March 22, 2020

Pages 5075-5094
Whole Number 184

PERSONS NAMED SPARKS FOUND ON THE 1900 CENSUS
OF QUEEN ANNES COUNTY, MARYLAND

by Russell E. Bidlack



The following compilation of persons named Sparks living in Queen Annes County, Maryland, when the U.S. census was taken in the year 1900 has been made from a careful "reading" of a microfilm copy made from the original at the National Archives in Washington, D.C. A total of 199 individuals with the Sparks name have been found in 60 different households. As will be seen, many of these Sparkses were living in households that were headed by persons not named Sparks. In a number of instances, they were young people employed as farm laborers or servants; some were obviously living with relatives. (The term "servant" was recommended by the Census Office to describe domestic employees.) Because of the importance of family connections, this compiler has copied the complete households in these cases, except for an institution, such as a county farm for poor or disabled people.

In few other counties in the United States were there as many persons named Sparks in 1900 as there were in Queen Annes County, Maryland, and very nearly all of these 199 Sparkses were natives of Maryland. There had been an unusually large number of Sparkses recorded on earlier censuses in this county, many of whom migrated west or south to other states as the years went by, and family relationships to those who remained in Queen Annes County are to be found today throughout the country. When the 1840 census had been taken, there were 15 households headed by persons named Sparks, comprising some 91 individuals. (See pp. 2834-35 of the Quarterly of March 1986, Whole No. 133, for this listing.) A record of those found on the 1850 census of the county was published also in the Quarterly of March 1986, pp. 2840-45, that total being 111 individuals. (Readers are reminded that it was not until 1850 that the name of everyone in each household was recorded on a U.S. census.) The U.S. census of 1900 is especially valued by family historians because that which had been taken in 1890 was almost entirely destroyed in a warehouse fire in January 1921; this was before the invention of microfilming.

As in earlier U.S. censuses, an effective date for the 1900 census was set so that statistics could be compiled regarding the nation's population as of a certain day. As in several earlier censuses, the date for that of 1900 was set as June Ist. All data recorded were, therefore, supposed to represent what had been true on June 1, 1900. Babies born after June Ist that year were not to be recorded even though it was days, even weeks, later that the census taker came to one's home, and persons dying after June 1, 1900, were to be included. Also, it was one's age on June 1, 1900, that was to be recorded for everyone then.

In this transcription, we have included the name of the census taker and the date of his enumeration of each household. Queen Annes County was divided in seven "Election Districts," with names of towns and villages added where appropriate. There were detailed instructions for census takers regarding their reporting of households and families. For example, "transient guests of a hotel are not to be enumerated as of the hotel, unless they are likely otherwise to be omitted from the enumeration; but the proprietor and his family, and those boarders, employees, and servants who regularly sleep there are to be included." It was recognized that, on occasion, such individuals might be recorded twice, by two different census takers, and it was inevitable that a few people would be omitted altogether.

The census taker was to go from house to house, attempting to interview a knowledgeable adult in each family "to ascertain beyond a doubt that the information ... covers all the persons in the family, including not only the immediate members of the family, as the head, wife, and children, but also other relatives living with the family, servants (if they sleep in the house), and persons who live with the family, as boarders, lodgers, etc." Successive numbers were to be assigned in order of visitation to each household and to each family. When more than one family lived in a household,- thereafter these two numbers would differ in the census taker's record. These numbers are useful in searching census records to help to identify neighbors or relatives of a family living nearby.

The names of the members of each family were to be entered with the surname first, followed by forename(s) or initials, in the following order: "Head, first, wife second, children (whether sons or daughters) in the order of their ages, and all other persons living; with the family, whether relatives, boarders, lodgers, or servants. Where the surname was repeated, the census taker was to draw "a horizontal line" in its place. In this transcription, we have substituted ditto marks for these horizontal lines. Of particular value to the genealogist was the requirement that, following the name of the person designated as the family's "Head," there was to be an indication of the "relationship the person bears to the head of the family."

The next column on the census forms provided to the enumerators was designated as "Color or race," with the following instructions: "Write 'W' for white; 'B' for black (negro or of negro descent); 'Ch' for Chinese, 'Jp' for Japanese, and 'In' for Indian, as the case may be." It will be seen that, of the 199 individuals named Sparks on this census, 20 were designated as "B." In earlier censuses of Queen Annes County, both slaves and free Blacks had been recorded, and we may assume that most of these 20 Blacks in 1900 were among their descendants. Those who were shown as Black have been identified in the note sections.

Under the column for sex, the letter "M" or "F" was to designate male or female. Of particular interest in the 1900 census was the provision not only for the age of each person, but for the month and year of his/her birth. Age was to be that as of June 1, 1900. As will be seen, some persons providing information to the census taker lacked portions of this information.

Marital status was to be reported, whether single (S), married (M), widowed (Wd), or divorced (D). In most instances, census takers reported even infants as "S," but others left it blank for children. Here we have omitted the (S) for all persons under 14. For those reported as married (M), the number of years of marriage was to be given, but this question "need not be answered by widowed or divorced persons." For couples married less than one year, a zero was to be entered. We can sometimes deduce that a spouse had been married before, as in the family of W. B. Sparks appearing on page 5089 of this compilation. Although he and his wife, Ann Sparks, had been married only 11 years, his son, William D. Sparks, was 19 years old. That Ann was a second wife is confirmed in the biographical sketch of William B. Sparks appearing on page 5095; he had been married to his first wife, Lucy Crossley, in 1881; she had died in 1887.

As had been required on the 1890 census lost to us, so, also, in 1900, the number of children of each married woman was to be noted, along with the number still living on June 1, 1900. From these numbers, we are often reminded of the high infant mortality rate that existed in the 19th Century. This information was not required for widows, but some census takers recorded it for them. This information is given here in the notes following each entry.

Place of birth was required for each person listed, as had been true in censuses beginning in 1850, but that pertaining to one's parents had first appeared in the 1890 census (now lost). The intent was obviously related to determining statistics of the foreign born in the U.S., but for today's family historian this information can be of value in tracing one's ancestry.

The occupation, trade, or profession of the head of each household was to be recorded on the 1900 census, along' with that of family members ten years or older who were "gainfully employed." The question was also asked regarding the number of months such individuals had been out of work.

Under the heading "Education," the number of months that a child had attended school "during the year ending June 1, 1900," was to be recorded. A zero was to be entered for any "person of school age who did not attend school at all during the year. "In many instances, however, census takers simply left the space blank. Three other questions were asked of everyone regarding education: whether the person could read and write, and whether he or she spoke English. All persons transcribed here spoke English, and nearly all of the adults could read and write. We have included in the note at the end of each entry the information regarding and the LACK OF ABILITY to read or write, except for small children.

Questions were also asked of each household or family head regarding whether he/she owned the house or farm in/on which the family lived, or whether he/she was a renter. If there was ownership, it was also asked whether there, was a mortgage. This information is also given in a note at the end of each entry in this transcription.

A separate part of the 1900 census pertained to agricultural production, but this has not been searched for the present transcription.

The 1900 census forms provided to census takers were 19 and one-half inches long; and 18 and five-eighths inches wide; they were printed on two sides, with spaces for 50 entries on each side. Before microfilming these sheets, they were numbered, the front side labeled A and the back side B. We have recorded these as page numbers. Queen Annes County is comprised of 200 two-sided sheets, paged from l-A through 200-B. Not all of these pages are completely filled. The entries that follow are given in page order from the film.

