas P. Courts

    To Wm Armstrong Sr.
    to locating surveying one League of Land the
    Headright of Thos. Court 85.00
    for recording field notes 3.00
    fees paid on patent 12.60
    Total: 100.60

    Pay the above account to James Armstrong or
    D. J. Otho Millard
    Wm Armstrong


    State of Texas
    Jefferson County
    Personally came
    before me the undersigned Justice of the
    Peace, James Armstrong attorney for Willi-
    am Armstrong who after being sworn
    according to law, says under oath that
    this claim is just and that all legal
    offsets, payments and credits known to
    the applicant have been allowed, and
    signed his name.
    James Armstrong

    Sworn to and subscribed before me
    this 13th day of July A.D. 1855
    John K. Robertson
    Justice of peace
    J.C.
    ______________________________
    [28 Apr 1857]

    Notice

    Is hereby given that on this 28th day of April A.D.
    1857, Niles F. Smith has filed his application
    for Letters of Administration on the Estate of
    Thomas Court, Deceased. Any person having
    objections will file the Same within two days in
    accordance with law.

    Beaumont April 28th A.D. 1857

    J.K. Robertson clerk county court
    Jefferson County
    -----------------------------------------------------------
    [8 September 1857]
    To the Sherrif of Said County, Greeting.
    Whereas the County Court for said Conuty
    at the August ... thereof on the 31st day of ...
    Month made and entered of record its order
    in the following words, viz--

    Matter of Est. of
    Ths. Court Dec'd Est.
    Wm. Lewis Adm. Ordered by the Court that the
    Administrator in this Matter
    come forward and exhibit to this court the
    condition of the Estate of the Said decedent.
    Therefore you are hereby commanded to
    notify the Said Administrator viz William Lewis
    If he be found in your county that he is hereby
    required to be and appear before the said court
    to be holden in for said county at the court
    house in the town of Beaumont on the last
    Monday the 28th day of September A.D. 1857
    there to comply with the foregoing order.
    Herein fail not +c.
    In testimony whereof I hereunto
    set my hand affix my seal of office
    ... this wnd this 8th day of
    September A.D. 1857
    [G.H.O. Bozan] Clerk
    Clerk Jeff.Co.
    --------------------------------------------------------
    Timeline
    1810: - Anna Johnson born in LA
    1828:Aug 19 -Thomas Court marries Anna Johnson
    1829 - Thomas Court comes to Texas
    1828-30 - James Madison Court is born
    1834:Feb 14 - Sarah Ann Court is born
    1837:Jan 31 - Rachel Court is born
    1838:Apr 13 - certificate 162 entitles Thomas Court to land
    1840:Dec 24 - Lucritia Debethia Court is born
    1840:Sep 21 - Courts register brands:
    Thomas (the Englishman?)
    James (if son, aged 11. Is that normal? Or is this someone else??)
    John
    (a Sarah EB and Rachel are listed just above with some Clarks)
    1842:Jun 23 - Thomas Court sells one labor of land to Niles F. Smith for $150
    1844 - Paul Phelan Court is born
    1848:Jul 21 - James Courts registers brand -- a different one
    1850 - James marries Julia Ann Sparks. Thomas not listed in census.
    1851:Mar 12 - land granted to Thomas Court by the State of Texas
    1851:Jun 3 - Sarah Court registers a brand - a different one from before
    1852:Jun 09 - Charles C Burch swears he saw Thomas Court sign [something]
    1852 - Sarah Ann marries Lewis King
    1854:Jun 15 - Wm Lewis files app for Letters of Admin on estate of Thos Court
    1854:Jul 15 - Wm Lewis swears Thos Court left no will & he (Wm) will carry out admin
    1854:Aug 18 - Wm Lewis appointed administrator of Estate of Thos. Court
    1855:Jul 13 - Niles F Smith files grievance. Has not been given possession of land bought in '42
    1855:Jul 30 - Wm Lewis accepts claim of Niles F Smith. Niles asks payment of $306 be made to Wm Burgett, who apparently represented him. ($150 plus 8% interest over 13 years)
    1855:Jul 30 - Wm Lewis asks premission to auction off land to pay $406 debt plus expenses ($306 plus admin costs)
    1855:Sep - 1st Tues - Admin Sale on steps of courthouse - enough of land in McClennon Co to raise $500
    - Wm Burgett 1388 acres of head right at 35 cents an acre to be divided between him and the heirs
    1856:Apr 18 - James Madison Court sells his one-seventh of the land to Wm Burgett
    1857:Apr 28 - Niles F Smith files app for Letters of Admin on Thos Court estate
    1857:Sep 08 - Wm Lewis called to court to report on Court estate on Monday 28 Sep 1857.
    1857:Sep 24 - Sales earned $499.68, paid debts to Niles F Smith and ?Wm Armstrong
    1857:Oct 26 - Wm Lewis says all debts paid, some land left in Palo Pinto County
    1857:Nov 30 - Court fees of $8.85 paid
    1860:Mar 18 - Rachel marries Henry Clay Smith
    1861:Sep 20 - TJ Court enlists Co A Spaight's Batallion (Muster Roll)
    1861:Oct 01 - TJ Court enlists Co A Spaight's Batallion (Pension Records)
    1867:Jun 14 - TJ Court married S.E. in Blanco county, TX
    1868:Oct 01 - Julia Ann Court registers a brand
    1870:May 23 - H. C. Court registers a brand
    1870:Oct 03 - Clifton Courts registers a brand
    1873:Oct 20 - Wm G. Courts registers a brand
    1888:Sep 01 - Matt Court registers a brand
    1898:Mar 16 - Helmer Courts registers a brand
    1898:Jun 25 - ?ay Courts registers a brand
    1902:May 08 - Emma Courts registers a brand
    1908:Nov 25 - TJ Court died in Comanche County
    1917:Mar 16 - Widow of TJ Court, S.E., dies in Hasse, TX.

