October 19, 2023
Pages 2958-2974
Whole Number 136
by Paul E. Sparks
(Editor's Note: This is a continuation of the article begun in the September 1986 issue of the Quarterly, Whole No. 135. In that issue, we presented a brief sketch of the life of 1.2.5.2 Joseph Sparks (ca.1730 -1809) of Frederick County, Maryland, and four of his children and their descendants:
1.2.5.2.1 Joseph Sparks, III,
1.2.5.2.2 James Sparks,
1.2.5.2.3 Mary Sparks, and
1.2.5.2.4 Sarah Sparks.
Here we present data of the remainder of his children:
1.2.5.2.5 Solomon Sparks,
1.2.5.2.6 Rebecca Sparks,
1.2.5.2.7 Susannah Sparks,
1.2.5.2.8 Elizabeth Sparks, and
1.2.5.2.9 Chloe Sparks.
[Webmaster Correction- Paul Sparks missed a generation according to how I read this article. 1.2.5.2.1.8.5 Samuel Barkley Sparks was the grandson of 1.2.5.2.1 Joseph Sparks, III. and the great-grandson of 1.2.5.2 Joseph Sparks.]
The photograph reproduced on the cover of the present issue of the Quarterly pertains to the family of 1.2.5.2.1.8.5 Samuel Barkley Sparks, son of 1.2.5.2.1.8 John and Rebecca (Wareham) Sparks, and grandson of 1.2.5.2.1 Joseph Sparks, III [See page 2923 of the September 1986 issue of the Quarterly, Whole No. 135.] It was taken at Black Valley, near Indian Springs and south of Everett, Pennsylvania, in Bedford County. The group had assembled at the old SPARKS home-place on Easter Sunday, 1909. The house has since been torn down. [See the map on page 2918 of the September 1986 issue for the location of the old SPARKS home-place in West Providence Township. It was located about four miles south of the village of Everett and is shown on that map as the dwelling of "J. Sparks." This is also the site of the home of Samuel Barkley Sparks. ] )
1.2.5.2.5 Solomon Sparks, son of 1.2.5.2 Joseph and Mary (McDaniel) Sparks, was born July 13, 1760, in Frederick County, Maryland, according to the inscription on his tombstone in the Providence Union Church Cemetery in Bedford County, Pennsylvania; however, he stated that he had been born in 1758 when he applied for a military pension in 1832. He was probably named for his uncle, *****20. Solomon Sparks, who went from Frederick County, Maryland, to Rowan County, North Carolina, ca. 1755. (See the December 1955 issue of the Quarterly, Whole No. 12.) When Solomon was about sixteen years of age, he went with his brothers, Joseph and James, to Bedford County. It was there that he enlisted in Boyd's Ranger Company of the Pennsylvania Militia in the spring of 1782 to fight the Indians who were allies of Great Britain during the Revolutionary War. He served for a period of about fifteen months. Many years later he applied for a pension for his service. (See the March 1955 issue of the Quarterly, Whole No. 9, for an abstract of his pension file in the National Archives.)
At the close of the Revolutionary War, Solomon returned to Frederick County, Maryland, where he stayed about two years before returning to Bedford County. It may have been in Frederick County that he married Rachel Weimer ca. 1784. She had been born on September 23, 1764, according to the inscription on her tombstone in Providence Union Church Cemetery. On April 16, 1794, Solomon received 400 acres of land in Bedford County, probably for his service in the Pennsylvania Militia. He also received 200 acres from the state of Pennsylvania.
With the outbreak of the second war with Great Britain in June 1812, Solomon organized a company of riflemen which was mustered into service of the United States on September 25, 1812, and was attached to the 2nd Regiment of Pennsylvania Riflemen, commanded by Col. William Piper. Included in Sparks's company as a 2nd Corporal was his nephew:
1.2.5.2.1.6 James Sparks, and
the roster of privates included another nephew, 1.2.5.2.1.4 Joseph Sparks and his own two sons:
1.2.5.2.5.3 Abraham Sparks and
1.2.5.2.5.4 Joseph S. Sparks.
The unit saw action at Buffalo, New York. (See the December 1960 issue of the Quarterly, Whole No. 32 and the March 1961 issue, Whole No. 33, for accounts of these men and their military service.) [Webmaster Note: None of these men appears in the referenced issue, Whole No. 33.]
Solomon Sparks was undoubtedly a successful farmer. His home was made of brick which was a bit uncommon in the rural areas of that time. He was also a shrewd businessman and made careful and profitable investments. He made a will many years before his death, for he had accumulated a considerable estate and two of his children had not yet attained adulthood. With a great deal of concern for the details of the disposition of his property, he made his will on January 10, 1821. Following is an abstract of the will.
First of all. I resign my soul into the hands of Almighty God and my body to the dust to be buried in a Christian-like manner.
Secondly. My funeral and debts are to be paid as soon as circumstances permit.
Third. To my beloved wife, Racheal, one-half of the brick house, together with all the bedding, one table, six chairs and all the kitchen furniture. Also one cow and one riding creature.
Fourthly. To my son, Abraham Sparks, the home place together with buildings and improvements, reserving only his mother's half of the brick house which is to descend to him at his mother's death. Also 200 acres of land on Owl Creek in Crawford County, together with all my horses, cows and stock, wagons, ploughs, harrows and farming utensils as well as household furniture not already bequeathed; together with all outstanding debts which he is to pay off.
My son, Abraham, is to pay to my five beloved daughters, namely: Sarah, Hannah, Mary, Delilah and Rachel, the sum of $200 each in the following manner: On January 1, 1826, $150 to Sarah; on January 1, 1827, $50 to Sarah and $100 to Hannah; on January 1, 1828, $100 to Hannah and $50 to Mary; on January 1, 1829, $100 to Mary and $50 to Delilah; on January 1, 1830, $50 to Mary and $100 to Delilah; on January 1, 1831, $50 to Delilah and $100 to Rachel; on January 1, 1832, $100 to Rachel.
Fifthly. To my son Joseph Sparks, I give the Hagerly place and a 100 acre warrant tract on the Turnpike Road. Also $100 in turnpike stock.
Sixthly. To my son, Jonah Sparks, I give the Chapman place on Clear Ridge and also the claim I have to the land adjoining the east of the new bridge on the Turnpike Road. Also $100 in turnpike stock.
