January 9, 2022

Pages 1082-1089
Whole Number 59

DESCENDANTS OF 1.2.5.1 SOLOMON AND SARAH SPARKS,
OF MARYLAND AND NORTH CAROLINA
THROUGH THEIR SON, REUBEN SPARKS (ca. 1755-1840)

1.2.5.1 Solomon Sparks was born in Maryland ca. 1725. It is probable that he was a son of 1.2.5 Joseph Sparks who died intestate in Frederick County, Maryland, in 1749. (Solomon named one of his sons Joseph, probably for his father.) Sometime before 1750, Solomon Sparks married Sarah MNU.

On March 20, 1750, Solomon Sparks patented 93 acres of land in Frederick County, Maryland, and gave this tract the descriptive name of Cold Friday. This land was located on Beaver Dam Branch, a tributary of Linganore Creek. On June 20, 1753, Solomon Sparks and his wife, Sarah, sold this tract of 93 acres for 35 pounds to Mathew Howard. Solomon is designated in this deed as a "farmer.'

Sometime in 1753, probably soon after selling this tract of land, Solomon Sparks moved from Frederick County, Maryland, to near Salisbury, Rowan County, North Carolina. (Rowan County was formed on April 12, 1753 from Anson County.) 1.2.5.1 Solomon and Sarah Sparks were among the first settlers in that area of North Carolina. Two years after their arrival, Governor Arthur Dobbs visited Salisibury and wrote the following description on November 24, 1755: 'The Yadkin here (Trading Ford) is a large beautiful river where is a ferry. It is near 300 yards over, it was at this time fordable scarce coming to the horses bellies. At 6 miles distance I arrived at Salisbury the County town of Rowan, the town is but just laid out, the Court House built and 7 or 8 log Houses erected.' (From The Colonial Records of North Carolina, Vol. 5, page 355.)

Solomon Sparks settled in the Forks of the Yadkin, less than ten miles north of Salisbury, in what is now Davie County, North Carolina. In 1761, he obtained a land grant for 250 acres in Rowan County, on the west side of the Yadkin River, opposite the mouth of Muddy Creek. In 1762, he obtained a grant for 290 acres on the south side of the Yadkin River, which adjoined his other grant.

by the early 1760's, 1.2.5.1 Solomon Sparks had been joined in North Carolina by several of his close relatives from Frederick County, Maryland:

1.2.1.2.2 Matthew Sparks,
1.2.1.2.3 James Sparks.
1.2.1.2 William Sample Sparks, and
1.2.5.6 Jonas Sparks.

Perhaps they were all brothers. (Note: the relationship numbers correctly show how these men were related. Also, Jonas' uncle was 1.2.1.2 William Sample Sparks.)

An article on 1.2.5.6 Jonas Sparks appeared in the Quarterly for March 1964, Whole No. 45, pp. 790-807;
there appeared an article on 1.2.1.2.2 Matthew Sparks in the Quarterly for June 1961 Whole No. 34, pp. 556-566; and
an article on 1.2.5.1 Solomon Sparks appeared in the Quarterly for December 1955, Whole No. 12, pp. 97-98.

In 1763, Solomon Sparks sold a portion of his land on the Yadkin to Jonas Sparks, who was probably his brother, and another portion to Valentine Vanhouser. According to a statement made by John Sparks, son of Solomon, when applying for a Revolutionary War pension in 1832, Solomon Sparks and his family moved from the Forks of the Yadkin to what is now Wilkes County (then Surry County) North Carolina, in 1772. When the dividing line between Wilkes and Surry Counties was surveyed in 1778, it was found that the line cut through Solomon's plantation, but according to the Court Minutes, his house was on the Surry side. Thus, Solomon Sparks lived just south of the present village of Swan Creek in the western part of what is now Yadkin County, North Carolina.

by 1800, 1.2.5.1 Solomon and Sarah Sparks had both died. Neither of them left a will, nor has a family Bible record been found listing the names of their children. However, a document recorded in the Wilkes County Court Records reveals the names of those still living in the Wilkes County area in 1801. It is a Letter of Attorney dated July 31, 1801, from

John Sparks,
Reuben Sparks,
Solomon Sparks [Jr.],
Mary Sparks Jacks,
Hannah Sparks Denny,
Susannah Sparks Johnson, and
Joseph Sparks

to 1.2.5.1.8 Abel Sparks, all being children of Solomon Sparks. We know from his application for a pension that John Sparks, son of Solomon, was born in 1753; it seems probable that he was the oldest son. Assuming that the other children were listed in the Letter of Attorney in the order of their birth, we may speculate on their birth dates as follows:

