"(Dr.)
Paul E. Sparks and this writer (Dr. Russell E. Bidlack) are now convinced that
we have identified the parentage of William Sample Sparks, as well as his
siblings and three of his children. We have to admit, however, that our
proof for these relationships is based on what in the law is called "a
preponderance of evidence" rather than upon a primary source document
containing this information. In part, our conclusions have been reached through
a process of elimination based on years of study of all members of the
Queen Anne's County Sparks family. Much of
our difficulty in this research results from the repeated use of the
forename "William" by members of this branch of the family. Not
only was the grandfather of William Sample Sparks named William (we have
his 1709 will probated in Queen Anne's County that same year), but this
first William Sparks named his oldest son William, and in turn, not only did
that son (William Sparks, Jr.) name a son William, but each of the other
three sons of this first William Sparks (who died in 1709) also named a
son William, apparently to honor their father. Fortunately, William, son
of William Jr., was either given a middle name at his birth or, what is
more probable, adopted the middle name "Sample." This helps greatly
to distinguish him in the records of the time from his father and from his
three first cousins named William Sparks. Unfortunately, there were occasions
when "Sample" was omitted from his name when a clerk recorded it
in an official record.
"Until about a decade ago, we thought that the William Sparks who died in Surry County, North Carolina, in 1802 was William Sample
Sparks. We gradually came to realize, however, that this William Sparks who
died in1802 was actually a son of William Sample Sparks, who had died some 35
years earlier. Unfortunately, this erroneous identification was given in
several early issues of THE SPARKS QUARTERLY . A citation for each of these
errors will appear at the end of this article.
"In the QUARTERLY of March, 1971, Whole No. 73, pp. 1371-1389, appeared a
study of the early Sparks families of Kent, Talbot, and Queen Anne's
Counties, Maryland. On pages 3881-3889, we presented a biographical record
of the first William Sparks to live in that area and who wrote his will in June
1709 in Queen Anne's County. This
will was probated in the County Court when the justices met the following
October, which means that he had died in the summer or early autumn of
1709. There we presented documentary proof that this first William Sparks had
come to Maryland from the county of Hampshire in England. These same
records prove that he had a brother named John Sparks who lived near
William Sparks in Maryland, dying in 1700. In his will, John Sparks referred to two sons named
John Sparks and George Sparks still in England. Another document proves
that in 1716 John and George were living in Christchurch Parish
in Hampshire County. From information recently provided us by Susan Sparks
LeDuc of Ft. Wayne, Indiana, who also descends from this branch of the family,
we believe that the above William and John Sparks may have been sons of
Thomas and Joane (Davis) Sparks who were married in Fareham Parish in
Hampshire County, England on October 19, 1635. Among their children
baptised in that parish were William Sparks, baptized on August 6 , 1646, and John Sparks, baptized
on December
3, 1649. While
the ages of these two children appear to fit those of William and John Sparks
who later appeared in Maryland,
we must beg our readers to treat these relationships as speculative until more
extensive proof can be obtained. (Thomas Sparks of Fareham Parish had two
other sons: Francis Sparks who was aptized on July 20, 1641, and Richard Sparks who was baptized
on December 10,
1658.)
Baptisms in England in the 1600s were usually performed soon after a child's
birth. "William Sparks (died 1709), the first American ancestor of this
branch of the Sparks family, came to the colony of Maryland in or
about1663. During the next 45 years, he accumulated a good deal of property
which he passed on to his wife, Mary, and to his children under his will.
As noted earlier, one of his sons was named William, and while the elder
William Sparks was living, this son was called William Sparks, Jr., in official
records. We believe that William Sparks , Jr., was the eldest son of William
Sparks and that he was born about 1674. He was married twice, his first wife
being Margaret Hamilton , daughter of Josiah Hamilton, to whom he had been
married no later than March 1696 and who was the mother of William Sample Sparks.
(Margaret Hamilton was identified as the wife of William Sparks and the
daughter of Josiah Hamilton in a New Castle County, Delaware, deed dated
March 31, 1696, and recorded in Deed Book B-1, pp. 101-02; Josiah
Hamilton had died by this date and property in New Castle that had been inherited by Margaret was sold
in this deed.)" (JS Note: It was later
determined that there was no such person as Josiah Hamilton. That deed referred
to Josyn Hamilton, formerly Josyn (Boyer) Sample, Widow of William Sample,
who were William Sample Sparks' grandparents. See the December 2000 issue
of the QUARTERLY, Whole No. 192, pp 5443-5461.)
"Sometime prior to 1729, Margaret (Hamilton) Sparks
died, and William Sparks, Jr., then married Anne ---, who died on December 16, 1730. (The Julian Calendar was
still used by England and her colonies in1730,
and Anne's date of death under the Gregorian Calendar adopted by England in 1752 would have been on December 27, 1730, according to today's
reconing.) Anne Sparks' death was recorded in St. Luke's Parish Register in
Queen Anne's County, Maryland.
William Sparks , Jr. died about 1735, we believe, but no probate of his estate
has been found among Queen Anne's County records.
"William Sparks , Jr. had three brothers who, along with himself, were
named in their father's will of June 1709. They were George Sparks, born
about 1679; John Sparks, born about 1684; and Joseph Sparks ,born about
1689 . The elder William Sparks also mentioned a deceased daughter in his will,
who had married a man named Hynson.
"William Sparks, Jr. and each of his brothers had several children,
resulting in at least 35
Sparks grandchildren for the elder
William Sparks (died 1709). As mentioned earlier, four of these grand children
were named William in his honor. Dr. Paul E. Sparks, as has been noted,
has spent many years studying the records pertaining to this branch of
the Sparks family, and in the QUARTERLY of June 1988, Whole No. 142,
pp.3229-31, he presented a list of these 35 probable grandchildren, with
notes identifying each as best he could. The William Sparks shown as number 32
on this list was, we are convinced, the William Sample Sparks who is the
subject of this article. "Middle names were very rarely used before
the 19th century, and we suspect that "Sample" was added by our
subject to help distinguish himself in official records from his father
and his three cousins who were also named William Sparks. When it was that he
may have added "Sample" to his name, we do not know, nor do we
know why the name "Sample" was chosen. This was a Maryland surname, and it is possible
that there was some connection between the Sparks and Sample families . Each time that a record was
made that had been initiated by William Sample Sparks, whether in Maryland or later in North Carolina, his full name appeared,
but when a clerk recorded his name in a court or church record, his
middle name was usually omitted. This was probably because middle
names were so rare in the 17th and 18th centuries. (See note above re Whole
No. 192 revealing the source of the name Sample.)
"In the several instances where William Sample Sparks signed a document
which has been preserved, he signed by mark, as did his father and
grandfather. Not everyone in those days who signed by mark, however, was
illiterate, and even if they could not write, they could often read.
"Prior to the creation of St. Luke's Parish in Queen Anne's County, the
parish which included the area were the Sparks family lived was St. Paul's
Parish, the records for which, unfortunately, have not been preserved.
In 1728, a petition addressed to the Upper and Lower Houses of the
Assembly of the Province of Maryland was circulated for
signatures. It requested that a new parish be created because "many souls
have to travel as much as twenty to thirty miles to keep the Lord's
Day." Among the signers of this petition was "William Sparks, Senr.
"This was surely the William Sparks born about 1674 who had been called
"William Sparks, Jr." until his father died in 1709. In 1728, with his father having been dead for
nearly 20 years and his own son, also named William, having come of age, it was
logical that he now be called "Senior."
"Also among the signers of this 1728 petition were two other men whose
names appeared
simply as "William Sparks." We are confident that one of these was
our William Sample Sparks--someone probably obtained his permission to add
his name and omitted the middle name "Sample," or it is possible that
he had not yet begun using it. The second William Sparks on this petition
was probably the son of John Sparks and a first cousin to William Sample
Sparks. (William Sparks, son of John, was born about1706.) John Sparks
also signed this petition, as did two men named George Sparks. One of
these was doubtless the George Sparks, born about 1679,who was a son of the
elder William Sparks who had died in 1709; the other was either George's
son or a nephew.
"The petition was successful, and St. Paul's Parish was divided to form
St. Luke's Parish. The Sparks family was included in the new parish. The
marriage dated August
24, 1732,
which was recorded in St. Luke's
Parish register (pg. 41) of a William Sparks and a Mary Courmon (or Corman) may
have been that of our William Sample Sparks, but, if so, it must not have been his first
marriage. Our reason for believing that there had been an earlier marriage date
for William Sample Sparks is the fact that his son, William Sparks (died 1801 in Surry County, North Carolina) obtained his
first grant of land in Frederick County, Maryland, on July 11, 1749. He
must have been at least 21 years old in order to qualify for a land
grant, which would place his birth at least as early as 1728.
"A map showing where the Sparks family of St. Luke's Parish in Queen
Anne's County, Maryland, lived, appeared on the cover of the QUARTERLY
for March 1971, Whole No. 73.