Last Name First Name Relation M/F Birth Age Marriage? Birth Places
Election District 1,
Census taken by J. Emery Smith, June 12, 1900
Page 5-B, Household 86, Family 88
Sparks John Head (M) May 1855 45 Mar-16 MD-NJ-NJ
" Sarah E. Sarah E. (F) February 1855 45 Mar-16 MD-MD-MD
" John T. John T. (M) September 1884 15 (S) MD-MD-MD
" Mary H. Daughter (F) June 1891 8 (S) MD-MD-MD
Beck Peacilla [sic] Servant (F) February 1886 16 (S) MD-MD-MD
Note: All members of this household were recorded as White. Sarah E. Sparks was the mother of 2 children, both still living on June 1, 1900; John Sparks was a Farmer; he owned his farm, free of mortgage; his son and daughter, as well as Peacilla Beck, attended school for 8 months. Peacilla, whose name may have been Priscilla, was a Servant and under occupation was recorded as doing Housework.
Election District 1,
Census taken by J. Emery Smith, June 14, 1900
Page 6-B, Household 99, Family 102
Sparks, Joseph Head (M) February 1823 77 Mar-52 MD-MD-MD
" Sarah K Wife (F) December 1832 67 Mar-52 MD-MD-MD
Hill Thomas Grandson (M) June 1888 11 (S) MD-MD-MD
Notes: All three were recorded as White. Sarah Sparks was the mother of 9 children, and 7 were still living on June 1, 1900. Joseph Sparks was a Farmer; he owned his farm, free of mortgage. The grandson, Thomas Hill, had attended school for 8 months.
Election District 1,
Census taken by Jonathan Chance, June 9, 1900
Page 12-A, Household 102, Family 105
Tate. Walter Head (M) August 1867 33 (S) MD-MD-MD
Sparks, Blanche Boarder (M) February 1823 28 Wd MD-MD-MD
" Pearle Daughter (F) December 1832 67 Mar-52 MD-MD-MD
" Hiram C. Son (M) July 1897 2   MD-MD-MD
" Hervey N. Son (M) November 1899 2   MD-MD-MD
Pugh, John L. Nephew (M) March 1892 8   PA-MD-MD
" Harry R. Nephew (M) December 1894 5   MD-PA-MD
Notes: All members of this household were White. Although census takers were instructed to record the relationship to the head of the household for each member of that household, it appears that the Sparks chiIdren listed were surely the children of the widow, Blanch Sparks. Whether the Pugh children were nephews of Walter Tate or of Blanch Sparks, is unknown. Blanch Sparks was shown as the mother of 3 children, all of whom were living on June 1, 1900. Under occupation, Blanch was called "Servant." Walter Tate, a Farmer, rented the land that he farmed.
Election District 1,
Census taken by Jonathan Chance, June 15, 1900
Page 15-B, Household 186, Family 195
Sparks, Joseph Head (M) August 1851 48 (M) 2 MD MD MD
" Florence E.

Wife

(F) March 1877 23 (M) 2 PA PA PA
" Joseph A

Son

(M) March 1900 2/12   MD MD PA
Notes: AIl members of this household were White. Joseph Sparks was a Farmer; he rented the house. in which his family lived. He could not read or write, though his wife could do so. Florence was mother of only one child, who was living (being two-month-old Joseph A., of course.
Page 15-B, Household 191, Family 201
Sparks, Hiram Head (M) January 1847

53

(M) 31

MD MD MD

" Sarah E. Wife (F) November 1839 61 (M) 31 MD MD MD
Notes: Both members of this household were White. Based on his age and location, Hiram Sparks may have been the theee-year-old Hiram Sparks shown on the 1850 census as a son of Risdon and Emily Sparks. (See p. 2840 of the March 1986 issue of the Quarterly.) He was a Farmer in 1900 and owned his own farm, free of mortgage. Sarah E. Sparks had been the mother of two children, but none were living on June 1, 1900.
Election District 1,
Census taken by Jonathan Chance. June 19, 1900
Page 17-B, Household 225. Familv 240
Newton, Si--?-- Head (M) July 1837 62 (M) 25

MD MD MD

" Eliza C. Wife (F) December 1847 52 (M)25

MD MD MD

Sparks, Mary Sister (F) May 1833 67 (Wd)

MD MD MD

Bixcoe, Heiram [sic] Nephew (M) December 1884 10  

MD MD MD

Notes: All members of this household were White. Newton's forename has been marked over making it illegible; he was a Farmer and owned his farm, mortgage free. Ellza C. Newton had one child, but he/she was no longer living. Heiram [sic] Biscoe had attended school 10 months.
Election District 1,
Census taken by Jonathan Chance. June 21, 1900
Page 19-A, Household 257, Family 273
Sparks, Alfred A. Head (M) August 1857 42 (M) 5 MD MD MD
" Rachael A. Wife (F) December 1879 20 (M) 5 MD MD MD
" Ammy S. Daughter (F) September 1897 2   MD MD MD
" James E. Son (M) February 1900 4/12   MD MD MD
" Charles H. Father (M) October 1822 77 (Wd) MD MD MD
Green, Mollie Mother (F) May 1859 41 (M) 26 MD MD MD
Heines, John H. Boarder (M) June 1858 41 (M) 20 MD MD MD
Notes: All members were recorded as Black. Alfred A. Sparks and his father, Charles H. Sparks, could not read and write. Alfred was a farm laborer; he rented a farm. Mollie Green was called a day laborer; John Heines was a farm laborer. Rachael A. Sparks was the mother of 3 children, two were still living on June 1, 1900; Mollie Green had had 3 children, one was still living on June 1, 1900.
Election District 1,
Census taken by Jonathan Chance, June 23, 1900
Page 21-A, Household 296, Family 315
Sparks, Mary Head (F) April 1861 39 (Wd) MD MD MD
" Lillian H. Daughter (F) March 1884 16 (S) MD MD MD
" Haslup F. Son (M) March 1886 14 (S) MD MD MD
" Mary B. Daughter (F) June 1888 11   MD MD MD
" Julia E. Daughter (F) January 1890 10   MD MD MD
" Georgia P. Daughter (F) September 1896 7   MD MD MD
Notes: All were White. Mary Sparks's occupation was given as "NG"--perhaps this meant "Nothing." She rented her house. All five of her children had attended school for 9 1/2 months. Mary had had five children and all were living on June 1, 1900.
Election District 1,
Census taken by Jonathan Chance, June 30, 1900
Page 25-A, Household 373. Family 394
Sparks, William Head (M) February 1850 50 (M) 21 MD MD MD
" Katie Wife (F) July 1859 40 (M) 21 MD MD MD
" Royce Son (M) December 1882 17 (S) MD MD MD
" Beatrice Daughter (F) February 1886 14 (S) MD MD MD
" Palmer Son (M) June 1890 10   MD MD MD
" Pauline Daughter (F) December 1894 5   MD MD MD
" Lucy Daughter (F) May 1900 1/12   MD MD MD
Notes: All were White. William Sparks was a Farmer and owned his farm, free of mortgage. Katie Sparks had borne 6 children, 5 were living. The five children in the family had all attended school for 9 1/2 months.
Page 25-B, Household 384, Family 401
Sparks, J. Fletcher Head (M) August 1855 44 (M) 19

MD MD MD

" Mary Wife (F) October 1858 41 (M) 19

MD (see below)