Original list:

1.2.5.1.2 (1.2.5.1.1) John Sparks, born February 25, 1753; married Sarah Shores.
1.2.5.1.3 (1.2.5.1.2) Reuben Sparks, born ca. 1755; married Cassie Buttery.
1.2.5.1.7 (1.2.5.1.3) Solomon Sparks, Jr., born ca. 1757.
1.2.5.1.4 Mary Sparks, born ca. 1759; married FNU Jacks.
1.2.5.1.6 (1.2.5.1.5) Hannah Sparks, born ca. 1761; married James Denney in 1784.
1.2.5.1.5 (1.2.5.1.6) Susannah Sparks, born ca. 1763; married Charles Johnson in 1784.
1.2.5.1.1 (1.2.5.1.7) Joseph Sparks, born ca. 1765.
1.2.5.1.8 Abel Sparks, born January 8, 1767; his second wife was Sarah MNU.

New list based upon subsequent articles:

1.2.5.1.1 Joseph Sparks, born ca. 1751.
1.2.5.1.2 John Sparks, born February 25, 1753; married Sarah Shores.
1.2.5.1.3 Reuben Sparks, born ca. 1755; married Cassie Buttery.
1.2.5.1.4 Mary Sparks, born ca. 1759; married FNU Jacks.
1.2.5.1.5 Susannah Sparks, born ca. 1763; married Charles Johnson in 1784.
1.2.5.1.6 Hannah Sparks, born ca. 1761; married James Denney in 1784.
1.2.5.1.7 Solomon Sparks, Jr., born ca. 1757; married Charity MNU.
1.2.5.1.8 Abel Sparks, born January 8, 1767; his second wife was Sarah MNU.

1.2.5.1.3 REUBEN SPARKS (ca. 1755-1840),
Son of 1.2.5.1 SOLOMON and SARAH SPARKS

1.2.5.1.3 Reuben Sparks, believed to have been the third son of 1.2.5.1 Solomon and Sarah Sparks, was born in Rowan County, North Carolina, ca. 1755. He was married ca. 1783, probably in Wilkes County, North Carolina, to Cassa (or Cassie) Buttery, who was born ca. 1765 and died in 1842. She was probably a daughter of, or closely related to, Timothy Buttery, whose estate was settled in 1802 in Wilkes County. (According to the Minutes of the Wilkes County Court dated February 1, 1802.

Reuben Sparks and Richard Allen were securities for the bonds of Mary Buttery and Jesse Allen who were named as administrators of Timothy Buttery's estate. In a subsequent court record, Mary Buttery is identified as the widow of Timothy. In 1806, she marrIed as her second husband Joseph Thomson (Wilkes County Marriage Bond dated May 4, 1806).

Reuben Sparks is mentioned frequently in the land and court records of Wilkes County. He frequently served on juries, helped to lay out roads, and he was an active member of the South Fork of Roaring River Baptist Church. In 1829, 1830, 1832 and 1834, he served as a delegate to the Baptist Association. Like his father, he owned land in both Wilkes County and in Surry County. In 1792, he purchased 340 acres in Surry County on Hunting Creek from Richard Goode for 50 pounds (Book E, pp. 229-30). In 1797, he sold 170 acres in Surry County 'on the North Fork of Hunting Creek on the Brushy Mountains to James Denney for 100 pounds (Book G, pp. 365-66). In 1799 he purhased a tract of 300 acres in Wilkes County on the Big Elkin from Andrew Crow. (Book E, p. 306). In 1800 he sold a tract of 170 acres in Surry County on Hunting Creek on the Brushy Mountain to William Jeffrey (Bock H, p. 318). On March 5, 1835, Reuben Sparks sold a tract of 100 acres on Roaring River in Wilkes County to William R. Sparks, his son, for $300 (Book 1841-51, p. 44). This land was desoribed as where 'the sd. Reuben Sparks now lives.' On the same day, he sold an adjoining tract of 70 acres to his son Jonas Sparks for $300 (Book 1841-51, p. 42).