"We have found no record of William Sample Sparks ever owning any land. He
must have been a tradesman, perhaps an inn keeper. (As will be noted
later, there are records of his having had a license to operate an
"ordinary," a term used for an inn or tavern, after he moved to Rowan County, North Carolina.)
"From our brief records pertaining to William Sample Sparks found in Queen
Anne's County and Frederick County, Maryland, it appears that he had both
financial and health problems at different times in his life. For example,
on page 236 of the register of St. Luke's Paris h (this was copied about 1899
from earlier records now in the Library of the Maryland Historical
Society in Baltimore), there is a record dated 1736 indicating that he had
moved out of the parish without paying his church tax. In fact, he was called a
"Runaway Insolvent" in the parish record. At that time, every
adult white male, regardless of his personal religious convictions, was
required to pay a yearly tax to the Church of England. William Sample
Sparks' tax for 1736 was 6 pence, but he left the parish without paying
it. (In this parish record, his middle name was used.)
"It was in or about 1736 that William Sample Sparks left Queen Anne's
County with his family and moved to the western part of the Province of
Maryland. To do so, he would have crossed the Chesapeake Bay and probably traveled near, or possibly through,
the small town of Baltimore, which had been laid out in
1730, to reach the western edge of what is now Carroll County, although at the time it
was part of Prince
George's
County. He settled in the area of Big Pipe and Little Pipe Creeks, perhaps
close to where they join to become Double Pipe Creek, which, after about a
mile, flows into the Monocacy River just above today's Millers Bridge,
about 5 miles north of the town of
Woodsboro. (Little Pipe Creek, which flows north and west, now forms the
boundary between Carroll and Frederick Counties for several miles.)
"The area in which Sparks settled, which is drained by the Monocacy River
and its tributaries, was then commonly called "Monocacy," as
the Indians had called it before the appearance of the white man . This area
comprised most of what is now Frederick County along with part of today's
Carroll County. This area called Monocacy was a true frontier in
the1730s, and William Sample Sparks and his family were true pioneers. He
doubtless built his own cabin after his arrival. Record keeping was very
limited, except for recording the granting and selling of land. Because Sparks
was not a land owner, nor did he become involved in any major lawsuit, his
name was rarely recorded during the nearly two decades that he lived
there. No church existed there in the 1730's except a small Quaker
meeting-house. He did not join this group, nor did he join the Lutheran
Church established later by German settlers.
"A map showing the Big and Little Pipe Creeks, along with the other
streams flowing into the Monocacy River, is given below.(p. 3488)
"When Frederick County was cut off from Prince George's County in1748, it
contained all of the western portion of the province, including Washington
County (which was cut off from Frederick in 1776), as well as Allegany
County (which was cut off from Washington in 1789) , and Garret County (which
was cut off from Allegany in 1872). To the east, Frederick County also included, until 1776, Montgomery County, and from 1748 until 1837, a portion of Carroll County
was included in Frederick.
"This large area that became Frederick County in 1748 had been part of
Prince George's County from the time that Prince George's County had been
cut off from Charles and Calvert Counties in 1695. Between 1695 and 1748,
Prince George's County adjoined Baltimore County and comprised the entire
western half of the province.
"Our earliest reference to William Sample Sparks among court records of Prince George's County is in the
probate file of a man named Allen Farquhar who died in December 1738. Allen
Farquhar (he signed his will on November 30, 1738, as "Allen Farquer"),
was a miller. He had moved from Chester County,
ennsylvania, sometime after 1726 and settled on either the Big or Little
Pipe Creek. He was a man of some means, and his mill served the early settlers
for several miles around. Most business was conducted on credit in those
days, but all bills came due when a creditor died. As part of the
inventory of Allen Farquhar's estate, a list was made of all of those who,
according to his account book, were in his debt for milling services. Over
60 names were listed, including several Indians. The fourth name on the list
was that of William Sparks in the amount of one pound and 14 shillings. It
is not surprising that this middle name was omitted in Farquhar's account
book since he was the only Sparks
in the neighborhood. (The inventory of Farquhar's estate is preserved in
the Hall of Records in Baltimore, Prince George's County Inventories, Vol.
24 , pages 8-10; we are grateful to George J. Horvath of Eldersburg,
Maryland for discovering this record for us.)
"At some point following his settling in the Monocacy area, William Sample
Sparks was joined there by his uncle, Joseph Sparks, with his family. We
know that Joseph Sparks was still in Queen Anne's County, Maryland in the spring of 1738 when,
on April 27,
1738, his son
was baptized in St . Luke's Parish church. Joseph and his wife, Mary,
named this son William. It was some time during the decade that followed that
Joseph Sparks and his family joined William Sample Sparks in the Monocacy area, and
it was there that he died in 1749.
"Joseph Sparks, uncle of William Sample Sparks, died the year following
the creation of Frederick County. He was a relatively young
man when he died, somewhere in his 50s, and he left his wife, Mary, with a
large family. He did not leave a will, which may suggest that he died
suddenly. The records pertaining to the settlement of his estate are in
the Maryland Hall of Records. As was customary, a detailed inventory of Joseph
Sparks' possessions was taken. It was a Maryland law that two relatives of the deceased should
certify the accuracy of such an inventory by signing their names to
it; the two chief creditors of the estate were also supposed to sign. The
children and spouse of the deceased rarely signed such a document, since
they would be heirs,so other close relatives where expected to perform this
service. So, after the inventory of Joseph Sparks' belongings was completed
by two of his neighbors in June 1749, William Sample Sparks signed it
(by mark). His full name was given. The other signer was "Rachell
Sparks," who likewise signed by mark. In-laws were permitted to
sign Maryland inventories and, while we cannot be certain, it would appear
that Rachel may have been the wife of William Sample Sparks.
"If, indeed, the Rachel Sparks who signed with William Sample Sparks as
kin of Joseph Sparks in 1749 was the wife of William Sample Sparks, we
must conclude that she was either a third wife or that the marriage record
cited earlier for a William Sparks and a Mary Courman was not that of William
Sample Sparks. It may well be that his one and only wife was named
Rachel. There was not a great deal of difference in the ages of William Sample
Sparks and his uncle, Joseph Sparks. The latter was born about 1689 while
William Sample Sparks was born about 1700. While Joseph's children were
first cousins of William Sample, they were nearly a generation younger than he.
"The widow of Joseph Sparks was named Mary - - we have found no clue to
reveal her maiden name. She became administratrix of her husband's
estate. The two disinterested parties who prepared the inventory were
Joseph Wood and William Carmack. From a recent book entitled PIONEERS OF OLD
MONOCACY, THE EARLY SETTLEMENT OF FREDERICK COUNTY , MARYLAND,1721-1743,
by Grace L. Tracey and John P. Dern, we know t hat Joseph Wood lived on
Lingamore Creek about a half-mile south of present day Unionville. William
Carmack (1716- 1776) had moved to the Lingamore Creek area after 1733 from
Cecil County, Maryland. The two creditors who signed the inventory of the
estate of Joseph Sparks in 1749 were David Young, who claimed that Sparks had
owed him "one pound and four pence," and Osborn Sprigg. The
amount owed to Sprigg was not specified, although in the final settlement he
was identified as "Sheriff" and was paid in tobacco valued at 3 pounds, 14 shillings, and 4pence "Recalling that the
mother of William Sample Sparks was Margaret (Hamilton) Sparks, it
is interesting that a John Hamilton was one of the1749 creditors of Joseph
Sparks in Frederick County. (We have not succeeded as yet in tracing the
ancestry of Margaret Hamilton other than knowing her father's name was Josiah
Hamilton.)
"The children of Joseph and Mary Sparks were identified in a Frederick
County court record dated August 1750 in which Mary was ordered to give to each of her
children his/her proper share of Joseph's estate. The children were named
as" Solomon, Joseph, Charles, Jonas , Jonathan, William, George, Merum,
Mary, Ann, Rebecka, and Sarah.
"Our next record pertaining to William Sample Sparks is dated 1750 .This
was a petition submitted by him to the Frederick County Court at its June
1750 sitting. As recorded in Liber 1748-50 of the Frederick County
"Circuit Court Judgments," Folio 557, this petition reads: To the
worshipful the Justices of Frederick County Court, now setting, the petition
of William Sample Sparks, Pipe Creek One Hundred, humbly sheweth that your
petitioner has been afflicted many years with a sore leg that renders him
very incapable to maintain his family; that if ye worships would please make an
order to set your Petitioner Levy free, your Petitioner as bound shall
pray, etc. Upon reading which petition and consideration thereof had, it is
ordered by the Court here that the Petitioner be levy free for the
future.
