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Ada Lura Sparks

Female 1893 - 1910  (16 years)


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Generation: 1

  1. 1.  Ada Lura Sparks was born on 9 Jan 1893 in Jefferson Co, Texas (daughter of James Christian (Coleman) Sparks, Sr and Ella Janet Smith); died in 1910 in Jefferson Co, Texas; was buried in McFaddin, TF Smith Homestead, Forest Lawn Cem, Beaumont, Jefferson Co, Texas.

    Other Events and Attributes:

    • 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:

    name maybe Lura Ann

    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)

    Ada married Marion James Spriggs about 1904. Marion was born about 1884; died after 1910. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]


Generation: 2

  1. 2.  James Christian (Coleman) Sparks, SrJames Christian (Coleman) Sparks, Sr was born on 10 Dec 1853 in Sabine Pass, Jefferson Co, Texas (son of John Sidney* Sparks and Melinda* Jones, (maybe dau?)); died on 12 Dec 1898 in Beaumont, Jefferson Co, Texas; was buried 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: 7 Jun 1880, Jefferson Co (District 41), Texas
    • Possessions: Dec 1889, South Park, Beaumont, Jefferson Co, Texas
    • Other-Begin: 22 Mar 1936, Port Arthur News, Port Arthur, Jefferson Co, Texas
    • Other-Begin: 30 Sep 1952, Beaumont, Jefferson Co, Texas; court case: Smith graves
    • Other-Begin: 10 Aug 1961, Beaumont, Jefferson Co, Texas; court case: Smith graves

    Notes:

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

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

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


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

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

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


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

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

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

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

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


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


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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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


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

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

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


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

    List of carpenters that I know of:

    1st generation John Sidney

    2nd " James Christian

    3rd " Arthur Worthy

    4th " ?

    5th " James Willis

    6th " Alfred Ricky

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


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

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

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

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

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


  2. 3.  Ella Janet SmithElla Janet Smith was born in Nov 1857 in Texas (daughter of Thomas Floyd Smith and Ella Ann Lowrey); died on 21 Nov 1928 in Beaumont, Jefferson Co, Texas.

    Other Events and Attributes:

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

    Notes:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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


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

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

    Children:
    1. Iola Janet Sparks was born on 15 Oct 1882 in Sparks Settlement, Aurora, Jefferson Co, Texas; died before 1904.
    2. Arthur Worthy "Slim" Sparks was born on 11 Jan 1884 in Sparks Settlement, Aurora, Jefferson Co, Texas; died on 29 May 1957 in Bay City, Matagorda Co, Texas; was buried in Cedarvale Cem, Bay City, Matagorda Co, Texas.
    3. 1. Ada Lura Sparks was born on 9 Jan 1893 in Jefferson Co, Texas; died in 1910 in Jefferson Co, Texas; was buried in McFaddin, TF Smith Homestead, Forest Lawn Cem, Beaumont, Jefferson Co, Texas.
    4. Clara Alice Sparks was born on 15 May 1895 in Beaumont, Jefferson Co, Texas; died in 1986 in Vidor, Orange Co, Texas; was buried in Williamson Cem, Orange Co, Texas.
    5. James Chester Sparks, Jr was born on 19 May 1897 in Sparks Settlement, Aurora, Jefferson Co, Texas; died on 20 Mar 1952 in Beaumont, Jefferson Co, Texas.


Generation: 3

  1. 4.  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]


  2. 5.  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. 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. 2. 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.

  3. 6.  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]


  4. 7.  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. 3. Ella Janet Smith was born in Nov 1857 in Texas; died on 21 Nov 1928 in Beaumont, Jefferson Co, Texas.
    6. 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.


Generation: 4

  1. 8.  William* Sparks was born about 1783 in Wilkes Co, North Carolina (son of Joseph* Sparks); died after 1830 in of, Jackson Co, Alabama.

    Other Events and Attributes:

    • Birth: 1785, Surry Co, North Carolina
    • Census: 1830, Jackson Co, Alabama

    Notes:

    William's name, year and state of birth supplied to WileyZ by Jay Sparks (jsparks@beamans.com) who states that the info was supplied to him by Paul Sparks, President of The Sparks Family Association and publisher of the Sparks Quarterly. He states "All of these and about 65% of the other people, I have written a biography about them also." This line from William (1785) going back to Thomas (1615) was also found in FTM Vol 2, Tree 5319 and Vol 1, Tree 4794.