According to the records of Old Roaring River Baptist Church in Wilkes County, Reuben Sparks died at 2:00 A.M. on July 13, 1840. His wife, Cassie Sparks, died ca. 1842. It is believed that Reuben and Cassie (Buttery) Sparks were the parents of the following children: (there may well have been other children)

1.2.5.1.3.4 (1.2.5.1.3.1) Benjamin ["Bennie"] Sparks, born ca. 1784.
1.2.5.1.3.1 (1.2.5.1.3.2) John Sparks, born ca. 1786.
1.2.5.1.3.5 (1.2.5.1.3.3) Solomon Sparks, born ca. 1792.
1.2.5.1.3.7 (1.2.5.1.3.4) Jonas Sparks, born ca. 1794.
1.2.5.1.3.8 (1.2.5.1.3.5) William Russell Sparks, born January 2, 1797.
1.2.5.1.3.2 (1.2.5.1.3.6) Lydia Sparks, born ca. 1800.
1.2.5.1.3.10 (1.2.5.1.3.7) Matilda Sparks, born in March, 1805.
1.2.5.1.3.8 Reuben Sparks, Jr., born ca. 1808.

Revised List from Whole Number 141: the numbers below and all other pages will use the revised list

1.2.5.1.3.1 John Sparks, born ca. 1784
1.2.5.1.3.2 Lydia Sparks, born ca. 1785
1.2.5.1.3.3 Dau1 Sparks, born ca. 1786
1.2.5.1.3.4 Benjamin Sparks, born ca. 1787
1.2.5.1.3.5 Solomon Sparks, born ca. 1791
1.2.5.1.3.6 Dau2 Sparks, born ca. 1793
1.2.5.1.3.7 Jonas Sparks, born ca. 1794
1.2.5.1.3.8 William Russell Sparks, born 1797
1.2.5.1.3.9 Amelia Sparks, born ca. 1799
1.2.5.1.3.10 Matilda Sparks, born March, 1805

1.2.5.1.3.4 Benjamin Sparks was born ca. 1787 in either Wilkes, or Surry County, North Carolina; he lived in that part of Surry County which was cut off to form Yadkin County in 1850 and died there in 1876, He married Sarah Jeffreys, daughter of William and Patsey Jeffrey (or Jeffreys) ca. 1802. She was born in 1785 and died in 1870. His will, dated May 8, 1872, is on file in Yadkin County (Book 2, p. 81). From his will and records supplied by descendants, we know that Benjamin and Sarah (Jeffreys) Sparks had the following children:

1.2.5.1.3.4.1 Elizabeth Sparks was born ca. 1812 and died prior to 1872; she married FNU Redding and had children:

1.2.5.1.3.4.1.1 Sarah Redding,
1.2.5.1.3.4.1.2 Mary Redding, and
1.2.5.1.3.4.1.3 Willam T. Redding

They were mentioned as grandchildren in Benjamin Sparks's will of 1872.

1.2.5.1.3.4.2 William Russell Sparks was born ca. 1797 (not 1813) and died prior to 1860. He was generaly called 'Russell'. He married Nancy Martin, daughter of Alfred Martin, and from census records it appears they had children named:

1.2.5.1.3.4.2.1 Louisa Sparks, born 1840,
1.2.5.1.3.4.2.2 Sally C. Sparks, born 1845
1.2.5.1.3.4.2.3 John A. Sparks, born 1846,
1.2.5.1.3.4.2.4 Martha D. Sparks, born 1847,
1.2.5.1.3.4.2.5 Mary M. Sparks, born 1848,
1.2.5.1.3.4.2.6 Solomon M. Sparks, born 1850,
1.2.5.1.3.4.2.7 Lydia B. Sparks, and
1.2.5.1.3.1.2.8 William R. Sparks

1.2.5.1.3.4.3 John Sparks according to descendants of his brother, John Sparks 'went west."

1.2.5.1.3.4.4 Joseph Sparks (called 'Joe'), son of Benjamin and Sarah (Jeffreys) Sparks, was born June 12, 1817, and died May 8, 1902; he was married in October 1842 to Martha Elvira Dimmette. A grandson of Joseph (Dr. H. C. Salmons) stated in 1952 that Joseph and Martha Elvira (Dimmette) Sparks were the parents of the following children:

1.2.5.1.3.4.4.1 Benjamin Franklin Sparks, born October 18, 1843;
1.2.5.1.3.4.4.2 William Russell Sparks, born November 18, 1844;
1.2.5.1.3.4.4.3 John Q, Adams Sparks, born March 13, 1848;
1.2.5.1.3.4.4.4 Sarah Ann Sparks, born June 14, 1847;
1.2.5.1.3.4.4.5 James Lewis Sparks, born May 18, 1850;
1.2.5.1.3.4.4.6 Nancy Rosaline Sparks, born May 28, 1856;
1.2.5.1.3.4.4.7 George Washington Sparks, born November 18, 1858;
1.2.5.1.3.4.4.8 Elizabeth Sparks, born October 26, 1860

