SPARKES, SR., Thomas Jefferson

Arizona Republic, Phoenix. Arizona Wednesday, November 9, 1938, page 26.5 T. J. Sparkes, Prescott, Dies Prescott, Nov. 8 - Thomas J. Sparkes, 78 years old, colorful miningman in the early days of the west, and a former United States marshall for Arizona, died in Mercy Hospital last night of a heart attack. Funeral services will be held at 3 o'clock Thursday from the Lester Ruffner Funeral Home here, interment to be in Mountain View Cemetery. A native of St. Paul, Minn., Mr. Sparkes was one of the pioneers of Lead, S. D., where he filled many positions in the early days of that state and first became interested in mining. In Lead, he led a colorful life. He was a friend of the famous Red Cloud, chief of the powerful Sioux and father of Sitting Bull. Mr. Sparkes went from Lead to Alaska in the days of the gold rush, spending several years there. Coming to Arizona, he continued his interest in mining. He is survived by two daughters, Miss Grace M. Sparkes, secretary of the Yavapai County Chamber of Commerce; and Mrs. Charity Bones; two sons, Thomas Jr. and Jack; and two grandsons. --------------------------------------------------- Prescott Evening Courier, Prescott, Arizona Wednesday, November 9, 1938, page 2.7 Set Funeral Rites for T. J. Sparkes Funeral services for the late Thomas J. Sparkes will be held ay 3 o'clock tomorrow afternoon at the Ruffner Funeral Home, with Father Arthur Crook officiating. Mr. Sparkes died Monday night after an illness of more than a week with a heart ailment. He is survived by two sons, Thomas J. and Jack, and two daughters, Grace M. and Mrs. Perry (Charity) Bones, and two grandsons.