    Date: 98-05-14 11:09:12 EDT
    From: jsparks@beamans.com (JAY SPARKS)
    To: Wileyz@aol.com (John E Sharp)
    William Sparks could have been born early as 1785 and maybe as late as 1790 in North Carolina . William married some where around 1810 in Franklin County, Tennessee. As we are not sure when he and his father, Joseph and the rest of the family moved from Surry County, North Carolina to Franklin County, Tennessee.
    William died some where in the late 1830 or the early 1840. The 1830 census told us that he had eight children and five were born in Tennessee and three in Alabama. The ones we have record of remain together after their father died. The s died at a young age or were never put on any record we have found. I have gone through every record that I have been able to find and have gone through all of the material that has came out in the Sparks Quarterly that is put out by Paul Sparks in Louisville, Kentucky. The only record that we found tied the four brothers together. We have hoped that one of the relatives of the other brother and sisters would come up with the answers to the other. In 1820 census there was only two families living in Tennessee, one was William Sparks and the other was Samuel Sparks. The Sparks's Quarterly has Samuel and his family also. This made it easer to identify each family. When it came to the daughter they are lost for ever. With no will there is no way to find out who they may have married. Only hope is that some ones Great, great, Grandmother was a sister to the brothers and then let it be know. We know that William's first five children were born in Tennessee. What makes it bad or sad that in so many marriages for what ever reason there is no record of the wife, not even the name. But I guess we should be thankful that we have as many records as we do. In so many cases record were devastated by fire,war, age and just wasn't taken care of were destroyed. William moved his family to neighboring Jackson County, Alabama, where he was listed as the head of his family on the 1830 census. An analysis of enumerations of his household on the 1820 and 1830 census that he had eight children, five sons and three daughters. The only record that we could find were of the four sons that moved west, such as John Sidney born near Gatlenburg, Tennessee in 1811 Married Malinda Jones, had two children William in 1834 and Julia Ann in 1836 born in Tennessee, John and family was in Jefferson County, Texas in 1838.
    Daniel was born 1816 in Tennessee, and we believe that he made this trip with his older brother. He married Julia Justice in 1842 in Louisiana, where he remained the rest of his life. Solomon born 1819 in Tennessee - Married Martha Smith inh Carolina on 3/23/1841. They had two children in Tennessee, Lucy Ann 1842 and John L. 1844. Then he started his move, James Edwin born 1847 in Louisiana, and then Mary Susan born 1848 in Jefferson County, Texas.
    Jacob E. was born 1828 in Alabama and believed he made the trip with Solomon in 1847 or before. he remained in Louisiana and in and out of Texas till around 1853 when he married Nancy Johnson and moved to Colorado County, Texas. He lived thill his death in 1871.
    If any of the other children made these moved there have been know record to indicate such.
    _________________________________________

    http://sparksfamilytree.net/family_tree/wga98.html#I22824

    See THE SPARKS QUARTERLY, June 1987, Whole No. 138, pg. 3060:

    "William Sparks, probable son of Joseph Sparks, was born between 1780 and 1790. When the 1820 census was taken of Franklin County, Tennessee, he and his wife had five children living in their household, all born between 1810 and 1820. Sometime between 1820 and 1830, William Sparks moved his family to neighboring Jackson County, Alabama, where he was listed as the head of his family on the 1830 census. An analysis of thee numerations of his household on the 1820 and 1830 censuses suggests that he probably had eight children, five sons and three daughters. We have no further record of William Sparks."


    **********


    Also see SPARKS QUARTERLY, March 1989, Whole No. 145, pp 3355-65 , THESPARKSES OF EARLY JEFFERSON COUNTY, TEXAS.


    "William Sparks, head of the above enumerated household, [referring tothe 1820 census of Franklin County, Tennessee] was born between 1780 and1790 and was probably a son of Joseph Sparks (365), the eldest son ofSolomon (356) and Sarah Sparks, who had moved from Frederick County,Maryland, to North Carolina about 1755. Joseph was born probably about1751 in Maryland. He was listed on the 1790 and 1800 censuses of SurryCounty, North Carolina, but by 1820 he was in Franklin County,Tennessee. (He may have been there earlier but we have found no recordof him. The 1800 and 1810 censuses of Tennessee have been destroyed.)Joseph Sparks apparently had six sons: John, Abel, William, George,Solomon, and Jonathan. He probably died between 1820 and 1830 inFranklin County, Tennessee. (See pages 3057-3060 of the June 1987 issue of the QUARTERLY, Whole No. 138, for a more detailed sketch of Joseph Sparks and his family.)