    Christened:
    Baptism: 5 Jan 1800 St Mary the Virgin, Blackburn, Lancashire, England
    Thomas Court - Son of Thomas Court & Ellen
    Abode: Blackburn
    Register: Baptisms 1792 - 1812, Page 128, Entry 12
    Source: Film 1278804
    http://www.lan-opc.org.uk/Blackburn/Blackburn-Central/stmary/baptisms_1800.html


    http://www.lan-opc.org.uk/Blackburn/Blackburn-Central/stmary/index.html

    Baptisms at the church of St Mary the Virgin
    in the Parish of Blackburn
    Baptism Register: 1792 - 1812
    Baptisms for the Year 1800


    Immigration:
    (from Debbie)
    The following is an e-mail from a very nice lady named Diane Francis. I found her on a forum looking for info on her Cort, Ainsworth lines. Her reply gives me hope that we have at last found when and where Thomas Court entered the U.S. I'm still investigating, but wanted to share the news. I have asked her for more information and will let you all know as soon as I receive her reply. This is her e-mail to me:

    Hi Debbie
    I'm not sure that your ancestors are related as we don't have any Thomas Cort born around that time. I have however looked up passenger lists for the years 1820 /1830 and there is listed a Thomes Court, age unknown , who arrived in USA 1826.
    Ship: Delas
    Port of departure Liverpool
    Port of Arrival: New Orleans
    Date of Arival: March 2, 1826.
    This would tie in with your dates. There are severals strands of the Cort family in the Lancashire area. Also the family of Henry Cort the inventor. They came from Lancaster.Hope this is of some use. If there is anything I can do , let me know.
    Good hunting
    Di.

    ---
    "Maybe someday one of us will luck out and find more info or the actual manifest somewhere. I could try writing New Orleans, but have no idea where to even start on to get the listing. Do you have any ideas."

    Note; found Ship Delis Liverpool, England to Boston, Massachusetts
    25 September 1826 master: Joseph Hatch Junior
    http://immigrantships.net/1800/delos18260925.html


    Residence:
    After John McGaffey moved to Sabine Pass in 1832, he was joined in the same year by Thomas Courts, an Englishman, who had abandoned the Lavaca Bay region because of hostile Indians.

    55 History of The Thomas Courts Family, Port Arthur News, undated clipping, circa 1938, copy owned by the writer.
    (W.T. Block)


    Residence:
    per historical marker in Lions Park in Sabine Pass


    Property:
    Property surveyed on May 3rd, 1850.


    Property:
    List compiled 1 May 1838, Jefferson County, recorded in Beaumont.
    Thomas Court 1 league and labor Immigrated to country (Texas) 1829)

    Thomas* married Ann* Johnson on 19 Aug 1828 in Opelousas, St. Landry Parish, Louisiana. Ann* (daughter of Moses** Johnson and Nancy** Anna Robert) was born in 1810 in St. Landry Parish, Louisiana; died after 1860 in of, Calhoun Co, Texas. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]


  2. 13.  Ann* Johnson was born in 1810 in St. Landry Parish, Louisiana (daughter of Moses** Johnson and Nancy** Anna Robert); died after 1860 in of, Calhoun Co, Texas.