To my son, John Sparks, I give the Chaney place adjoining Philip Morgert.
To my beloved son, Solomon Sparks, I give the old place on Clear Ridge and the Calhoun place.
To my grandson, William Latta, I give $100 to be paid to him when he comes of age.
If any of my children should not live to enjoy their shares thus bequeathed, it is my will that it should be equally divided between the surviving heirs.
P.S. I also give my son, Abraham Sparks, $150 of turnpike stock and he is to provide a comfortable living for his mother and provide keeping for her horse and cow and provide for the children until they arrive at 21 years of age.
Lastly. I appoint my wife, Rachel Sparks, and my eldest son, Abraham Sparks, executors of my will. Thus having endeavored to be plain and explicit in all devises, I hope and trust that no dispute will arise concerning them, but if the case should be otherwise, my will is that all disputes shall be decided by three impartial and intelligent men known for their good understanding.
his
Solomon Õ Sparks
seal
Witnesses:
Joseph Sparks
Abraham Martin
Solomon Sparks lived to see all of his children attain adulthood. He died on April 8, 1838, at the age of 77 years, 8 months and 25 days. His will was probated on April 24, 1838. Four days later, his widow, Rachel Sparks, renounced her appointment as his co-executor and his son, Abraham Sparks, was granted letters of administration of his father's estate. Rachel died on February 13, 1842, at the age of 77 years, 4 months and 20 days. She and Solomon had eleven children.
1.2.5.2.5.x Dau1 was born to Solomon and Rachel Sparks. She probably died (or was married and left home) after 1800. She was not listed in the Hollar Bible.
1.2.5.2.5.1 Sarah Sparks was born December 16, 1786. She apparently married FNU Latta, probably sometime between 1810 and 1820. They had at least two children:
1.2.5.2.5.3.1 William Latta, who was named in his grandfather's will in January 1821 (see above). He had 2 children:
1.2.5.2.5.3.1.1 William Latta, born ca. 1841, and
1.2.5.2.5.3.1.2 Jane Latta, born ca. 1843.They were living with their grandmother, Sarah Sparks, in the household of their great-uncle, Abraham Sparks, when the 1850 census was taken of Bedford County. Their father may have died prior to 1850 (or he and Sarah may have been divorced for Sarah had resumed her maiden name according to that census).
1.2.5.2.5.3.2 Indiana Latta. She apparently married FNU Hugs (or Hays).
Sarah Sparks died sometime between September 12, 1860, (when she made her will) and September 26, 1860, (when her will was probated). She named her son, William Latta; her daughter, Indiana Hugs (or Hays); and a granddaughter, Jane Latta.
1.2.5.2.5.2 Hannah Sparks was born November 21, 1788. She married Solomon Hollar, apparently sometime between 1810 and 1820. She died prior to November 1867. They had at least five children:
1.2.5.2.5.2.1 Philip Hollar,
1.2.5.2.5.2.2 Susan Hollar,
1.2.5.2.5.2.3 Rachel Hollar,
1.2.5.2.5.2.4 Rebecca Hollar, and
1.2.5.2.5.2.5 Hannah Hollar.1.2.5.2.5.3 Abraham Sparks was born on February 8, 1791, in Bedford County, Pennsylvania. He served in the War of 1812 as a soldier in Capt. Solomon Sparks's Company, organized in Bedford County, according to the Pennsylvania Archives, Vol. 7, pages 737-38. After the death of his father in 1838, he headed a household composed of his sisters, Sarah and Rachel, and his grand-nephew and grand-niece, William and Jane Latta. On the 1850 census of Bedford County, he was listed as an inn-keeper and farmer with real estate valued at $15,000. He apparently never married.
A considerable portion of the real estate owned by Abraham Sparks was located in Bureau County, Illinois, and this may have been a reason why his brother, Joseph S. Sparks, migrated there in 1851. When Abraham Sparks died, intestate, on November 28, 1854, it was natural that the Bureau County Court should appoint Joseph S. Sparks to administer the settlement of the estate.
An inventory of his brother's estate, was given by 1.2.5.2.5.4 Joseph S. Sparks, shortly after his appointment as administrator. Abraham owned six tracts of land in Bureau County totaling 291 acres. The annual income from the sale of the crops (corn, oats and wheat) amounted to over $400 according to the inventory. Joseph did not live long enough, however, to make a final settlement, dying on March 31, 1868. The Bureau County Court then appointed his son, Joseph R. Sparks, to make a final settlement which he did on June 10, 1868. Named as heirs were:
Heirs Date Amount Hannah Bogges, executor of Jonas Sparks 23 November 1866 $55.84 Philip Hollar, administrator of Hannah Hollar 25 November 1867 $53.24 Delilah Hughs 25 November 1856 $53.24 Julia Manspeaker, heir of Sarah Sparks 20 December 1864 $53.24 Mary Morgert 20 September 1864 $53.24 Rachel Kennard January 1, 1861 $55.50 ------- executor of Solomon Sparks 5 August 1867 $53.24 William States, guardian of heirs of John Sparks 22 July 1867 $53.24 J. S. Sparks 27 July 1867 $42.46 1.2.5.2.5.4 Joseph S. Sparks was born on May 11, 1793 in Bedford County. He served in the military company organized by his father during the War of 1812. After the war ended, he married Elizabeth Naill on March 27, 1817, in Tanneytown, Maryland. She had been born on April 2, 1799, and was a daughter of Christian and Mary Naill. Joseph and Elizabeth lived in East Providence Township in Bedford County where they appeared on the 1840 and 1850 censuses. On the latter census, Joseph was listed as a farmer and his real estate was valued at $6,000.
On February 1, 1851, Joseph Sparks, still a resident of East Providence Township, applied for bounty land based on his military service during the War of 1812. (See the September 1961 issue of the Quarterly, Whole No. 35, for an abstract of his bounty land file.) He was granted a tract of forty acres. Shortly thereafter, he moved his family to Bureau County, Illinois, where they settled near the village of Wyanet. It was there, in 1855, that he applied for additional land for his military service. This time his application was challenged by the Pension Office which asked him to prove that he was the correct Joseph Sparks, since, apparently, there were two men by that name who had served in the War of 1812 from Bedford County, Pennsylvania. (See the June 1965 issue of the Quarterly, Whole No. 50, for additional information about the family records of Joseph S. Sparks.)
