Ottumwa tri-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1903-1916, 1908-05-21

OBITUARY..


w. j. Sparks was born in Marion
county, Indiana, Feb. Q. 1882, and died
at his home eight miles southeast of
Russell, May Z, 1908, aged 76 years,
8 months and days.
On May %, 1856, Mr.. Sparks was
united In marriage to Miss Margaret
mckinney. To this union were born
ten children, five sons and five daugh-
ters, two sons, William and John, hav-
ing preceded their father to the other
shore In 1892 Mr.. Sparks. with his
FAMILY emigrated to Illinois, and six
years later came to Iowa, settling in
monroe and Lucas counties, where he
spent the remainder Of his life
In early life Mr.. Sparks gave his
heart to God and united with the
Christian church and has been true
and consistent member ever since.
He had been long sufferer of
Brlght's disease and was confined to
his bed two weeks previous to his
death. When he was taken i'll,
physician was called and all that could
be done was done, but to no avail.
His last hours Of intense suffering
were borne with patience.
Those remaining to mourn the loss
of kind father and loving husband
are the wife and eight children, Mrs.
Mary Rose Of indianapolis, Ind; Mrs.
!. G. Hightshoe of Lamont, Mrs.
Myra Hightshoe Of West Chester, Mrs.
Matte Bell Of SEWERS, Messrs. Win
ings, James and Gilbert and Miss Ma
hala Sparks Of Melrose.
Mr.. Sparks Is also survived by one
daughter-in-law, Mrs. Winnings Sparks,
and by twenty-five grand children and
a host Of friends and neighbors.
Funeral services were held at Trim.
ity church, four and one-half miles
southeast of Russell, conducted by
Rev. Shenton, pastor Of the Methodist
Episcopal church. at Russell, assisted
by Rev. Slower, pastor of Trinity
church. An interesting sermon was
delivered by Rev. Shenton, who took
for his text Corinthians, IL, 8, and
who brought helpful message Of con-
ISOLATION, from these words
My grace is sufficient for thee, for
my strength Is made perfect in weak
ness"
Interment was made in the Russell
cemetery. The relatives Of the de-
ceased have the heartfelt sympathies
Of the entire neighborhood. Con-
tributed.
Mrs. Lucy Brain Stoddard was born
In England on the 7th day Of Novem-
Der, 1928, and died at the residence Of
her son-in-law, William McNett at
Ottumwa, Iowa. on Sunday morning
May II, 1908, aged "a years, 6 months
and 10 days.
When she was six years old her par
ents came from England and settled
with their family on a farm near
Springfield, Ohio, and which now
forms part Of the city. Here she grew
to womanhood and at the age OF
twenty-five was married to DR.. John
G. Stoddard.
Later they removed to Eddyville,
Iowa, where he practiced his profess
sion, until the war Of the rebellion
broke out. He enlisted in 1852. spent
some months at Benton Barracks, St.
Louis, as hospital surgeon and later
became surgeon of the seth Regiment,
United States colored troops, with
the rank of major, and met his death
on the battlefield at the battle Of Big
Creek, near Helene, Arkansas, on July
26, 1854.
The deceased continued to reside at
Eddyville until the fall of 1873 when
she came to Ottumwa where she has
since resided with her son-in-law and
family until her death.
Early in life, she united with the
Presbyterian church at Springfield,
but on moving to Eddyville, she with
her husband, united with the Con-
gregational church there and since
1873, she has been consistent and
devoted member Of the First Con-
gregational church Of Ottumwa.
She is survived by a son, daughter
and twelve grandchildren.
Contributed