Tulare County Biographies

J. T. SPARKS & SONS

Transcribed by Kathy Sedler

This file is part of the California Genealogy & History Archives
http://www.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~cagha/index.htm

 
        One of the most successful and best known ranches in Tulare county is 
that owned and operated by J. T. Sparks & Sons on the State highway about one 
and one-half miles south of Tipton. They have owned this land since coming here 
in 1920, and have developed it to a high state of cultivation, bringing the 
equipment up to a point where it is now capable of being worked to the maximum 
capacity of the place. The crops are somewhat diversified, though special 
attention is being given to grapes, fruits, alfalfa and cotton. The irrigation 
of the farm, which comprises an entire section of land, is well provided for, 
there being six pumping stations and four reservoirs. In addition to the actual 
operation of the farm they also own and operate a fruit packing plant, where 
they care not only for their own fruit, but also do a large amount of commercial 
packing. They are members of the Sun Maid Raisin Association, and are recognized 
as leaders among the successful and progressive ranchmen of the valley.
        J. T. Sparks & Son was long recognized as one of the largest horse and 
mule buying firms in Missouri, having first been established in Kansas City and 
later in St. Louis. During the World war they did a tremendous volume of 
business, handling for the United States and other governments thousands of 
animals, which were devoted to war purposes.
        J. T. Sparks is a native of Virginia, and his wife, who bore the maiden 
name of Ella Osborne, was born and reared in Kentucky, both being members of old 
southern families. Mr. Sparks, after a long, active and honorable career, is not 
now taking any active part in business, having retired, enjoying that rest which 
he so richly earned. The sons are: Homer, Robert and James. Homer, who was 
associated with his father in the horse and mule business in Missouri, and who 
now resides in Tulare, was married to Miss Sarah Belt of Liberty, Missouri, and 
they have a daughter, Mildred, who is now a student in high school in Tulare ; 
Robert was married to Miss Florence Lockwood of Fresno, and they have a son, 
John T., Jr. ; and James. Mr. Sparks is independent in politics.
 
Source:  History of Tulare County and Kings County, California � Kathleen 
Edwards Small & J. Larry Smith, Vol. II, Chicago, The S. J. Clarke Publishing 
Company, 1926., p. 167