1.2.5.1.3.4.5 Mary (Polly) Sparks married Constantine Gray.
1.2.5.1.3.4.6 Hannah Sparks married John Felts and, according to relatives, 'went west.'
1.2.5.1.3.4.7 Lydia Sparks married Peyton Dimmettee (or Dimmit).
1.2.5.1.3.4.8 Solomon Sparks was born ca. 1825 and died prior to 1872; he married Rachel Martin, daughter of Alfred Martin, They had the following children:

1.2.5.1.3.4.8.1 Solomon Sparks,
1.2.5.1.3.4.8.2 Nancy Sparks, born ca. 1855;
1.2.5.1.3.4.8.3 Benjamin Sparks, born in 1860;
1.2.5.1.3.4.8.4 Sarah Sparks; and
1.2.5.1.3.4.8.5 Augusta Sparks.

1.2.5.1.3.4.9 Martha C. Sparks was born ca. 1827; she never married.
1.2.5.1.3.4.10 Sarah (Sally) Sparks was born ca. 1832; she married Enoch D. Swaim of Yadkin County, N.C. in 1851 (Yadkin County marriage bond dated November 19, 1851).
1.2.5.1.3.4.11 Benjamin Franklin Sparks was born ca. 1833; he married Amanda Jane Sale on February 23, 1864. They had children named:

1.2.5.1.3.4.11.1 Dinah Sparks,
1.2.5.1.3.4.11.2 Carrie Sparks,
1.2.5.1.3.4.11.3 Mary Sparks,
1.2.5.1.3.4.11.4 Benjamin Franklin Sparks
1.2.5.1.3.4.11.5 James Leo Sparks,
1.2.5.1.3.4.11.6 Lillie Sparks,
1.2.5.1.3.4.11.7 Minnie Sparks,
1.2.5.1.3.4.11.8 Everett Sparks,
1.2.5.1.3.4.11.9 Worth Sparks,
1.2.5.1.3.4.11.10 Carol Sparks,
1.2.5.1.3.4.11.11 Paul Sparks,
1.2.5.1.3.4.11.12 William Sparks, and
1.2.5.1.3.4.11.13 Glen Sparks.

1.2.5.1.3.1 John Sparks, son of Reuben and Cassie (Buttery) Sparks, was born ca. 1781; he married Elizabeth MNU ca. 1806; she was born ca. 1786 and died ca. 1865. They moved to that part of Ashe County, North Carolina, which was cut off to form Alleghany County in 1859. Two children had been born to John and Elizabeth by the time the 1810 census of Wilkes County, N.C., was taken, and by 1820 there were six children according to that census. by 1830, they had moved to Ashe County where John Sparks purchased for $100 a tract of 200 acres from John Allen Woodruff on September 15, 1830; this land was located 'on the waters of Brush Creek' in Ashe County (Deed Book 0, p. 78). On March 20, 1841, John Sparks sold this tract for $1000 to his son, Reuben Sparks. John and Elizabeth Sparks were listed on the 1850 census of Ashe County; his age was given as 66 and Elizabeth's as 62. In 1859, Alleghany County was cut off from Ache County; John and Elizabeth apparently lived in that part that became the new county. When the 1860 census was taken of Alleghany County, John's age was given as 77 and Elizabeth's as 74. Living on an adjoining farm was their son, Reuben Sparks. Both John and Elizabeth appear to have died by 1870. It is believed that John and Elizabeth Sparks were the parents of four sons and two daughters, but we can be certain of the names of only two sons:

1.2.5.1.3.1.1 William J. ["Billie"] Sparks, born April 10, 1807.
1.2.5.1.3.1.2 Sarah Sparks, born ca. 1809.
1.2.5.1.3.1.3 Mary ["Polly"] Sparks, born ca. 1812.
1.2.5.1.3.1.4 Solomon Sparks (son of John and Elizabeth), born ca. 1814.
1.2.5.1.3.1.5 Emanuel Sparks, son of John and Elizabeth Sparks, was born ca. 1816. He married Mary MNU; they were listed on the 1850, 1860, and 1870 censuses of Wilkes County, North Carolina, and from these records it would appear that they had the following children:

1.2.5.1.3.1.5.1 Jane Sparks, born ca. 1840;
1.2.5.1.3.1.5.2 Reuben Sparks, born ca. 1842;
1.2.5.1.3.1.5.3 Elizabeth Sparks, born ca. 1844;
1.2.5.1.3.1.5.4 Sarah Sparks, born ca. 1846;
1.2.5.1.3.1.5.5 Catherine Sparks, born ca. 1850;
1.2.5.1.3.1.5.6 Nancy Sparks, born ca. 1851;
1.2.5.1.3.1.5.7 John Sparks, born ca. 1852;
1.2.5.1.3.1.5.8 Mary Sparks, born ca. 1854;
1.2.5.1.3.1.5.9 Emaline or Martha Sparks, born ca. 1857;
1.2.5.1.3.1.5.10 Frances or Fanny Sparks, born ca. 1858;
1.2.5.1.3.1.5.11 Carey Sparks, born ca. 1864; and
1.2.5.1.3.1.5.12 Sarah J. Sparks born ca. 1866.