" J. Reese Son (M) July 1884 15 (S)

MD MD MD

" Lelia Daughter (F) September 1885 14 (S)

MD MD MD

Notes: All were White. Both of Mary Sparks's parents were reported as born in Germany. She had had two children and both were living. These two children had attended school for 9 1/2 months. J. Fletcher Sparks was a Farmer and owned his farm, mortgage free.
Election District 1, Sudlersville Village,
Census taken by Jonathan Chance, July 3. 1900
Page 28-A, Household 432, Family 456
Sparks, Joseph Head (M) October 1858 41 (M) 15 MD MD MD
" Sarah Wife (F) May 1862 38 (M) 15 DE (see *)
" Susie S. Daughter (F) April 1886 14 (S) MD MD DE
" Lawrence H. Son (M) May 1888 12   MD MD DE
Family 457 also in Household 431
Sparks, Anice Head (F) December 1859 40 (Wd) MD (see *)
" Parvis H. Son (M) October 1883 16 (S) MD MD MD
Notes: All members of this household were White. *The birthplace shown for the parents of both Sarah Sparks and Anice Sparks was Germany. (Might they have been sisters?) Sarah Sparks was shown as being the mother of two children, both still living on June 1, 1900. Susie S. and Lawrence H. Sparks were shown as having attended school for 9 1/2 months. The occupation of Joseph B. Sparks was shown as Laborer; that of Anice Sparks as Dressmaker; and that of Parvis H. Sparks as Clerk Dry Goods Store. Joseph B. Sparks owned the house in which these two families lived, but had a mortgage; Anice Sparks "Rents."
Election District 2,
Census taken by Medford Walls, June 9, 1900
Page 35-A, Household 100, Family 110
Sparks, Richard Head (M) August 1861 38 (M) 10 MD MD MD
" Mollie Wife (F) May 1872 28 (M) 10 MD MD MD
" Helen Daughter (F) May 1891 9   MD MD MD
" John Son (M) October 1892 7   MD MD MD
Clark, John Servant (M) December 1881 18 (S) MD MD MD
Notes: All members of this family were shown as Black. Mollie Sparks was shown as mother of 2 children, both living. Richard Sparks was a Farm laborer and rented a farm; he was unable to read and write. John Clark was also a Farm laborer. Helen and John Sparks were shown as "At school," but the number of months that they attended school was not filled in.
Election District 2,
Census taken by Medford Walls, June 11, 1900
Page 36-B, Household 135, Family 148
Smith, Richard D. Head (M) June 1859 40 (M) 13 MD MD DE
" Jennie Wife (F) April 1869 31 (M) 13 DE MD DE
" John R. Son (M) September 1898 1   MD MD DE
Sparks, Edward Servant (M) March 1886 14 (S) MD MD MD
Notes: All members of this household were White. Richard D. Smith could not read or write. He was shown as a Farmer who owned his farm, mortgage free. The occupation of Edward Sparks was given as "Laborer Brick Yard."
Election District 2,
Census taken by Medford Walls, June 25, 1900
Page 39-A, Household 172, Family 186
Coppage. Benj. L. Head (M) July 1840 59 (M) 36 MD WD MD
" Mary E Wife (F) August 1840 59 (M) 36 MD MD MD
" Essie Daughter (F) March 1874 26 (S) MD MD MD
Coppage, Oda Son (M) Sep1879 20 (S) MD MD MD
" Noble Son (M) August 1882 17 (S) MD MD MD
Sparks, Sadie Servant (F) September 1889 10   MD MD MD
Brown, Annie Servant (F) May 1884 16 (S) MD MD MD
Godwin, George Servant (M) April 1881 19 (S) MD MD MD
Notes: All members of this household were White except Annie Brown, who was Black; under Occupation, Annie was called "Cook." Benj. L. Coppage was a Farmer; he owned his own farm, mortgage free. Sadie Sparks, although she was called a servant, under occupation, was written "At school," but the number of months she attended school was not recorded. Oda and Noble Coppage, as well as George Godwin, were shown as Farm laborers.
Election District 2,
Census taken by Medford Walls, June 26 1900
Page 40-A. Household 194, Family 209
Walls, Medford Head (M) March 1863 37 (M) 7 MD
" Fannie D. Wife (F) October 1870 29 (M) 7 MD
" Henry R Son (M) April 1894 6   MD
" Mable I. Daughter (F) August 1896 3   MD
Sparks, Medford Servant (M) August 1875 24 (S) MD
Seney, Charles Servant (M) May 1872 18 (S) MD
Butler, Joseph Servant (M) January 1888 12   MD
Notes: All members of this household were White. The person heading this household appears to have been the census taker, himself, of District 2, Medford Walls. by occupation, he was a Farmer, owning his own farm, mortgage free. by occupation, the three "Servants" in his household were called Farm laborers.
Election District 2, Church Hill,
Census taken by J, Thos. Smith, June 2, 1900
Page 42-A, Household 34, Family 35
Duckin [?], John Head (M) April 1833 67 (M) 44 MD MD MD
" A. V. Wife (F) October 1842 57 (M) 44 MD MD MD
Sparks, Blanch Daughter (F) April 1879 21 (M) 3/12 MD MD MD
" Walter Son-in-law (M) July 1876 23 (M) 3/12 MD MD MD
Notes: All members of this household were White. We cannot be sure of the spelling of the name of the Head of the above household; his occupation was given as that of Retired farmer. No occupation was given for Walter Sparks. Walter and Blanch Sparks had been married for three months; if calculated correctly as of June 1, 1900, they were probably married in late January 1900.
Election District 2, Church Hill,
Census taken by J Thos. Smith. June 4, 1900
Page 42-B, Household 41, Family 43
Sparks, Raymond J. Head (M) July 1860 39 (S) MD MD MD
Notes: Raymond J. Sparks was White; he was living alone in 1900 according to the census. His occupation was given as Merchant; he rented his house.
Election District 2, Church Hill,
Census taken by J. Thos. Smith, June 9,1900
Page 46-A, Household 115, Family 118
Sparks, Joseph R. Head (M) July 1845 54 (M) 26 MD MD MD
" Rebecca F. Wife (F) July 1848 51 (M) 26 MD MD MD
" Evems [?] N. Son (M) April 1876 24 (S) MD MD MD
" Joseph R., Jr. Son (M) July 1878 21 (S) MD MD MD
" Elva Daughter * September 1881 18 (S) MD MD MD
" Flora Daughter * January 1884 16 (S) MD MD MD
" James H. Son * March 1888 12   MD MD MD
" John H. Son * March 1893 7   MD MD MD
" Bell Daughter * * 1895 4   MD MD MD
Notes: Everyone in this family was White. * The column for sex was left blank by the census taker where an asterisk is inserted in this transcription, but from the relationships given for these chiIdren to the Head, their sex is obvious; likewise, the month of birth of Bell Sparks was left blank. Joseph R. Sparks's occupation was that of Miller, as was true, also, of his sons, Evems [?] and Joseph R., Jr. Joseph R. Sparks owned his farm, mortgage free. James H. Sparks was shown as "At school" for 8 months. Rebecca F. Sparks was mother of 9 children, 7 of whom were still living on June 1, 1900.
