Sparks, Stephen J.

SPARKS, LOTON, WOLF

Posted By: Volunteer Transcriber
Date: 12/3/2008 at 12:21:01

SPARKS, Stephen J.
Farmer; Sec. 15; P. O. Lynnville; owns 200 acres of land, valued at $8,000; born on Indian Creek, Morgan Co., Ill., Aug. 28, 1834; moved to Columbus, Iowa on the Des Moines River in 1837, near the settlement of Black Hawk and his tribe, where he remained, with the exception of a short time in Illinois, till 1848. Was an active participant in the Mormon war at Nauvoo; lived within a mile of the dwelling of Miller and Liza at the time of their murder, the sad details of which are yet fresh in our minds; in 1848, he moved to this county, settling with his father where he now lives. Married Marta A. LOTON in 1859, who died in 1851, aged 22 years; has one child living by that marriage, named Amanda, and one deceased-Martha A., who died when 2 years old. Shortly after the breaking-out of the war, he determined to enlist in the service of his country, and accordingly repaired to Newton, and enlisted under Capt. Felix COZAD, in the capacity of drummer; served three months, then resigned and accepted the position of private in Co. D, 40th Iowa V. I., Aug. 28, 1862; was honorably discharged July, 1863, at Paducah, Ky., and returned to this county. In 1864, he married Mrs. Rebecca WOLF; she is a native of Boone CO., Ind.; his children by this marriage are Sarah, William P., Perry M., Laura M. and Clara B. Mrs. S.'s children by a former marriage with George WOLF, are Eliza, living, and Cally, deceased. Politically, is for the best interests of his country and people, regardless of party, and is a member of the Christian Church. ~ "Lynn Grove Township Biographies," The History of Jasper County, Iowa, (Chicago: Western Historical Company, 1878)