1.2.5.1.3.1.6 Reuben Sparks, was born ca. 1819; he married Nancy McGrady, who was born ca. 1816. They were living in Wilkes County, North Carolina, in 1850 with one child named Calton Sparks, aged 6. They both joined Old Roaring River Baptist Church in Wilkes County 'by experience' on the 4th Saturday of April, 1843; in November 1849 they were dismissed by letter to go to a new church at Woodruff. In 1860 they were living in Alleghany County on a farm adjoining Reuben's parents, 1.2.5.1.3.1 John and Elizabeth Sparks. Living with Reuben and Nancy in 1860 was a young man named Calton Sparks, aged 17, who seems not to have been a son. There was also a 9-year-old boy living with them named 1.2.5.1.3.1.6.1 Isaiah Sparks, their only son. In Alleghany County there is a document on file (Will Book A, p. 111) which states that Nancy Sparks, wife of Reuben, died May 26, 1890. Reuben, her husband, is described as 'a non-resident.' Isaiah (or Isali) Sparks is identified as their only child, but he had died prior to 1890 leaving a wife named Charity and two children,

1.2.5.1.3.1.6.1.1 J. C. Sparks and
1.2.5.1.3.1.6.1.2 J. E. Sparks.

1.2.5.1.3.5 Solomon Sparks was born ca. 1791. We have not succeeded in tracing this Solomon Sparks. The name Solomon was such a common name among the Sparkses in North Carolina that it is extremely difficult to keep the various Solomons straight.

1.2.5.1.3.7 Jonas Sparks was born ca. 1794 in Wilkes or Surry County, North Carolina. In 1817 he married Mary Brown, a daughter of John Brown of Wilkes County. The marriage bond is dated September 27, 1817 and John Brown was the bondsman.

On the cover of this issue of the Quarterly appears a photograph of Mary (Brown) Sparks, wife of Jonas Sparks. It has been provided by Mary Etta Sayers Bostic, a great-great-granddaughter of Jonas and Mary (Brown) Sparks. Mary (Brown) Sparks, daughter of John Brown, was born ca. 1801. It is believed that she was still living as late as 1875; this picture was probably taken sometime in the 1870's.

Jonas and Mary (Brown) Sparks were listed as members of the South Fork of Roaring River Baptist Church in 1829. In 1835, Jonas purchased 70 acres of his father's home place in Wilkes County, North Carolina, while his brother, William R. Sparks, purchased 100 acres. Earlier, on April 5, 1821, Jonas Sparks had purchased a tract of 30 acres adjoining his father's land in Wilkes County from Noel Wadill (Wilkes Deed Book 1841-51, page 24); this tract was described as lying on 'the East Side of Roaring River.' On May 13, 1835, Jonas Sparks purchased for $5.00 a tract of twenty-five acres from the State of North Carolina. This tract was described as follows: 'Beginning on his own North west Corner at a bunch of kornbeans on the bank of Roaring River and runing West Crossing Roaring River with William R. Sparkes line fourteen poles to a Stake then North ninety five poles to a Chesnut and Maple in Browns line then East with sd. line Thirty two poles to a Chesnut then South With Browns line Crossing the river Sixty poles to a poplar at or near to Browns Corner then East with Browns line Thirty five poles to a pine in his own line then west with sd. line forty six poles to the Beginning.' (Wilkes County Deed Book 1841-51, p. 34). The reference to an adjoining tract belonging to a man named Brown suggests that Mary Brown may have lived on a farm adjoining the Sparks family.

In 1848, 1.2.5.1.3.7 Jonas Sparks moved with his family to Tazewell County, Virginia, and settled in an area called Baptist Valley. Jonas Sparks is believed to have died there in 1875.

Jonas and Mary (Brown) Sparks are believed to have been the parents of ten children, In John Newton Harman's Annals of Tazewell County, Virginia, published in Richmond in 1925, three of their sons are identified: Jonas J. Sparks, Joshua W. Sparks, and Joseph Sparks. From other records, we believe that we can identify most of the others, but we cannot be certain.

