Died - Rev. Sparks, February 24^th, at Jonesboro, Tennessee, in the 65^th year of his age.

Rev. Mr. Sparks was consecrated to God from his infancy, by his pious mother whose prayer was that he might be called to the ministry of the gospel.  Her prayer was answered, and she was permitted to see him pass through a ministry of forty-two years, and go to his reward.  He entered on his life-work about the age of nineteen, having an itinerant ministry of a few years in Southern Tennessee and Northern Alabama in the Cumberland Presbyterian Church. - He then removed to the north and having preached among the churches of this region for some time, he entered on a course of study in the Theological
Seminary, and became connected with the New School
Presbyterian Church.  He was pastor of the Church in Minersville for 25 years, a pastorate in which he was much beloved by his people, preached to their edification and was made the instrument of saving many souls.  He then removed to Mount Pleasant, Westmoreland Co., from which place after a brief ministry, he was called again by an affectionate and devoted people, to the church of Minersville.  At the end of one year, he closed his regular pastoral labors and removed to this place, to the home of his daughter, Mrs. Dr. Wm. King.  Here his Christian spirit and character, shone out conspicuously through a life of suffering; his spirit was most remarkable for its simple trust in Jesus, lowly humility and broad Christian charity; he spoke ill of none; harmless himself he did not expect harm in others; afflicted and oftentimes depressed as he was, some lovely aspect of his Christian character was constantly appearing.  While the writer knew him he lived a blameless life.  He was an Israelite, indeed, in whom was no guile.  The author of this notice, then young in the pastorate in this place, remembers with gratitude how Bro. Sparks encouraged him with many expression of love and sympathy.  His christianity shone on his countenance, inspired his speech and guided his steps.  We felt that a bright light had gone out when he went from among us.  About two years ago he went to spend the remainder of his days with his aged mother in the south.  There he was permitted to preach occasionally, as he had also done here to the edification of the people.  Here, death, the long expected, welcome blessing, came to him; he knew nothing about the fear of it.  He had a desire to depart and be with Christ, which is far better.  He sweetly fell asleep in Jesus.-Yesterday, attended by a goodly number of those who loved and revered him, we laid him gently in his tomb to gather strength and beauty for the coming of the Lord.
C.

(In the same paper and page):
Note - As proof in what high esteem Rev. Sparks was held by the people amongst whom he has lived, we quote the following item from the East Tennessee Echo:
"Rev. S. M. Sparks, we regret to learn is rapidly declining.  Mr. S. has been a prominent and zealous divine in the Presbyterian church for a number of years, and his retiracy from the pulpit on account of bad health, has been a great loss to the church."

We thank Charles Talbert for finding this obit for our family.