Bertha Mae SPARKS: An Armstrong & A Heffernan

1901 - 1986 (84 years)

Generation: 1

1.	Bertha Mae SPARKS was born on 8 Dec 1901 in , , Texas, USA (daughter of John Irvin SPARKS and Louisa JONES); died on 7 Aug 1986 in , Dallas, Texas, USA; was buried on 10 Aug 1986 in Little Elm, Denton, Texas, USA.

Generation: 2

John Irvin SPARKS was born on 8 Mar 1881 in , Limestone, Texas, USA (son of John SPARKS and Rebecca Ann BROWN); died on 15 Mar 1957 in Garland, Dallas, Texas, USA; was buried on 16 Mar 1957 in Little Elm, Denton, Texas, USA.

Other Events:

Census: 5 May 1910, , Limestone, Texas, USA; ED 34, pg 15B
Military: 12 Sep 1918, Groesbeck, Limestone, Texas, USA; draft
Census: 1930, , Denton, Texas, USA; ED 22, pg 6B
Census: 1940, , Denton, Texas, USA; ED 61-23, pg 10B
Occupation: 1957; farmer
Residence: 1957, Garland, Dallas, Texas, USA; 2032 Tennyson
death certificate: 16 Mar 1957; Mr Carl Sparks

Notes:

I'm not sure that any of this is correct.

Census:
Precinct 2
John I Sparks Head M 27 Texas
Louise Sparks Wife F 26 Texas
Bertha M Sparks Dau F 8 Texas
Annie B Sparks Dau F 6 Texas
Cleo Sparks Dau F 4 Texas
Carl Sparks Son M 1 0/12 Texas

Military:
John Irvin Sparks of Thornton, age 37, b. 8 Mar 1881, is a farmer and married to Louisa. He is of medium height and build with brown eyes and hair.

Census:
Precinct 6
John Sparks Head M 49 Texas
Louisa Sparks Wife F 45 Texas
Bertha W Sparks Dau F 28 Texas
Carl Sparks Son M 21 Texas
Laxten Sparks Son M 19 Texas
Grace Sparks Dau F 16 Texas
Earl Sparks Dau F 14 Texas
Howard Sparks Son M 10 Texas
John Sparks Jr. Son M 8 Texas
James Sparks Son M 5 Texas

Census:
Precinct 6
John I Sparks Head M 59 Texas
Louisa Sparks Wife F 55 Texas
Bertha M Sparks Dau F 38 Texas
Howard Sparks Son M 20 Texas
John I Jr Sparks Son M 17 Texas
James E Sparks Son M 15 Texas

John married Louisa JONES on 12 Aug 1900 in , Limestone, Texas, USA. Louisa was born on 20 Dec 1884 in , Limestone, Texas, USA; died on 25 Jan 1963 in Garland, Dallas, Texas, USA; was buried on 26 Jan 1963 in Little Elm, Denton, Texas, USA. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Louisa JONES was born on 20 Dec 1884 in , Limestone, Texas, USA; died on 25 Jan 1963 in Garland, Dallas, Texas, USA; was buried on 26 Jan 1963 in Little Elm, Denton, Texas, USA.

Children:

1. Bertha Mae SPARKS was born on 8 Dec 1901 in , , Texas, USA; died on 7 Aug 1986 in , Dallas, Texas, USA; was buried on 10 Aug 1986 in Little Elm, Denton, Texas, USA.
Annie B SPARKS was born on 30 Oct 1903 in , , Texas, USA; died on 14 Nov 1995 in , Dallas, Texas, USA; was buried on 16 Nov 1995 in Little Elm, Denton, Texas, USA.
Cleo N SPARKS was born on 17 Jul 1906 in , , Texas, USA; died in Mar 1987 in Omaha, Douglas, Nebraska, USA.
Carl SPARKS was born on 7 Oct 1908 in , , Texas, USA; died on 2 Jul 1989; was buried in 1989 in Little Elm, Denton, Texas, USA.
Lexton S SPARKS was born on 6 Oct 1910 in , , Texas, USA; died on 3 Jun 1996 in , Tarrant, Texas, USA; was buried on 5 Jun 1996 in Little Elm, Denton, Texas, USA.
Grace Evelyn SPARKS was born on 22 May 1913 in Thornton, Limestone, Texas, USA; died in Deceased.
Earle SPARKS was born on 11 Jan 1916 in , , Texas, USA; died on 24 Mar 2004 in Rowlett, Dallas, Texas, USA; was buried on 26 Mar 2004 in Little Elm, Denton, Texas, USA.
Howard SPARKS was born on 16 Nov 1919 in Big Hill, Limestone, Texas, USA; died on 11 May 1997 in , Dallas, Texas, USA; was buried on 13 May 1997 in Little Elm, Denton, Texas, USA.
John Irvin SPARKS, Jr was born in 1922 in , , Texas, USA; and died.
James E SPARKS was born on 31 Jan 1925 in , , Texas, USA; died on 22 May 1985; was buried on 24 May 1985 in Little Elm, Denton, Texas, USA.