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| ELIZABETH (NAILL) SPARKS (1799-1892) |
| Wife of Joseph S. Sparks |
During the Civil War, all of the sons of Joseph and Elizabeth (Naill) Sparks served in the Union Army. Joseph died on March 31, 1868, shortly after the war ended. Elizabeth survived him for nearly twenty-five years, dying on August 25, 1892, at the age of 93 years. They had nine children.
1.2.5.2.5.4.1 Mary Ann Elizabeth Sparks, daughter of Joseph and Elizabeth (Naill) Sparks, was born December 19, 1818, in Bedford County. On February 13, 1838, she married Simon Nycum. He was born December 25, 1818, at Rays Hill, Pennsylvania, and was a son of John and Mary (Shartzer) Nycum. He lived in East Providence Township where he was a farmer and local businessman, according to the Nycum Genealogy by Homer C. Nycum, published in 1963. (We are indebted to Mr. Nycum for most of the information about the Nycum family.) Mary Ann died on February 5, 1892, and Simon died on May 30, 1900. They were buried in the Mt. Zion Lutheran Cemetery at Rays Hill. They had ten children.
1.2.5.2.5.4.1.1 Martha Permelia Nycum was born July 15, 1839. She died on January 13, 1877. She never married.
1.2.5.2.5.4.1.2 William Henry Harrison Nycum was born August 9, 1841. He served in Company C, 133rd Regiment Pennsylvania Infantry and Company G, 186th Regiment Pennsylvania Infantry during the Civil War. After the war ended, he went to Illinois and Iowa where he became a well-to-do businessman. He died on January 6, 1903, in Chicago, Illinois. He never married.
1.2.5.2.5.4.1.3 John Quincy Adams Nycum was born December 6, 1843, at Rays Hill. He served in the 186th Regiment Pennsylvania Infantry during the Civil War, and after the war ended, he married Ann Margaret Gump on November 4, 1868. She was born August 31, 1848, at Rainsburg, Pennsylvania, and was a daughter of John and Elizabeth (Stuckey) Gump. John Nycum was a teacher, farmer, and also operated a general store with his father. He died on May 7, 1922, and Ann died on August 14, 1938. They had seven children:
1.2.5.2.5.4.1.3.1 Ira Nycum,
1.2.5.2.5.4.1.3.2 Stella Nycum,
1.2.5.2.5.4.1.3.3 John Nycum,
1.2.5.2.5.4.1.3.4 William Nycum,
1.2.5.2.5.4.1.3.5 Grace Nycum,
1.2.5.2.5.4.1.3.6 Bessie Nycum, and
1.2.5.2.5.4.1.3.7 Marian Nycum.1.2.5.2.5.4.1.4 George Washington Nycum was born March 12, 1846, at Rays Hill. He was a businessman and teacher, as well as a farmer. On October 24, 1878, he married Bertha Gordon Wilson at Fannettsburg, Pennsylvania. She was born September 23, 1857, in Franklin County, Pennsylvania, and was a daughter of William and Maria (Lysinger) Wilson. George died on December 22, 1930, at Freeport, Illinois; Bertha died on November 10, 1942, at Mt. Carroll, Illinois. They had three children:
1.2.5.2.5.4.1.4.1 Harry Nycum,
1.2.5.2.5.4.1.4.2 Simon Nycum, and
1.2.5.2.5.4.1.4.3 Mary Nycum.1.2.5.2.5.4.1.5 Henry Clay Nycum was born October 15, 1848, at Brush Creek, Pennsylvania. He was a builder and contractor. On May 9, 1877, he married Norma Cecelia Alsop. She was born December 29, 1857, and was a daughter of John and Mary Ann (Metzger) Alsop. Henry Lycum died on April 5, 1926, at Wilkinsburg, Pennsylvania, where he had moved in 1891. Norma died on May 1, 1928. They had five children:
1.2.5.2.5.4.1.5.1 Lena Nycum,
1.2.5.2.5.4.1.5.2 Percy ["Bud"] Nycum,
1.2.5.2.5.4.1.5.3 Charles Nycum,
1.2.5.2.5.4.1.5.4 Denzil Nycum, and
1.2.5.2.5.4.1.5.5 Inda Adelle Nycum.The latter named was a grandmother of Margaret (Davis) Jacobs who has furnished most of the information about the Nycum family.
1.2.5.2.5.4.1.6 Albert Luther Nycum was born November 24, 1850. He was a railroad inspector. On September 23, 1880, he married Emma DeVerne Alsop at Bedford, Pennsylvania. She was born April 29, 1853, at Bedford and was a daughter of John and Mary Ann (Metzger) Alsop, and a sister of Norma Cecelia Alsop who married 1.2.5.2.5.6.1.5 Henry Clay Nycum, brother of Albert. (See above.) Albert Nycum died on February 26, 1923, at Edgewood, Pennsylvania, and Emma died there on November 14, 1931. They were the parents of seven children, including an unnamed son who died at birth. They were:
1.2.5.2.5.4.1.6.1 Albert Nycum,
1.2.5.2.5.4.1.6.2 Leila Nycum,
1.2.5.2.5.4.1.6.3 John Nycum,
1.2.5.2.5.4.1.6.4 Mary Nycum,
1.2.5.2.5.4.1.6.5 Simon Nycum, and
1.2.5.2.5.4.1.6.6 Joseph Nycum.1.2.5.2.5.4.1.7 Joseph Winfield Scott Nycum was born May 17, 1853, at Rays Hill. He was a carpenter. On November 4, 1874, he married Mertie Belle Filler. Mertie Belle (Filler) Nycum was born June 3, 1857, and was a daughter of John and Sarah (Falk) Filler. Joseph Nycum died on September 6, 1914, and Mertie died on May 4, 1931. They had four children:
1.2.5.2.5.4.1.7.1 Sallie Nycum,
1.2.5.2.5.4.1.7.2 John Nycum,
1.2.5.2.5.4.1.7.3 Lulu Nycum, and
1.2.5.2.5.4.1.7.4 Simon Nycum.1.2.5.2.5.4.1.8 Simon Franklin Nycum was born July 7, 1855. He married Mary Loretta Treusheim. She was born April 27, 1857, at Buffalo Mills, Pennsylvania, and was a daughter of John Treusheim, a native of Germany. Simon died on February 20, 1914, and Mary died in 1929. They were buried in the Mt. Zion Lutheran Cemetery. They had six children, including an unnamed daughter who died at birth. The others were:
1.2.5.2.5.4.1.8.1 Leroy Nycum,
1.2.5.2.5.4.1.8.2 Johnnie Nycum,
1.2.5.2.5.4.1.8.3 George Nycum,
1.2.5.2.5.4.1.8.4 Merle Nycum, and
1.2.5.2.5.4.1.8.5 Paul Nycum.1.2.5.2.5.4.1.9 Mary ["Mollie"] Elizabeth Nycum was born December 18, 1857. On June 6, 1877, she married John Wesley Poffinberger at Rays Hill. He was born in 1843 in Franklin County, Pennsylvania, and was a son of Jacob and FNU (Derr) Poffinberger. He was a Lutheran minister. He died in 1908 at Vandergrift, Pennsylvania, and Mollie died on June 15, 1942. They had four children:
1.2.5.2.5.4.1.9.1 Merle Poffinberger,
1.2.5.2.5.4.1.9.2 Emma Poffinberger,
1.2.5.2.5.4.1.9.3 Mary Poffinberger, and
1.2.5.2.5.4.1.9.4 Judd Poffinberger.1.2.5.2.5.4.1.10 Susan Emma Nycum was born July 13, 1860. On May 13, 1885, she married John Steele Hershberger. He was born on November 25, 1855, in Bedford County, and he was the minister of the Everett Church of the Brethren. He was also an Associate Judge of Bedford County. Susan died on March 14, 1952. She and John had eight children:
1.2.5.2.5.4.1.10.1 Mary Hershberger,
1.2.5.2.5.4.1.10.2 Henry Hershberger,
1.2.5.2.5.4.1.10.3 William Hershberger,
1.2.5.2.5.4.1.10.4 Paul Hershberger,
1.2.5.2.5.4.1.10.5 Ruth Hershberger,
1.2.5.2.5.4.1.10.6 Leone Hershberger,
1.2.5.2.5.4.1.10.7 Naomi Hershberger, and
1.2.5.2.5.4.1.10.8 Lois Hershberger.1.2.5.2.5.4.2 Solomon Christian Sparks, son of Joseph and Elizabeth (Naill) Sparks, was born December 3, 1820. He was married twice. His first marriage was to Mary Maria Ramsey in East Providence Township, ca. 1843. She died on August 2, 1845, when their first child was born. Solomon married (second) Sarah Jane Householder on November 29, 1849, at Camelstown, Pennsylvania. They moved to Bureau County, Illinois, ca. 1851.
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| SOLOMON C. SPARKS |
| (1820-1900) |
Solomon Sparks served in the 93rd Regiment Illinois Infantry during the Civil War and received a pension for his service. (See the March 1986 issue of the Quarterly, Whole No. 133, for an abstract of his military service file.) Sometime prior to August 1898, he moved to Montrose, Missouri. by this time his wife, Sarah Jane, had died.
It is believed that Solomon C. Sparks died ca. 1900, although we have found no record of his death. He was the father of six children.
1.2.5.2.5.4.2.1 Mary Elizabeth Sparks was born August 2, 1845. She married Robert Mosher.
1.2.5.2.5.4.2.2 Anna Maria Sparks was born November 25, 1851. She married FNU Houghton.
1.2.5.2.5.4.2.3 Emma Sparks was born July 28, 1855. She married Frank Lysinger.
1.2.5.2.5.4.2.4 Albert Sparks was born May 8, 1857. He married Lori MNU
1.2.5.2.5.4.2.5 Jessie Sparks was born March 1862. She married FNU Clark.
1.2.5.2.5.4.2.6 William Sparks was born May 29, 1864.1.2.5.2.5.4.3 Rachel Rebecca Sparks, daughter of Joseph and Elizabeth (Naill) Sparks, was born February 18, 1823, at Rays Hill, Pennsylvania. In 1842, she was confirmed in the Evangelical Lutheran Church at Blood Run, Pennsylvania. She married Isaac Lysinger on June 24, 1847. He was born on February 25, 1819, and was a son of Henry and Elizabeth Lysinger.
In the fall of 1852, Isaac and Rachel, with their two small children (Susan Elizabeth Lysinger had died just a few days earlier) started for Illinois. Notes left in a family Bible indicate that they went by boat across Lake Erie and then by wagon to Chicago. From Chicago they went by the canal southward to the town of Peru where they disembarked and drove a wagon to the village of Wyanet. They settled on a farm about five miles north of the village.
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| RACHEL REBECCA (SPARKS) LYSINGER |
ISAAC LYSINGER |
The family of Isaac and Rachel continued to grow. Their son, Joseph enlisted during the Civil War when only sixteen years of age in the 146th Regiment Illinois Infantry, but returned home safely. Two children, Anson and Virginia, were born, but lived for only a short time.
In December 1893, Isaac and Rachel joined their children at Aurora, Nebraska, where Isaac died on September 19, 1895. He was buried at Wyanet, Illinois. Rachel survived him three years, dying on May 7, 1898. She was buried beside Isaac at Wyanet. They were the parents of eight children.
1.2.5.2.5.4.3.1 Joseph Lysinger was born May 7, 1848, at Rays Hill, Pennsylvania, and was a four-year-old child when his parents moved to Wyanet, Illinois. When the Civil War broke out, he enlisted in the 146th Regiment Illinois Infantry at the age of sixteen, and served until the end of that conflict. After returning home, he went to Nebraska where he settled in the village of Aurora. There he married Ella R. Lyon in 1891. He was a farmer, but also engaged in milling. He died on April 30, 1919.
1.2.5.2.5.4.3.2 Susan Elizabeth Lysinger was born October 23, 1849. She died on October 8, 1852.
1.2.5.2.5.4.3.3 Mary [ "Mollie" ] Martha Lysinger was born April 25, 1852, and was a baby when her parents moved from Pennsylvania to Illinois. She suffered from the crippling effects of rheumatoid arthritis most of her life. She never married. She died on September 15, 1902.
