July 14, 2023

Pages 680-688
Whole Number 40

9. JAMES SPARKS (born ca. 1670, DIED 1736)
OF SPOTSYLVANIA COUNTY, VIRGINIA, AND HIS DESCENDANTS

by Russell E. Bidlack

Spotsylvania County, Virginia, was created in 1720 from parts of three other Virginia counties: Essex County, King and Queen County, and King William County. The earliest record pertaining to a Sparks in Spotsylvania County found thus far is a deed dated December 25, 1723, by which 9. James Sparks leased for 99 years a 200-acre tract of land in Spotsylvania County from Francis Thornton of Essex County and Anthony Thornton of Stafford County, Virginia.

The Thorntons are described in the deed as "gentlemen" while James Sparks was described as a "planter." No place of residence was given for James Sparks, which may suggest that he had just settled in Spotsylvania County. This tract of land was described in the deed (see Deed Book A, 1722-29, pp. 73-74) as follows: "Beginning at the place where Mr Martin Back Corner being a large black Oak Thence S 27d W; 160 pole to two Oaks and a gum Standing in a Small branch that falls into the Tublick Swamp, Thence S: 60d E 200 pole to the Swamp first begun on and from thence along up the run of the sd Swamp to the place first begun on." Under the terms of this lease, James Sparks was permitted to use the land for "four full Years" without rent, but after the fourth year he agreed that each succeeding year "on the Eighteenth day of October being the feast of St. Luke the Evangelist or within forty days after that" he would pay the Thorntons or their heirs "five hundred and thirty pounds of good Sound Tobacco" and also "to pay the Quitrents for the Said land." The Thorntons and James Sparks all signed this deed, and Henry Martin and Law. Battaill signed as witnesses. It was admitted to record "Att a Court held for Spotsylvania County on Tuesday the 7th day of April 1724."

From later Spotsylvania County records, we learn that James Sparks was born ca. 1670. In 1736, he was described by the Court as being "very ancient."

We have references to a number of persons named Sparks who were living in Virginia during the 1600's, but whether James Sparks was a son of one of these early settlers or whether he had emigrated from the British Isles himself, is not known. (For example, a John Sparks was listed on the Quit Rolls of King and Queen County in 1704.)

Our next record of 9. James Sparks is found in the Spotsylvania County Court records dated February 1, 1725/6. (This double dating, 1725/6, results from the fact that England and her colonies did not officially adopt the Gregorian Calendar until 1752.) It is a brief record and simply reads: "In the action of debt brought by Richard Cheek, Pit. against James Sparkes, there being no appearance of either parties, ordered that the suit be dismissed." (Order Book 1724-1730, page 96.)

On November 6, 1728, a jury trial was held in Spotsylvania County in which James Sparks and Henry Sparks were defendants. (See Order Book 1724-1730, page 279.) This is our earliest record of any person named Sparks besides James in Spotsylvania County. Since James and Henry were co-defendants in this case, we may assume that they were closely related, and from later records it appears probable that Henry was a son of James, born ca. 1700. On the other hand, it is possible that James and Henry were brothers. This trial of 1728 resulted from the claim of James Horsnail that James and Henry Sparks were indebted to him for 800 pounds of tobacco. (Tobacco was often used as money in colonial Virginia.) The jury, however, found the defendants innocent, and the Court ordered that the suit be dismissed and that Horsnail pay all costs.

Our next record of James Sparks is dated September 27, 1729. On that date, he was granted a tract of land comprising 1000 acres in Spotsylvania County on the north side of the Rappidan River. He was described in this grant as a resident of Spotsylvania County and of St. George Parish (the boundaries of this parish were the same as those of the county.)

This 1000-acre tract was in a section of Spotsylvania County which is today a part of Madison County, Virginia, and was located many miles from that part of Spotsylvania County where James Sparks lived. On August 31, 1730, James Sparks sold this tract, which probably had never been cleared, to John Scott, also a resident of Spotsylvania County, for ten pounds sterling. James Sparks was described in this deed as a "planter" while Scott was called a "gent." The land was described as being on the Rappidan River; the witnesses to the deed were Larkin Chew, Thos. Slaughter, and A. Smith. At a court held for Spotsylvania County on September 1, 1730, James Sparks acknowledged the deed "and Jane Sparks wife of the sd. James (after being privately examined) acknowledged her right of dower of the said land," and the deed was recorded. (See Deed Book B, 1729-34, pp. 65-66.)

