HENRY W. SPARLING

Henry W. Sparling has resided in Garden Grove township since the fall of 1852 and is now living in the town of Garden Grove, having retired from the active work of the farm. His birth occurred in Lawrence county, Ohio, in 1838 and he is a son of Henry and Annie (Hepler) Sparling. The father, who was born in Pennsylvania, removed as a boy with his parents to Belmont county, Ohio, and later to Lawrence county, that state. His father served under General Brown in the War of 1812 and was highly esteemed in his community, his demise, which occurred in Ohio, being deeply regretted by many. The religious faith of his wife was that of the Presbyterian church and she took an active part in its work In 1850 Henry Sparling settled in Van Buren county, Iowa, subsequently removed to Davis county and in 1852 located in Garden Grove township, Decatur county. He entered land, to the cultivation of which he devoted his energies until his demise, which occurred on the 18^th of July, 1874, when he was about seventy-two years of age. He was one of the pioneers of the county, as when he arrived here much of the land was unbroken and there was but one store at Garden Grove. His wife was born in Lawrence county, Ohio, and they were married in that state. Her parents subsequently removed to Audrain county, Missouri, where both passed away. She died in this county at the advanced age of eighty-six years. Our subject is the fifth in order of birth in a family of nine children. One died in infancy. Alexander went to Oregon in 1853, but returned to Decatur county a few years ago and was residing at Le Roy when called to his reward. Silas, who served in the Civil war as a member of Company A, Thirty-fourth Iowa volunteer Infantry, died at Helena, Arkansas. John passed away in 1853. Emma, who became the wife of E. J. Wiseman, is also deceased. Harriett married Dr. Elihu Darnielle and has passed away. Barbara, who became the wife of Isaac Helmick, is also deceased. George, who completes the family, has passed to his reward.

Henry W. Sparling received a common-school education and during his boyhood and youth also became thoroughly familiar with the methods of practical agriculture. It was but natural that when he reached man’s estate he should continue in the occupation to which he had been reared and he proved very successful as a farmer and stock-raiser. His energy and wise management of his affairs enable him to accumulate a competence and he has now sold is farm and purchased twenty acres of land at Garden Grove, where he resides. He has a fine residence and is enjoying the comforts and some of the luxuries of life, thus reaping the fruits of his former toil.

Mr. Sparling was married in 1870 to Miss Joanna Trullinger, who was born in 1847 in Davis county, Iowa, in the vicinity of Drakesville. Her mother was born in Preble county, Ohio and her father was a native of Ross county, that state. To Mr. and Mrs. Sparling have been born the following children: Millie and Eva, who are successfully engaged in the poultry business under the name of Sparling Sisters; Joseph and Clara, both at home; an infant, who died unnamed; and Almira and Elbert, both deceased.

The family attend the Christian church but Mr. Sparling is liberal in his religious views. He was reared in the faith of the Baptist church. His political allegiance is given to the republican party, and he has at all times sought to advance the interests of his community. Both he and his wife are still enjoying excellent health and are rich in the honor and esteem which should accompany old age.