1.2.5.2.5.4.3.4 Simon Nycum ["Dick"] Lysinger was born March 18, 1854, in Bureau County, Illinois. He went to Nebraska, probably with his brother, Joseph, and it was there that he married Julia Ellen Lehane on November 1, 1874. She was born June 10, 1853, in Cork, Ireland, but came to America with her parents when she was three years old. Dick Lysinger died on April 19, 1933, and Julia died the following year. They had eleven children, seven daughters and four sons. They were:
1.2.5.2.5.4.3.4.1 DeEtta Lysinger,
1.2.5.2.5.4.3.4.2 Isaac Lysinger,
1.2.5.2.5.4.3.4.3 Richard Lysinger,
1.2.5.2.5.4.3.4.4 Joseph Lysinger,
1.2.5.2.5.4.3.4.5 Stella Lysinger,
1.2.5.2.5.4.3.4.6 Hattie Lysinger,
1.2.5.2.5.4.3.4.7 Lanore Lysinger,
1.2.5.2.5.4.3.4.8 Evelyn Lysinger,
1.2.5.2.5.4.3.4.9 Cecil Lysinger,
1.2.5.2.5.4.3.4.10 Bessie Lysinger, and
1.2.5.2.5.4.3.4.11 Lawrence Lysinger.1.2.5.2.5.4.3.5 Anson Lysinger was born in October 1855 and died the following year, on November 14th.
1.2.5.2.5.4.3.6 Virginia Cordelia Lysinger was born April 24, 1858. She died on January 4, 1861.
1.2.5.2.5.4.3.7 Hattie Marie Lysinger was born February 29, 1860, in Bureau County, Illinois, and it was there that she married Clement Harrington on February 1, 1877. He was born September 8, 1858, and was a son of Nathan and Margaret Elizabeth (Sapp) Harrington. He and Hattie were farmers in Bureau Township and were members of the Methodist Church. They had six children:
1.2.5.2.5.4.3.7.1 Mollie Elizabeth Harrington,
1.2.5.2.5.4.3.7.2 Nathan Earl Harrington,
1.2.5.2.5.4.3.7.3 Verna Harrington,
1.2.5.2.5.4.3.7.4 Cliff Harrington,
1.2.5.2.5.4.3.7.5 Rait Harrington, and
1.2.5.2.5.4.3.7.6 Mildred Harrington.Nathan Earl Harrington married Blanche Sutherland Spratt and they were the parents of 1.2.5.2.5.6.3.7.2.1 Madge Edna (Harrington) Brieser who has been most helpful in providing information about her branch of the family.
1.2.5.2.5.4.3.8 Belle Lysinger was born March 14, 1862, in Bureau County, and it was there that she married Jacob Petty in November 1889. A few years after their marriage, they moved to Aurora, Nebraska. They had two children, a boy and a girl, before the untimely death of Belle on November 24, 1899. She was a member of the Methodist Church.
1.2.5.2.5.4.4 Maria Sparks, daughter of Joseph and Elizabeth (Naill) Sparks, was born August 28, 1825. She was confirmed in the Evangelical Lutheran Church at Blood Run, Pennsylvania, on December 17, 1842. She died a year later on December 23, 1843.
1.2.5.2.5.4.5 Susanna N. Sparks was born December 18, 1827. She died on November 24, 1843.
1.2.5.2.5.4.6 Abraham J. Sparks was born December 3, 1830, in Bedford County. He accompanied his parents to Bureau County, Illinois, where he married Eleanor R. Frankenberger on June 10, 1855. They lived at Wyanet, Illinois. Abraham served as a captain in Company H, 146th Regiment Illinois Infantry during the Civil War. (See the September 1967 issue of the Quarterly, Whole No. 59, for an abstract of his pension file.) He died on January 1, 1881, at Del Norte, Colorado. Eleanor died in 1913. They were the parents of five children.
1.2.5.2.5.4.6.1 Alice L. Sparks was born March 20, 1856. She married George Scott and they had four children:
1.2.5.2.5.4.6.1.1 Louise Scott,
1.2.5.2.5.4.6.1.2 Ingersoll Scott,
1.2.5.2.5.4.6.1.3 Helen Scott, and
1.2.5.2.5.4.6.1.4 Alice Scott.1.2.5.2.5.4.6.2 Jennie Elizabeth Sparks was born May 31, 1858. She married Charles W. Haskin, and they had three children:
1.2.5.2.5.4.6.2.1 Genevieve Haskin,
1.2.5.2.5.4.6.2.2 Ada Haskin, and
1.2.5.2.5.4.6.2.3 Eugene Haskin.1.2.5.2.5.4.6.3 Cora B. Sparks was born October 14, 1860. On December 24, 1879, she married William E. Sapp and they had one child:
1.2.5.2.5.6.6.3.1 Raymond Sapp. Cora died on October 24, 1933.
1.2.5.2.5.4.6.4 Clarissa Irene Sparks was born October 26, 1865. She married Thomas Gibson.
1.2.5.2.5.4.6.5 Edgar S. Sparks was born April 17, 1870. He married and had at least one child:1.2.5.2.5.4.6.5.1 Fayladene Sparks.
1.2.5.2.5.4.7 DAVID W. SPARKS (1833-1908)
1.2.5.2.5.4.7 David W. Sparks, son of Joseph and Elizabeth (Naill) Sparks, was born July 15, 1833, at Rays Hill, Pennsylvania. He was among the first men in Bureau County, Illinois, to respond to President Lincoln's call to arms when the Civil War broke out, and he enlisted in Company H, 12th Regiment Illinois Infantry on May 1, 1861, for a three-months period. Subsequently, he served in Company C, 93rd Regiment Illinois Infantry as a lst lieutenant. (See the December 1985 issue of the Quarterly, Whole No. 132 for an abstract of his pension file.
After returning home from the military service, David Sparks married Evaline Pomeroy on June 28, 1863, at Princeton, Illinois. He moved to Phoenix, Arizona, in 1889 where he died on September 2, 1908. He and Evaline had three children.