Thus, we know that James Sparks's wife was named Jane MNU. One other record of Jane Sparks has been found. On May 7, 1734, the Spotsylvania County Court made the following record: "On motion of Jane, wife of James Sparks, she is allowed for three days attendance as she was summoned as evidence for James Atkins against Thomas Moore--It therefore is ordered that said Atkins pay said Sparks the same with costs alias execution." (See Order Book 1730-1738, page 310.)

On June 1, 1736, James Sparks petitioned the Spotsylvania County Court "to be set free from paying of public and county levies." The court granted his request, "he being very ancient and not able to get his living by labor." (See Order Book 1730-1738, page 441.) According to Charles H. Hamnlin, authority on Virginia history, who has searched Spotsylvania County records for Sparks data, in order to have qualified for this privilege, James Sparks would have had to have been at least 60 years old, probably older. Evidently he had been working and paying his taxes up until this time. He was probably suffering from a severe illness when he made his appeal, for by August 31, 1736, James Sparks had died. On that date, August 31, 1736, the following court action was recorded: "On the attachment obtained by Henry Sparks against the Estate of James Sparks for 556 lbs. tobacco--the said plaintiff failing to prosecute the said suit any further, -Ordered that same be dismissed." (See Order Book 1730"1738, page 461.) On February 2, 1736/7 following, another court record was made pertaining to the "Estate of James Sparks." Thomas Hill, Gent., had obtained an attachment against the estate for 7 pounds, 7 shillings and 1 penny--"the same being agreed, it is therefore ordered the suit be dismissed." (See Order Book 1730-1738, page 481.) On this same date, the following court action was recorded: "Henry Sparks against James Sparks, attachment granted for 1086 lbs. tobacco and 4 shillings sterling money--the same being agreed, therefore ordered dismissed." (Ibid.)

Apparently, James Sparks did not leave a will and no probate records have been found pertaining to the settlement of his estate. References in the Court Records suggest, however, that the settlement of the estate was handled by James's son, 9.1 James Sparks, Jr.

Our earliest reference to 9.1 James Sparks, Jr., is a court order dated July 4, 1733. This order reads as follows: "On the petition of James Sparkes Junior against Thomas Glover for 550 lbs. tobacco due by account, there being no appearance, order that the same be dismist." (See Order Book 1730-1738, page 231.) by April 3, 1734, Thomas Glover had died and James Sparks, Jr., had obtained an attachment against his estate for 900 pounds of tobacco. When the Court learned that one Thomas Jones owed Glover for 500 pounds of tobacco, it ordered, on April 3, 1734, that Jones deliver the 500 pounds of tobacco to Sparks. (See Order Book 1730-1738, page 301.) In this latter record, James Sparks, Jr., was not designated as "Junior" but there seems little doubt that it was he who was intended rather than his father.

Following the death of the elder James Sparks in 1736, we would expect his son, James, to drop the "junior" from his name. - His name appears without the "junior" in a Court record dated October 5, 1737, when James Sparks sued William Hullot for 50 pounds sterling. (The case was settled out of court.) (See Order Book 1730-1738, page 519.) However, in another suit recorded on April 7, 1741, he was designated as "James Sparks, Junior," probably out of habit. In this instance, he was sued for 50 pounds current money by Thomas Corbin, Gentleman, but through a legal technicality the suit was dismissed and Corbin was forced to pay the Court costs.

From the Spotsylvania County Court records, it appears that James Sparks, who died in 1736 and whose wife's name was Jane, had four Sons: 9.1 James Sparks, Jr.; 9.2 Henry Sparks; 9.3 Thomas Sparks; and 9.4 John Sparks. There is nothing, however, to prove this relationship, such as a probate record naming his heirs, but circumstantial evidence supports this relationship. Following is a summary of the data we have on each; for convenience, James Sparks, Jr., on whom we have considerable information, is listed last.