Election District 2, Church Hill ,
Census taken by J. Thos. Smith, June 12, 1900
Page 48-A, Household 152, Family 156
Clark, William Head (M) June 1854 45 (M) 20 MD MD MD
" Sallie B. Wife (F) August 1854 45 (M) 20 MD MD MD
" W. Ernest Son (M) August 1882 18 (S) MD MD MD
Sparks, Mary "Neace" (F) May 1877 23 (S) MD MD MD
Notes: Everyone in this household was White. William Clark was shown as a Farmer who owned his farm on which there was a mortgage. His son, W. Ernest Clark, was shown as a Farm laborer. No occupation was shown for Mary Sparks. Sallie B. Clark was mother of one child, who was living on June 1, 1900.
Election District 2, Church Hill,
Census taken by J. Thos. Smith, June 18, 1900
Page 50-A, Household 195, Family 199
Findley, W. P. Head (M) March 1851 49 (M) 25 MD MD MD
" C. O. Wife (F) July 1850 49 (M) 25 MD MD MD
" Sallie M. Daughter (F) April 1877 23 (S) MD MD MD
" James W. Son (M) August 1881 18 (S) MD MD MD
Seaney, Elvenie Servant (F) April 1875 25 (M) 5 MD MD MD
" J. Wilbur [blank] M) February 1898 2   MD MD MD
Sparks, Pere [?] Servant (M) May 1879 21 (S) MD MD MD
Notes: The four persons named Findley in this household were shown as White; but Elvenie Seaney and her apparent son, J. Wilbur Seaney, as well as Pere [?] Sparks, were Black. W. P. Findley was a Farmer who owned his farm, mortgage free.
Election District 2, Church Hill,
Census taken by I. Thos. Smith. June 23, 1900
Page 50-B. Household 209, Family 213
Sparks, Mary Head (F) February 1840 60 (Wd) MD MD MD
" Samuel Son (M) March 1877 23 (S) MD MD MD
" Wiliam [sic] Son (M) March 1881 19 (S) MD MD MD
" Alack Son (M) June 1881 18 (S) MD MD MD
Notes: All members of this household were Black. Mary Sparks had no occupation; she rented a house. She could not read or write, nor could her sons, Wiliam [sic] and Alack. She was the mother of 13 children, 10 of whom were living on June 1, 1900. All 3 of her sons were Farm laborers.
Page 51-A, Household 210, Family 214
Sparks, Hester Head (F) December 1871 28 (S) MD MD MD
" Lena Daughter (F) December 1897 2   MD MD MD
" Emma Daughter (F) February 1900 9/12   MD MD MD
" William Nephew (M) June 1878 11   MD MD MD
Drardway [?] John Boarder (M) May 1864 35 (S) MD MD MD
Notes: All members of this household were Black. Hester Sparks had no occupation; she rented a house. She could not read or write, nor could her nephew. Although she was shown as Single, she was shown as married for 4 years; she had had 4 children, 2 of whom were still living in 1900. William Sparks was a Farm laborer; John Drardway was a Day laborer.
Election District 2, Church Hill ,
Census taken by J. Thos. Smith, June 25, 1900
Page 51-B, Household 219, Family 223
Crosley, John P. Head (M) November 1843 56 (M) 10 MD MD MD
" Mary E. Wife (F) August 1863 36 (M) 10 MD MD MD
" Sudler Son (M) January 1892 8   MD MD MD
Sparks, Eva "NeaSe" (F) May 1867 33 (S) MD MD MD
Hinson, Edward Servant (M) June 1883 16 (S) MD MD MD
Saunders, Frank Servant (M) March 1882 18 (S) MD MD MD
Lockman, Kittie Servant (F) August 1849 50 (S) MD MD MD
Saunders, Magie Servant (F) May 1884 16 (S) MD MD MD
Notes: The members of the Crosley family and Eva Sparks were White; the four Servants in the household were Black. Mary Crosley was mother of one child. While Edward Hinson could read and write, the other three Servants could not. The occupation of Hinson and Saunders was Farm laborer; Kittie Lockman was a Cook, and Magie Saunders was called a "House girl." John P. Crosley was a Farner, but he rented his farm. Sudler Crosley had attended school for 7 months; Edward Hinson for 3; Frank Saunders for 2; and Magie Saunders for 4.
Census taken June 28, 1900, Page 53-B, Household 257, Family 261
Newman, W. H. Head (M) May 1823 77 (Wd) MD MD MD
Jackson, Margaret House Keeper (F) November 1855 55 (Wd) MD MD MD
Sparks, James Servant (M) February 1884 16 (S) MD MD MD
Notes: W. H. Newman and Margaret Jackson were White; James Sparks was Black. The occupation of W. H. Newman was recorded as "Capitalist." Newman owned. a farm, mortgage free. Margaret Jackson, although a widow, was shown as mother of a child who was still living on June 1, 1900. Whether James Sparks could read or write was left blank.
Election District 2, Centreville,
Census taken by John Tilghman, June 4, 1900
Page 56-A, Housebold 43, Family 43
Price, John M. Head (M) [blank] 1863 37 (M) 0 MD MD MD
" Annie Wife (F) February 1872 27 (M) 0 MD MD MD
Sparks, Ida C. Sister-in-law (F) December 1875 24 (S) MD MD MD
Duhamel, Kate Boarder (F) [blank] 1860 40 (S) MD MD MD
Seward, James H. Boarder (M) November 1864 35 (M) 6 MD MD MD
" May F. Boarder (F) August 1869 30 (M) 6 MD MD MD
Notes: All members of this household were White. The occupation given for John M. Price is almost illegible: "Seling --?--mmock" [?]; he rented his house. Ida C. Sparks's occupation was given as School teacher; that of Kate Duhamel was Seamstress; and that of James H. Seward was Traveling agent. May F. Seward had no children. John M. and Annie Price had been married less than a year.
Election District 2, Centreville,
Census taken by John Tilghman, June 7, 1900
Page 59-A, Household 108, Family 108
Sparks, William Head (M) December 1871   (M) 8 MD MD MD
" Mary W. Wife (F) November 1871 28 (M) 8 MD MD MD
" Wilton D. Son (M) February 1893 7   MD MD MD
" Finley R. Son (M) July 1896 3   MD MD MD
" Spencer H. Son (M) May 1898 2   MD MD MD
Wright, Harris Servant (M) [blank] 1865 35 (S) MD MD MD
Cooper, Dorsey Servant (M) [blank] 1881 19 (S) MD MD MD
Notes: The family of William Sparks was White, but their two servants were Black. William Sparks was shown as renting his farm, while his occupation was Farm manager. Neither Harris Wright nor Dorsey Cooper could read or write. Mary W. Sparks was mother of 3 children, all were living on June 1, 1900.
Election District 2, Centreville,
Census taken by Tohn Tilghman, June 8, 1900
Page 60-A & 60-B, Household 126, Family 123
Dunbraeco Lemuel [?] Head (M) December 1846 53 (Wd) MD MD MD
Sparks, David D. Boarder (W) [blank] 1843 57 (S) MD MD MD
Wilson, Sadie Servant (F) [blank] 1876 24