1.2.5.2.5.4.7.1 Ione Sparks was born November 21, 1869.
1.2.5.2.5.4.7.2 Joseph Lyman Sparks was born January 25, 1872.
1.2.5.2.5.4.7.3 Ralph Waldo Sparks was born August 18, 1875.1.2.5.2.5.4.8 Joseph R. Sparks was born December 17, 1835, in Bedford County, and accompanied his parents to Bureau County, Illinois, in 1851. According to a publication, Veterans Buried In Illinois, he served in Company A, 139th Regiment Illinois Infantry during the Civil War. The National Archives has no record of his service, however; he probably served in a unit of the Illinois State Militia. After the death of his father in March 1868, Joseph R. Sparks was appointed to complete the settlement of the estate of his uncle, 1.2.5.2.5.3 Abraham Sparks. He made the final settlement on June 10, 1868. He died on Janaury 25, 1909, and was buried in Grave 287 in the Forest Hill Cemetery at Wyanet, Illinois.
Joseph R. Sparks may have been the Joseph Sparks who married Elizabeth MNU ca. 1864 and appeared on the 1870 and 1880 censuses of Bedford County, Pennsylvania. According to these censuses, he and Elizabeth had four children:
1.2.5.2.5.4.8.1 George W. Sparks, born ca.1865;
1.2.5.2.5.4.8.2 Eliza J. ["Jennie"] Sparks, born ca.1868;
1.2.5.2.5.4.8.3 Harry C. Sparks, born ca.1871; and
1.2.5.2.5.4.8.4 David C. Sparks, born ca.1873.
JOHN E. N. SPARKS (1839-1912)
1.2.5.2.5.4.9 John Ecker Naill Sparks was born August 26, 1839, in Bedford County. He was a young lad when his parents moved to Bureau County, Illinois. He served in the 57th and 151st Regiments of the Illinois Infantry during the Civil War and received a pension for his service. (See the March, 1986, issue of the Quarterly, Whole No. 133, for an abstract of his pension file.) On May 13, 1862, he married Anna E. Barber at Geneseo, Henry County, Illinois. She was born July 16, 1842, at Batavia, New York, and was a daughter of Joel and Rowena Fay Barber.
After their marriage, John and Anna continued to live in Bureau County until 1873 when they moved to Gordon, Nebraska. They stayed there until 1894 when they moved to Montrose, Missouri. They left Missouri in 1900 and moved to Pagosa Springs, Colorado. John died there on Aubust 31, 1912. Ann died on November 15, 1921. They were the parents of ten children.
1.2.5.2.5.4.9.1 Nellie Maria Sparks was born May 14, 1863. She died the following year.
1.2.5.2.5.4.9.2 Franklin Ernest Sparks was born May 29, 1867. He died on March 12, 1948.
1.2.5.2.5.4.9.3 Anna Blanche Sparks was born July 4, 1869. She died in 1891.
1.2.5.2.5.4.9.4 Grace Rowena Sparks was born March 26, 1872. She died on February 28, 1902, and was buried beside her parents in the Pagosa Springs Cemetery in Colorado. She never married.
1.2.5.2.5.4.9.5 Harry Lysinger Sparks was born June 5, 1874. He died on March 21, 1966, at the age of 92 years.
1.2.5.2.5.4.9.6 John Volney Sparks was born February 21, 1876. He died on October 2, 1879, when only three years old.
1.2.5.2.5.4.9.7 Volney Leroy Sparks was born May 30, 1878. He died on June 2, 1939.
1.2.5.2.5.4.9.8 Forrest Herbert Sparks was born January 16, 1880. He died on November 26, 1952.
1.2.5.2.5.4.9.9 Edna Elizabeth Sparks was born July 19, 1882. She died on May 22, 1964.
1.2.5.2.5.4.9.10 Earl Grant Sparks was born May 19, 1885. He married Analeta Lawhead on July 27, 1923, in Platte County, Wyoming. She was born April 8, 1891, and was a daughter of Robert Alvah and Anna Laura (Beard) Lawhead. Earl Sparks died on July 19, 1964. He and Analeta had three children:1.2.5.2.5.4.9.10.1 Aurelia Sparks,
1.2.5.2.5.4.9.10.2 Jane Sparks,
1.2.5.2.5.4.9.10.3 John Earl Sparks, and
1.2.5.2.5.4.9.10.4 Anabeth Sparks.John Sparks has been most helpful in the preparation of this article and has supplied many of the photographs used as illustrations.
1.2.5.2.5.5 Jonah Sparks (sometimes written as Jonas), son of Solomon and Rachel Sparks, was born in Pennsylvania June 16, 1796. He appeared on the 1830 and 1840 censuses of Bedford County as head of his household. According to the enumeration of his family on these censuses, it seems apparent that he had married ca. 1818 and that he had two children, a son born before 1825, and a daughter born between 1820 and 1825. According to information furnished by a relative, he "went to Illinois." We have found no further record of him in Bedford County.
Jonah Sparks may have been the John Sparks (born ca.1795 in Pennsylvania) who was listed on the 1850 and 1860 censuses of Rock Island County, Illinois. With him were his wife, Elizabeth (born ca.1800 in Pennsylvania) and a son named Jonas Sparks (born ca.1819 in Pennsylvania). This Jonas Sparks married Margaret Kirk on January 25, 1857, in Hancock County, Illinois. She was born ca. 1826 in Tennessee and was a daughter of Armstrong and Mary (Bolinger) Kirk. She and Jonas had four children:
1.2.5.2.5.5.1 James M. Sparks,
1.2.5.2.5.5.2 John B. Sparks,
1.2.5.2.5.5.3 Charles W. Sparks, and
1.2.5.2.5.5.4 J. A. ["Albert"] Sparks.Jonah Sparks apparently had died before the estate of his brother, Abraham Sparks, was finally settled. On November 23, 1866, a notation was made on the settlement record, "by cash, Hannah Bogges Ex Jonas Sparks, $55.84." Perhaps Hannah Bogges was a granddaughter.
1.2.5.2.5.6 Mary Sparks was born on March 11, 1798. She married Baltzer Morgart, ca. 1820. He was born ca. 1785 and was a son of Peter Morgart. Baltzer kept a tavern for many years and also held some political offices. He was also identified with the interests of the Providence Baptist Church. According to census records, Baltzer and Mary had at least nine children. He died in 1853 and Mary died in 1874. Their children were:
1.2.5.2.5.6.1 Rachel Morgart was born in 1823. She is said to have married FNU Snell.
1.2.5.2.5.6.2 Christine Morgart was born ca. 1825. She married FNU Steckman.
1.2.5.2.5.6.3 Phillip G. Morgart was born in 1828.
1.2.5.2.5.6.4 Andrew J. Morgart was born ca. 1830.
1.2.5.2.5.6.5 Abram Morgart was born in 1832. According to a History of Bedford County he married Sarah McElwain, and they had nine children.