9.2 HENRY SPARKS

9.2 Henry Sparks, probably a son of James Sparks who died in 1736, first appeared on the Spotsylvania County Court records on November 6, 1728, when he and James Sparks were co-defendants in a suit brought by James Horsnail, which was described on page 681, above. On August 3, 1731, Henry Sparks was appointed a constable by the Spotsylvania County Court in place of John Parks who had asked to be discharged. The Court ordered Henry Sparks to "be sworn as the law directs to view the several fields of tobacco in his precinct, which is from the Parish line down the Rappahannock River and to the end of the County for the preventing the tending [?] of second slips and suckers, etc." (See Order Book 1730-1738, page 57.) On April 6, 1736, Henry Sparks and John Curtis signed as witnesses a deed by which Vincent Tapp sold 175 acres of land in Spotsylvania County to John Elison; this land once belonged to Francis and Anthony Thornton and was probably near the tract which James Sparks leased from the Thorntons in 1723. (See Deed Book C, 1734-42, page 141.) On June 6, 1749, Henry Sparks witnessed another deed by which Thomas and Rachel Cartwright sold 80 acres of land to Joseph Holloday. The other witnesses were John Crettenden Webb and William Gholeston.

In a law suit involving Henry Sparks and Moses Bledsoe in 1743, Henry, the plaintiff, won the verdict and Bledsoe was required to pay 5 pounds, 1 shilling, plus costs. This court action took place on March 6, 1743. (See Order Book 1738-1749, page 254.) On April 3, 1750, Henry Sparks was allowed 25 pounds of tobacco for one day's attendance in court to give evidence for Betty Head against Mosely Battaley, Gent. (See Order Book, 1749-1755, page 54.) On December 4, 1751, Henry Sparks was "allowed for six days attendance" at court as a witness for Joseph Morris at the suit of Thomas Morris. (See Order Book 1749-1755, page 146.)

Our last record of Henry Sparks in Spotsylvania County is dated February 6, 1752. On this date, the County Court dismissed a suit which James Sparks brought against Henry Sparks. An agreement had been reached outside court. (See Order Book 1749-1755, page 168.)

What became of Henry Sparks after 1752 is not known. It seems probable that he moved out of the county.

9.3 THOMAS SPARKS

Another probable son of James Sparks, who died in 1736, was Thomas Sparks. His name appeared for the first time on the Spotsylvania County Court Order Book on October 7, 1731. On that date, the Court heard the case of John Tennant against Thomas Sparks, Tennant claiming that Sparks owed him 50 shillings which he demanded to be paid. The Court, "after hearing all evidence and arguments on each side are of the opinion that 15 shillings current money was due on balance of account between them therefore judgement is granted for the same with costs and attorney's fee." (See Order Book 1730-1738, page 88.) On the same day, John Tennant also brought suit against John Sparks for one pound, ten shillings. John Sparks was probably another son of James and a brother of Thomas. No other record of Thomas Sparks has been found in Spotsylvania, and, as in the case of Henry Sparks, it seems probable that he moved out of the county.

9.4 JOHN SPARKS

Another probable son of James Sparks, who died in 1736, was John Sparks who appeared in the Spotsylvania County Court records for the first time on October 7, 1731. On this date, the Court recorded that John Tennant had brought suit against John Sparks far one pound, ten shillings current money. The Court, "after hearing all witnesses and arguments are of the opinion that nothing is due." The suit was dismissed and Tennant was ordered to pay all costs. It was on this same day that John Tennant sued Thomas Sparks, clearly suggesting, as was noted above, that they were closely related, probably brothers.

On November 8, 1749, John Sparks was paid 25 pounds of tobacco "for guarding the prison" in Fredericksburg. On this same day, James Sparks, Jr., who had been appointed constable of the town of Fredericksburg in 1744, was paid 167 pounds of tobacco "for summoning three juries of enquest." (See Order Book 1749-1755, page 13.) It would certainly appear that as constable, James Sparks, Jr., had appointed his brother John to guard the prison on this occasion.

No record pertaining to John Sparks has been found in Spotsylvania County after 1749. He probably moved out of the county, as Henry and Thomas Sparks appear to have done.

9.1 JAMES SPARKS, JR.

James Sparks, Jr., was probably the oldest son of 9. James Sparks who died in 1736, since he appears to have been in charge of settling his father's estate. More information has been found on James Sparks, Jr., among Spotsylvania County records than on any other member of the family.

