William Jackson SPARKS was born about 1795, probably in Franklin County, Georgia.  It was there on 14 February 1822 that he married Naomi PRICKETT.  Naomi was born about 1796 in Georgia.  In later census records, she was listed as "Sally."  Most researchers believe that this was the same woman.  William J. SPARKS received a land grant in Fayette County on 24 February 1823 and received another in 1851.  He was recorded as a "soldier" with 240 acres in Cole's Beat on the 1864 tax list.

The date of William J. SPARKS' death is uncertain.  One family member indicated that William was buried at Saddler's Crossroads Cemetery.  This person remembered seeing the headstone with the name on it when he was a boy.  At a later date, the cemetery was renovated and all the stones were removed and thrown into an adjacent field.  Each grave was then marked by a uniform marker.  However, no marker has been found for the grave of William J. SPARKS.

The following individuals are believed to be the children of William J. SPARKS and Naomi PRICKETT.  There were probably others.

• (Son) SPARKS, born c. 1823
• Elijah SPARKS, born c. 1825
• (Daughter) SPARKS, born c. 1827
• Jackson W. SPARKS, born c. 1829
• Sarah (Sallie) SPARKS, born c. 1831
• George A. SPARKS
• Phebe SPARKS, born c. 1840 and died c. 1866; married John RAINEY (RANEY)


William Jackson SPARKS was the son of Elijah SPARKS (born 1760/1770) and Judith (Juda) HUMPHRIES.  Elijah SPARKS died in Franklin County, Georgia, as did Juda, who died after 1850.  Issue of this union was:

• William Jackson SPARKS, who married Naomi PRICKETT
• Rebecca SPARKS
• Mary SPARKS
• Sarah SPARKS
• Amelia SPARKS
• Thomas K. SPARKS, who married Elizabeth WYLY
• Malinda SPARKS

If you are interested in this or any allied families, please contact
Linda Rainey