" From this petition, it appears that William Sample Sparks still had
children to support who were still living at home in 1750. "A key
source for genealogical research in Maryland are the land records, which are, in some ways,
different from those of any other American colony. The period in Maryland's history with which we are
concerned here, fell into what is known as the "Second Period of
Proprietary Rule, 1716-1776." Prior to 1683, land had been granted to
individuals who paid the transportation costs to bring settlers, including
them- selves, to the province, but after 1683 individuals could obtain
land grants without bringing in settlers. Because the colony was governed by a
"Proprietor," however, annual rent had to be paid to him even
though an individual held title to his land. This all ended, of course, with
the American Revolution. Another peculiar feature of landownership in Maryland was the custom of naming
each piece of land when it was initially granted. The first owner chose
the name for it by which it would usually be known thereafter, even when sold
to another party. This makes tracing of land ownership much easier in Maryland
than in other states. Sometimes the names chosen for the land had genealogical
significance. When land was plentiful, as it was when William Sample Sparks
moved to what became Frederick County in 1748, individuals often
"squatted" on vacant land until they or another party obtained an
official grant. This is probably what was done by William Sample Sparks. Joseph
Sparks probably did the same, but had he not died in1749, it is likely
that he would have tried to obtain a land grant following the creation of Frederick County in 1748.
"William Sparks, son of William Sample Sparks, (we feel certain that he
was the oldest son), began acquiring land in Frederick County in 1749.He
left Frederick County in 1764 to join his father and brothers in Rowan
County, North Carolina.
"Another son of William Sample Sparks was named Matthew and was born about
1730. We believe he was his father's second son. According to a
descendant, he married Sarah Thompson, but whether this marriage took
place in Maryland or after he moved to Rowan County, North Carolina, in or
about 1754, we do not know. An article devoted to Matthew Sparks and his family
appeared in the QUARTERLY of June 1961, Whole No. 34, pp.556-566. At that
time, however, we had not identified him as a son of William Sample Sparks and
stated simply that the two men were somehow related. We know now that he was
the same Matthew Sparks who was shown as a creditor in the inventory of the
estate of one Matthew Hopkins who had died in Frederick County a year or
two following the death of Joseph Sparks. Although undated, this inventory
was taken sometime in 1751; it showed that he owed Matthew 475 pounds of tobacco when he died. (See
Frederick County Inventories , Book A, No.2, p. 187.) Tobacco was a common
medium of exchange, and this probably meant that young Matthew Sparks had
performed some kind of labor for Hopkins for which he had not yet been paid
when he died. The other Frederick County record pertaining to
Matthew Sparks is a court record dated November 1752 describing a
proposed road in the area of Beaver Dam Branch, Great Pipe Creek, and Little
Pipe Creek which "has been lately marked by Matthew Sparks."
The person advocating that this road be built, Dr. Charles Carroll, indicated
that Matthew Sparks had performed this task at his "instance and charge."
It would appear that Matthew Sparks had acquired some surveying skillsi in
order to perform this service for Dr. Carroll. The court rejected the
proposal, however; Dr. Carroll died in 1755. (See Frederick County Court
Judgments, November 1742.)
"Solomon Sparks, son of Joseph Sparks and a first cousin of William Sample
Sparks, obtained a grant of 93 acres of land on the east side of Beaver Dam Creek on
March 20, 1750. Because, under the old Julian Calendar, the new year did not
begin until March 25, it was on March 31,1751, that Solomon made his purchase according to
today's calendar. (England and her colonies adopted
our present Gregorian Calendar in 1752 which changed the New Year
to January 1 and moved the reconing of days ahead by eleven.) Solomon
Sparks was required to pay a yearly "Rent of Three Shillings and nine
pence Sterling in Silver or Golde."
(See Frederick County Liber GS #1, Folio 116-118.) He chose the name
"Cold Friday" for his tract of land. On June 30, 1753, Solomon
Sparks, with the approval of his wife, Sarah, sold this tract for 35 pounds to Matthew Howard. (See Frederick County Deeds, Liber E , Folio
194-95.)
"We believe that the reason Solomon Sparks sold "Cold Friday" in
November 1753 was that he, along with several other members of the Sparks
family, including William Sample Sparks, were preparing to move from
Frederick County, Maryland, to the newly formed county of Rowan in North
Carolina. They probably made the journey in the spring of 1754. "The
destination of these Sparks emigrants was a the land
called "Lord Granville's Domain between the Yadkin and the Catawba Rivers" in North Carolina. North Carolina had been established
originally as a proprietary colony belonging to eight English lords. In
1729, however, seven of these lords sold their rights to the colony to the
King, but one, Earl of Granville, refused to part with his share which , in
1744,was set apart with specified boundaries. Part of his
"domain" consisted of a vast area which had been organized in 1749 as
Anson County, but from which Rowan County had been cut off as a
separate county in 1753.Shortly after Rowan County
had been created, the county seat was established and named initiallyRowan
Court House, but this was changed later to Salisbury. "By 1754, the year in which we believe that
William Sample Sparks ,with two of his sons and three of his cousins (sons
of his deceased uncle, Joseph Sparks), set out for North Carolina, a great many other settlers
had already made the journey. Agents for Lord Granville had advertised the
virtues of this new land, particularly in Ireland and Germany. Thus, many of the early pioneers were Irish and
German immigrants. How it was that William Sample Sparks and his sons and
cousins learned of "Lord Granville's Domain" we shall probably never
know, and we can only guess why they were attracted to it. A possible
reason was a growing fear that there would be warfare between England and
France and that this would result in Indian uprisings in western Maryland.
Indeed, what would be called the French and Indian War in America was about to commence.
There was also the fact that desirable vacant land was much less plentiful
than had been the case a few years earlier, and owners of good land in
Frederick County were demanding high prices. There was the pleasing
prospect of being able not only to obtain new land in North Carolina at a much
lower cost, but also there were reports that the soil there was unusually
rich and that the climate was more mild than in western Maryland.
"Whether other Frederick County families joined the Sparkses in their pioneering
venture, we do not know, but it seems likely. The men named Sparks in
the group besides William Sample Sparks were his sons
Matthew (about 34 years old) and James (who was still in his teens ); there
were also three sons of Joseph Sparks; Solomon Sparks (about 27), Jonas
Sparks (about 20); and Jonathan Sparks (about 18). One or more daughters of
William Sample Sparks may also have been included as perhaps, also, one
or more of the daughters of Joseph Sparks ( died 1749).
"We can only speculate on the route followed by these pioneers. The
following paragraphs from James S. Brawley's THE ROWAN STORY, 1753 -1953
(Salisbury, N.C., 1953, pp. 12-13), helps us to imagine what their path
may have been.
"At
the time Granville's survey was run (1746) people were beginning to fill the
valley between the Yadkin and Catawba Rivers.
The first settlers seem to have followed the river courses from South Carolina, principally the Pee Dee and Santee, and picked up lands in the
southern part of what is now Rowan. Others poured in from Pennsylvania and traveled down the
"Great Wagon
Road"
that led them through the Shenandoah Valley into the North Carolina Piedmont. A record of one German, John Ramsour, showed that
he traveled 502
miles from Lancaster, Pennsylvania, to Salisbury.
William Sample Sparks
spouse: ???, Rachel (*1702 - )
- m. BEF. 1725
in MD
----------child: Sparks, William (~1725 - 1801)
----------child: Sparks, Matthew (~1730 - 1793)
spouse: Courmon, Mary (*1715 - )
- m. 24 AUG 1732
in St. Lukes
Parish, Queen Anne's, MD
----------child: Sparks, James (>1732 - )
----------child: Sparks, George (*1743 - )
----------child: Sparks, Rachel (1757 - 1845)
My note-other places (Sparks Qrtrly) Rachael is shown as child of wife #1-&
Matthew is shown as child by #2 wife, Mary Courman-sgs
SEE ALSO BELOW
Our first definite
record of the William Sparks who died in 1709 living in the area that is now
Queen Anne's County, Maryland, is a deed by which he and a man named Thomas
Heather purchased jointly a tract of 100 acres from Richard Pernes on July 17, 1672, for 5,600 pounds of tobacco. This deed was recorded in Talbot County (Deed Book I, p.213). The
land was described as "Lying and being on the North Side of St. Michaels
River beginning at a marked Oake Standing at the head of a Small branch Running
North West & Runing for breadth down the branch East South east 50 poles to
a marked gumme tree then North East up the River for Length 320 poles being
formerly laid out for Francis Martin." The witnesses were James and Mary
Murphy.
"Apparently
William Sparks and Thomas Heather were business associates, perhaps even
partners, because five years later, on October 16, 1677, Heather publicly
acknowledged that he owed Sparks
20,000 pounds of tobacco. In this
document, Heather's wife was identified as Anna; the document was witnessed by
Ralph Elston, Jr., and Richard Duddley. (Talbot County Deed Book 3, p. 93)
Tobacco was the chief medium of currency at that time in Maryland and Virginia and remained as currency
until sometime after the Revolutionary War.
"There is no
evidence that William Sparks ever lived on the land in St. Michael's River,
located in what is now the southern portion of Queen Anne's County. On July 21, 1696, William Sparks (called
William Sparks Senr .) and his wife Mary sold this tract to Alexander Ray
for10,000 pounds of tobacco. Apparently he had acquired Thomas Heather's
portion of this land earlier. (See Talbot County Deed Book 7, p. 224.)