9.1 James Sparks, Jr., was born ca. 1700. Our earliest record pertaining to him is dated July 4, 1733, on which occasion he sued Thomas Glover for 550 pounds of tobacco. (See Order Book 1730-1738, page 231.) This case was dismissed, but on April 3, 1734, the Court noted that James Sparks (he was not called "Junior" on this occasion) had obtained an attachment against the estate of Thomas Glover. As was noted earlier, the Court then ordered Thomas Jones, who owed Glover 500 pounds of tobacco, to pay this amount to James Sparks. (See Order Book 1730-1738, page 301.)

Following the death of James Sparks, Sr., in 1736, James, Jr., seems to have handled the settling of the estate. He was involved in a number of law suits during the next several years. In October, 1737, he sued William Hullot for 50 pounds sterling --the case was settled out of Court. (Order Book 1730-1738, page 519.) In 1741, he successfully defended himself against a suit brought by Thomas Corbin, Gentleman. "for 50 pds. current money damage." According to the Court record, "the defendant appeared and moved for a non-suit, the plaintiff having not filed a Declaration one day before the Court-- The law is with the Defendant--said Corbin to pay said Sparks a non-suit with costs, etc." (See Order Book 1730-1738, page 120.)

On February 5, 1744, the Court "ordered that James Sparks serve as Constable of the Town of Fredericksburg in room of William Potter and that he be sworn before some Magistrate of this County according to law." (Order Book 1738-1749, page 297.) To receive such an appointment, James Sparks, Jr., must have been a man of ability and some degree of education. Other court records reveal that, by occupation, he was an inn-keeper. On June 5, 1750, for example, the County Court noted: "Petition of James Sparks to have his Ordinary [inn] Lycense renewed, being expired, is granted on his giving Bond and paying the Governor's Due as the law directs." (Order Book 1749-1755, page 62.)

On September 3, 1745, James Sparks, Jr., witnessed a deed by which John Durritt sold land in Spotsylvania County to Henry True and Martin True. Benjamin Davis and Alexander Hawkins were also witnesses. (by this time, of course, James had stopped adding"Junior" to his signature,since his father was dead.) On June 2, 1747, another James Sparks signed by mark as witness to a mortgage between Joseph Venable and John Minor. As will be noted later, when James Sparks, Jr., died in 1758, the administrator of his estate was this same James Sparks who signed his name by mark. There can be no doubt but that the James who signed by mark was closely related to James, Jr., but he does not seem to have been a son. Probably he was a nephew, a son of Henry, Thomas, or John Sparks.

On January 10, 1749, James Sparks, Jr., signed his name as witness to the will of John Fox of Fredericksburg. Other witnesses were M. Battaley, John Sutherland, and Richard Tutt.

Two very important documents pertaining to 9.1 James Sparks, Jr., are dated September 1, 1752. (See Will Book B, 1749-1759, pp. 132-33.) These documents identify two of James's sons, 9.1.1 Daniel Sparks and 9.1.2 Charles Sparks. They also provide an interesting illustration of how our Colonial ancestors often provided training for their children through the system of apprenticeship. The first agreement reads as follows:

       This Indenture made the first Day of September one thousand seven hundred and fifty two Between James Sparks of St. George Parish in the County of Spotsylvania of the one Part, and Charles Sebastian of the Parish Brunswick in King George County of the other Part the said James Sparks Doth put and bind his son Daniel Sparks an apprentice to the said Charles Sebastion for and During the term of six years and seven Months fully Compleat and ended and the said Charles Sebastian shall teach or Cause to be taught or Instructed the said Apprentice in the full art or mistery of a Joyner and house Carpenter and also shall give to the said apprentice a full years Schooling and also During the said Term shall find to his said apprentice Good and Convenient meat, Drink, washing and Lodging and apparrel and at the Expiration of the said term shall give unto his said apprentice such Dues as by Act of Assembly is appointed to be given to Imported Servants and Likewise at the Expiration of the said term to Give to his said Apprentice a Set of Carpenters tools. In witness whereof the Parties to these Indentures have set their hands and affixed their seals the Day, month, and year first above written.
                                                                                                                       [signed] James Sparks (seal)
                                                                                                                                   Charles Sebastian (seal).