    "Sometime between 1820 and 1830, William Sparks, probably son of Joseph, moved his family to Jackson County, Alabama. It probably was not much of a move, for Franklin County, Tennessee (formed in 1807) and Jackson County, Alabama (formed in 1819) have a common boundary about twenty-five miles long. When the 1830 census was taken of Jackson County,the family of William Sparks consisted of 1 male, born 1825-30; 1 male,born 1820-25; 2 males, born 1815-30; 1 female, born 1815-20; 1 femaleborn 1820-15; and 1 female born 1790-1800. Living nearby was JonathanSparks, born 1780-90, and his family. He was probably a brother ofWilliam Sparks.


    "From these census records, it seems apparent that William Sparks was probably born about 1785 and that his wife was born about 1790. They were probably married about 1810, and they had eight children, five sonsand three daughters, all born between 1810 and 1830. We have no further information about this couple, they may have died before the 1840 censuswas taken.


    "During the 1830s, the family of William Sparks apparently scattered leaving few, if any, records in either Franklin County, Tennessee, or inJackson County, Alabama. Son, John Sparks married, probably in Tennesseeabout 1834, and his first two children were born there, but by 1839 , hewas in Texas. Son, Solomon Sparks went to Hardeman County, Tennessee, where he married in 1841. His first two children were born in Tennessee before he, too, started southward. He stopped for a while in Louisiana where his third child was born about 1846, but by 1850, he was in Texas. Son, Daniel Sparks married about 1844, probably in Louisiana, and he was in Natchitoches Parish in 1850. Son Jacob Sparks was in Jefferson County, Texas, in 1850, but shortly afterwards he married and moved to Colorado County, Texas.


    "We have no further information about William Sparks, nor have we learned the name of his wife. As can be readily seen, we have used agreat deal of conjecture in trying to identify his sons. In spite of conjecture, however, we feel that there are pieces of substantial evidence in the paragraphs written above. Perhaps some of our feelings come from the similarity of the given names, such as Solomon, Joseph, John, George, William, and Jacob. These are the same names that we find in the Maryland Sparkses and were carried to North Carolina. We believe that they were also carried across the mountains to Kentucky, Tennessee, Alabama, and on west."


    [The article continues with information on his children.]
    http://www.sparksfamilytree.net/ghtout/npr601.html#H03079

    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

    William* married (Mrs. James Sparks*) Sparks about 1808 in Washington Co, Virginia (?). (Mrs. was born between 1791 and 1800; died after 1830 in of, Jackson Co, Alabama. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]


  2. 9.  (Mrs. James Sparks*) Sparks was born between 1791 and 1800; died after 1830 in of, Jackson Co, Alabama.

    Notes:

    Name:
    Some records show Rhoda Pennington, but she was wife to another James Sparks, apparently another line of Sparks.

    Children:
    1. 4. John Sidney* Sparks was born on 26 Mar 1811 in North Carolina; died in Aug 1870 in Sparks Settlement, Aurora, Jefferson Co, Texas; was buried in Sparks Cem, Aurora, Jefferson Co, Texas.
    2. Rebecca Sparks was born on 24 Oct 1815 in Putnam Co, Tennessee; died on 1 Dec 1891 in Putnam Co, Tennessee; was buried in Board Valley Cem, Sparta, White Co, Tennessee.
    3. Daniel Sparks was born in 1816 in North Carolina or Franklin Co, Tennessee; died after 1870 in Vowels Mills, Natchitoches Parish, Louisiana.
    4. (daughter) Sparks was born in 1817 in Tennessee; died after 1830.
    5. Solomon Sparks was born in 1819 in Franklin Co, Tennessee; died in 1867 in Sparks Settlement, Aurora, Jefferson Co, Texas; was buried in Sparks Cem, Aurora, Jefferson Co, Texas.
    6. (son) Sparks was born in 1823 in Alabama; died after 1830.
    7. (daughter) Sparks was born in 1825 in Alabama; died after 1830.
    8. Jacob E "Jake" Sparks was born in 1828 in Alabama; died in Feb 1871 in Colorado Co, Texas.

  3. 10.  Thomas* Jones, (bro of Martin?) was born between 1771 and 1780 in Virginia (son of Jesse Riggs* Jones and Miss (..) Clisby); died after 1840 in of, Jackson Co, Alabama.

    Other Events and Attributes:

    • Census: 1830, Jackson Co, Alabama
    • Census: 1840, Jackson Co, Alabama

    Notes:

    Melinda Sparks, 1880 census, states father born in Virginia.

    Birth:
    born in Virginia per Melinda in 1880 census.

    Census:
    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

    (NOTE: usual naming pattern: 1st son after father's father.
    next son named after mother's father. Melinda's 1st son named after John's father; next son named Thomas.)