"When we
published the March 1971 article, we had not discovered the Talbot County deed
dated September 17, 1677 (Talbot Co. Land Record GG#:85:87) by which Thomas
Heather (spelled "Hatherd" in the deed), with the consent of his
wife, Anna, sold to William Sparks his share (50 acres) of this 100-acre tract. In this deed, both Sparks
(spelled Sparkes) and Heather were described as then being residents of Talbot
County, but what is especially interesting about this 1677 deed is that it
reveals that it was on this same 100-acre tract that "the said Sparkes now
liveth." The tract, as we have noted, was located on "the north side
of St. Michaels River. " Today, this river
is called "Miles River". It is in what is now
the southern portion of Queen Annes County.
"During the
years from the early 1670's until his death in 1709, William Sparks's name was
frequently recorded in the official records of Kent, Talbot, and Queen Anne's
Counties. We cannot, however, make many statements of fact regarding his
personal life. He was probably born about 1640 in England.
His wife's name was
Mary and they had at least five children, four sons and one daughter. William
Sparks gradually acquired a considerable amount of land. At one time he owned
nearly 1,000
acres on
Island Creek, a tributary of Southeast Creek, which in turn is a tributary of Chester River. He was a member of the
Anglican faith.
"On August 16, 1681, William Sparks purchased a
tract of 100
acres from
Michael Hackett and his wife Mary of Talbot County for 5,000 pounds of tobacco. This tract had originally been
granted on October
16, 1670, to
John Mitchell at which time it had been given the name "Adventure."
Mitchell had later sold it to Hackett, who sold it to William Sparks. This deed
of 1681 (Book 4, p. 68) and the rent rolls describe the tract as lying on the
south side of Chester River and on the south-east side of Island Creek, and
adjoining land owned by John Hawkins. The deed by which William Sparks purchased
this tract was witnessed by Henry Willcockes and John Parsons. On June 1, 1691, William Sparks sold this
tract along with 100 additional acres to Samuel Withers (Book 5, p. 336).
John Hawkins, who
owned land adjoining William Sparks's "Adventure ", also owned land
on Coursey's Creek; in 1706 the Assembly passed an act to establish the
county-seat of Queen Anne's County on a tract of 100 acres "upon the plantation of Major John Hawkins, in
Coursey 's Creek to be called Queens-Towne."
"At about the
same time that William Sparks purchased "Adventure" from Michael
Hackett, he also acquired a tract of 250 acres which had been originally as part of a 450-acre
tract for Michael Hackett on July 18, 1681. This 250-acre tract was known as "Sparks Choice" and
was located on the "east side of Chester River
near the head of a small branch of Island Creek."
Although we have
not found the actual patent by which he acquired this important tract, we know
from the Rent Rolls and subsequent deeds that this was the land on which
William Sparks and his family actually lived. Anthony Ivy owned the remaining 200 acres in the original tract of 450 acres of Michael Hackett.
"On September 10, 1684, William Sparks obtained a
patent from the Province of Maryland for another tract of land
adjoining his home plantation comprising 100 acres. It had been surveyed for him on June 21, 1683 (Rent Rolls, Queen Anne's
County, p. 242). To this new tract, he gave the name "Sparks Own", or
"Sparks Oune" as it was first recorded in Talbot County Deed Book A,
p. 507, although it had been previously owned by Anthony Ivy and his wife Anne.
William Sparks purchased this tract from William Coursey, Jr., assignee for
Col. Vinceant Lowe who had obtained it as part of a tract of 3,000 acres granted to him on March 20, 1683.
The description of
William Sparks's tract reads as follows on the patent dated September 10, 1683:
"...all that tract or parcell of land called Sparks Oune lying in the
county of Talbott on the east side of Chester River beginning at a marked oake
standing neere the head of a branch on the north side of Island Creeke and
running north north-west parallel with a line of a tract of land held by
Michaell Hackett to Capt. Hide one hundred perches untill it intersects an east
and by south line of a parcell of land formerly laid out for John Mitchell and
then running with the said line two hundred perches untill it come to a parcell
of land called Sparks Choice and running thence south south-east one hundred
perches untill it comes to a parcell of land called Mount Hope lately taken up
by Henry Wilcocks and from the end of that said line west and north to the
first tree two hundred perches containing ...one hundred acres..."
For this grant
William Sparks agreed to pay the Lord Proprietor "Rent of four Shillings Sterling in Silver or Gold."
(Talbot County Land Records, Book
SD #A, p.507.)
"Island Creek,
mentioned in the patent for "Sparks Own", has its source about four
miles northeast of Centreville, the county seat of Queen Annes County. It meanders nearly due
north as a gentle stream through fairly level land until it reaches Southeast
Creek, nearly nine miles away. There, Southeast Creek empties into the Chester River about three miles west of
the community of Church Hill. The surrounding area is low and inclined to be
marshy. It was, and is, an agricultural area. One of the roads serving the area
today is Sparks
Mill Road.
"On October 22, 1687, a tract of 114 acres known as "Sparks Outlet "was surveyed for
William Sparks. The patent for this tract was issued on June 12, 1688 (Talbot County Deed Book 2,
p. 625). According to this patent, this tract was assigned to Sparks by Thomas Smithson who was
an assignee of Daniel Walker, all being of Talbot County
. Walker had acquired this tract as
part of a grant of 1,200
acres on June 13, 1687.
In the patent, it
is described as "that tract or parcel of land called Sparkes Outlett
lyeing in Talbott County neare Chester River betwixt the Land of the said
William Sparkes and the Land of John Hawkins beginning at a marked Red oake
standing in or near the line of John Hawkins and--?-- runs thence south-west
most eighty perches to another marked Red oake thence southeast forty perches
to a marked blacke oake att the Corner of a little pocoson, thence east and by
south one hundred sixty perches, ...and from the end there of Running north and
by east towards the Land of John Hawkins one hundred and fourteen perches and
from the end of the north and by east line runing west and by north to the
first Red Oake Containing within the sd lines and now laid out for one hundred
and fourteen Acres be it more or less ...... according to the Certificate of
survey thereof taken and Returned into the Land office att the City of
St.Maries being date the twenty second day of October one thousand six hundred
eighty seaven..." For this tract William Sparks promised to pay the Lord
Proprietor "Rent of foure shillings and seven pence sterling in silver or
Gold..."
"A near
neighbor of William Sparks was John Hamer. On May 12, 1689, William Sparks was named by Hannah Hamer,
wife of John Hamer, as her "true and lawful attorney" in connection
with the sale of some land.(Tal. Co. Deed Bk 5, p232)
"On June 1, 1691, William Sparks sold lot
No. 6 in the Town of West Chester to John Salter, Joyner,
"for a valuable consideration by me in hand already received."
(Talbot County Deed Book 7, p.53). As on other occasions, William Sparks signed
this deed by mark. The witnesses were John Hamer and William Godinge. John
Salter appears to have been a close friend of William Sparks. He was a
prominent man in the area that became Queen Anne's County in 1707 and was a
member of the House of Delegates from 1708 to 1711. He was also a member of the
Probate Court and a vestryman of St. Paul's Parish. John Salter was a witness along with John
Hamer, Jr., to William Sparks's will when it was probated in 1709. As noted
earlier in the sketch on John Sparks who died in 1700, this same John Salter
purchased a lot in West Chester from John Sparks in 1695.There is little doubt
that John Sparks (died 1700) and William Sparks (died 1709) were
brothers."
"On October 20, 1691, William Sparks purchased
from Robert and Ann Smith a tract of 200 acres for 8,500 pounds of tobacco. This tract was part of a larger
tract called "Wrights Choyse" and was located on the south side of Chester River "and on the North Side
of the South East branch of a Creek in the Said River
called Island Creek." In the description of this tract, there is a
reference to an adjoining tract "formerly Layde out for Robert
Smith." It must have been located very near William Sparks's other
holdings. The witnesses to this deed were Thomas Beckles and Sollomon Wright.
(Talbot County Deed Book 5, p. 328) (Robert Smith died about 1703 and Anthony
Ivy and Renatus Smith were the executors of his estate. They sold his land on
Island Creek (150-acres) to John Fowler and it was noted in the deed that it
adjoined land owned by John Hawkins, John Singleton, and Thomas Norris . (See
Emory's history of Queen Anne's County, p. 39.) Solomon Wright, whose wife's
name was Anna, was a member of a large and prominent family in Queen Anne's
County; he was a churchwarden in 1698.
We believe that
there were family connection between the Wright and Sparks families.)
"The day
following his purchase of this 200-acre tract, William Sparks and his wife Mary
sold 200 acres of their other land to
Samuel Withers for 8,000
pounds of
tobacco.
In all probability,
William Sparks increased the value of his other holdings through this purchase
and sale. As part of the 200
acres which he
sold to Withers was "Sparks Own" which he had acquired in 1684. The
other 100 acres was a portion of his 250 acre tract called "Sparks Choice" which he had
acquired in 1681. The witnesses to this deed were Solomon Wright, John Salter,
and John Chafe.