(M) 2

MD MD MD
" Frank Servant (M) [blank] 1870 30

(M) 2

MD MD MD
Notes: The Head of this household was shown as White, as was also David D. Sparks. The two servants, Sadie and Frank Wilson, were Rlack. Dunbraeco [?] was shown under occupation as County Clerk; he owned a farm that was mortgage free. The occupation of David D. Sparks was that of Dentist; Sadie Wilson, who had no children, was called House Servant; Frank Wilson was a Farm Laborer; neither could read or write.
Election District 2, Centrevllle,
Census taken by John Tilghman, June 11, 1900
Page 62-B, Household 166, Family 168
Sparks, Jas. H. Head (M) November 1832 67 (Wd) MD MD MD
" Charles W. Son (M) [blank] 1870 30 (M) MD MD MD
" Margarett Wife (F) [blank] 1870 30 (M) MD MD MD
" William Grandson (M) [blank] 1891 9   MD MD MD
" Martha Granddaughter (F) June 1892 7   MD MD MD
  Nancy Granddaughter (F) [blank] 1893 7   MD MD MD
" Wilmer Grandson (M) [blank] 1898 2   MD MD MD
Notes: All members of this family were White. Jas. H. Sparks was a Farmer; he rented the land he farmed. Charles W. Sparks was a Farm laborer. Margaret Sparks was surely the wife of Charles, and they must have been the parents of the four grandchildren of Jas. H. Sparks. Margaret was mother of 8 children, 4 of whom were living on June 1, 1900.
Election District 3,
Census taken by James E. Walters, Jr., June 1, 1900
Pages 66-A- & 66-B, Household not numbered, Family 9
Counsill, John Head (M) February 1859 41 (M) 13 MD MD MD
" Arina Wife (F) April 1864 36 (M) 13 MD MD MD
" Herbert Son (M) May 1888 12   MD MD MD
" Barbery A. Daughter (F) November 1890 9   MD MD MD
" Mable Daughter (F) January 1892 8   MD MD MD
" Myrtle Daughter (F) March 1893 7   MD MD MD
" Samuel L. Son (M) March 1894 6   MD MD MD
" Winifred Daughter (F) April 1895 5   MD MD MD
" Hersy H. Son (M) December 1896 3   MD MD MD
" Hilda Daughter (F) May 1898 1   MD MD MD
" Julian K. Son (M) September 1899 8/12   MD MD MD
Sparks, Bula Niece (F) February 1883 17 (S) MD MD MD
" Susan H. Mother-in-law (F) November 1831 68 (Wd) MD MD MD
" Finly H. Laborer (M) October 1873 26 (S) MD MD MD
Notes: All members of this household were White. John Counsill was a Farmer and owned his farm on which he had a mortgage. Since Susan H. Sparks was his mother-in-law, his wife, Arina Counsill, must have had the maiden name Sparks. Arina was reported as having had 9 children, all of them living on June 1, 1900. Susan H. Sparks was mother of only one child, who was still living on June 1, 1900.
Election District 3, Centreville,
Census taken by I. C. Walters, Jr., June 11, 1900
Page 12-A, Household not numbered, Family 123
Sparks, Charles H. Head (M) April 1868 32 (S) MD MD MD
" George S. Father (M) December 1824 75 (M) 50 MD MD MD
" Julia Mother (F) July 1830 69 (M) 50 MD MD MD
Jones, Sallie C. Housekeeper (F) March 1865 35 (Wd) MD MD MD
" Elmer Son (M) April 1884 16 (S) MD MD MD
" Grace Daughter (F) August 1889 10   MD MD MD
" Maggie Daughter (F) September 1891 8   MD MD MD
Notes: All members of this household were White. Charles H. Sparks was a Farmer; he rented the land he farmed. His parents, George S. and Julia Sparks, were doubtless the George and Juliana Sparkes (ages 28 and 23) who were enumerated on the 1850 census of the 2nd Election District in Queen Annes County; at that time they had one child, eight-month-old William C. Sparkes (see page 2841 of the March 1986 issue of the Quarterly, Whole No. 133). The Jones children in the household of Charles H. Sparks were obviously the children of his housekeeper, Sallie C. Jones. 16-year-old Elmer Jones was shown on this census as a Farm laborer. Julia Sparks was mother of 12 children, only 2 of whom were still living on June 1, 1900. Sallie C. Jones, widow, was shown as having had 3 children, all living on June 1, 1900.
Election District 3, "Centreville Village",
Census taken by A. Clayton Hayden, June 4, 1900
Page 89-A, Household 116, Family 124
Sparks, David A. Head (M) March 1846 54 (S) MD MD MD
Notes: David A. Sparks was White; he lived alone, renting his house. His occupation was that of Dentist.
Election District 4,
Census taken by John H. Tolson, June 6, 1900
Page 103-B, Household 37, Family 38
Sparks, John Head (M) April 1844 56 (M) 32 MD MD MD
" Lotte A. Wife (F) August 1851 48 (M) 32 MD MD MD
" Clinton C. Son (M) November 1882 18 (S) MD MD MD
" Carroll M. Son (M) June 1886 13   MD MD MD
" Tillie V. Daughter (F) July 1888 11   MD MD MD
Notes: All members of this family were White. John Sparks was shown with a middle initial, but it is not legible because of other marking. His occupation was that of "Oysterman" as was also for his two sons. All three had been unemployed for 4 rnonths during the previous year. Tillie V. Sparks was shown as having attended school for 8 months. Lotte A. Sparks was shown as having had 3 children, all of whom were still living on June 1, 1900. Tillie had attended school 8 months.
Election District 4,
Census taken by Iohn H. Tolson. June 12, 1900
Page 106-B, Household 108, Family lll
Sennett, John Head (M) February 1878 22 (M) 2 MD MD MD
" Nora B. Wife (F) September 1880 20 (M) 2 MD MD MD
" Edith G. Daughter (F) April 1999 1   MD MD MD
" Samuel R. Father (M) February 1833 67 (Wd) MD MD MD
Sparks, Pearl Niece (F) September 1891 8   MD MD MD
Notes: All in this household were White. John Sennett's occupation was that of "Oyster man," and he had been unemployed for 4 months during the previous year. He rented his house. Nora B. Sennett had had 2 children; one was still living on June 1, 1900.
Page 106-B, Household 109, Family 112
Cormean, Howard Head (M) May 1873 27 (M) 1 MD MD MD
" Gertie Wife (F) June 1882 18 (M) 1 MD MD MD
" Howard Son (M) May 1900 0/12 . MD MD MD
Sparks, Samuel Brother-in-law (M) February 1887 13   MD MD MD
All members of this household were White. Howard Cormean's occupation was that of "Oyster man," and he had been unemployed for 4 months during the previous year. He rented the house in which his household lived. Samuel Sparks had attended school for 7 months. Gertie Howard had had one child, who was living on June 1, 1900.
Election District 4,
Census taken by John H. Tolson, June 22, 1900
Page 114-B, Household 259, Family 170
Dunn, Horrace Head (M) June 1861 38 (M) 15 MD MD MD
" Mary H. Wife (F) April 1860 40 (M) 15 MD MD MD
" Horrace E. Son (M) March 1884 16 (S) MD MD MD
" Richard C. Son (M) April 1886 14 (S) MD MD MD
" Henretta E. Daughter (F) April 1896 4   MD WD MD
Sparks, Richard Boarder (M) [blank] 1873 27 (S) MD MD MD
