James* Madison Court b. 1829 Louisiana d. Aft 15 Aug 1899 Jefferson Co, Texas: Our Family History

1829 - Aft 1899 (> 70 years)

Name	James* Madison Court
Birth	1829	Louisiana [1]
Gender	Male
Residence	Abt 1831	Lavaca Bay Region, Texas
	according to Historical marker, his father arrived in Sabine Pass in 1832, arriving from the Lavaca Bay region.
		Sabine Pass Lions Park Historic Marker 10500 honoring Thomas Court 7th and Broadway Sabine Pass, Texas
		Texas owned by Mexico 1821 - 21 Apr 1836 Mexico: 1821 – April 21, 1836 – San Jacinto Day In 1821 Mexico gained independence from Spain and the region of Texas became part of Mexico. The Austin family received a grant to settle 300 US citizens in the new territory. These settlers were led by Stephen F. Austin. Many more soon followed. Santa Anna was elected governor of Mexico in 1832 and soon after sent troops into Texas to force martial law. The Texans first rebelled at Goliad in 1835. A troop of Mexican soldiers had come to get their cannon and the Texians refused – making a flag that said “Come and Take it!” The Texians then took over the city of San Antonio. On March 2, 1836 at the town of Washington on the Brazos, a group of 59 representatives voted to declare Texas independence. Just 4 days later, on March the 6th, Santa Anna led his army to the Alamo where he had all survivors executed. He marched on to Goliad and had everyone shot there as well. General Sam Houston and his army of Texians faced their final battle with Santa Anna along the banks of Buffalo Bayou. They fought and won independence for Texas at the Battle of San Jacinto on April 21, 1836 http://texasproud.com/history/six-flags-over-texas-history
Residence	Between 1836 and 1845	Sabine Pass, Jefferson Co, Texas
	Republic of Texas
		The Republic of Texas 1836-1845 The Republic of Texas: 1836 – 1845 Sam Houston was elected the first president of the Republic of Texas. The small town of Waterloo was chosen to be the capitol and it was renamed Austin – in honor of Stepehen F. Austin. The last president of the Republic of Texas was elected in 1844 – Anson Jones. He ruled just 1 year before Texas joined the United States. http://texasproud.com/history/six-flags-over-texas-history
Residence	Feb 1836	Sabine Pass, Jefferson Co, Texas
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, Jefferson Co, Texas
	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
		1850 Texas, Jefferson County, Sabine Pass, Census pg 249 John Sparks and Melinda Jones Sparks, James Court and Julia Ann Sparks Court, Solomon Sparks and family, and Brewer, Stockholm, Holt, Bludworth families.
Census	12 Jul 1860	Sabine Pass (Precinct 5), Jefferson Co, Texas
	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
		1860 Texas, Jefferson County, Sabine Pass census James and Julia Sparks Court family; John and Melinda Jones Sparks family; and Samuel and Eliza Sparks Lee.
Residence	Between 1861 and 1865	Sabine Pass, Jefferson Co, Texas
	Texas Confederate States
		Texas - Confederate States 1861 - 1865 When the Civil War broke out in 1861, The State of Texas decided to join with the Southern Confederate states. Governor Sam Houston resigned and refused to swear allegiance with the Confederates. The news of the 1863 Emancipation Proclamation did not reach Texas until June 19th, 1865. The last battle of the Civil War was fought at Brownsville on May 11, 1865 – a month after the formal surrender of General Lee at Appomattox. Texas was readmitted to the Union on March 30, 1870. Anson Jones was the last president of the Republic of Texas. In the changing of the flags ceremony he said, “The final act in this great drama is now performed, the Republic of Texas is no more.” http://texasproud.com/history/six-flags-over-texas-history
Military	28 May 1862	enlisted Company B (gunboat "Uncle Ben")
	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
		Sabine Pass in the Civil War W.T. Block reprinted from East Texas Historical Journal, Vol. IX No. 2( October 1917), 129-136 http://www.wtblock.com/wtblockjr/civilwar1.htm
Census	23 Jun 1870	Sparks and River Settlement, Jefferson Co, Texas
	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
		1870, Texas, Jefferson County, Sparks Settlement census
Census	12 Jun 1880	Beaumont (District 40), Jefferson Co, Texas
	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.)
		1880 Texas, Jefferson County, Beaumont (District 40) Census Courts, James Madison and Julia Sparks Courts, and Helmer, James, Annie, Lillian, Fannie, Emmett, Viola, also Clifton Courts and family and William Courts and family.
Death	Aft 15 Aug 1899	Jefferson Co, Texas
Other-Begin	30 Sep 1952	Beaumont, Jefferson Co, Texas
	court case: Smith graves