I copied the
following Court Proceedings from the Maryland Archives, which prove William Sparks was in Maryland, 1661-62 & the
following Prerogative
Court
Records (Original sp. retained-sgs)
Proceedings of
the Provincial
Court,
1658-1662
Provincial Court Proceedings, 1661. 573 Liber P. C. R.
Attorney General v. Sharpe et al.
p. 1091
Then was Called before the Board Peter Sharpe and John Gary who were suspected
to Breake open the Govern" letters and for proofe thereof was produced
theis following papers. Aboute the first weeke of July there came a letter from
the Governor directed to Mr Edward LLoyd & the lawes of the Country rowled
vp which were both well sealed & deliuered to me Thomas Manning which I
safely deliuered the same to James Elton in like manner Sealed
Tho. Manning This I accknowledge to be the truth James Elton.
And James Elton declares that he delivered the sd letter and Rowle of the lawes
well sealed to Henry Kent which Henry Kent accknowledged to be true.
And Henry Kent
declared that he deliud the sd letter & Rowle of the lawes well sealed to
Thomas Dawbone which Thomas Dawbone accknowledged to be true.
And Thomas Dawbone
declared that he deliued the said letter and Rowle of the lawes well sealed to
Thomas Evans which Thomas Evans accknowledges to be true and they were
prsently deliued in like good Condicon to Wm Sparkes of the same howse which
he accknowledges to be true.
And the sd Wm
Sparkes declares that he deliued the sd letter and Rowle of lawes well
Sealed to Isaack Abrahams which Isaack Abrahams accknowledged to be true.
And the sd Isaack
Abrahams declares that he deliued the said letter and Rowle of lawes well
Sealed to Tho: Eldrid which Thomas Eldred accknowledged to be true
And the sd Thomas
Eldrid declares he deliued the said letter & Rowle of lawes well sealed to
John Boulton .... Boulton accknow- ledged to be true .... that he deliued the
..etc, etc..
Sworne before me this 6t Sepr 1662 Tho. Manning
The Mayd is Peter Sharpes Servant who when she was from her Masters howse in a
manner denyed what she tould me there And Robt Harwood tould me that John Gary
was fingring the lawes of the Country and sayd he would very fayne reade them,
And Francis Riggs tould me that Doctor Stansby would sweare the letter had been
sealed with Salue
Tomazin Kent and Martha Carre affirme
vpon oathe tht the Seale of the letter & lawes were defaced when they were
brought to Nicholas Carrs howse Tomazin T Kent his marke
Sworne before me 6t
Sept 1662 Tho. Manning
The depn of
ffrancis [Riggs] aged 26 yeares or thereabouts this 27th Sept 1662 Sayth That
being at Capt Samson Warings he heard Capt Manning and other people discourse
Concerning the breaking open of the Governors letters & by all circumstance
they found that they were broke open att Peter Sharpes And that John Gary wisht
he could see the Acts of Assembly & that he this depont heard John Stansby
say that when the letters that were goeing vp came to their howse he found them
sealed with some Salue and further sayth not Francis Riggs Jurat Coram me
Philip Calvert
Ordered that Capt
Thomas Manning examine vpon oathe Edward Lees or any other person concerning
the breakeing open of letters that if they refuse to sweare for to binde them
over to the next Co"
Part of
Introduction to Court Proceedings:
"John Lemaire (De Le Maire) appears in 1673 as chirurgeon in a deed in
which he conveys land on Portobacco Creek (pp. 454, 456). He was a native of
Anjou, France, and was naturalized in
1674 (Arch. Md. II; 400-402). In 1674
the court gave him the custody and care of William Sparke, “a lame
man”;
if he make a perfect cure he was to receive 2000 pounds of tobacco out of the
public levy, and if Sparke remained sound one whole year longer another
1000
pounds; but if the patient died within a half year only 1000 pounds was to
be paid him (p. 563)."
Charles County
Court
Proceedings, 1671-1674. 563
At a Court held in Charles County on the ioth day of June
Anno 1674
Comissioners prsent
Mr Thomas MathewesMr Jno Stone
Mr Jno Bowles Mr Robt Henly
Mr Thomas Hussy Mr Wm Barton
P563
Upon peticon made to the Court by Wm Sparke a lame man It was ordred
that Jno Lemaire receive him into his Custody and provided that the sd Lemaire
doe make a pfect cure of his legg that then he bee pd two thousand poundes of
tob out of the County Levye & in case the sd Sparke doe remaine
Sound one whole yeare & tht Jno Lemaire prsent him So to the Court then the
sd Lemaire to be pd one thousand poundes of tob more the next Yeare, and if it
Shall Soe happen that the sd Sparke Should dye wthin halfe a yeare that
then the §d Lemaire be pd one thousand poundes of tob:
Sept 13, 1675 Robert Harwood Estate-Co.
Not shown
List of Debts incl: William Sparcks
Prerogative Court
Records, Talbot Co, Md-Oct. 31, 1676
Est. of Robert Harwood, List of Debts Incl William Sparkes
Prerogative Court
Records, Co. Not given, Md Nov 11, 1676
Thomas Henfrey Est-#4630-List of Debts incl William Sparkes
Court
Proceedings, June, 1679
Wm Sparkes
agt
Philip Lynes
In Ejectmt Henry Hardy Lessor And in the same cause itt was ordered by the
consent of Robert Ridgely Attorney for the plaintiffe & Christopher Rousby
Attorney for Philip Lynes, ---- very lengty land suit-which ends as:
Provincial Court Proceedings, 1679/80. 409 Liber W. C. Therefore Comand is
given to the Sheriffe of st Maryes
County that hee Cause to come here
Twelve &c. by whome &c and who neither &c To Recognize &c,
because as well &ca
Now here att this
day To witt, The Eighteenth day of ffebruary in the sixth yeare of the Dominion
of the Right Honoblc Charles Lord Baltemore &c Annoq Dominj One thousand
six hundred and eighty came the said partyes by their Attorneys aforesaid. And
the Juro" impannelled being called Likewise Came (to witt) Richard lLoyd,
Michael Ashford, William Wells, John Gray, Edward Abbot, Emanuel Ratliffe, John
Evans, John Wynn, Edward Morgan, John Martindale, John Browne, & Henry
Morgan, Who being elected tryed and Sworne to say ye truth in the prmisses Upon
their oathes doe say, That the said Philip Lines is guilty of the Trespasse and
Ejectment above imposed Upon him, Therefore Itt is Considered That the said William
Sparkes as Lessee to the said Henry Hardy Recover against the said Philip
Lynes his said Terme yet to Come of and in the said Messuage and One hundred
and fifty Acres of Land called Hardys purchase with the appurtenances Whereof
by the Jury aforesaid it is above found the said philip to be guilty of the
Trespasse and Ejectment aforesaid, and also the Sume of Nine thousand one
hundred sixty & seaven pounds of Tobacco. Costs of Suite, and the Defendt
in Mercy &c.
Proceedings of the Provincial Court, 1681-1683
p. 632 October
the 19th 1682
Wm Sparkes
Henry Hardy
agt
Philip Lynes
Lessee of Comand
was given to the Sheriffe of Charles County that whereas at a Provincial Court
held at the Citty of St. Maryes Eighteenth Day of ffebruary, Anno Doni
1680 before the Justices of the same Court in an action of Ejectment then
and there Depending between William Sparkes Lessee of Henry Hardy
plt and Philip Lynes deft Itt was Considered by Our Said Justices that the Said
William Sparkes Lessee as aforesaid Recover against the said Philip
Lynes his terme Yett to come and unexpired of and in One messuage of One
hundred and fifty Acres of Land lyeing in Charles County aforesaid Called Hardyes
Purchase lately in the tenure & occupation of Thomas Peirsey decd wch
the Said Henry Hardy to him the said Sparkes Demised for a terme wch is
not yet past & likewise the Sume of Nine thousand One hundred sixty and
Seaven pounds of tobacco for his Costs of suite by him the said William
Sparkes in that behalfe Layd out and Expended Itt was therefore comanded
the said Sheriffe that of the goods and Chattles of the Said Philip Lynes If
they should be found in his baliwick he should Cause to be made the aforesaid
Sume of Nine thousand One hundred Sixty and seaven pounds of tobacco: and When
he had the same Soe made as aforesaid or any Part thereof the same in his
Custody to keepe Soc that he Should have the Same here the Six and twentyeth
day of September in the Seaventh yeare of the Dominion of the
Right honoble Charles Lord Baltemore &c Annocp Doni 1682 to render unto the
Said William Sparkes On wch Said Six & Twentyeth day of
September in the yeare aforesaid Collonel William Chandler Sheriffe of the
County aforesaid made returne of the writ aforesaid that by vertue thereof he
hath made of the goods and Chattles of the Said Philip Lynes the Sume of Nine
thousand One hundred Sixty and Seaven pounds of tobacco
Pregorative Court Records,
Talbot Co, Md-May
18, 1685-Est
of William Bishop, gentleman
List of Debts incl: William Sparkes
Prerogative Court
Records-Co Not Given. Date: 1685
Est of Henry Willcocks, Appraisers: John Ellot, James Ridsey, John Hamer,
William Spark
Prerogative Court
Records-Co. Not given-Dec 11, 1694
Est of Richard & Sarah Colings (Collins)-Appraisers: James Smith &
William Sparke
May 6, 1695 Talbot Co., Md-Will of John
Ellet Wts: Wm. Sparks Sr & Wm. Sparks, Jr
Prerogative Court
Records, Co. Not given, 1695
Est of Mr. William Rosewell, List of Debts: Incl William Thomas Sparks
Proceedings of the Council of Maryland, 1693-1697
An Accot of the Severall persons within this province of Maryland, that
Signed to the Association Address presented to his Sacred Maty upon the News
here Arriv'd of the horrible
ntended Conspiracy agt his Royall prson,
The Tenor of the sd Address followes in these words, Vizt
Maryland ss.