1.2.5.2.5.6.6 Rebecca Morgart was born ca. 1834. She married FNU Barndollar
1.2.5.2.5.6.7 Emiline Morgart was born in 1837. She married William States.
1.2.5.2.5.6.8 Mary Martha Morgart was born in 1839. She was a member of the Evangelical Lutheran Church at St. Clairsville, Pennsylvania. She married George L. Grossman in 1865. He was born in 1833. Mary died in 1902 and George died in 1917.
1.2.5.2.5.6.9 Amanda Morgart was born in 1841. She married FNU Stedman.1.2.5.2.5.7 Delilah Sparks was born August 18, 1800. She married Uriah Hughes, ca. 1820. He was born ca. 1794 and was a bricklayer and plasterer. He died in 1866 at the age of 72 years. Delilah died on November 25, 1875. According to a History of Bedford County published in 1884, she and Uriah had three children.
1.2.5.2.5.7.1 Pheobe Hughes. She married FNU Noble and lived in Blair County, Pennsylvania.
1.2.5.2.5.7.2 William Hughes.
1.2.5.2.5.7.3 Bartley Hughes. He married Susan Leader, daughter of David Leader, and they lived in the same neighborhood where they were born.1.2.5.2.5.8 John Sparks, son of Solomon and Rachel Sparks, was born in Bedford County on February 3, 1804. He married Barbara MNU, ca. 1830. She was born ca. 1810 in Pennsylvania. John and Barbara were listed on the 1840 and 1850 censuses of Bedford County, and, according to these records, they had eight children, four sons and four daughters. John died ca. 1865 and Barbara died after 1870.
1.2.5.2.5.8.1 Sarah Sparks was born ca. 1834. She married FNU Williams.
1.2.5.2.5.8.2 Rachel Sparks was born ca. 1836.
1.2.5.2.5.8.3 Ann Sparks was born ca. 1838. She apparently died prior to 1867.
1.2.5.2.5.8.4 Uriah Hughes Sparks was born ca. 1842. He served in Company H, 107th Regiment Pennsylvania Infantry during the Civil War. (See the September 1986 issue of the Quarterly, Whole No. 135, for an abstract of his pension file.) He apparently never married. He died on March 13, 1893, at Tatesville, Pennsylvania.
1.2.5.2.5.8.5 Eliza Sparks was born ca. 1843.
1.2.5.2.5.8.6 William Sparks was born in May 1845. He served in Company D, 101st Regiment Pennsylvania Infantry during the Civil War. (See the September 1986 issue of the Quarterly, Whole No. 135, for an abstract of his pension file.) After returning from the service, he married Catherine Barnes on March 3, 1870, in Bedford County. She was born ca. 1849 in Pennsylvania. William died on January 10, 1915, at Portage, Pennsylvania. He and Catherine had one child,1.2.5.2.5.9.6.1 Hugh Sparks, born on April 28, 1870.
1.2.5.2.5.8.7 Jonas Sparks was born ca. 1846. He married Elizabeth MNU, ca. 1875, and when the 1880 census was taken of Bedford County, they had two children. There may have been other children born to this couple.
1.2.5.2.5.8.7.1 Jonas Sparks was born ca. 1877.
1.2.5.2.5.8.7.2 William Sparks was born in April 1880.1.2.5.2.5.8.8 John Sparks was born ca. 1847. He served in Company I, 194th Regiment Pennsylvania Infantry during the Civil War. (See the September 1986 issue of the Quarterly, Whole No. 135, for an abstract of his pension file.) He was married twice. His first marriage was to Rebecca J. Sleighter ca. 1875. They had four children before her death on February 24, 1892. John married (second) Annie E. McFarland on July 24, 1892, and they had two children. John died on January 23, 1900. His children were:
1.2.5.2.5.8.8.1 Joseph W. Sparks was born February 5, 1876.
1.2.5.2.5.8.8.2 Harry A. Sparks was born August 18, 1877.
1.2.5.2.5.8.8.3 Samuel E. Sparks was born February 3, 1880.
1.2.5.2.5.8.8.4 Minnie M. Sparks was born July 19, 1883.
1.2.5.2.5.8.8.5 Bertha Blanche Sparks was born May 3, 1893.
1.2.5.2.5.8.8.6 Barbara E. Sparks was born August 26, 1897.1.2.5.2.5.9 Rachel Sparks was born May 7, 1808. She married Moses Cunnard and they moved to Ohio according to a relative. We have no further information about her.
1.2.5.2.5.10 Solomon Sparks, Jr. was born June 1, 1812 in Bedford County. He married Susan Black, ca. 1834. She was born in Pennsylvania ca. 1814. Solomon and Susan lived on Clear Ridge on the home place which he had inherited from his father in April 1838. He was a farmer.
Solomon apparently took sick during the spring of 1865 and made his will on June 23rd. by this time, his eldest daughter and son were married, and his son, Silas, was still in the Union Army. Named as his heirs were his wife, Susan; his sons: Abraham, Silas, and John; and his daughters: Mary McDaniel, Jane, Ann Rebecca, and Emma Susan. Witnesses were: David Sparks, Wilson H. Sparks, and John Sparks. The will was probated on January 18, 1866. The children of Solomon Sparks, Jr. were:
1.2.5.2.5.10.1 Abraham B. Sparks was born ca. 1835. He married Clarissa Kerr in 1859.
1.2.5.2.5.10.2 Mary A. Sparks was born ca. 1837. She married Barkley McDaniel in 1859.
1.2.5.2.5.10.3 Silas H. Sparks was born ca. 1840. He served in Company K, 133rd Regiment Pennsylvania Infantry during the Civil War. See the September 1986 issue of the Quarterly, Whole No. 135, for an abstract of his pension file. According to this file, Silas had only one child,1.2.5.2.5.10.3.1 Mary L. Sparks, born July 11, 1872.