Notes: All members of this household were Black. Although the census taker's handwriting suggests that Richard Sparks's name was Sharps, we are certain that this was a slip of the pen. Horrace Dunn's occupation was g;iven as "Oyster man," and he owned his own house, mortgage free. Sparks's occupation was also given as "Oyster man." Like all other "Oyster men" on this census, they were shown as unemployed for a period of time-5 months in this household. Mary H. Dunn was shown as a mother of 7 children, of whom 3 were still living on June 1, 1900.
Page 115-B, Household 271, Family 289
Sparks, William A. Head (M) [blank] 1871 29 (M) 4 MD MD MD
" Mary K. Wife (F) August 1880 19 (M) 4 MD MD MD
" Alfred Son (M) August 1897 2   MD MD MD
" Gilbert Son (M) June 1899   11/12 MD MD MD
Notes: All mernbers of this family were White. William A. Sparks was an Oysterman who had been unemployed for 4 months. He rented the house in which he and his family lived. Mary Sparks was shown as having had 2 children, both of whom were living on June 1, 1900.
Election District 4,
Census taken by C.E.S. Ringgold, June 5, 1900
Page 120-B, Household 77, Family 87
Sparks, Charles G. Head (M) March 1858 42 (M) 20 MD MD MD
" Sarah E. Wife (F) March 1861 38 ( (M) 20 MD MD MD
" Clarence G. Son (M) October 1881 15 (S) MD MD MD
" Ramon [sic] B. [?] Son (M) July 1884 15 (S) MD MD MD
" Lesslie [sic] H. Daughter (F) November 1886 13   MD MD MD
" Ethel Daughter (F) September 1888 11   MD MD MD
" Lillian Daughter (F) April 1890 10   MD MD MD
" Hattie Daughter (F August 1892 7   MD MD MD
" Edward Son (M) October 1894 5   MD MD MD
" Daniel Son (M) August 1899 9/12   MD MD MD
Notes: All members of this household were White. Charles G. Sparks was a Farmer; he rented the land that he farmed. Sarah E. Sparks was shown as having had 11 children, 8 of whom were still living on June 1, 1900. Clarence G. Sparks was shown as a Farm laborer. The children named Ramon [sic], Ethel, Lillian, Hattie, and Edward had attended school for 9 months; Lesslie (sic] H. for 6 months; and Edward for one month.
Election District 4,
Census taken by C.E.S. Ringold, June 11, 1900
Pages 123-B & 124-A, Household 132, Family 152
Steven, John C. Head (M) August 1862 37 (M) 2 MD MD MD
" Mary E. Wife (F) October 1871 28 (M) 2 MD MD MD
" Daniel C. Son (M) March 1899 1   MD MD MD
Tanner, Hester A. Boarder (F) March 1839 61 (Wd) MD MD MD
Sparks; HinkeI Boarder (M) April 1886 14 (S) MD MD MD
Teat, Isick [?] Servant (M) April 1879 21 (S) MD MD MD
Notes: All members of this household were White except Isick C?] Teat, who was Black. John C. Steven was a farmer who rented the land he farmed. Isick [?] Teat could neither read nor write. Mary E. Steven was the mother of 1 child, who was living on June 1, 1900. Hinkel Sparks and Isick Teat were shown as Farm laborers.
Election District 5, Ist Precinct,
Census taken by George Davidson, June 1, 1900
Page 135-A, Household 112, Family 112
Sparks, Walter Head (M) [blank] 1858 42 (M) 20 MD MD MD
" Minnie Wife (F) [blank] 1857 43 (M) 20 MD MD MD
" Clarence Son (M) December 1880 19 (S) MD MD MD
" Frances Daughter (F) August 1885 14 (S) MD MD MD
" Elmira Daughter (F) July 1889 10   MD MD MD
" Grayson Son (M) May 1891 9   MD MD MD
" Oscar Son (M) [blank] 1893 7   MD MD MD
" Mary Daughter (F) [blank] 1895 4   MD MD MD
" Milton Son (M) August 1897 2   MD MD MD
Norris, Norman Helper (M) [blank] 1877 22 (S) MD MD MD
Notes: All members of this household were White. Walter Sparks was a farmer who rented the land that he farmed. The occupation for Norman Morris was given as "Farm Work." Minnie Sparks had had 8 children, 7 of whom were living on June 1, 1900. The following Sparks children had attended school for 9 months: Frances, Elmira, and Grayson.
Election District 5, 1st Precinct,
Census taken by George Davidson, June 8, 1900
Page 135-B, Household 119, Family 119
Chance, Thos. E. Head (M) February 1872 28 (M) MD MD MD
" Elma Wife (F) October 1874 25 (M) DE DE DE
Sparks, Henry Helper (M) November 1865 34 (S) MD MD MD
Notes: All members of this household were White. Thos. E. Chance rented the house in which they lived. Because the number of years he and his wife had been married was left blank, they probably had been married for less than a year. His occupation was that of Blacksmith, as was also that of Henry Sparks.
Election District 5, Queenstown,
Census taken by Sidney P. Townshend, June 20, 1900
Page 163-A, Household 381, Family 384
Sherwood, Annie W. Head (F) December 1838 61 (Wd) MD MD MD
Sparks, Mettie Sister (F) September 1836 63 (S) MD MD MD
Notes: Both were White. Annie Sherwood's occupation was shown as "Board House." She owned her house, mortgage free. She had had 7 children, 4 of whom were still living on June 1, 1900. No occupation was given for Hettie Sparks.
Election District 6,
Census taken by Thomas H. Barcus, June 5, 1900
Page 166-B, Household 48, Family 32
Sparks, William P. Head (M) March 1840 60 (M) 34 MD MD MD
" Mary Wife (F) June 1844 55 (M) 34 DE MD DE
" Oscar S. Son (M) February 1873 27 (S) MD MD DE
" Lee P. Son (M) October 1888 11   MD MD DE
Brooks, Albert Lodger (M) March1887 13   MD MD MD
Notes: The 4 persons above named Sparks were White; Albert Brooks was Black. William P. Sparks was a Farmer; he rented the land that he farmed. Mary Sparks was shown as mother of 7 children, 4 of whom were still living on June 1, 1900. Oscar S. Sparks was a Farm laborer. Lee P. Sparks had attended school for 9 months; Albert Brooks for 2.
Election District 6,
Census taken by Thomas A. Barcus, June 7, 1900
Page 168-A, Household 13, Family 78
Gester, William Head (M) October 1854 35 (M) 10 DE DE DE
" Cora P. Wife (F) September 1867 32 (M) 10 MD MD MD
Reed, Thornas Boarder (M) May 1835 65 (S) MD MD MD
Sparks, Bessie Lodger (F) September 1878 21 (S) MD MD MD
Sparks, Sol Lodger (M) March 1834 66 (S) MD MD MD
Notes: The members of this "Household," shown above, were White. This was an institution, probably a "poor farm." William Gester's occupation was given as "Farm Manager," and that of Thomas Reed as "Asst. Manager." Not included in the above transcription were two "Farm Laborers" and three "Servants." Bessie Sparks and Sol Sparks were among 39 individuals who were called "Inmates" under the census heading occupation.
Election District 6,
Census taken by Thomas H. Barcus, June 12, 1900
Page 110-B, Household 117, Family 123
Sparks, W. B. Head (M) September 1851 48 (M) 11 MD MD MD
" Ann L.[?] Wife (F) November 1863 36 (M) 11 MD MD MD
" William D. Son (M) August 1880 19 (S)