Generation: 3

John SPARKS was born on 7 Oct 1847 in , , Texas, USA (son of Willoughby SPARKS and Mary BOATWRIGHT); died on 13 Dec 1925 in Groesbeck, Limestone, Texas, USA; was buried on 14 Dec 1925 in Thornton, Limestone, Texas, USA.

Other Events:

Military: Abt 1862, , , Texas, USA; Co D, (Lt. Spruell's Company) 35th Regiment Texas Cavalry, CSA
Census: 22 Jun 1880, Kosse, Limestone, Texas, USA; ED 93, pg 46 (336B)
Census: 1900, , Limestone, Texas, USA; ED 65, pg 17A
Census: 1910, , Limestone, Texas, USA; ED 31, pg 6B
Census: 1920, , Limestone, Texas, USA; ED 100, pg 11B
death certificate: 14 Dec 1925; J I Sparks, Frio Co, Tex,

Notes:

See The SPARKS QUARTERLY, September, 1989, Whole No. 147, pg 3471:
"John Sparks, son of Willoughby and Polly Sparks, was born about 1848 in Tennessee. He served in Company D (Lt. Spruell's Company) 35th Regiment Texas Cavalry, Confederate States Army during the Civil War, and after his death, his widow received a pension from the state of Texas for his service.
After returning from the military service, John Sparks married Rebecca A. ["Becky"] Brown on December 29, 1871, in Limestone County, Texas. She was born on November 25, 1855, in Bienvielle Parish, Louisiana. John died on December 13, 1925, in Limestone County, and Becky died on March 6, 1953. According to the 1880 census of Limestone County, they had four children; there may have been other children born to them later.
- m. 29 DEC 1871 in Limestone, TX"

There is a great deal of argument about John's birthdate since, if he was born in Texas prior to statehood, Willoughby's descendants are eligible for DRT or SRT. The census records report 1844-1853, in Texas or Tennessee and his headstone says 1847. His death certificate gives Oct 1844 in Limestone County. John's birth is, so far, the only indication of Willoughby's residence before 19 Feb 1846 when Texas became a state. I don't believe John was born that early. Bailey was born in 1847 and I belive john was born in 1849.

Census:
Precinct 5, Line 9
Jno Sparks Self M 27 Texas
R A Sparks Wife F 24 Louisiana
Samantha Sparks Dau F 8 Texas
Minnie Sparks Dau F 6 Texas
Mary F Sparks Dau F 3 Texas
Nora Ann Sparks Dau F 1 Texas

Census:
Precinct 8, Vol. 73, Line 42
SPARKS, John head 10/1844 55 TX
Rebecca A. wife 11/1854 45 Louisiana
Mary F. dau 8/1876 23 TX
John E. son 3/1881 19 TX
William O. son 7/1882 17 TX
Parlee dau 11/1885 14 TX
Lula dau 2/1888 12 TX
Clarinda dau 7/1891 8 TX
Nona dau 8/1895 4 TX

Census:
Vol. 94, Precinct 1
SPARKS, John head 65 TX
R.A. wife 56 LA
Nona dau 14 TX
Haffpauer, J.T. g-son 17 TX
Haffpauer, Lem g-son 15 TX

Census:
Precinct 8
SPARKS, John W head 72 TX
Rebecca A. wife 67 LA
McCOOK, Lula dau 33 TX
John g-son 14 TX
Oscar g-son 12 TX
HOFFPAIN, Lem g-son 25 TX
MINSER, Dessiefay dau 11 TX
J.C. son 8 TX
(Jake and Dessie Minze are grandchildren.)

John married Rebecca Ann BROWN on 29 Dec 1870 in , Falls, Texas, USA. Rebecca (daughter of Andrew BROWN and Mary SMITH) was born on 25 Nov 1855 in , Bienville, Louisiana, USA; died on 6 Mar 1953 in Mexia, Limestone, Texas, USA; was buried on 7 Mar 1953 in Thornton, Limestone, Texas, USA. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Rebecca Ann BROWN was born on 25 Nov 1855 in , Bienville, Louisiana, USA (daughter of Andrew BROWN and Mary SMITH); died on 6 Mar 1953 in Mexia, Limestone, Texas, USA; was buried on 7 Mar 1953 in Thornton, Limestone, Texas, USA.