The humble and Loyall Address of yor Mats Subjects the
in yor Mats Province of Maryland.
Dread Soveraign
Tis the Remoteness of our habitations and not the less fervency of our
Affections which makes Us (perhaps) later then others in Addressing yor Maty
and Joyning with the rest of yor Loyall Subjects in Congratulating yor
deliverance from the horrid designed Assassination against yor Sacred person
for wch we magnifye Gods mercy and acknowledge his providence Looking upon all
Engaged therein, as prodigious monsters of ingratitude and Disloyalty who not
Content undr yor Mats most Serene Governmt to Enjoy their proportion of
Advantages purchased to yor Subjects by the Toyl and hazard of yor Sacred
Person Endeavoured to prostitute them to fforreign Vassalage and Tyranny, It is
mannifest our Enemies Dispair of prvailing agt Us undr yor Mats inimitable
Conduct which made them attempt by one Single Stroake Levelled at yor Mats
person not only to wound and weaken all English hearts, but all Europe in
Confederacy with yot Maty
We all therefore in this our lower Station Desiring to Demonstrate our Selves
Loyall Subjects to yor Maty and true English men by Concurring with our good
patriotts in the Parliamt of England in their Just Resentments of soe
flagicious a design doe with thm heartily Sincerely & Solemnly proffess
Testifye & declare that yor Maty is rightfull & lawfull King of the
Realm of England & all the Dominions thereunto belonging And we doe
mutually promise & Engage to Stand by & Assist Each other to the Utmost
of our power in the Support and Defence of yor Mats Governmt against the late
King James and all his Adherents According to An Act made in the ffirst year of
yor Maty and of our late most gracious Queen Mary of Blessed Memory Entituling
an Act declaring the rights & Liberty's of the Subjects & setling the
succession of the Crown And to the same shall Ever add our Earnest Prayers tht
God would lengthen yor days and Continue you among Us in all happiness to the
Joy of yor people and the Terrour of yoT Enemies; and that yor Terrestriall
Glory here may be Succeeded by that of Eternity.
Signed:
Signed by the Justices, Grand Jury, and Clerk of the Provll
Signed by the Civill Officers and Magistrates &cca of St Maries County.
Civell Officers & Magistrates &ca of Kent
p. 3° Signed by the Military Officers of St Maries County.
Includes name of: Wm Sparkes
Signed by the Military Officers of Kent County.
Includes: Wm Sparkes, William Sparkes
Prerogative Court
Records, Co. Not given, April
27, 1696
Est of Col. Phillemon Loyd-List of
Debts Incl William Sparkes
Prerogative Court
Records, Co No Given, Mar. 3, 1700
Est of Capt Benjamin Dolten, Merchant of London- List of Debts: Incl William
Sparks, SR
List of Bad Debts: Incl John Sparks, Jr
Prerogative Court
Records, Queen Anne's Co., May 6, 1714
Est. of Rev. Mr. James Hindman List of Debts Incl: William Sparkes
--------------------------
William Sample
SPARKS (William Jr. , William, Sr. , Thomas) was born in Talbot County, Maryland, 1705 est and died After 1764 in Rowan County, North
Carolina.
He married twice.
He married Rachel LNU. Rachel died Bef. August 24, 1732.
He married Mary
CORMAN / COURMAN in St Lukes Parish, Maryland, August 24, 1732.
William Sample
SPARKS and Rachel LNU had the following child:
1.. Rachel
SPARKS.
William Sample
SPARKS and Mary CORMAN OR COURMAN had the following children:
2. William
"Z." SPARKS was born 1725 est.
3. Matthew J. SPARKS was born est. 1733.
4. James SPARKS was
born in Rowan, North
Carolina,
1747 est. James
died 1778 at 31
years of age.
In other places,
Matthew is shown being born CA 1730, and as child of Wife #1 Rachael.-sgs
-----------------------------------
William Sparks, Jr.
(William, Sr., Thomas)
Born Ca
Died:
(M) Margaret
Hamilton, Dtr of Joseph Hamilton
1. William
Sample Sparks (M) Rachael
2. Sarah
(M) #2 Anne
---------------------------------
William Sparks, Sr.
(Thomas)
Born Aug 6, 1640 England
Died October 24, 1709 Will prov. Queen Anne's Co., Md.
(M) Mary
Born Ca 1646 Died Dec, 16, 1730 Queen Anne's Co, Md.
1. George
2. Dtr (M) Hynson
3. John
4. William, Jr.
(M) Margaret Hamilton (M) #2 Anne
5. Joseph died 1749
Frederick Co, Md
Prerogative Court Records, Fred. Co., Md 40.227 F84.19.10
May 1,
1749-June 21,
1749
Est of Joseph Sparks
Appraisrs: Joseph Wood, William Carmack
Creditors: Donald Young, William Davis
Next of Kin: William Sample Sparks,
Rachel Sparks
Administratrix: Mary Sparks
Nov. 20, 1749 Fred. Co., Md-Est. of Joseph Sparks,
Mary Sparks, Widow, Admx.
Will of William
Spark(s) Queen Anne's Co, Md., dated June 21, 1709, Proved Oct. 24, 1709
To son George, personalty; he and his wife and child., liberty to live at
dwelling plantation with his mother for a term of years.
To grandson, Chas. Hynson, and granddaughter, ___ dau. of son William,
personalty.to son John, land formerly belonging to John Hamer.
to sons, William and Joseph, dwelling plantation and lands "Hills'
Adventure", and "Sparks Outlet". In event of death of sd.
son Joseph during minority, his share of estate to pass to his brother William
and hrs.
Wife Mary and son William joint Executors; wife not to be molested by her sons
in use of plantation aforesaid, during widowhood.
Test: John Salter, Jno. Hamer, Jr., Wm. Boulton
---------------------------------
Thomas Sparks
Born Ca 1615 Fareham Par, Hampshire, England
(M) Joanna Davis Oct.
19, 1635 Fareham Par., Hampshire, England
1. William Aug 6, 1649 Fareham Par, Hampshire, England Died Will Pro 1709 Quen
Anne's Co, Md.
(M) Mary
2. Francis Born Ca
1641 England
3. John Born Dec 3,
1649 Fareham Par, Hampshire, England
Died 1700 (Will Pro) Kent Co., Maryland
Will of John Sparks, Kent Co, Md 2nd Sept., 1699-3rd Jan, 1702 (12.154)
To sons John & George, 100 A
"Buckslide", provided either comes to enjoy it.
Wife, Ellinor, Extx, personal estate
Test: Jno. Salter, Eliza. Robinson, Thos. Prestige
4. Richard Born Dec. 10, 1659 Fareham Par, Hampshire, England
---------------------------------
I copied the following from the Maryland Archives-original spelling
has been retained in all documents-sgs
Provincial Court
Proceedings, 1657. 9
Parks v.
Batchelor p. 370
Deposit inter mr Parks & mr Batchelor
Richard Tarling aged twenty three years or thereabts Sworne and Examined upon
his Oath Sayeth Concerning a Servant that mr Sparks hyred to mr
Batchelor for the time of three weeks he did him Little or no worke, by reason
of his nasty diseases the flux and the Scurvey, And farther this Deponent Sayth
that mr Sparks Came to mr Batchelors house one day, and mr
Batchelor desired the Said mr Sparks to take Some Course with him and
gett him away for he had rather give him Six hundred pounds of Tobacco, then be
bound to tend on him, by the reason he was So very nasty, And farther this
Depont Sayth that it hindered most of this Deponents time and mr Batchelors to
tend on him, and farther this Depont Sayeth not.
Signum
Richard X Tarling
My Note-I believe
this means the servant was "nasty"-sgs
Who is this Thomas
Sparks?