		McFaddin Cemetery - TF Smith Homestead 1952 Article Beaumont Enterprise; "Early Burials Found on Neches"; "One of Area Private Cemeteries Uncovered on DuPont Tract"
		Court Cause No. 16187: "W.P.H. McFaddin, Jr., et al, vs. Unknown Heirs of Caroline Sparks, et al" 30 Sep 1952 named deceased persons to-wit: Caroline Sparks, Edward Sparks, John L. Sparks, William Sparks, Joseph Sparks, Susan Sparks Crawford, Phillip Crawford, James C. Sparks, Lura Sparks Spriggs, James M. Court, Julia A. Court, James F. Court, Lillian Court Smith, Irvin Smith, Francis Court Sparks, Viola Court Sparks, Madison Court, Sarah A. Court, Edna Court, Beulah Court, a Mrs. E. Bordeman and child... 45.7 acres on T.F. Smith homestead tract; included in league bought by J.S. Johnson in 1924, who later conveyed the property to E.I. DuPont in 1952, at which time private cemetery was discovered. Court proceedings to have the remains relocated. The following family members not named in the suit but were included in cemetery records: in Grave 1 were: Tilda Courts, Homer Courts, Caudine (Claudie) Courts, Estie baby Courts, Carmel Courts, (unknown), Buff Courts, (unknown), James C Sparks Sr, Fred Frugia (unknown), Genevia Frugia), Florence Frugia (unknown), Brad Courts Sr.
Other-Begin	10 Aug 1961	Beaumont, Jefferson Co, Texas
	court case: Smith graves
	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)
		McFaddin Cemetery - TF Smith Homestead Forest Lawn Index Card on occupants of graves.
Burial	McFaddin, TF Smith Homestead, Forest Lawn Cem, Beaumont, Jefferson Co, Texas
		McFaddin Cemetery - TF Smith Homestead Grave 4 COURTS, Madison Elias Madison "Matt" - s/o James & Julia m Sallie Gibson SMITH, Irving (or Ivy) son of Lillian Courts Smith SMITH, Lillian Courts d/o James & Julia - m Mr. Smith, prob Irving COURTS, James F. s/o James & Julia, died 1910 - m Matilda Gibson COURTS, Julia A. (our Julia) COURTS, James M. (our James) COURTS, Sarah A. - might be d/o Thomas and Ann, m Lewis King COURTS, Beulah - unknown COURTS, Brad - likely James Bradley s/o Elias "Matt - m Sallie Gibson, m Maggie Bumstead; however his d.c. says buried in Saratoga. No other Brad's known of. Perhaps erroneously included in this group.
		McFaddin Cemetery - TF Smith Homestead McFaddin Cemetery was located on property south of Beaumont, in Port Neches, Central Gardens at a location within the grounds of where DuPont is now. The cemetery was discovered in the Fifties, and due to the impending construction of the plant. (See attached newspaper coverage). There were about 30 people buried there whose remains were subsequently placed in four separate concrete boxes and relocated to Forest Lawn Cemetery where they were laid once again to rest in the Garden of Peace section. The headstones for the four graves are all identical, reading simply "TF Smith Homstead Tract Cemetery." The detailed list of occupants only exist on an index card in the Forest Lawn Memorial Park records (see copy attached). All of these people were either residents or descendants of the Sparks Settlement, also called Aurora, (what later became Port Arthur. The families were predominantly the Sparks, Courts and Gentz families and other family names who married into these families. Sparks Settlement was abandoned in late 1800s due to storms and disease; even the houses were moved. Most of them started another community in the Port Neches, Central Gardens area where they started a new cemetery - i.e. what was called the McFaddin Cemetery. Sparks Cemetery was also abandoned. The occupants of that cemetery, those who died while the community was active, were never moved; only recognized by a historical marker placed in a boulevard on DeQueen at Lakeshore (see photo). There is some false information on the Internet that the remains in Sparks Cemetery were removed to Forest Lawn. But what I have been able to discover is that is not the case. It is the later cemetery, McFaddin Cemetery, that was removed. There is also some belief that the cemetery was used even into the 1920s for burial needs; but that also seems to be mistaken information. The were fine and strong and brave pioneers who I am so proud to call my ancestors. They helped build our community here, and somehow, I hope to bring to mind the signifcance of those four plain little headstones marked simply "TF Smith Homestead Tract Cemetery."
		McFaddin Cemetery - TF Smith Homestead
		McFaddin, TF Smith Homestead, Forest Lawn Cemetery, Garden of Peace Section
		McFaddin, TF Smith Homestead, Forest Lawn Cemetery, Garden of Peace Section
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 _________________________________
Person ID	I505	Roots
Last Modified	10 Feb 2011