Other Events:

Name: Becky Brown
Residence: 1865, , , Texas, USA
Residence: 7 Jun 1930, Thornton, Limestone, Texas, USA; Rt. 2 Box 55
Pension: 23 Jun 1930, , Limestone, Texas, USA
death certificate: 7 Mar 1953; Mrs W E Bell

Notes:

(Medical):Arterio Sclerotic heart disease

Died:
Dr. C.C. Edgar attended her, Nomie was the informant for the death certificate. Buried by J.I. Riddle & Company, J.S. Stubbs, director.

Children:

Samantha SPARKS was born in Oct 1870 in , Limestone, Texas, USA; died about 1903 in Thornton, Limestone, Texas, USA; was buried about 1903 in Thornton, Limestone, Texas, USA.
Minnie SPARKS was born on 25 Sep 1874 in , , Texas, USA; died on 19 Oct 1950 in Groesbeck, Limestone, Texas, USA; was buried on 20 Oct 1950 in Thornton, Limestone, Texas, USA.
Mary Frances SPARKS was born on 14 Aug 1874 in , , Texas, USA; died on 23 Jul 1913 in , Johnson, Texas, USA; was buried on 24 Jul 1913 in Big Hill, Limestone, Texas, USA.
Nora Ann SPARKS was born on 19 Oct 1879 in , , Texas, USA; died on 19 Mar 1970 in Groesbeck, Limestone, Texas, USA; was buried on 21 Mar 1970 in Mart, McLennan, Texas, USA.
2. John Irvin SPARKS was born on 8 Mar 1881 in , Limestone, Texas, USA; died on 15 Mar 1957 in Garland, Dallas, Texas, USA; was buried on 16 Mar 1957 in Little Elm, Denton, Texas, USA.
William O SPARKS was born in Jul 1882 in , Limestone, Texas, USA; died in Deceased.
Paralee SPARKS was born on 26 Nov 1884 in , , Texas, USA; died on 21 Mar 1914 in , , Texas, USA; was buried on 22 Mar 1914 in Big Hill, Limestone, Texas, USA.
Lula SPARKS was born on 22 Feb 1888 in , Limestone, Texas, USA; died on 16 Mar 1967 in Mexia, Limestone, Texas, USA; was buried on 17 Mar 1967 in Thornton, Limestone, Texas, USA.
Clarinda Mae SPARKS was born on 23 Jul 1891 in Big Hill, Limestone, Texas, USA; died on 6 Sep 1986 in Mexia, Limestone, Texas, USA; was buried on 8 Sep 1986 in Thornton, Limestone, Texas, USA.
Noma Ann SPARKS was born on 24 Aug 1895 in , Limestone, Texas, USA; died on 2 Apr 1981 in Mexia, Limestone, Texas, USA.

Generation: 4

Willoughby SPARKS was born in 1802 in , Clarke, Georgia, USA (son of Absalom SPARKS and Lydia ELSBERRY); died between 1858 and 1863 in , , Texas, USA.

Other Events:

Residence: 1825, , Miller, Arkansas, USA
Census: 1830, , Pope, Arkansas, USA; pg 171
Property: 24 Jan 1834, , Chicot, Arkansas, USA; Section 28, Township 15, Range 1W
Census: 1840, , Hot Spring, Arkansas, USA; pg 156
Residence: 1841, , , Tennessee, USA
Tax List: 1845, , Robertson, Texas, USA
Residence: 1847, , Limestone, Texas, USA
Census: 1850, , Limestone, Texas, USA; pg 785 (379A), d/f #369/369
Census: 1854, , Limestone, Texas, USA; The Texas Scholastic of 1854-1855
Tax List: 1857, , Falls, Texas, USA; County
Tax List: 1859, , Falls, Texas, USA; County

Notes:

Residence:

Signed petition to the President for aid to Miller Co, Arkansas

Census:

Sparks, Willoby - 01001-20001-0
1 male born 1820-25
1 male born 1800-10
2 female born 1825-30
1 female born 1800-1810

Property:
Willaby Sparks

Census:
Marble Township, Sulpher Springs
Sparks, Willoby
Male
1 under 5
1 5-10
1 10-15
1 30-40
Female
1 under 5
1 5-10
2 10-15
1 20-30

Residence:

three children born

Census:
Precinct 5
Sparks Willibo 47 M W Farmer 250 GA
Sparks Mary 40 F W IL
Sparks Levi 25 M W Farmer AR
Sparks William 17 M W Farmer AR
Sparks Tilman 13 M W AR
Sparks Clarinda 9 F W TN
Sparks Nancy C. 7 F W TN
Sparks Bayley M. 3 M W TN
Sparks John 1 M W TN
Jones Wilbern 31 M W Merchant Not Known
Loup Anna R. 14 F W Germany
Swingler George 16 M W None Germany
This part of the county was used to create Falls County in 1850.