MD MD MD

" Edith Daughter (F) November 1882 17 (S) MD MD MD
Notes: All members of this family were White. Further information regarding W. B. Sparks and his family may be found in a biographical sketch of him on page 5095 of this issue of the Quarterly. He rented the house in which he and his family lived in 1900. On this census, his occupation was given as "Agent S. Oil Co." Ann Sparks had the occupation of Post Master, and that of William D. Sparks was "Asst. Post M." Ann was the mother of no children when this census was taken. From the biographical sketch on p. 5095 it will be seen that Ann was a second wife of W. B. Sparks.
Election District 6,
Census taken by Thomas H. Barcus, June 16, 1900
Page 174-B, Household 201, Family 208
Dean, Matthew Head (M) November 1862 39 (M) 5 MD MD MD
" Carry Wife (F) February 1975 25 (M) 5 MD MD MD
Dean, Sarah C. Daughter (F) February 1897 3   MD MD MD
" Evelin Daughter (F) December 1898 1   MD MD MD
Sparks, James A. Bro.-in-law (M) January 1878 22 (S) MD MD MD
" Cora R. Sis.-in-law (F) May 1882 18 (S) MD MD MD
Notes: All were White. Matthew Dean was a Farmer; he rented the land that he farmed. Carry Dean was shown as having had 2 children, both of whom were living on June 1, 1900. James A. Sparks's occupation was that of Farm laborer; that of Cora R. Sparks was Servant.
Election District 6,
Census taken by Thomas H. Barcus, June 18. 1900
Page 175-A, Household 209, Family 216
Sparks, Charles W. Head (M) November 1867 32 (S) MD MD MD
" William H. Father (M November 1834 65 (M) 36 MD MD MD
" Harriett E." Mother (F) February 1844 56 (M) 36 MD MD MD
" Lenard [sic] Brother (M) February 1875 25 (S) MD MD MD
" Ethel Sister (F) September 1887 12   MD MD MD
" Emma M. Sister (F) May 1873 27 (S) MD MD MD
" Virgie Sister (F) November 1882 18 (S) MD MD MD
" Maggie Sister (F) April 1886 13   MD MD MD
Notes: All in this family were White. Charles W. Sparks was a Farmer who rented the land that he farmed. William H. Sparks could not read or write, although all the others could do so. Under occupation, William H. Sparks was shown as a "Boarder." Harriet E. Sparks had had 12 children, 8 of whom were still living on June 1, 1900. Ethel and Maggie Sparks had both attended school for 9 months. Lenard [sic] Sparks's occupation was shown as Farm laborer.
Election District 6,
Census taken by Thomas H. Barcus; June 22, 1900
Page 179-B, Household 295, Family 302
Sparks, Charles H. J. Head (M) May 1830 70 (M) 4 MD MD MD
" Rosa V. Wife (F) February 1878 22 (M) 4 MD MD MD
" Charles Son (M) April 1897 3   MD MD MD
Jarrell, Joseph Laborer (M) February 1866 34 (S) MD MD MD
Teat, William Laborer (M) April 1891 9   MD MD MD
Warner, Sarah H. Servant (F) April 1882 18 (S) MD MD MD
Notes: The three persons named Sparks were White; Jarrell, Teat, and Warner were Black. Charles H. J. Sparks was a Farmer who owned his farm, but it was mortgaged. Rosa V. Sparks was the mother of 2 children, but only one was living on June 1, 1900. Jarrell and Teat could not read or write.
Pages 179-B & 180-A, Household 296, Family 303
Sparks, George T. Head (M) March 1858 42 (M) 6 MD MD MD
" Mary B. Wife (F) April 1872 28 (M) 6 MD MD MD
" Laura B. Daughter (F) August 1895 4   MD MD MD
" Myrtle T. Daughter (F) September 1899 8/12   MD MD ME
" Mabel L. Daughter (F) September 1899 8/12   MD MD MD
Brimyel, Elizabeth Servant (F) May 1884 16 (S) MD MD MD
Notes: Those named Sparks in this household were White; Elizabeth Brimyel was Black. George T. Sparks was shown as a Day laborer.

He rented the house where he and his household lived. Mary B. Sparks was the mother of 3 children, all living on June 1, 1900. From the ages shown for Myrtle T. and Mabel L. Sparks (8 months), it is obvious that they were twins. Elizabeth Brimyel could not read or write, although she had attended school for 4 months during the previous year.

Election District 7, Crumpton Village,
Census taken by William E. Lynch, June 1, 1900
Page 182-A, Household 5, Family 5
Butler, George Head (M) August 1857 42 (M) 16 MD MD MD
" Fannie P Wife (F) January 1861 39 (M) 16 MD MD MD
" Annie E. Daughter (F) October 1887 12   MD MD MD
Sparks, Mary E. Sis.-in-law (F) September 1851 40 (S) MD MD MD
Notes: All members of this household were White. The surname Butler appears to have been spelled "Butter" by the census taker, but we believe that he intended to write "Butler," as shown here. George Butler's occupation was that of Blacksmith; he owned the house in which he and his family lived, but he had a mortgage. Fannie P. Butler was the mother of 2 children, but only one was living on June 1, 1900. Annie had attended school for 93 months. Mary E. Sparks's occupation was shown as Seamstress.
Census taken by William E. Lynch, June 2, 1900
Pages 183-A & 183-B, Household 26, Family 26
Sparks, Samuel E. Head (M) February 1848 52 (M) 28 MD MD MD
" Anna A. Wife (F) February 1850 50 (M) 28 MD MD DE
" Clifford W. Son (M) March 1882 19 (S) MD MD MD
" Ray G. Son (M) December 1884 15 (S) MD MD MD
"

Emerson W.