Father	Thomas* Court, (immigrant), b. Bef 5 Jan 1800, St Mary the Virgin, Blackburn, Lancashire, England d. Bef May 1850, Sabine Pass or Galveston, Texas (drowned) (Age > 50 years)
Mother	Ann* Johnson, b. 1810, St. Landry Parish, Louisiana d. Aft 1860, of, Calhoun Co, Texas (Age > 51 years)
Marriage	19 Aug 1828	Opelousas, St. Landry Parish, Louisiana [2]
	Court, Thomas of England (Thomas & Ellen Anesworth) m 19 Aug 1828 Ann Johnson (Opel Ct hse mar # 51)
		Thomas P Court and Ann Johnson marriage certificate 19 Aug 1828 Opelousas, St. Landry Parish, Louisiana
Notes
Family ID	F236	Group Sheet \| Family Chart

Family Julia* Ann Sparks, b. 13 Oct 1836, Franklin Co, Tennessee d. 25 Jan 1925, Beaumont, Jefferson Co, Texas (Age 88 years)

Marriage 15 Oct 1850 Jefferson Co, Texas [3]

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.

James Madison Court and Julia Sparks Marriage Certificate
15 Oct 1850
Beaumont, Texas

Children

+	1. Mary Ellen Courts, b. 8 Sep 1852, Sabine Pass, Jefferson Co, Texas d. 19 Dec 1935, Beaumont, Jefferson Co, Texas (Age 83 years)
+	2. Henry Clifton Courts, Sr, b. 5 Jul 1854, Sabine Pass, Jefferson Co, Texas d. 18 May 1938, Beaumont, Jefferson Co, Texas (Age 83 years)
+	3. Julia Nasebyntha "Norie" Courts, b. 7 Jun 1856, Sparks Settlement, Aurora, Jefferson Co, Texas d. 19 Apr 1936, Beaumont, Jefferson Co, Texas (Age 79 years)
+	4. William Thomas Courts, b. 27 Feb 1858, Sparks Settlement, Aurora, Jefferson Co, Texas d. 21 Feb 1943, Houston, Harris Co, Texas (Age 84 years)
+	5. Elias Madison "Matt" Courts, b. 11 Dec 1859, Sparks Settlement, Aurora, Jefferson Co, Texas d. 28 Nov 1919, Beaumont, Jefferson Co, Texas (Age 59 years)
+	6. Samuel* Helmer Courts, b. 15 Mar 1862, Sparks Settlement, Aurora, Jefferson Co, Texas d. 27 Dec 1954, Port Arthur, Jefferson Co, Texas (Age 92 years)
	7. Liza Courts, b. 1863, Sparks Settlement, Aurora, Jefferson Co, Texas d. Bef 1880, Sparks Settlement, Aurora, Jefferson Co, Texas (Age < 17 years)
+	8. James Franklin Courts, b. 1865, Jefferson Co, Texas d. Abt 09 Nov 1910, Beaumont, Jefferson Co, Texas (Age 45 years)
+	9. Annie Melinda Courts, b. 18 Sep 1866, Sabine Pass, Jefferson Co, Texas d. 7 Apr 1944, Beaumont, Jefferson Co, Texas (Age 77 years)
	10. (daughter) Court, b. Oct 1869, Sabine Pass, Jefferson Co, Texas d. Oct 1869, Sabine Pass, Jefferson Co, Texas (Age ~ 0 years)
+	11. Lillian Sarah "Lillie" Courts, b. 1872, Sparks Settlement, Aurora, Jefferson Co, Texas d. Bef 1910, Jefferson Co, Texas (Age < 37 years)
+	12. Fannie Irene Courts, b. 1875, Sparks Settlement, Aurora, Jefferson Co, Texas d. Bef 1910, Jefferson Co, Texas (Age 35 years)
	13. Emmett Marion Courts, b. Jul 1877, Sparks Settlement, Aurora, Jefferson Co, Texas d. 04 Jan 1936, Port Neches, Jefferson Co, Texas (Age ~ 58 years)
+	14. Viola "Vee" Courts, b. Jul 1879, Sparks Settlement, Aurora, Jefferson Co, Texas d. Jan 1912, Matagorda Co, Texas (Age ~ 32 years)