Census:
Clarinda, Nancy, Bailey, and John, and three other children named Nelson: John, Willoughby, and Minerva. Grandchildren?

Tax List:
Wilouby Sparks

Tax List:
Willaby Sparks

Willoughby married Mary BOATWRIGHT about 1824 in , , Arkansas, USA. Mary (daughter of Thomas BOATWRIGHT and Amy RUSHING) was born in 1809 in , Gallatin, Illinois, USA; died after 1861 in , , Texas, USA; was buried in , Parker, Texas, USA. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Mary BOATWRIGHT was born in 1809 in , Gallatin, Illinois, USA (daughter of Thomas BOATWRIGHT and Amy RUSHING); died after 1861 in , , Texas, USA; was buried in , Parker, Texas, USA.

Other Events:

Name: Polly Boatwright
Tax List: 1862, , Parker, Texas, USA

Notes:

I have a lot of doubts about this line even though three Sparks married Boatwrights.

Parker Co TX, Land
ABSALOM SPARKS A. SPARKS 1195
MARY SPARKS M. SPARKS 1231

"A great many years ago, two great-grandchildren of Willoughby and Polly (Harrell) Sparks, Frank Sparks and Segonia (Sparks) Pritchett, found Mary's (Polly's) grave in Hills Cemetery. It had a headstone marker then which read "Polly Sparks, 1813." When they revisited the cemetery the following year for the purpose of replacing the marker, someone had removed it.
"Hill Cemetery is in Parker County, TX. It is off of I-20 on Gilbert Pit Road. Go down the road past the gravel pit and the cattle guard. It is on the right back off the road." [George Boatright, http://boatwrightgenealogy.com/index.html] [This stone is still in the cemetery.]

I don't believe this information is correct for our Polly Sparks, it would make her only a child when these children were born and she was married previously. I don't believe she married at 10. Her stone may say 1813 but it would be obviously incorrect.

Tax List:

This is an indication that Willoughby has died.

Children:

Levi SPARKS was born in 1825 in , Miller, Arkansas, USA; died in Deceased.
SPARKS was born in 1825-1830 in , , Arkansas, USA; died in Deceased.
SPARKS was born in 1825-1830 in , , Arkansas, USA; died in Deceased.
William SPARKS was born in 1833 in , , Arkansas, USA; died in Deceased.
SPARKS was born in 1830-1835 in , , Arkansas, USA; died in Deceased.
Tillman SPARKS was born on 24 Jul 1837 in , Hot Spring, Arkansas, USA; died on 23 Oct 1912 in , Parker, Texas, USA; was buried on 24 Oct 1912 in , Parker, Texas, USA.
Molly SPARKS was born in 1835-1840 in , , Arkansas, USA; died in Deceased.
Clarinda SPARKS was born in 1840 in , , Tennessee, USA; died before 1881 in , , Texas, USA.
Nancy C SPARKS was born in 1843 in , , Texas, USA; died about 1870.
Bailey Milton SPARKS was born in Jan 1847 in , , Tennessee, USA; died on 27 Jan 1931 in , Wise, Texas, USA; was buried on 28 Jan 1931 in Bridgeport, Wise, Texas, USA.
4. John SPARKS was born on 7 Oct 1847 in , , Texas, USA; died on 13 Dec 1925 in Groesbeck, Limestone, Texas, USA; was buried on 14 Dec 1925 in Thornton, Limestone, Texas, USA.
Rachel Ann SPARKS was born on 7 Apr 1852 in , Parker, Texas, USA; died on 17 Feb 1930 in , Young, Texas, USA; was buried on 18 Feb 1930 in , Parker, Texas, USA.

10.	Andrew BROWN was born about 1825 in , , Louisiana, USA; died in Deceased. Notes: Could they be Andrew Blair Brown and Mary Annie Smith? Andrew married Mary SMITH. Mary was born about 1830 in , , Louisiana, USA; died in Deceased. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

11.

Mary SMITH was born about 1830 in , , Louisiana, USA; died in Deceased.

Children:

5. Rebecca Ann BROWN was born on 25 Nov 1855 in , Bienville, Louisiana, USA; died on 6 Mar 1953 in Mexia, Limestone, Texas, USA; was buried on 7 Mar 1953 in Thornton, Limestone, Texas, USA.