Son (M) July 1888 11   MD MD MD
Notes: All members of this family were White. Samuel E. Sparks was a Mason, Clifford W. Sparks was a Clerk. Ray G. Sparks had attended school for 10 months. Samuel owned his house, free of mortgage. Anna was the mother of 6 children: 5 were still living on June 1, 1900.
Page 183-B, Household 32, Familv 32
Sparks, Louisa Head (F) January 1841 59 (Wd) MD DE DE
" Bruce C. Son (M) January 1873 37 (S) MD MD MD
Notes: Both were White. Louisa Sparks's occupation was shown as Nurse; she was the rnother of 4 children, 2 of whom were still living on June 1, 1900. She rented the house in which she and her son lived. His occupation was shown as House painter.
Census taken by William E. Lynch, June 4, 1900
Page 184-A, Household 39, Family 39
Chow, Levi Head (M) April 1831 69 (M) 39 NJ NJ NJ
" Annie E. Wife (F) January 1835 65 (M) 39 MD MD MD
" May S. Daughter (F) June 1865 34 (M) 11 MD NJ MD
Sparks, Wm. J. Son-in-law (M) July 1861 38 (M) 11 MD MD MD
Bowers, James H. Boarder (M) August 1862 57 (Wd) MD MD MD
All members of this household were White. Levi Chow's occupation was shown as Farmer; he owned his farm, free of mortgage. It would seem that his daughter's surname should have been recorded as May S. Sparks since her husband appears to have been Wm. J. Sparks. Both were shown as having been married 11 years. May was the mother of one child, shown as living on June 1, 1900. Under occupation, May was called a "Boarder," while Sparks's occupation was that of Contractor. James H. Bowers was a "H. Carpenter."
Election District I,
Census taken by William E. Lynch, June 5, 1900
Page 185-A, HousehoId 73, Family 73
Sparks, Samuel G. Head (M) December 1869 30 (M) 12 MD MD MD
" Gertie Wife (F) November 1868 31 (M) 12 DE DE DE
" Earnest C Son (M) October 1888 11   MD MD DE
" Samuel A. Son (M) July 1893 6   MD MD DE
" Rhoda M. Daughter (F) March 1900 2/12   MD MD DE
Notes: All members of this family were White. Samuel G. Sparks was a Farmer who rented the land he farmed. Gertie Sparks was the mother of 5 children, 3 of whom were still living on June 1, 1900. Earnest C. Sparks had attended school for 8 months.
Census taken June 6. 1900, Page 185-B, Household 80, Family 80
Sparks, William H. Head (M) September 1856 43 (M) 7 MD MD MD
" Willie S. Wife (F) October 1858 41 (M) 7 MD MD MD
" Pemas [?] W. Son (M) January 1895 5   MD MD MD
Kirby, Willie M. Boarder (F) June 1837 62 (Wd) MD MD MD
Notes: All members of this household were White. Wm. H. Sparks was a Laborer; he rented the house in which he and his family lived. Willie S. Sparks was the mother of 2 children, one of whom was still living on June 1, 1900.
Election District 7,
Census taken by William E. Lynch, June 11, 1900
Page 188-A, Household 115, Family 118
Sparks, Leonard Head (M) January 1870 30 (S) MD NJ NJ
" Emma Sister (F) May 1869 31 (S) MD NJ NJ
Notes: Both of the above were White. Leonard Sparks was a Farmer; he owned his farm, free of mortgage.
Same page, Household 119, Family 122
Skinner, Geo. A. Head (M) June 1868 31 (M) 5 MD MD MD
" Susie Wife (F) March 1870 30 (M) 5 MD MD MD
" Mary E. Daughter (F) February 1896 4   MD MD MD
" Morcika [sic] N. Son (M) September 1897 2   MD MD MD
" Helan [sicl Daughter (F) May 1900 0/12   MD MD MD
" Elen [sic] Daughter (F) May 1900 0/12   MD MD MD
Spark [sic], Ada Servant (F) April 1880 20 (S) MD MD MD
Notes: All members of this household were White. Geo. A. Skinner was a Farmer; he rented the land that he farmed. Susie Skinner was the mother of 4 children, all of them were still living on June 1, 1900. The two youngest daughters were obviously twins, less than a month old on June 1, 1900.
Election District 7,
Census taken by William E. Lynch, June 14, 1900
Page 189-B, Household 146, Family 150
Sparks, John Head (M) May 1848 52 (M) 27 MD * MD
" Mary E Wife (F) January 1853 47 (M) 27 MD MD MD
" Earnest Son (M) July 1880 19 (S) MD MD MD
" Catherine Daughter (F) September 1884 15 (S) MD MD MD
" John A. Son (M) June 1889 10   MD MD MD
" Thomas I. Son (M) February 1892 8   MD MD MD
" Hynson A. Son (M) October 1895 4   MD MD MD
Clayton, Lil G. Daughter (F) [blank] 1895 5   MD MD MD
Notes: All members of this household were White. * John Sparks's father was shown as having been born in England; John Sparks was a Farmer who owned his farm, but it was mortgaged. Mary E. Sparks was the mother of 11 children, only 6 of whom were still living on June 1, 1900. Earnest Sparks was a Laborer. John A. Sparks had attended school for 6 months during the past year.
Election District 7,
Census taken by William E. Lynch, June 20, 1900
Page 193-A, Household 131, Family 136
Spry, Charles H.B. Head (M) May 1854 46 (M) 6 MD MD MD
" Effie M. Wife (F) April 1874 26 (M) 6 MD MD MD
" Mary E. Daughter (F) November 1895 4   MD MD MD
" Carrie M. Daughter (F) September 1897 2   MD MD MD
" Victor K. Son (M) January 1899 1   MD MD MD
Cacy, Frank H. F.-in-law (M) October 1830 69 (M) 27 MD MD MD
" Sarah H. M.-in-law (F) August 1852 47 (M) 27 MD MD MD
" Naomi Sis.-in-law (F) March 1861 18 (S) MD MD MD
Sparks, Charles H. Cousin (M) August 1893 6   MD MD MD
Hall, Clarence Servant (M) June 1885 14   MD MD MD
Notes: All members of this household were White except Clarence Hall who was Black. Charles Spry was a Farmer; he rented the land that he farmed. Effie Spry was the mother of 3 children, all of whom were living on June 1, 1900. Sarah F. Cacy, mother-in-law of Charles Spry, was the mother of 3 children, all of whom were living on June 1, 1900. Charles H. Sparks was shown as having attended school for 6 months, but the census taker probably entered this on the wrong line, intending to show Naomi Cacy having attended school for 6 months,?considering the age of Charles in 1900.
Page 193-B,
Census taken June 21, 1900, Household 240, Family 245
Sparks, William J. Head (M) October 1849 50 (M) 15 MD MD MD
" Mary E. Wife (F) December 1863 36 (M) 15 MD MD MD
" Annie E. Daughter (F) November 1887 12   MD MD MD
" Harrison C. Son (M) December 1891 8   MD MD MD
Jefferson, Thomas Boarder (M) January 1850 50 (S) DE DE DE
Notes: All members of this household were White. William J. Sparks was a Farmer; he rented the land that he farmed. Thomas Jefferson was also a Farmer. Annie and Harrison Sparks were both shown as having attended school for 8 months, but this was surely an error with regard to Harrison, if the date of his birth (1891) was given correctly by the census taker. Mary E. Sparks was the mother of children, 2 of whom were still living on June 1, 1900.
Election District 7,
Census taken by William E, Lynch, June 20, 1900
Page 19a-B, Household 262, Family 261
Sparks, Henretta Head (F) May1832 68 (Wd) MD MD MD
" Charles T. Son (M) April 1864 36 (S) MD MD MD
" Mary A. Daughter (F) May 1870 30 (S) MD MD MD
" Avender Son (M) April 1873 27 (S) MD MD MD
Poor, Lula G. Daughter (F) September 1883 16 (S) MD MD MD
Notes: All members of this household were White. Henretta Sparks rented the house in which she and her family lived. She was the mother of 8 children, 5 of whom were still living on June 1, 1900. No occupation was given for Henretta. Her sons, Charles and Avender, were Laborers. Henretta Sparks could read, but she could not write.

Editor's Note: Readers interested in the Sparkses appearing; on the foregoing census records are reminded of the following: The person considered by the census taker to be the head of a household is given first, and the relationship of each succeeding individual to that head is given opposite his/her name, with his/her sex, i.e., (M) or (F). The month and year of birth follow; then the person's age as of June 1, 1900. The marital status of each person follows, if he/she is 14 or older: (M) for married; (S) for single; and (W) for widow or widower. The place (state or country) of the person's birth follows, with that of the person's father and mother. Census takers used various forms of abbreviation for places; here we have substituted today's Postal Service's standard two-letter abbreviations for the states. As seen, a very highpercentage of Sparkses on this census had been born in Maryland, as had most of their parents.

Several questions were asked of individuals for the 1900 census in addition to those for which data have been provided opposite each name in this compilation. This information appears in notes following each entry in the above compilation. Married women (sometimes also widows) were asked the number of children they had had and the number still living on June 1, 1900. (All data, including ages, were to be recorded as of the first of June 1900.) The occupation of each person who worked outside the home was to be recorded, with the number of months during the previous year he/she had been unemployed. House or farm ownership or rental was asked of the head of each household.

The race of each person was to be ascertained by the census taker, as well as whether he/she could read and write, and whether he/she could speak English. Because English was spoken by everyone included in the above compilation, we have omitted this item, and because nearly all adults could read and write, we have noted (under Notes) only those who could not do so.

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