1.2.5.1.3.7.1 John Henry Sparks, without doubt the oldest son of Jonas and Mary (Brown) C. Sparks, was born ca. 1818. He was married three times. His first wife was Matilda Holloway died May 25 or 26, 1854, upon the birth of a son. John Henry Sparks married Rebecca Mitchell, his second wife, on April 23, 1855. His third wife was Sallie Pruett. by his first wife, John Henry Sparks is believed to have had the following children:

1.2.5.1.3.7.1.1 Jonas Sparks, born ca. 1842; he married Lucy Harrison in Tazewell County in 1865;
1.2.5.1.3.7.1.2 William Sparks, born ca. 1844;
1.2.5.1.3.7.1.3 Martha Sparks, born ca. 1848;
1.2.5.1.3.7.1.4 Joseph Sparks, born ca. 1851, and
1.2.5.1.3.7.1.5 John Henry Sparks, Jr., born February 25, 1854; he was reared by his grandparents and married Lucinda Asbury.

by his second wife (Rebecca Mitchell) John Henry Sparks had a daughter named:

1.2.5.1.3.7.1.6 Melissa Sparks, born ca. 1857.

There were probably other children born after 1860.

1.2.5.1.3.7.2 Reuben R. Sparks, believed to have been a son of Jonas and Mary (Brown) Sparks, was born ca. 1820. He remained (or perhaps returned to) Wilkes County, North Carolina, and became a Baptist minister. His wife's name was Ann; no record of any children.
1.2.5.1.3.7.3 a daughter of Jonas and Mary (Brown) Sparks, is believed to have been born ca. 1822.
1.2.5.1.3.7.4 Malinda Sparks, believed to have been the fourth child of Jonas and Mary (Brown) Sparks, was born ca. 1824. She was married in 1846 to Jacob Lyon (Wilkes County marriage bond dated June 6, 1846, with James Durham as bondsman.) ]

1.2.5.1.3.7.5 Timothy Sparks, son of Jonas and Mary (Brown) Sparks, was born ca. 1828; he died in Smyth County, Va. He married Jane Lyon (or Lyons); they were the parents of the following children:

1.2.5.1.3.7.5.1 Joshua Sparks, married Sarah Marinda Jolly;
1.2.5.1.3.7.5.2 Austin Sparks;
1.2.5.1.3.7.5.3 Mary Jane Sparks;
1.2.5.1.3.7.5.4 Nancy Catherine Sparks;
1.2.5.1.3.7.5.5 Cynthia Sparks;
1.2.5.1.3.7.5.6 Susan Sparks;
1.2.5.1.3.7.5.7 Shadrick Sparks, born ca. 1869;
1.2.5.1.3.7.5.8 Sarah Sparks.

1.2.5.1.3.7.6 Shadrach Sparks was born ca. 1828.
1.2.5.1.3.7.7 Joshua William Sparks, son of Jonas and Mary (Brown) Sparks, was born ca. 1830; he died August 4, 1903. He married Cynthia Hankins, daughter of Moses and Patty Hankins, in Tazewell County, Va., on April 23, 1850. She was born in Virginia ca. 1830 and died May 9, 1918. They were the parents of at least three children:

1.2.5.1.3.7.7.1 Elizabeth Sparks, born February 17, 1851, died December 4, 1920; she married a distant cousin, 1.2.5.1.2.4.1.3 John T. Sparks, son of 1.2.5.1.2.4.1 Richmond Sparks.

1.2.5.1.3.7.7.2 Jonas J. Sparks who married Ellen Ball in 1873.

1.2.5.1.3.7.7.3 Mary Jane Sparks, was born July 17, 1861, in Tazewell County, Virginia, and it was there that she married 1.2.5.1.2.4.1.3.1.8.x Henry Perry Linkous on September 14, 1876. He was born February 22, 1858, and was a son of 1.2.5.1.2.4.1.3.1.8 (1.2.5.1.3.7.7.1.1.8) William P. and Mary B. (Cecil) Linkous.