Both James Sparks, Jr., and Charles Sebastian appeared before the Spotsylvania County Court on September 2, 1752, and acknowledged the above indenture.

A similar agreement was signed by James Sparks, Jr., and Charles Sebasion on the same day, September 1, 1752, placing James's son, Charles Sparks, also as an apprentice to learn to be "a Joyner and house Carpenter." However, instead of the term of six years and seven months, Charles was bound until he should reach the age of twenty-one years.

On February 7, 1753, James Sparks, Jr., was summoned before the County Court "to answer a complaint against him made, for keeping a disorderly house [inn], and bringing up his children in pilfering, stealing, and other ill practices." This was a serious charge to be brought against a man of James's position--it required no little influence to be appointed a constable and to have a license to operate an inn in Colonial Virginia. Apparently, James had an enemy who wished to cause him embarrassment. The Court listened to his defense and ordered "that the said complaint be dismissed." (See Order Book 1749-1755, entry for February 7, 1753.) A few days after this, James Sparks, Jr., was granted a new license to operate his inn for another year, a further vindication of his character.

Early in 1758, James Sparks, Jr., died. The earliest document which mentions his death is an agreement dated March 7, 1758, by which "Daniel Sparks, son of Jas. Sparks, decsd. of the County of Spotsylvania doth with the Consent and approbation of the Court ... put himself apprentice to James Frasher of the County aforesaid Carpenter and Joyner, to learn his Art and mystery..." (See Will Book B, 1749-59, pp. 349-50.) Daniel Sparks agreed to serve as apprentice to Frasher until he reached the age of twenty-one. Apparently, with the death of James Sparks, Jr., the agreement with Charles Sebastian was terminated. From other records, we know that Daniel Sparks was born in 1740 and was thus eighteen when this agreement with Frasher was signed. Daniel Sparks and James Frasher both signed this agreement. (of course, the recorded copy, which is our source, does not bear their actual signatures.)

On February 5, 1760, 9.1.3 Samuel Sparks, another son of James Sparks, Jr., bound himself, as had his brother Daniel; to James Frasher. This was done with the approval of the Court since, according to the agreement, Samuel was only "about the age of 15 years." He agreed to serve as an apprentice for six years "to be taught and instructed in the Art or Mystery of a carpenter and joyner." (See Will Book B, 1749-59, page 439.)

Unfortunately, from the viewpoint of genealogical research, James Sparks did not leave a will. On August 2, 1758, the Spotsylvania County Court recorded in its Minute Book (page 123) that Sarah Sparks, widow of James Sparks, Jr., had refused to serve as administratrix of her husband's estate. (Thus we know that the wife of James Sparks, Jr., was named Sarah.) The County Court then appointed another administrator whose name was also James Sparks. This other James Sparks signed his name by mark on the bond he was required to post as administrator. There is no indication of his relationship to the deceased, but the fact that he signed by mark indicates that he was probably the same James Sparks who signed by mark the mortgage between Joseph Venable and John Minor on June 2, 1747, as mentioned earlier. He was probably a nephew of James Sparks, Jr., a son of Henry, Thomas, or John Sparks. The administrator's bond (see Will Book B, 1749-59, page 382) was dated August 2, 1758; William Lewis and Bland Ballard signed as securities in the amount of "Three Hundred Pounds Currt Money." (Ballard signed by mark.)

On October 3, 1758, at "a Court held for Spotsylvania County," John Battaley, Thomas Colson, and William Houston submitted an inventory which they had taken of "the Estate of James Sparks decd." This inventory provides an interesting picture of life in the village of Fredericksburg two centuries ago. (The articles were valued in "current money," that is, in English pounds, shillings, and pence. (See Will Book B, 1749-59, page 385.)

       In Obedience to an Order of Spotsylvania Court we the Subscribers have Valued and appraised the Estate of James Sparks deced. in Current Money as followeth -- Viz.

