The Charleston daily news. [volume] (Charleston, S.C.) 1865-1873, 1870-12-13
Obituarp.
In NIemorIam.

SPARKS.-Fell asleep at sunset, Sunday, 13th
or November, ANN HARRY SPARKS, beloved wife
of Samuel Sparks, aged seventy SIX years.
sincere friend to the family Of the deceased
his coincidence In the dark hour OF their great
afiliction, and of recording slight tribute Of re.
spect to her memory. Mrs. Samuel Sparks, at
whose grave crowd OF sorrowing friends have
one Of those ladies who In youth aswell as In old
age exhibited In her character oil those promi-
neut traits which fitted her to ill, with so much
grace and dignity, the exalted position she al
ways occupied in society.
on the Peedee, worthy descendant OF those noble
Welsh colonIsts who came as capitalists to this
State, and became large landed proprletors,
building up beautiful homes, and ilnplanttng
their national virtues OF Integrity. courage and
patriotism, her manners were marked, not less
by the courtesy freely extended to. every one,
than by an air OF refinement, which expelled IA
marity whilst 1t invited confidence and respect.
Her mind was richly stored with the knowledge
acquired by long course OF reading and refec-
tloi. Never forgetting the smallest domestic
duty. she vet found sufficient time to make her.
self acquainted with the best literature or the
day. With perception that was quick and accu-
rate anil Judgment that was rarely mistaken,
Mrs. Sparks read with the greatest advantage,
and in her long life, SO well spent, acquired rich
store Of knowledge seldom exceled in extent or
variety.
During the late glorious struggle she manifest
ed the most ardent misunderstanding her
home Of every luxury that could contribute 10 the
comfort OF our army.
play Of exalted, uncompromlsng patriotism, and
statesmen could learn from her lips lessons OF
governmental wisdom. Her love OF the right,
and her ardent maintenance or principle. sne
sought TO impress upon all around her; and poig-
nant was her sorrow at our country's overthrow,
and deep her detestatlon Of all after returns or
compromise. With her, In all 'hlngs, "righE was
right forever m0ren There are many who will
long remember her, when presiding over the
hos1table and elegant mansion-her hereditary
home. -
There was time when luxury anil refinement
lent all their charms to That houHehold-Whcn
wealth, combining itself with the best and high
est traits OF human character, seemed to exert It..
self to ditruse happiness all around the circle OF
Its influence. This excellent lady enjoyed her
large opportunities only TO make all around her
forget their cares and feel that her home was
theirs also. The true type Ct the Southern lady,
she lived amidst the eegancie5 OF that home; and
wien the storm Of war swept over 1t, and lts
hearthstones were desecrated b. the feet OF un-
hidden strangers, Win arms IN tneir hsnIs, VIC.
latng all the sancitles OF private life, and hold
Ing high carnival Of rioiing and drunkenness In
her presence, she proved herself to be Roman
matron indeed, who could scorn the Gaul Without
shrinking with fear from his atrocities: And
when that home became place where this good
lady was the mistress only Of desontion she stood
forth more proudly than ever, the dignthed su1er-
err but still the umt8Dle, courteous lrlend, " no
met you on the threshold with extended hand to
offer you share OF what hard and tyrannical
fate had left at her disposal.
It Is melancholy to think that life so well
spent should have been darkened by clouds or
eorrow at Its close. But she was sustained 0y
the consultations Of religion which exerts Its
greatest powers when all human resources are
swept away-like the burning lamp In the dark
ness OF midnlvhI whose rays or light only become
visible and bright as the deep obscurity furnishes
the oppo1unlty for their exhibition.
For many years Of her life she Was ptous com.
municant OF the Presbyterian Church, and adorn-
ell her profession by most Christian dep0rt-
ment In her last hours she 2 I've the brightest
evidences that she felt the grave which was open
ing before her was but the portal OF Heaven.
Farewell, hanpy spirit The cold iron OF the
world can follow you no longer. Bright fields OF
bliss are yours forever, and the landscape open.
Ing out, through all eternity will only unfold to
your view still increasing brilancy, never more
to be dlmmed by human calamities; where you
can roam forever in the enjoyment Of that perfect
bliss, which the world can neither give nor take
away.
Like weary child she gently fell asleep, leaving
her very aged and AFFLICTED husband, Mr.. Samuel
Sparks, surviving her. and two children-Mrs.
the Hon. Lawrence n. Ke!tt-and Captain Alex
ander d. Sparks, who also served with distinction
In the late terrible war. They Will live to remem.
ber anr initiate the virtues OF this esimabe wife.
mother and friend. and to honor her memory by
practring in their lives the lessons benevolence,
patience, courage, dignity and piety, which she
constantly lnculcated. G. W. ID.
LUCAS-DIed, on the morning OF the 30th OF
November. 1870, at Middleburg Plantation, AU.
GUsTUS LUCAS, aged 80 years, TWO months and
twenty-five days.