    Other Events and Attributes:

    • Residence: Abt 1831, Lavaca Bay region, Texas
    • Census: 08 Oct 1850, Sabine Pass, Jefferson Co, Texas
    • Census: 19 Jun 1860, Aransas, Refugio Co, Texas
    • Census: 18 Jul 1860, Calhoun Co (Precinct 4), Texas; P.O. Saluria Island

    Notes:

    Marriage Bond:
    Bonded by Thomas Court and James Cole - witnessed by David Simmons and Ben B. Jefferson.
    License: Witnesses: Jake & David Simmons; performed by Isham Nettles, Baptist minister.
    Certificate: Ben B. Jefferson and David Simmons

    Benjamin B. Jefferson was one of the witnesses attending to the sale account of the estate of Nancy Sullivan on September 15, 1929

    Note: Daughters of Moses Johnson and Nancy Roberts -
    1. Anna m Thomas Court 2. Marie m James Hayes, Sr.
    child James Madison Court child James Hayes, Jr.
    child Helmer Samuel Courts child Matilda Hayes
    child Claudie Gentz
    Helmer Samuel Courts m Claudie Gentz, 1st cousins, once removed.

    1850 Jeff Co census shows Anna head of household with only Lucretia and Paul Phelan, ages 10 and 6, living at home.

    1860 Rufugio census:
    Enis Burrows 59 Blacksmith, $300 (value personal real estate) ?
    Ann 52 LA
    Paul 14 TX

    Residence:
    After John McGaffey moved to Sabine Pass in 1832, he was joined in the same year by Thomas Courts, an Englishman, who had abandoned the Lavaca Bay region because of hostile Indians.

    Census:
    8 oct 1850 Sabine Pass
    (census pages does not say "Sabine Pass" but the census taker was Worth Patridge, who was a prominent citizen of Sabine Pass)

    residence 99
    Anna Court 40 1810 Louisiana
    Lucretia 10 1840 Texas
    Paul P. 6 1846 Texas

    residence 100
    Francis Gallier (Sr) 50 farmer 1800 Louisiana
    Mary 52 1798 Louisiana
    Eliza Myers 14 1836 Louisiana
    Melissa Ann 6 1844 Louisiana

    (Eliza and Melissa Myers, Mary's orphaned granddaughters, children of her daughter Amelia Hayes and Benjamin Myers.)

    residence 101
    Francis Gallier, Jr. 30 1820 farmer Louisiana
    Mary 35 1815 Louisiana
    Amelia 9 1841 Louisiana
    Adelia 7 1843 Louisiana
    Mary E 2 1848 Louisiana
    Quinton 1/12 1850 Texas
    John Acres 19 1831 Louisiana

    residence 102
    Robert Burrell 47 1803 farmer Louisiana
    Susannah 46 1804 Louisiana
    David 15 Texas 1835 Texas
    Hester 12 1838 Texas
    Frederick 7 1843 Texas




    Census:
    residence 21
    Burris Enos 58 1802 England black smith 400
    Burris Anna 52 1808 Louisiana
    Burris Paul 14 1846 Texas

    residence 22
    DeForest John 33 1827 New York sailor 500
    DeForest Lucrecia 17 1843 Texas (Court)
    DeForest Thomas 2 1858 Texas
    DeForest Robert 1 1859 Texas

    Census:
    Burris Enos 58 1802 England black smith 400
    Burris Anna 52 1808 Louisiana
    DeForrist John 35 1825 New York sailor 500
    DeForrist Lucrecia 17 1843 Texas (Court)
    DeForrist Paul F.C. 15 1845 Texas (Court)

    Notes:



    Married:
    Court, Thomas of England (Thomas & Ellen Anesworth) m 19 Aug 1828 Ann Johnson (Opel Ct hse mar # 51)

