Sparks, Allen 1822-1907

SPARKS, GILMAN, MOORE, WOODWARD

Posted By: S. Ferrall - IAGenWeb volunteer
Date: 8/5/2021 at 20:31:25

Allen Sparks was born near Maysville, Lewis Co., Kentucky, June 1st, 1822. His parents were James and Elizabeth Gilman Sparks, he being the second child and eldest son in a family of thirteen children.

He worked on his father's farm until he was twenty-one when he went on a produce boat down the Mississippi River to New Orleans, thence to the mouth of the Red River, thence to Shreveport, La., and down the Black River to Camden, La., up the Washita River to Britton's Bluffs, buying and selling produce, etc. loading their boat with cotton and produce for New Orleans where they sold out.

Mr. Sparks was then employed as an overseer on Hall's plantation at Union Parish, La., for one year, then returned to New Orleans and took the steamer, "Queen of the West" for Maysville, Ky., being over five days on the trip. He remained here on the old homestead until the fall of 1844, when he went to St. Croix, Minn. and worked in the pineries there and in Wisconsin until May, 1850, when he came down the Wisconsin River to McGregor and entered 160 acres of land in the vicinity of National and engaged in farming.

In the spring of 1861, the spirit of patriotism ever slumbering in his breast was awakened at the first call to arms and he was one of the first to respond to his country's need and May 9th, enlisted in Company C, Third Iowa Infantry Volunteers.

Among the number who shared the hardships of Mr. Sparks in Company C. were Charles James and Louis Jones, deceased, W. Madden and Hiram Fordney, of McGregor. Hi military record is without a blemish and in time of battle he was always in the front ranks. He was wounded in the left knee at the battle of Blue Mills, Mo. and again at the battle of Pittsburg Landing. He was sent back to Iowa until he recovered from his wounds and to get recruits for his regiment. Some eight months after he joined his company at Memphis, Tenn., and was in the siege of Vicksburg for forty-two days and the night of the bayonet charge, June 10th, 1863, was injured from jumping into a rifle pit, and at the battle of Jackson, Miss., July 12th, 1863, was wounded in the wrist with a musket ball which tore off the fingers of his right hand. He then remained in the hospital at Mound City, Ill., until September, 1863, when he received an honorable discharge.

But for him, the last long roll has sounded and he passed away to the great beyond at 9:30 a.m. Friday, April 26th, at the ripe old age of 84 years, 10 months and 25 days. So one by one those brave defenders of their country lay down their arms to be mustered out to service no more.

Mr. Sparks returned to Clayton county in 1867 and settled on his present farm, where he resided until his death.

He married Martha Moore, Dec. 5th, 1852, and to this union four sons were born. The mother died in 1859 and Mr. Sparks married Sarah A. Woodward Sept. 25th, 1862, and to this union four children were born, two sons and two daughters.

Some ten years ago he united with the Methodist church of McGregor. Although a great sufferer and at times enduring the greatest pain, he was ever ready to lift a helping hand in time of trouble, and in the death of Mr. Sparks, the family lose a kind and loving father and the community an honorable and upright citizen and a faithful friend. The consolation is great to know that he was prepared to meet his Savior and gently dropped asleep to awaken where there shall be no more suffering nor tears.

He was a charter member of Hervey Dix post and the "boys" came to do their last honors to their comrade.

The funeral services were held at the family residence at 2:00 p.m. Sunday, Rev. Mr. Hall officiating. Interment at Oakland* cemetery under the auspices of the G.A.R. Those left to mourn his loss are his aged wife, eight children thirteen grandchildren and five great grandchildren.

~Elkader Register, May 2, 1907

*Oakland cemetery is the original name of Pleasant Grove cemetery, McGregor.