1813 Abraham Sperling Will

In a post labeled John Michael Sparling in NJ, I provided a list of occurrences of this name and its variations.  The last item on the list was as follows:

1813. John Michael Sperling serves as a witness to the will of Abraham Sperling. John Gilliland Sperling is Abraham's son mentioned in the will. Location: North Brunswick, Middlesex, NJ

Very recently, I have been convinced that there were three generations of John (Jan, Johannes) Michael (Michiel, Magiel) Sparling (Sperling).  Take your pick of spellings.  The first one, Jan Michiel Sperlingh, was an immigrant from Saxony (Germany).  He was a clerk and often called upon to witness legal papers.  He had a son, John, who I believe was also Jan Michiel, who also had a son, Jan Michiel, in various spellings.

The issue with the 1813 will is to determine which of these Johns was witness to Abraham Sperling's will and to identify each of the individuals mentioned.  I think, using age as a criterion, that we can eliminate the first two generations, Jan M., born no later than 1690-ish (?), and Jan M., born no later than 1730-ish (?).  The most likely candidate is Jan M., born 1756, and Abraham's brother.  

I identify the brother, Abraham, by the mention of his son, John Gilliland Sperling.  This confirms him as the Abraham Sperling, b. 1759 at Six Mile Run, son of John Sperling and Catherine, who married Leah Gilliland (1781-1835).

1. Jan Michiel Sperlingh (immigrant from Germany) m. Geertje Pieters

+2.  Jan Michiel Sperling (John) m. 2nd wife Catherine

++3. Jan Michiel Sperling (Johannis Magiel) b.1756, Six Mile Run, NJ

++3. Abraham Sperling b.1759, Six Mile Run, NJ, d. 1815, m. Leah Gilliland (1781-1835)

+++4. John Gilliland Sperling b. 1800

I believe this is how the generations look when stripped to the essentials and that the last three names on this list are the names on the 1813 reference (above) to Abraham's will.

Tracking the Wife of George Sparling (mother of Moses C. Sparling)

Moses C. Sparling had a brother named Edward, also known as Ned.  Ned married into a big family, the Krutsinger's, so there is quite a bit of info on them, which I used in this case to make an elimination.

In 1840, there is an elderly woman between age 80 and 89 living with Ned in  North East, Orange, Indiana.  I assume she was either Ned's mom or his mother-in-law.  Since I had information for his mother-in-law, I was able to eliminate her because she died in 1830.  If she had lived, she would have only been 65 anyway.

That leaves me to believe that the elderly woman in the 1840 census is Ned's mother, which means she was born between 1760 and 1769.  That works alright for the wife of George Sparling, born in 1752, died in 1837, which would have left Ned's mom a widow in 1840.  This elderly woman doesn't appear with Ned on the 1850 census, and a quick look at census records for her other children did not turn up any grandparents in residence, so I assume she has died in the interim between '40 and '50, and that is how I am going to list her at Ancestry.com.

I currently list her name as Tabitha Fleming, but I don't have any reason except for family trees to base that on, so the name is only a guess at this point.

John and Marretje (Burhans) Sperling of Kingston

I have no indication that John Sperling who married Marretje Burhans is related to the Sparlings of NY/NJ whom I have been researching, but I have no indication that he is not either. Nevertheless, I've collected records from this marriage and thought they might be useful to someone.

1. Kingston Dutch Reformed Church, list of marriages from 1660-1809.
1777 07 Sep; John SPERLING, jm, born N.J.; Marretje Burhans, jd, both liv Kingston.