Silas Sparks married Julia K. Kerr on March 19, 1868, in Everett, Pennsylvania. She was born ca. 1834 in Pennsylvania. When the 1870 census was taken of Bedford County, Silas and Julia Sparks lived in West Providence Township. Living in their household were: John Kerr, 46, a farm laborer; Maggie V. Akers, 15, a domestic servant; Ruth Wertz, 10; Edward L. Feaster, 4; and S. Edward Sparks, aged 1 year. Four years later, Silas Sparks and his family moved to Cowley County, Kansas. Silas died at Winfield, Kansas, on January 9, 1910; Julia died on June 20, 1922.
One of the most interesting letters in the files of the Sparks Family Association was written on February 23, 1957, by W. M. Feaster to Russell E. Bidlack, editor of the Quarterly. Mr. Feaster lived on Rural Route 4, Winfield, Kansas. Here is the letter in its entirety.
"I was informed by the 'Genealogical Research' of Chicago, Illinois, that you might be able to give me some information in regard to my father. He was put in a Catholic Convent by his mother some place near Bedford, PA. The convent and the Bedford County Courthouse both burned down we have been told.
"His name was Robert E. Lee Pfeister (we aren't sure of the spelling of his last name) when he was placed in the convent. Mr. & Mrs. Silas H. Sparks of Bedford, Penn. took him out of the home ca. 1869 when he was 2 yrs. old and started adoption. Sparks changed his name to Edgar Rudolph Sparks when they took him. They moved to Cowley Co., Winfield, Kansas, in 1874.
"Can you give me any information in regards to this. Any information would be appreciated."
[signed] W. M. Feaster"
It seems quite obvious that Silas and Julia (Kerr) Sparks were the foster parents of Robert Edward Lee Feaster. We do not know whether he was ever legally adopted. Attempts to reach W. M. Feaster of Winfield, Kansas, in 1986 were not successful.
1.2.5.2.5.10.4 William Henry Sparks was born ca. 1841. He is said to have married Mary MNU. We have no further information about him.
1.2.5.2.5.10.5 Jane Elizabeth ["Jenny"] Sparks was born June 16, 1844, at Clear Ridge, Pennsylvania. She married George Washington Amick on November 30, 1865. He was born on October 8, 1837, at Bedford, Pennsylvania, and was a son of David and Hanna (Robertson) Amick. Jenny Amick died on April 24, 1898, and George died in November 1913. The were the parents of eleven children.
1.2.5.2.5.10.5.1 Frank R. Amick was born March 29, 1866. He died on January 26,1882.
1.2.5.2.5.10.5.2 Ida F. Amick was born September 15, 1868. She died in 1954. In 1905, she married George M. Raudabaugh.
1.2.5.2.5.10.5.3 Ralph L. Amick was born September 19, 1870. He died on February 10, 1927. He married Sarah E. Swartz on December 1, 1897.
1.2.5.2.5.10.5.4 Gertrude O. Amick was born June 18, 1872. She died in January 1953. On July 22, 1890, she married Albert Corle.
1.2.5.2.5.10.5.5 Lola C. Amick was born March 24, 1874. She married James P. Rupp on May 15, 1901. She died on August 8, 1928.
1.2.5.2.5.10.5.6 Umphrey A. Amick was born November 2, 1875. He married Laura J. Steckman on April 9, 1914. He died on July 15, 1939.
1.2.5.2.5.10.5.7 Linna L. Amick was born May 10, 1879. She married Joseph Evarts in March 1905.
1.2.5.2.5.10.5.8 Dora Belle Amick was born November 14, 1881. She died on June 25, 1969. On April 10, 1901, she married 1.2.5.2.1.8.5.3 John Sherman Sparks (see above).
1.2.5.2.5.10.5.9 John Milton Amick was born September 13, 1883, and died a few days later on October 12, 1883.
1.2.5.2.5.10.5.10 Nellie V. Amick was born February 12, 1885. She died on October 16, 1940. She married Nathan Miller in February 1905.
1.2.5.2.5.10.5.11 William R. Amick was born April 19, 1887. He died on April 6, 1972. He married Lillian E. Thompson on September 14, 1914.1.2.5.2.5.10.6 Ann Rebecca Sparks was born ca. 1850. She married Harry H. Hixon in 1866. We have no further information about them.
1.2.5.2.5.10.7 Emma Susan Sparks was born ca. 1853. She married Lawreston M. Bennett in 1880. We have no further information about them.
1.2.5.2.5.10.8 John W. Sparks was born ca. 1856. We have no further information about him.
1.2.5.2.6 Rebecca Sparks, daughter of Joseph and Mary (McDaniel) Sparks, was born ca. 1762 in Maryland. She is said to have married FNU Irons and according to information furnished by a relative, they had five children:
1.2.5.2.6.1 John Irons,
1.2.5.2.6.2 Joseph Irons,
1.2.5.2.6.3 Rebecca Irons,
1.2.5.2.6.4 Susannah Irons, and
1.2.5.2.6.5 Elizabeth Irons.1.2.5.2.7 Susannah Sparks was born ca. 1764 in Maryland. She is said to have married FNU Weimer and they moved to Ohio where Susannah died near the city of Athens.
1.2.5.2.8 Elizabeth Sparks was born ca. 1766 in Maryland. She is said to have married FNU Means and to have had seven children:
1.2.5.2.8.1 Hugh Means,
1.2.5.2.8.2 Edward Means,
1.2.5.2.8.3 Joseph Means,
1.2.5.2.8.4 Daniel Means,
1.2.5.2.8.5 Charles Means,
1.2.5.2.8.6 Bernard Means, and
1.2.5.2.8.7 James Means.1.2.5.2.9 Chloe Sparks was born ca. 1770 in Maryland. She apparently never married and became the head of the household after her father died in 1809. She was co-executor of his estate, along with her brother, Joseph, and under the terms of her father's will, she inherited all of his property which was not specified in his will. If she had any heirs, she could pass this property on to them, but if she died without issue, the property was to be sold and the proceeds were to be divided equally among the remaining heirs of her father.
Chloe Sparks died in 1832 without a will. Joseph Sparks and John Sparks, probably sons of her brother, Joseph, were appointed as her administrators. The final settlement was made in 1847.
(Editor's Note: This concludes the article about the descendants of Joseph and Mary (McDaniel) Sparks of Frederick County, Maryland, and Bedford County, Pennsylvania. We shall welcome additional data pertaining to this couple and their descendants from our readers.)
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