Talbot County Court Proceedings, 1662-1674. 509
Liber BB No 2
A Courtt held for Talbott County By his Lordpps Justices of the Peace the
Nineteenth Day of Septembr In the xlth yeare of the Dominion of Caeci!ius
&c Annoq Doth 1671:
Present
Henry Coursey Esq
Mr Seath Foster
Mr Richard Wolman Mr Tho Hinson
Mr Wm: Coursey Qu& Mr Wm Hambiton Justices
Capt Philemond Lloyd Mr Phil: Steevenson
Mr Rich: Gorssuch
The Informacon of Thomas Sparkes on the Behalfe of the Right Honoble the
lord propriatery before his lordpps Justicess of the peace at a Courtt holden
for Talbott County the fifteenth day of August in the 40th yeare of dominion of
Caecilius &c Annoq doth Concerning Certaine goods which was Stolne from the
house of Richard Tilghman of Talbott County
Thomas Sparkes Saith that he hard that Seauerall goods wass Stolne from
his master docter Richard Tilghman and that there wass Search Made for them by
the Cunstable walter Rowles and that there Came to Patrick Soulavants house
where the Said Sparkes his Master had Ordred to worke fowre women which
the said patrik Sopossed to be spies the Said Sparkes being Asked by the
Courtt houe he knew that Patrick Supossed the women to be Spies the said Sparkes
Said he harde the Said patrick and his wife say so towards night following
patrick Called me In and bad me goe to the landing to See if I saw the women
Coming from the Bachelors And when I Came back againe I tould the said
patrick I saw none A Coming
and he maid Strainge at it for one of the women had Left her Child with patrick
and his wife and After that they Sent me downe Againe to the landing to See if
I saw them Coming and as I Came Back againe I hard patrick tell his wife he did
not Care when they Came for they Could find nothing And he bad his wife hange
the key upon the naile A small time After the Taylor Came and he maid patrick A
Coate of black f rise which I suspected to be made of A [p. 189] Coate Which
Charles Eggerton lost the taylor Lyned the Saide Cote with Canuis which I did
Susspecte wass part of my masters Canuis which wass Stolne and I tolde it to
Rice Cookeman and the Said Sould to the taylor A paire of drawers which I knew
belonged
to one of my masters Tilghmans Servants which wass lost when my masters goods
wass Stoulne and I Saw patrick wifes Cote Aboute a quarter of A yard of A pare
of Shetes which had my Mistrisses name one them and I allsoe Saw towells and
napkins which belonged to my Master And Missteris and allsoe the Saide patrick
wowld haue me to goe to my Masters And fech Some of Curnelias the Carpindars
tooles or he said he wold Send the way that Mr Tullys man went and he did Send
one Sabboth day for A froo of Curnelias the Carpinder and Sade if I brought it
not he would make me An Example to all men in the world And Swore Soe many
Oathes to that effect that I durst not goe back againe therefore I told the
Millor Geffery of what goods I saw at patricks of my masters and I desired the
Millor for to tell my Missteris for my Master wass not at whome that Shee might
take Some Corse for my Safty and I allsoe told the Millor they might find Some
of the goods In A longe tree lying one the South Side Patriks house if not
there to Search In the tobaco house for one day patrick bad me after I had made
an end of weeding in the Cowpen to take A hattchet and goe to A hole In such A
tree and Cutt it wider and take oute A box And Carry itt Into the house to his
wife which i did the box wass Close Stoped with Raggs and In the night when I
wass In bed pattrick and his wife did take oute of the box Some Sheitts And one
shirt or two And Some napkins And towels which wass much wett and Spotted and
they dryed them by night And I Allsoe tould Cornelius of it and Curneylius
tould my Misstaris of it and brought my Missteris to me and After I had tould
hir of She told me patrick Should doe me noe hurt Soe upon hir promiss I went
back againe to patricks and the next day she Sent for Patrick to Speake with My
Master & Patrick
Returned Answer that he would be with him the next Morning butt my Master
Coming from the Bachelors to patricks tooke me with him to Richard Hudsons And
In Goeing I tould him all as before Soe he tooke me with him whome to patricks
face for to knowe the truth but patricke tould my Master that I brought the
goods to his house Soe my master bad me goe to worke for I should goe noe more
with patrick and Said he did freely forgiue uss all butt I did tell one that
wass there that I wold petticon to the Courtt Concerning the bussnis and when
the Ouerseear hard of itt he tould me if I stered from Whome he would bast me
he Allsoe ordered the Rest of my Fellow Servants if they Saw me goe without the
plantacon they should droube me back againe I allsoe hard patrick Shulavant
begg hard of my Master and Misstres for to take there goods againe but they
neuer tooke them to My knowledge
The depossecon of Geffery Matteccey Aged thirty yeares or thereAbouts taken In
open Courtt
Saith that Thomas Sparkes tould your deponant that the goods which was
Stolne from your deponants Master docter Richard Tilghman was at Patrick
Shulivants house and that he hard patricks wife Say that She had Rather the
goods was borned then they Should be found for to discriditt them and that
patrick Answered no not so for they was worth A greate deale of tobacoe And
further Saith nott his
Geifry Mattecey
marke
510 Talbot County Court Proceedings, 1662-1674.
Liber BB The depossicon of Rogger Weddill Aged 21 yeares or there
No.2 Abouts taken in Open Courtt
Saith that yor deponants Master docter Richard Tilghman Sent yor deponant to
worke at Patrik Shuliuants house and for to keepe his house while the Said
patrick went to yor depont Master Soe when the Said patrick Came back he gaue
yor depont A bundle of Cloathes to Carry to John Chafes and yor deponant deliuered
them to Mary Chafe and She Opened them And there wass one pare of Sheits one
Shirt and one pare of drawers And Some Napkins but whose the Goods wass yor
deponant Knowes not and there wass two Chisills of Curneylius And Further Saith
not. Rogger Weddill
The depossicon of
Thomas Carman Aged Aboute 35 yeares or there Abouts taken in open Courtt
Saith that he had two Shirtts Stolne from docter Richard Tilghmans at two
Seuerall times and that yor deponant found one Shirtt Againe In his Rome where
he Lyeth And further Saith nott
Tho: Carman
The Examanacon of Patrick Shuliuant being Accused of haueing Stolne goods
belonging to docter Richard Tilghman found in his Custody being Examaned in
Open Courtt maketh this Confession that thomas Sparkes did bring Some goods
which he Said he had Stolne from his Master Tilghman which Said goods the Said Thomas
had hid in the woods and the Said Thomas tould this Examener that they
were Rotten & then he putt them Into the tobacoe house he wass further
demanded why he did not Reueile it to mr Tilghman to that he Answerd that they
being rotten the were of Litle use to Any and he did forbeare Least the Said Thomas
should Run Away and he Loose his Cropp by itt and likewise that he wass
loth to bring the felloe to punnishmt or disgrace
The Courtt hath Ordred that the sheriffe take Pattrack Shulivant Into his
Custody & him safe keepe untill he giue Bond with Suf ficient Shewarety
that wil be Bound Body for Body for his Parsonall Apearance Before the Justices
of the Next Provinciall Courtt houlden for his Province And there to Answere to
Such thinges as there on the Behalfe of the Right Honbl the Lord Propriatary
Shalbe Exhibitted against him &c
Who is this Richard
Sparks?
May 10, 1681 John Dabridgcourt Estate-
Co No given
Payments to: Incl Richard Sparks
WHICH JOHN SPARKS WAS A PIRATE?
Proceedings of the
Council of Maryland, 1694 97. 497
[Apprehension of Pirates.] Lib. H. D.
By the Lords Justices, A Proclamation.
Tho: Cantuar. I. Sufflers C. S. Pembroke C P. S.
Shrewsbury.
