California Biographies, San Joaquin Valley

Transcribed by Peggy Hooper

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

Source:
History of the state of California and biographical record of the San Joaquin 
Valley, California. An historical story of the state's marvelous growth from 
its earliest settlement to the present time.
Prof. James Miller Guinn , A. M.
The Chapman Publishing Co., Chicago 1905
Notes: Missing Page: 865-866,983-984,1175-1176


JOSEPH SPENCER SPARKS. A man of undoubted ability, industry and enterprise, the late Joseph 
Spencer Sparks was for many years intimately associated with the development and growth of 
the agricultural interests of Merced county, and contributed his full share towards its 
advancement and prosperity. Dependent entirely upon his own efforts, he applied himself 
diligently to his chosen work, and in course of time won a place of distinction among the most 
successful farmers and stock-raisers of his neighborhood, and a place of honor among the 
industrious and respected citizens of the community. A son of Madison Sparks, he was born, 
May 12, 1830, in Kentucky. 

Born and reared in Virginia, Madison Sparks settled in Kentucky when a young man, and as a 
planter and a slaveholder there spent the remainder of his life, dying at the venerable age of 
eighty-two years. He married Winnie Thomas, who was born in Virginia, and died in Kentucky. 
Eight children blessed their union, seven sons and one daughter, Joseph Spencer being the 
third child in order of birth. 

Having acquired a good common school education, Joseph Spencer Sparks remained in his 
native county until after attaining his majority. His enthusiasm having been aroused by the 
enthusiastic reports concerning the discovery of gold on the Pacific coast, he followed the tide 
of emigration westward, coming overland to California in 1852. Locating claims in Placer county, 
he was there engaged in mining for many years, sometimes being quite prosperous in his 
ventures and sometimes meeting with reverses. About 1867 he removed to Butte county, 
settling near Chico, where he was engaged in the lumber business for two or three years, filling 
contracts for hauling logs to the mills. Coming to the San Joaquin valley in 1869, Mr. Sparks 
purchased one hundred and sixty acres of land at Cottonwood, and the next year, in 1870, 
bought the ranch now owned and occupied by his widow. It contains three hundred and 
twenty acres of land and is pleasantly located near Ingomar, and but ten miles southwest of 
Newman. With characteristic courage and energy Mr. Sparks began his agricultural career, 
making practical improvements on his estate and placing the land in a high state of cultivation. 
In addition to general farming, he carried on a large business as a stock grower, and became 
noted as a breeder and raiser of valuable horses. He rented other land than his own, his 
operations being extensive and profitable, and was known as one of the most thorough-going 
and skilful ranchmen of this vicinity. As a man, a neighbor, and as a citizen, Mr. Sparks 
deservedly held high rank, and his death, which occurred at his late home, in 1892, was 
regretted as a public loss. In his political relations he was a steadfast Democrat, active in local 
affairs, and for several years rendered good service as school trustee. He was a man of strong 
religious convictions, and a valued member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Fraternally he 
was an Odd Fellow. 

In Chico, Butte county, Cal., Mr. Sparks married Melissa C. Eachus, who was born in Iowa, and 
came with her parents across the plains to California in 1865. Since the death of her husband 
Mrs. Sparks has managed the home ranch with marked ability, adding from year to year to the 
improvements already established, in 1901 having erected the commodious residence that now 
adorns the estate, besides adding one hundred and sixty acres to the home place. She raises 
large crops of grain and hay, and below the canal has twenty acres of alfalfa. Of the union of 
Mr. and Mrs. Sparks six children were born, namely : David William, deceased ; Lucy May, living 
at home; Nellie Bird, deceased ; Margaret Russell, a teacher in the public schools ; George 
Madison, living at home; and Joseph Spencer, Jr., at home.