1.2.5.1.3.7.8 Jonas J. Sparks was born in Wilkes County, N.C., on October 23, 1833, and died in Tazewell Co., Va., on November 8, 1911. He was married on August 19, 1851, to Polly Hankins, daughter of Joseph and Nancy (Mitchell) Hankins. She was born in Virginia on December 25, 1829, and died February 14, 1904. Jonas J. Sparks served in the Confederate Army in the Civil War in Captain Elias Harman's Company of Rangers. Jonas J. and Polly (Hankins) Sparks were the parents of the following children:

1.2.5.1.3.7.8.1 Joseph A. Sparks, married Hannah Mary Whitt;
1.2.5.1.3.7.8.2 Mary Sparks, married the Rev. John Ezra Linkous;
1.2.5.1.3.7.8.3 Jonas R. Sparks, married Patsy Hankins and moved to Oklahoma;
1.2.5.1.3.7.8.4 Robert M. Sparks, married Martha Maxwell;
1.2.5.1.3.7.8.5 Samuel B. Sparks, married Emma Griffith; and
1.2.5.1.3.7.8.6 George W. Sparks, born April 27, 1868, married Mary Elizabeth Virginia Faris.

1.2.5.1.3.7.9 Joseph Sparks, son of Jonas and Mary (Brown) Sparks, was born ca. 1838. He joined the Confederate Army during the Civil War and died in service.

1.2.5.1.3.8 William Russell Sparks, son of Reuben and Cassie (Buttery) Sparks, was born in North Carolina ca. 1797. He was married twice. He married, first, in Wilkes County, Sally Wilcoxson, in 1821 (marriage bond dated March 13, 1821, with Reuben Sparks as bondsman). From the 1840 census of Wilkes County, it would appear that they were the parents of a 1.2.5.1.3.8.1 daughter born ca. 1823 and a 1.2.5.1.3.8.2 son born ca. 1825. Sometime prior to 1839, Sally died and William Russell Sparks married, as his second wife, Permela Gentry (marriage bond dated April 12, 1839, with Samuel Sparks as bondsman). Permela's nickname was Milly and she was born ca.

1806 in Wilkes County, N.C. From the 1850 census of Wilkes County, it would appear that William R. and Permela (Gentry) Sparks were the parents of the following children:

1.2.5.1.3.8.3 Hugh Sparks, born ca. 1842.
1.2.5.1.3.8.4 Lotty Sparks, born ca. 1846.
1.2.5.1.3.8.5 Martha Sparks, born ca. 1847.
1.2.5.1.3.8.6 Whitfield Sparks, born ca. 1849.

When the 1860 census was taken in Wilkes County, Martha and Whitfield were still listed as living with William Russell and Milly Sparks, but not Hugh or Lotty. However, Leander Sparks and Elijah Sparks, both aged 17 years, were living in the family.

1.2.5.1.3.2 Lydia Sparks, daughter of Reuben and Cassie (Buttery) Sparks, was born ca. 1785 (perhaps earlier). She married Henry Bauguess. They are known to have had a son named Bryant Bauguess who was born in Wilkes County, North Carolina, on March 29, 1823. by 1850, Bryant Bauguess was living in Jefferson Township, Owen County, Indiana, and his mother Lydia was living with him along with Eli P. Bauguess, aged 22, and Fanny Bauguess, aged 20.

(Addition Note: Tim Peterson of Kansas City, Missouri, has called our attention to the fact that on the 1850 census of Jefferson Township, Owen County, the age of Lydia (Sparks) Bauguess was given as 65. If this is correct, it would appear that she was born ca. 1785 and would thus have been one of the oldest children of Reuben and Cassie (Buttery) Sparks, who were married in Wilkes County, N.C., ca. 1783. )

Mr. Peterson has also pointed out the various spellings given in official records for the name Buttery. Some members believe that the preferred spelling was Butry, although any name, except the most common, was often recorded according to what seemed right to the clerk making the record. Mr. Peterson also notes that "Cassie," the name of Lydia's mother, was also sometimes written as Cassa and Kassiah.

1.2.5.1.3.10 Matilda Sparks, daughter of Reuben and Cassie (Buttery) Sparks, was born March, 1805. She died August 18, 1878, in Surry County, North Carolina. She married Wiley Gentry in Wilkes County, North Carolina, in 1825 (Wilkes County marriage bond dated October 12, 1825, with William R. Sparks as bondsman).