    Children:
    1. 6. James* Madison Court was born in 1829 in Louisiana; died after 15 Aug 1899 in Jefferson Co, Texas; was buried in McFaddin, TF Smith Homestead, Forest Lawn Cem, Beaumont, Jefferson Co, Texas.
    2. John Adams Court was born about 1832 in Sabine Pass, Jefferson Co, Texas (prob); died after 1856 in (drowned).
    3. Sarah Ann Court was born on 14 Feb 1836 in Sparks Settlement, Aurora, Jefferson Co, Texas; died after 1910 in of, Sabine Pass, Jefferson Co, Texas.
    4. Rachel E. Court was born on 31 Jan 1837 in Louisiana; died in 1892 in Los Cruses, Dona Ana, New Mexico.
    5. Lucritia Debitha Court was born on 24 Dec 1840 in Port Arthur, Jefferson Co, Texas; died on 18 Jan 1929 in Rockport, Aransas Co, Texas; was buried in Rockport Cem, Rockport, Aransas Co, Texas.
    6. Thomas Jefferson Court was born in Jan 1843 in Sabine Pass, Jefferson Co, Texas; died on 25 Nov 1908 in Comanche Co, Texas.
    7. Paul Phelan Court was born on 28 Mar 1846 in Galveston, Galveston Co, Texas; died on 2 Aug 1915 in Rockport, Aransas Co, Texas.

  3. 14.  John Sidney* Sparks was born on 26 Mar 1811 in North Carolina (son of William* Sparks and (Mrs. James Sparks*) Sparks); died in Aug 1870 in Sparks Settlement, Aurora, Jefferson Co, Texas; was buried in Sparks Cem, Aurora, Jefferson Co, Texas.

    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]


  4. 15.  Melinda* Jones, (maybe dau?)Melinda* Jones, (maybe dau?) was born on 25 Mar 1819 in Middleton, Rhea Co, Tennessee (?) (daughter of Thomas* Jones, (bro of Martin?) and Mrs. (..)* Jones); died after 1880 in Jefferson Co, Texas; was buried in Sparks Cem, Aurora, Jefferson Co, Texas.

    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

    Children:
    1. William E. Sparks was born on 15 Mar 1834 in Franklin Co, Tennessee; died before 1850.
    2. 7. Julia* Ann Sparks was born on 13 Oct 1836 in Franklin Co, Tennessee; died on 25 Jan 1925 in Beaumont, Jefferson Co, Texas; was buried on 26 Jan 1925 in McFaddin, TF Smith Homestead, Forest Lawn Cem, Beaumont, Jefferson Co, Texas.
    3. Thomas Sparks was born on 2 Jan 1839 in Pavell Island, Orange Co, Texas; died in 1865 in Sabine Pass, Jefferson Co, Texas; was buried in Bearvoir Confederate Cemetery.
    4. Albert Sparks was born on 21 Mar 1841 in Pavell Island, Orange Co, Texas; died after 1 Oct 1861 in Sabine Pass, Jefferson Co, Texas (Civil War); was buried in Sparks Cem, Aurora, Jefferson Co, Texas.
    5. Eliza "Elizabeth" Jane Sparks was born on 27 Oct 1843 in Sabine Pass, Jefferson Co, Texas; died on 10 Jul 1925 in Port Neches, Jefferson Co, Texas; was buried in Sparks Cem, Aurora, Jefferson Co, Texas.
    6. John Franklin "Frank" Sparks was born on 17 Jun 1846 in Sabine Pass, Jefferson Co, Texas; died after 12 Oct 1864.
    7. Sarah Melissa Carolyn "Sallie" Sparks was born on 26 Dec 1848 in Sabine Pass, Jefferson Co, Texas; died after 1930 in of, Beaumont, Jefferson Co, Texas.
    8. Arabelle "Belle" Sparks was born on 1 Aug 1851 in Sabine Pass, Jefferson Co, Texas; died on 6 Oct 1906 in Beaumont, Jefferson Co, Texas; was buried in Magnolia Cem, Beaumont, Jefferson Co, Texas.
    9. James Christian (Coleman) Sparks, Sr was born on 10 Dec 1853 in Sabine Pass, Jefferson Co, Texas; died on 12 Dec 1898 in Beaumont, Jefferson Co, Texas; was buried in McFaddin, TF Smith Homestead, Forest Lawn Cem, Beaumont, Jefferson Co, Texas.
    10. Worthy Crindon Sparks was born on 25 Mar 1856 in Sparks Settlement, Aurora, Jefferson Co, Texas; died on 1 Feb 1948 in Beaumont, Jefferson Co, Texas; was buried in Magnolia Cem, Beaumont, Jefferson Co, Texas.
    11. Henry E Sparks was born on 21 Dec 1859 in Sparks Settlement, Aurora, Jefferson Co, Texas; died after 1860.