Obit: Sparkes, Henry A. (1854 - 1936)

Contact: Crystal Wendt
Email: crystal@wiclarkcountyhistory.org

Surnames: Sparkes, Nolop, Weidler, Campbell, Davis, Kidrick, Weyhmiller, Bradbury, Fradette

----Sources: Humbird Enterprise (Humbird, Clark County, Wis.) Sat., 19 Dec. 1936

Sparkes, Henry A. (15 Nov. 1854 - 15 Dec. 1936)

Death came, almost without warning to a respected pioneer citizen of our community, when Henry Sparkes passed away last Monday night, while on a visit to his granddaughter, Mrs. Douglas Nolop at Hixton. Mr. Sparkes was 83 years old, on Nov. 15th, and while not in the best of health the past few years, he was always cheerful and about town as usual. The remains were brought to M. Kretschmer’s undertaking parlors, and the funeral is held this Thursday afternoon from the Methodist church, Rev. V. D. Weidler officiating. Burial will be in Mentor Cemetery.

A message received Tuesday stated that Mrs. Ralph Sparkes, daughter-in-law of Mr. Sparkes, had died at her home in Kansas City.

----Sources: Humbird Enterprise (Humbird, Clark County, Wis.) Sat., 26 Dec. 1936

Henry A. Sparkes was born of English parentage at Talmage, Ohio, on Nov. 15, 1854, and died at the home of his granddaughter, Mrs. Douglas Nolop, at Hixton, Dec. 15, 1936, aged 82 years and 1 month.

When a small child, his parents moved to this state, locating at Appleton, and when he was about fourteen years of age he went to Oshkosh, in which vicinity he was employed for several years. In the early ‘80s, Mr. Sparkes came to Humbird, which has been his home ever since.

On May 14, 1884, he was united in marriage with Miss Lydia Campbell, of this village, who preceded him in death two year ago. To this union were born three sons: Ralph J. and Henry E., of Kansas City, and Archie L., of this village; and a daughter, Alta (Mrs. Frank Davis), who died about fifteen years ago.

Funeral services were held at the M. E. Church Thursday afternoon, Dec. 17th, Rev. V. D. Weidler preaching the sermon. A large congregation of old friends assembled at the church for the last sad rites. Burial was in Mentor cemetery. Those from away attending the services were his granddaughter and family, Mr. and Mrs. Douglas Nolop, and children, of Hixton, his grandson and family, Mr. and Mrs. Will Kidrick and son, of Black River Falls; and O. J. Weyhmiller, Lewis Bradbury, and Mr. and Mrs. J. H. Fradette, of Neillsville, Wis.

While at Oshkosh, Mr. Sparkes learned the trade of meat cutter and was occupied with it a short time after coming here. He then followed the occupation of painter and carpenter, becoming an expert in both lines.

A double sorrow came to the family at the time of the death of Mr. Sparkes. Mrs. Ralph Sparkes, wife of oldest son, died at her home in Kansas City, just a few hours previous to the time of the final summons came to the father.