Wiley Gentry was a son of Jonathan and Sally (Fender) Gentry and was born in March, 1805, and died May 27, 1878. Wiley and Matilda (Sparks) Gentry were the parents of the following children:

1.2.5.1.3.10.1 Tennyson Gentry was born October 25, 1826. He died in 1848. He never married.
1.2.5.1.3.10.2 Reuben Gentry, born 1828, died 1852; never married.
1.2.5.1.3.10.3 Jonathan Gentry, born March 1, 1830, died December 9, 1896; he married 1856 Emily Long, who was born in 1824 and died in 1904.
1.2.5.1.3.10.4 Cassy Gentry, born 1832, died 1856; she married in 1856 Levi D. Burcham.
1.2.5.1.3.10.5 Levi Gentry, born 1834, died 1852; never married.
1.2.5.1.3.10.6 Jonas Gentry, born 1836, he married Maninda Hall in 1854.
1.2.5.1.3.10.7 William Gentry, born 1838, died 1866; never married.
1.2.5.1.3.10.8 Sally Gentry, born 1840, died 1870; never married.
1.2.5.1.3.10.9 John Gentry, born 1843, died 1862; never married.
1.2.5.1.3.10.10 Wiley Gentry, born 1845; never married.
1.2.5.1.3.10.11 Allen Gentry, born 1847; died 1912; he married Susan Edwards in 1881.

??1.2.5.1.3.8 Reuben Sparks, believed to have been a son of Reuben and Cassie (Buttery) Sparks, was born ca. 1808. This may have been the Reuben Sparks who married Phoeby Blackburn in Wilkes County, North Carolina, in 1828 (marriage bond dated October 10, 1828, with Eli Blackburn as bondsman).

1.2.5.1.3.3 Dau1 Sparks. It is believed that Reuben and Cassie (Buttery) Sparks had a daughter.
1.2.5.1.3.6 Dau2 Sparks. It is believed that Reuben and Cassie (Buttery) Sparks had a daughter.

(Editor's Note: As is evident in the above article, there remain many uncertainties regarding the children and grandchildren of Reuben Sparks (ca. 1755-1840). We hope that descendants of this family who have additional data will send these records to the editor.)

Page 1712
Whole Number 89

SOME DESCENDANTS OF 1.2.5.1.3 REUBEN AND CASSA (BUTTERY) SPARKS

In the Quarterly of September 1967, Whole No. 59 we devoted several pages to a record of the family of 1.2.5.1.3 Reuben Sparks (ca. 1755-1840) and his wife, Cassa (or Cassie) (Buttery) Sparks (ca. 1765 -1842). Reuben Sparks was a son of 1.2.5.1 Solomon and Sarah Sparks who moved from Frederick County, Maryland, to Rowan County, North Carolina, in 1753. Reuben was born after the family moved to North Carolina; he lived and died in the area of Wilkes and Surry Counties. Reuben and Cassa (Buttery) Sparks had eight children, one of whom was Lydia, born ca. 1804. She married Henry Bauguess. One of their descendants, Tim Peterman of 11315 Applewood Dr., Kansas City, Missouri. (64134), has supplied us with new information regarding some of Lydia (Sparks) Bauguess' descendants.

1.2.5.1.3.2 Lydia Sparks and Henry Bauguess were married in the early 1820's. A son, Bryant Bauguess, was born in Wilkes County, North Carolina, on March 29, 1823. A daughter, 1.2.5.1.3.2.2 Fanny Bauguess, was born in 1830. There were probably other children as well. When the 1850 census was taken, Bryant Bauguess was living in Jefferson Township, Owen County, Indiana. His mother, Lydia (Sparks) Bauguess, was living with him along with his sister, Fanny, and Eli P. Bauguess; the latter was probably a brother. Soon after 1850, Fanny Bauguess moved to Crawford County, Illinois, where, on January 6, 1853, she married Alexander Malcom Eagleton, a son of James Eagleton. A month later, on February 17, 1853, James M. Eagleton, brother of Alexander, married Nancy A. Bauguess. She was doubtless a close relative, perhaps sister, of Fanny. Between 1853 and 1868, Alexander and Fanny (Bauguess) Eagleton moved to Arcadia, Crawford County, Kansas. In 1869, they moved to Rich Hill, Bates County, Missouri, where they operated the Eagleton Hotel. He died ca. 1900; Fanny died in 1925 at the age of 95. They had four children:

1.2.5.1.3.2.2.1 Lydia Margaret Eagleton, born January 22, 1868, died 1949; she married Josef Peterman (died 1953) a Swiss immigrant, son of Jakob Peterman. They had eleven children.
1.2.5.1.3.2.2.2 John Eagleton married Jane MNU and moved to Colorado. They had five children.
1.2.5.1.3.2.2.3 Mable Eagleton married Bert De Bord and had three children.
1.2.5.1.3.2.2.4 Fannie Eagleton married (first) FNU Mickey; she married (second) FNU Gee. She had four children.

Continue to the next article regarding 1.2.5.1.3 REUBEN AND CASSA (BUTTERY) SPARKS

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