    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:
    1840 Jackson Co, Alabama
    Name: Thos Jones pg 113
    Home in 1840 (City, County, State): Jackson, Alabama
    Free White Persons - Males - 60 thru 69: 1 1771-1780
    Free White Persons - Females - 15 thru 19: 1 1821-1825
    Persons Employed in Manufacture and Trade: 1
    Free White Persons - Under 20: 1
    Total Free White Persons: 2
    Total All Persons - Free White, Free Colored, Slaves: 2

    If same Thos Jones as Tho Jone (Thos Jones) in 1830,
    wife had died. He had 2 daughters b 1821-1825, one still
    left at home. Everyone else had gone.
    from 1830:
    Males - 15 thru 19: 1 1811-1815 prob gone.
    Males - 50 thru 59: 2 1771-1780
    Thos and probably a brother or bro-in-law
    females - Under 5: 1 1825-1830 age in 1840 10-15; married early or fostered out or died?
    females - 5 thru 9: 2 1821-1825 one dau still home in 1840,
    other prob married
    females - 10 thru 14: 2 1816-1820 other dau prob married
    *** COULD BE MELINDA - b 1819 or age 11 ***
    Melinda married but in TN. If dau of Thos and this is same Thos still in Alabama, how did she get to TN?
    females - 40 thru 49: 1 1781-1790 (Mrs. - prob deceased)


    other Jones in 1840 Jackson Co
    pg 95 Smith Jones age 1781-1790 (not adjacent)
    pg 95 Thomas Jones age 1801-1810 (not adjacent, s/o Wesley)
    pg 95 William H. Jones age 1801-1810 (not adjacent)
    pg 141 Jacob Jones age 1791-1800
    pg 123 William Jones (next to Plunett) age 1781-1790
    pg 123 Plunett Jones (next to Wm) age 1791-1800
    pg 119 Henry Jones age 1791-1800
    pg 31 William B. Jones age 1811-1820
    pg 41 Albert Jones age 1811-1820
    pg 53 Albert C. Jones age 1811-1820
    pg 53 Charles Jones (next to Albert C) age 1811-1820
    pg 117 Andrew Jones age 1771-1780
    pg 48 William Jones age 1801-1810
    pg 49 William R. Jones age 1809-1820
    pg 125 Wesley Jones age 1801-1810
    pg 17 Larken Jones age 1801-1810
    pg 145 Moses Jones age 1801-1810
    pg 51 Robert Jones age 1781-1790 (adj to Armstead)
    pg 51 Armstead Jones age 1801-1810 (adj to Robert)
    pg 51 B.J. Jones (not adj to Armstead, Robert) age 1771-1780
    pg 139 Benjamin Jones age 1811-1820
    pg 113 Thomas Jones age 1771-1780 * ( prob )
    pg 143 Briten Jones (next to David) age 1781-1790
    pg 143 David Jones (next to Briten) age 1781-1790
    (John Gammon same pg 143)
    pg 129 David Jones (not adj to John) age 1801-1810
    pg 129 John Jones (not adj to David) age 1781-1790
    pg 121 Catherine Jones age 1801-1810
    pg 135 Elijah Jones (not adj to Felix) age 1801-1810
    pg 135 Felix Jones (not adj to Elijah) age 1791-1800
    pg 107 Elizabeth Jones age 1801-1810
    pg 91 J.H. Jones age 1811-1820
    pg 25 James Jones age 1811-1820
    (Story, Brown, Sanders same pg 25)
    pg 73 John O. Jones age 1781-1790
    pg 7 Robert Jones age 1791-1800

    Thomas* married Mrs. (..)* Jones about 1818. (..)* was born between 1781 and 1790 in Tennessee; died after 1830 in of, Jackson Co, Alabama. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]


  4. 11.  Mrs. (..)* Jones was born between 1781 and 1790 in Tennessee; died after 1830 in of, Jackson Co, Alabama.

    Notes:

    Melinda Sparks, 1880 census, states mother born in Tennessee.

    Children:
    1. (son) Jones was born between 1811 and 1815; died after 1830 in of, Jackson Co, Alabama.
    2. (daughter) Jones was born between 1816 and 1820; died after 1830 in of, Jackson Co, Alabama.
    3. 5. Melinda* Jones, (maybe dau?) 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.
    4. (daughter) Jones was born between 1821 and 1825; died after 1830 in of, Jackson Co, Alabama.
    5. (daughter) Jones was born between 1821 and 1825; died after 1830 in of, Jackson Co, Alabama.
    6. (daughter) Jones was born between 1825 and 1830; died after 1830 in of, Jackson Co, Alabama.