Sparks, W. J. 1832 - 1908

BELL, HIGHTSHOE, MCKINNEY, ROSE, SPARKS

Posted By: Deborah Brownfield - Stanley (email)
Date: 2/14/2005 at 19:47:44

The Chariton Leader, Chariton, Iowa
Thursday, May 14, 1908

W.J. SPARKS was born in Marion County, Indiana, Feb. 2, 1832, and died at his home, eight miles southeast of Russell, Ia., May 7, 1908, aged 76 years, 3 months and 5 days. On May 25, 1856, MR. SPARKS was united in marriage to
MISS MARGARET MCKINNEY. To this union were born ten children, five sons and five daughters, two sons, WILLIAM and JOHNNIE, having preceded their father to the other shore.

In 1892 MR. SPARKS, with his family, emigrated to Illinois and six years
later, came to Iowa, settling in Monroe and Lucas Counties, where he spent
the remainder of his life.

In early life, MR. SPARKS gave his heart to God, and united with the Christian Church, and has been a true and consistent member ever since. He had been a long sufferer of Bright's disease and was confined to his bed two
weeks previous to his death. When he was taken ill a physician was called and all that could be done was done, but to no avail. His last hours of intense suffering were borne with patience and his spirit winged its flight
Heavenly, at 9:45 o'clock Thursday evening. Death had found him at his post of duty. Those remaining to mourn the loss of a kind father and loving husband are an aged wife and eight children, viz: MRS. MARY ROSE of
Indianapolis, Ind., MRS. I.C. HIGHTSHOE of Lamoni, Iowa; MRS. MYRA HIGHTSHOE of West Chester, Iowa; MRS. MATTIE BELL of Seevers, Iowa; Messrs. WININGS, JAMES and GILBERT and MISS MAHALA SPARKS, of Melrose, Iowa. MR. SPARKS is also survived by one daughter-in-law, MRS. WININGS SPARKS, and by
twenty-five grandchildren and a host of friends and neighbors.

Funeral services were held at Trinity Church, four and one-half miles
southeast of Russell, conducted by Rev. Shenton, Pastor of the Methodist
Church at Russell, assisted by Rev. Stover, Pastor of Trinity Church. An
interesting sermon was delivered by Rev. Shenton, who took for his text II
Corinthians, 12:9, and who brought a helpful message of consolation from
these words: "My grace is sufficient for thee; for my strength is made
perfect in weakness." Interment was made in the Russell Cemetery. The
relatives of the deceased have the heartfelt sympathy of the entire
neighborhood. The question of spirit recognition finds a suggestion in this
thought. Love never forgets.
-------------------------------------------------------------------
Copied by Nancee(McMurtrey)Seifert
February 14, 2005
iggy29@rnetinc.net
http://www.rootsweb.com/~ialucas/Main.htm
posted at this site with Nancee's permission.