Item ? S d
1 Bed and Furniture  3. 10. 0
l Ditto 2. 0. 0
1 Ovel table  0. 15. 0
1 Old Ditto 0. 5. 0
1 pr Iron Doggs 0. 12. 0
1 pr fire Tongs  0. 1. 0
1 Old Bed Rugg and Blanket, 1 Old Ditto, Lot 4. 0. 0
A parcel of Tanned Leather  0. 5. 0
1 Old Spinning Wheel  0. 1. 6
1 Squaretable 0. 3. 0
1 Fiddle  0. 7. 6
A parcel of Old Peuter 0. 17. 0
2 Tin Funnel and one old Cullendar 0. 2. 6
1 Cupboard  0. 12. 6
1 Bed and Furniture 2. 10. 0
1 Rum Case and 6 Bottles 0 7. 6
1 Earthern Jugg 0. 3. 0
1 Gallon, 1 Quart, 1 Pint, I half pint and 1 Jill, Lott  0. 1. 0
4 Iron Candle sticks, 1 hammer and Pinchers 0. 3. 0
1 Tin Sugar Box 1/6 1 Skillett 1/6 0. 3. 0
A parcel of old Knives and forks, 1 Old Pepper Box  0. 2. 6
1 pr Old money scales 2 Old Iron Wedges and two flatt Irons  0. 5. 0
1 Old safe 10/ 1 Old Rum Case 1/3 0. 11. 3
1 Gun 20/ 1 chest 5/ 1 Old Chair 1/  1. 6. 0
1 Desk 2. 10. 0
1 Bay horse  4. 10. 0
3 Pails, 1 Washing Tub  0. 4. 0
4 Old Iron Potts  0. 12. 0
2 Iron pot Racks and hooks 0. 12. 6
1 Old Tea kettle 5/  1 frying pan, Griddle and Ladle 4/ 0. 9. 0
1 Ruin Cock 2/6    1 Chamber pott 1/ 0. 3. 0
2 pr Iron Traces and haines, 1 Cart and saddle 4. 0. 0
2 Old Axes 2/6    1 Old Looking Glass 2/ 0. 4. 6
1 GrindStone  0. 2. 6
1 Horse 5. 0. 6
                                                                                                                                                   ? 38. 5. 3

       [signed] Jn? Battaley
                   Thoms Colson
                   Wm Houston
       Att a Court held for Spotsylvania County on Tuesday October the 3rd 1758 This Inventory and appraisement of the Estate of James Sparks Deced being Returned in Court it is Ordered to be Recorded.
                                                                                                                                               Test. W: Waller Cl.Crt.

Our only knowledge of the wife of James Sparks, Jr., is the fact that her name was Sarah MNU. She was, without doubt, the Sarah Sparks who married, as his second wife, Anthony Foster. Anthony Foster was a prominent man in Spotsylvania County; he was sheriff of the county in the 1740's and in 1753 was commissioned by the Governor as "Inspector of Tobacco at Fredericksburg Warehouse." His first wife's name was Martha, by whom he had several children, including a daughter named Elizabeth who married James Frasher. As was noted above, it was to James Frasher that Daniel and Samuel Sparks bound themselves as apprentices. In his will dated February 4, 1763, he provided for his wife, Sarah, and bequeated "to my wife's daughter, Sarah Sparks, one cow and calf to her and her heirs forever." This was the Sarah Sparks, daughter of James Sparks, Jr., who married Alexander Walden.

The late William B. Newman who was quoted in the June, 1956, issue of the Quarterly, Whole No. 14, stated that the Sarah Sparks who married Anthony Foster as his second wife was the widow of Zachary Sparks of Orange County, Virginia. There can be little doubt now that Mr. Newman was mistaken, and members of the Association should note this on page 138 of the June, 1956, issue, Whole No. 14.

On November 9, 1752, the Spotsylvania County Court made record of a suit brought by Jane Sparks against Anthony Foster, but it was dismissed because an agreement had been reached out of Court. This was probably the mother of James Sparks, Jr., (widow of James Sparks who died in 1736), and the suit may have involved property connected with the marriage of her daughter-in-law, Sarah, to Anthony Foster.