Lords Jus- Whereas we formerly received Information from the Governr and
Company of Merchants of London apprehend- Trading to the East Indies, That one
Henry Every, Commander of the Ship called the Phansie alias other Pyrats
Charles, of fforty Six Guns, and one hundred and thirty men, had, undr English
Colours, committed Severall Acts of Piracy upon the Seas of India or Persia,
Where upon we issued a Proclamation, bearing date the 17th day of July last,
for the taking and apprehending the sd Henry Every, and such other persons as
were with him in the Ship in Ordr to have them punished as Pirates and Common
Robbers upon the high Seas; And whereas we have since the Issuing the sd
Proclamation received further Information from the sd Governr and Company of
Merchants, Trading to the East Indies, That the sd Hen: Every hath changed his
name,And now goes by the name of Henry Bridgman, and that James Cray, Thomas
Summerton, Edward Kirwood, Wm Down, John Reddy, John Stroger, Nath: Pike, Peter
Loanes, Henry Adams, ffran: ffrennier, Thomas Johnson, Jos: Dawson, Samll
Dawson, James Lewis, John Sparks, Joseph Goss, Charles ffalconer, James
Murray, Robert Rich, John Miller,John King, Edward Savill, William Philips,
Thomas Jope, and Thomas Belisha, together with severall others whose names are
not yet discover'd (amongst whom were ffifty two ifrench men, ifourteen Danes,
& others of other Nations) were with the sd Henry Every alias Bridgman in
the sd Ship Phansie,When the Severall Acts of Piracy were comitted, and were
Aiding and Assisting therein and Shared in the Plunder so by them Pyratically
taken, to the Amount of One Thousand pounds a man or thereabouts; And whereas
we are Inform'd, That the sd Henry Every alias Bridgman, with Severall other
Persons above Named, have since they comitted such Acts of Piracy left the sd
Ship in the Island of Providence, and are Arrived in Ireland in two Small
Sloops and have there dispersed themselves, Some of wch persons Remain there
and others are Come into this Kingdom and the Kingdom of Scotland, as two of
their Accomplices, who are now Taken and in Custody, have Confessed and
Declared: We have therefore thought fit (by the Advice of his Mats most honrble
Privy Councill) to issue this Proclamation, hereby Declaring That the sd Henry
Every alias Bridgman, together with the sd Severall persons above named, and
others Englishmen, Scotchmen & fforreignrs to the number of about One
hundred and Thirty, did Steal and Runn away with the sd Ship from the Port of
Corunna in Spain; and tht neither the sd Henry Every als Bridgman, nor any of
the Persons above Nam'd had any Comission or Authority from his Maty to Comand
the sd Ship or the men therein; but that the sd Henry Every alias Bridgman, and
the Severall other persons above Nam'd and such others as were with them in the
sd Ship are Pyrates and Robbers upon the high Seas, And we do hereby Charge and
Coniand all his Mats Admiralls, Captains and other Officers at Sea, and all his
Mats Governrs and Comandrs of any fforts Castles or other places in his Mats Plantations
and all other Officers and persons whatsoever, to Seize and Apprehend the sd
Henry Every alias Bridgman, James Cray, Thomas Summerton, Edward Kerwood, Wm
Down, John Reddy, John Stroger, Nathaniell Pike, Peter Loans, Henry Adams,
ffrancis ffrennier, Thomas Johnson, Joseph Dawson, Sam” Dawson, James Lewis, John
Sparks, Joseph Goss, Charles ifalconer, James Murray, Robert Rich, John
Miller, John King, Edward Savill, Wm Philips, Thomas Jope, and Thomas Belisha,
and such others, as were with them in the sd Ship (who may probably be known
and discovered by the great quantities of Gold and Silver of fforreign Comes
which they have with them) in order tht they may be brought to Justice and
Suffer the Just punishmt of the Law, as Pirates upon the high Seas.
And we do hereby further declare, That in Case any of the Persons above Named
(except the sd Henry Every alias Bridgman) or any other persons who were in the
sd Ship with the sd Henry Every alias Bridgman shall discover the said Henry
Every alias Bridgman or any other of the persons above Named, so as they may be
Seized and taken, in Order to be brought to Justice, he and they making such
discovery shall have his Mats Gracious pardon for their Offences, And we do
hereby further declare, That such person or persons, or any other person or
persons who shall discover the sd Henry Every alias Bridgman, so as he may be
Seized or taken or Shall be otherwise Instrumentall in Seizing the sd Henry
Every als. Bridgman, so as he may be Seized or taken, he or they making such
discovery or Seizure, shall have the Reward of ffive hundred Pounds promised in
the sd former Proclamation, for the Discovery and Seizure of the sd Henry
Every, And that in Case any person or persons shall discover of the other
persons above Named, so as they may be Seiz'd or aken, or shall be otherwise
Instrumentall in Seizing any of
the sd persons, he or they making such discovery or Seizure, shall have a
Reward of ffifty pounds for every of the sd persons, whom he or they shall so
discover or Seize, wch Severall Sums of fflve hundred pounds and ffifty pounds,
the Lords Commrs of his Mats Treasury are hereby Required and directed to pay
accordingly; Given at the Councill Chamber in Whitehall, the Tenth day of
August 1696. In the Eigth year of his Mats
Reign.
God Save the King.
Lords of the After our very hearty Commendations, whereas their Exncy the Lords
Justices of England, haveExcy abt Received Information from the Governr &
Compa Capt Every & Pyrats &ca of merchants of London Trading to the
East Indies, That Henry Every als Bridgman with diverse other Persons
English and fforreignrs having Runaway with the Ship Charles the Second als the
Phancy from the Port of Corunna In Spain, had Comitted severall Acts of Pyracy
in the Seas of India and Persia, and having afterwards left the sd Ship at the
Island of Providence, had shared the Plunder so by them gotten and dispersed
themselves Their have thereupon thought fit, by Proclamation in his Mats name,
to require all his Mats Admirails, Comanders & other Officrs at Sea, and
all Governrs Comanders and other Officers whatsoever in his Mats Plantacons, to
Secure and Apprehend the sd Henry Every als Bridgnian, and other persons Nam'd
in the sd Proclamacon, and such others as were with them in the Ship,a Copy of
which Proclamation you will herewith receive, Andwhereas Information has been
likewise given, that divers Pyrates and Sea Robbers have of late years gone
from Severall parts of his Mats plantations in America to the Seas of India
& Persia and other Remote parts upon the like Piraticall design's and that
Some of them have Return'd home again and dispersed themselves in his Mats
Plantations, with great quantities of Gold and other Plunder. We do hereby in
his Mats name strictly Require and Comand you, forthwith upon Receipt hereof,
to Cause the sd Proclamation to be published within yor Governmt and tht for
the Suppressing as much as may be all such Evill Practices for the ffuture,
whereby the Trade of his Mats good Subjects in fforreign Parts may be otherwise
greatly disturbed, We do hereby in his Mats name Strictly charge and Require
you and all his Mats Officers and Loving Subjects within yor Governmt to take
all possible Care,and use all due means for the Seizing and Apprehending all
such Pyrates and Sea Robbers and such as may be reasonably Suspected for the
Same, either by Reason of the Great Quantities of Gold & Silver of
fforreign Comes they usually have with them, or by other probable
Circumstances, And to Cause them to be Streightly imprisoned, and their Ships
Goods and Plunder to be kept in Safe Custody untill upon Returning a full Acct
unto Us, of the sd Persons, their Ships, Goods and Plunder, with the Evidences
relating to them, His Mats Pleasure shall be known and Signifyed concerning
them, And so we bid you very heartily ffarewell, ffrom the Councill Chamber in
Whitehall the 27th of August 1696.
Yor very Loving ifriends
Capt Genll & Govr in Chief Tankerville Romney
of Maryland. J BoscawenH: Goodricke
Who is Edward
Sparkes?
At a Court holden
For the Comt of Kent at the house of mr Tho: Bradnox the 15 day of
Nour 1658
prsent Capt Robt Vaughan Mr Joseph Wickes
mr Philt Conner mr Henry Morgan Comrs
Capt Thomas Bradnox Mr Seth Foster
Know all men by these prsents tht I Gregory Murell of the Isle of Kent Plantr
doe binde make ouer & Confirme unto Mr Henry Morgan of the sd Island all my
Cropp of Tob this yeare planted & now hanginge his Heires Execrs Adminrs
& Assignes for & in Consideracon of a Debt due by Bill for six hundred
Fifty od Pounds of Tob & Caske due to the sd mr Morgan & tht the sd
Cropp shall not be disposed of untill the sd debt be fully satisfyed &
Contented as aforesd
Witnesse my hand this 19th of Oct. 1658 Gregory Murell
Acknowledged in Court his marke
Testis John Cowrsey
Edd Sparke
142 Kent County
Court
Proceedings, 1656-1662.
Know all men by these ptsents tht I Henry Tailer of the Isle of Kent Plantr doe
binde Assigne & make ouer all my Cropp of Tots wch I haue planted &
maid this prsent yeare unto mr Henry Morgan of the sd Island his heires &
Assignes for & in Consideracon of a debt due unto the said Henry Morgan by
Bill & Acc° to the vallue of two thousand nine hundred twenty six Pounds of
Tob & Caske, & the Cropp to satisfie the said debt soe farr forth as It
shall extend to the true Intente & performance here of I binde my self e my
Heires Execrs & Adminrs as Witnesse my hand this 4th day of Octr 1658
Testis John Cowrsey Hen: Tailer
Edd Sparkes his rnarke
Will of Col. Thomas
Broadnox, Kent Island 20th Oct., 1661
Test: Toby Wells, Edward Sparks
424Talbot County
Court
Proceedings, 1662-1674.
A Court held for Talbott County By his Lordships Justices of the Peace the 16th
day of June in the xxxvi yeare of the Dominion of Caecilius &c Ann°
Domini 1668
Present
Edward Lloyd Esqr
mr Thomas South
mr Richard Woollman
mr Syrnon Carpender
mr Seth Forster
mr Thomas Powell
mr Tho: Hynson Justices
Mr Simond Carpender Brought his Saruant Edw: Sparkes to haue Jtzdgmt of
this Courtt for his tim Who hath Ajudged him to Sarue Six yeares
Will of William
Elleyeot, Co Not given, Md., Pro. 2nd Sept., 1668
Test: John Foard, Edward Sparks
Chancery Court
Proceedings, 1679-80. 319
ffeb.ry 9.th 1679
Ordered that mandamus issue to the Sheriff of Kent County
Comanding him by the Oaths of twelve honest and Lawfull men of ye neighbourhood
to Enquire what Lands and Tenem.ts Edward Sparks dyed Seized of
and to make Return thereof into the Court of Chancery Records with all
Convenient Speed
Signed p ord.r John Llewhellin Cl Councell