Documents

Courts, James and Julia Ann Sparks
Marriage certificate
license 12 Dec 1850 recorded by I.K. Robertson, county clerk of Jefferson County, Texas
marriage performed by Wm Chisholm, Justice of the Peace, Jefferson Co, Texas Precinct 5

provided to me by Jaye Hendon on 10/13/2015

Family ID F203 Group Sheet | Family Chart

Last Modified 14 Oct 2015

Event Map

	Birth - 1829 - Louisiana
	Residence - Abt 1831 - Lavaca Bay region, Texas
	Residence - Republic of Texas - Between 1836 and 1845 - Sabine Pass, Jefferson Co, Texas
	Residence - Feb 1836 - Sabine Pass, Jefferson Co, Texas
	Marriage - 15 Oct 1850 - Jefferson Co, Texas
	Census - 24 Oct 1850 - Sabine Pass, Jefferson Co, Texas
	Census - 12 Jul 1860 - Sabine Pass (Precinct 5), Jefferson Co, Texas
	Residence - Texas Confederate States - Between 1861 and 1865 - Sabine Pass, Jefferson Co, Texas
	Death - Aft 15 Aug 1899 - Jefferson Co, Texas
	Other-Begin - court case: Smith graves - 30 Sep 1952 - Beaumont, Jefferson Co, Texas
	Other-Begin - court case: Smith graves - 10 Aug 1961 - Beaumont, Jefferson Co, Texas
	Burial - - McFaddin, TF Smith Homestead, Forest Lawn Cem, Beaumont, Jefferson Co, Texas

= Link to Google Earth

Photos » Slide Show		Sparks Exhibit, Museum of the Gulf Coast - Court, James Madison 700 Procter Street Port Arthur, Texas
		Court, James
		Courts, James and Julia Ann Sparks (mistakenly identified as Elder and Tercy Stewart Nobles) Explanation: This photograph was labeled to be Elder Nobles and Tercy Stewart Nobles who lived in Mississippi and was posted to Ancestry as such by Kermit Nobles, their great-grandson. There was a marital connection between the family of Elder Nobles' brother, John Franklin Nobles, who came to Beaumont, and the Gentz family who married into the Courts family. In comparing the photo to known pictures of James and Julia, they are clearly the same couple. Marguerite Courts Mudd, granddaughter of James and Julia, had the individual photo of James Court in a wall size which she gave to her great great nephew, John Sharp, my son. There was also a copy of the individual photographs on display at the Gulf Coast Museum in Port Arthur and were identified as James and Julia Sparks Courts. How the photograph of the two of them got to Mississippi and came to be identified as a photograph of Elder and his wife Tercy will remain a mystery, but this is clearly James and Julia.

Documents » Slide Show		War Department Response Addressed to Julia Sparks Court, Widow of James, regarding his military service - 17 Feb 1906 (d)
		James Madison Courts Confederate Pension Application 7 Oct 1899 Beaumont, Texas (d)
		Court, James M - Request for James M Court Military Records to Comptroller's Office, Sate of Texas, on behalf of Julia Sparks Court requesting military records of James M. Court 12 Feb 1906 (d)
		Julia Sparks Court Confederate Pension Application Application for James Madison Court Pension, approved 5 Mar 1915, however Julia died 25 Jan 1925. (d)
		Family Brands (1 of 2) Family Brands Burrell, Burris, Court, Courts, Gentz (document obtained by Debbie Spurgeron, Jul 28, 2003) (d)
		Courts and Sparks Families in Southeast Texas (d)
		Sparks and Aurora Originally published in about 1940, and published on the Internet by "Old and Sold, Turn-of-the-Century wisdom for today." Tells of life among the Sparks and families who lived in the Sparks Settlement in the mid to late 1800s. (d) http://www.oldandsold.com/articles11/port-arthur-4.shtml

Albums

Aurora Remembered (11)
In October 1837, two San Augustine men, H. M. Hanks and Colonel Almonzan Huston, former quartermaster general of the Texas army, teamed up to found the townsite of Aurora at present-day Port Arthur.34 One record indicates that the townsite contained 6,677 lots. Although Huston sold some lots to residents of San Augustine, no more than six transactions are recorded in Jefferson County, and the realty venture was soon abandoned. In time, the townsite’s name was transferred to nearby “Sparks’ Settlement,” at the mouth of Taylor’s Bayou, where John and Solomon Sparks settled in 1841 and operated a ferry.

Chapter VI: A History of Jefferson County, Texas
Early Town-Building and Government
By W. T. Block

Settlement on the Sabine Lake, first known as Sparks Settlement, and is now Port Arthur, where the Sparks, Courts, Gentz, Burrell, Johnson, Clark, Hayes, and other families lived from 1830s until late 1890s when disease, hurricanes, and mosquitos forced the families to abandon their settlement, moving further inland to Port Neches, Groves, and Beaumont.

Sources
[S77] 1850 US Jefferson Co Census.

[S511] Southwest Lousiana Records, Vol 2.

[S371] Marriage license.