From the above mentioned records in Spotsylvania County, Virginia, and later records in South Carolina and North Carolina that will be cited, below, we know that James Sparks, Jr., who died in 1758, had at least four sons, 9.1.1 Daniel Sparks, 9.1.2 Charles Sparks, 9.1.3 Samuel Sparks, and 9.1.4 Harry Sparks. We know also that he had at least one daughter, 9.1.5 Sarah Sparks, who married Alexander Walden. He may also have been the father of Eleanor Sparks who married Edlyne Willoughby. Following are brief sketches of these children; more detailed records of their descendants appear on subsequent pages:

9.1.1 Daniel Sparks, born in 1740, died in Darlington County, South Carolina, ca. 1810. As noted earlier, he was apprenticed by his father to learn to be a carpenter in 1752. Soon after his twenty-first birthday, he moved to South Carolina and settled on the Pee Dee River. He married, first, FNU Stephens, in 1763; she died in 1774. He married, second, Martha Pearce.

9.1.2 Charles Sparks, early in the 1740s; he died in 1797 in Anson County, North Carolina. Like his brother, Daniel, he was apprenticed by his father to learn the carpenter's trade in 1752. He also settled on the Pee Dee River in South Carolina, but at an early date he moved further up the river into North Carolina. He married twice. His first wife's name was Gracilla MNU; his second wife's name was Jane MNU.

9.1.3 Samuel Sparks, born in 1745, died in Surry County, North Carolina, in 1811. As a fifteen-year-old boy he apprenticed himself to James Frasher to learn to be a carpenter. He settled in South Carolina on the Pee Dee River with his brothers, but ca. 1794 he moved to Surry County, North Carolina. He married Lucy MNU. Since, in his will, he left his property to his nephews and nieces, it would appear that he had no children.

9.1.4 Harry Sparks. His real name was apparently Henry and he was born ca. 1750. He also left Virginia and settled on the Pee Dee River in South Carolina where he was killed during the American Revolution by a group of Tories.

9.1.5 Sarah Sparks. She was born ca. 1750; she married Alexander Walden, who was born November 15, 1748, in Goochland County, Virginia; he was living in Coweta County, Georgia, at the time of his death, soon after 1834. He made application for a Revolutionary War pension on September 3, 1834, and stated that he was living in Spotsylvania County, Virginia, in 1776 or 1777 when he was drafted and "guarded Scotch Prisoners which were sent to Staunton, Va." He stated that he moved to the Pee Dee River section of South Carolina on March 17, 1778, where he did guard duty and "was in many skirmishes with the Tories." He stated that after the war he moved to Carolina (i.e. North Carolina), later to Morgan County, Georgia, and finally to Coweta County, Georgia. From a letter written to the Pension Office by Alexander Walden, Jr., in 1854, it apppars that Sarah (Sparks) Walden was still living in 1834. From information appearing in the Historical Collections of the Joseph Habersham Chapter, Daughters of the American Revolution, Vol. II, Atlanta, Ga., published in 1902, which has been supplied by Katherine Walton Booth and Beatrice Booth of Watkinsville, Georgia, we know that Alexander and Sarah (Sparks) Walden had the following children:

9.1.5.1 Charles Walden, moved to Mississippi and had a daughter, 9.1.5.1.1 Elizabeth Walden, who married John Butler of Griffin;
9.1.5.2 James Walden, moved to Alabama;
9.1.5.3 Alexander Walden, Jr., lived in Benton County, Alabama, in 1854;
9.1.5.4 Samuel Walden;
9.1.5.5 Tavener Walden;
9.1.5.6 Elizabeth Walden, married FNU Threete and had a son, 9.1.5.6.1 Tavener Threete;
9.1.5.7 Nellie Walden;
9.1.5.8 Nancy Walden, married Aaron Crow, and had a daughter 9.1.5.8.1 Elizabeth Crow who married Walton Harris Booth.

9.1.6 (?) Eleanor Sparks. She was born in Spotsylvania County, Virginia, in 1758 and may have been a daughter of James Sparks, Jr., or she may have been the daughber of one of James's brothers or nephews. She was married in Spotsylvania County in 1782 to Edlyne Willoughby who, according to his Revolutionary War pension application, was born in Spotsylvania County in 1752. He died in Wadesboro, Anson County, North Carolina, in 1839. Eleanor died in the same place in 1825. They moved from Spotsylvania County to Richmond, North Carolina, before 1790; by 1810 they were living in Anson County. Their children were:

9.1.6.1 Joseph Willoughby;
9.1.6.2 Willis Willoughby, born 1785.
9.1.6.3 Nathan Willoughby; and
9.1.6.4 Charles Willoughby.

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