2. Catskill Reformed Dutch Church, Greene Co., NY, Baptisms 1732-1833.
1793 Feb 10; parents: Jan SPERLINGH, Marritje SPERLINGH; child: Wiljem

3. New York City Wills, 1777-1783, p167.

"In the name of God, Amen. I, Wilhelmus Burhans, of Saugerties, Ulster County, carpenter. I leave to my eldest son, Barnet, all my carpenter tools. I leave to my three sons, Barnet, Jerrick, and John, each 20. And whereas my real estate is part of the estate of my father, Barnet Burhans, late of Saugerties, and also part of the other estate of my said father situate at Braband [Kingston], and being yet undivided. I give all my part of the same to my said three sons and my daughters, Margaret Brink and Maretie SPERLING. And I order them to have the said estate divided as soon as possible. And my said children shall, immediately after the division, pay to my loving wife, their mother, Hilletie, 50 per annum, each of them, during her life. But if she marries, the payment is to cease. I leave to my daughter, Margaretta Brink, my Great Bible. To my daughter, Maretta SPERLING, my Psalm Book. I make Henry Schoonmaker, John Brink, and Christopher Kierstede, executors, all of Saugerties." April 28, 1778, proved June 7, 1780

4. Burhans Genealogy by Samuel Burhans p30.

Maritje, bp 5 Jul 1755, m 7 Sep 1777 at Kingston, John SPARLING. Maritje Burhans joined Catskill church 13 Nov 1807 as widow of late John SPERLING on Confession of Faith.

5. Burhans Genealogy by Samuel Burhans p31.

children of Maritje Burhans and John SPARLING:
.Janneke bp Saugerties 6 Nov 1777 d. unmarried
.Saartje bp 18 Feb 1781 m 9 Sep 1799 Catskill, William Osborn. She afterwards married John Rightmeyer and moved to Leeds. Is said to have several children by second husband.
.Mary bp Saugerties 12 Jan 1783
.Maria bp Saugerties 3 May 1784
.Andrew bp 24 Oct 1786
.John b. 1782 d. 1876 m. Ann Terwilliger
.Elizabeth (Betsy) b. at Leeds 7 Feb 1794 m. 4 Jan 1816 at Catskill, Aaron Henry Vedder...
.William bp 10 Feb 1793
.Gitty b. unk m. Jacob Souser, son of Petrus Souser and Maria bp 2 June 1782?

Afterthoughts about the Six Mile Run Baptismal Record of 1750

I really shouldn't try to analyze these records when I'm lacking sleep. Taking a look at what I wrote in my last post, none of it seems plausible. The easier solution is that the baptismal record for Six Mile Run refers to Jan Sperling, a son of Jan Michiel Sperlingh, perhaps even a junior, and his wife, a Geertje, to be sure, but not Geertje Pieters (Pouluse).

Records indicate there was, indeed, a Jan Sperling in the area at the appropriate time. I posted some of those earlier, here and here. One piece of evidence I haven't presented is the quasi-census of Sparling head of households represented by the Middlesex County tax records. What is interesting about these is that one John is named as John, Jr, clearly implicating a John, Sr.

In addition to John, Jr., the tax lists name Daniel, Joseph, Charity, John, Peter, Abraham, Abraham Isaac and Jacob Sparling. I believe all these individuals are related, although not all siblings. Currently, I propose that Jan Michiel Sperlingh, the elder, had at least three sons, Daniel, Peter and John, Jr. As I proceed, I'll compare the records to that hypothesis and either preserve or reject it.

Additional Records; Sparling; NJ

Again, I've omitted most sources in an attempt to keep to a tidy list. My objective here is to try to discover the overall picture. Sources are available on request.

1715-1726. "List of county clerks before the Revolution": John M. Sperling. Location: probably Flatbush

1719. J.M. Sperling witnessed the legal papers of Phebe? Schelling? of East Hampton, Suffolk Co. Location: ? (This reference needs more research.)

Apr 19, 1737. John Michael Sparling and Peter Sparling witness a deed transfer between Richard Lvanne[?] and Henry Hoogland. Location: Middlesex...county of Somerset.

Feb 28, 1787. "Daniel Sparling appeared before Jeremiah Manning and testified that he was familiar with the handwriting of the two witnesses and that 'one was his Father and the other was his brother,'" recorded -5 March 1787"

Feb 4, 1741. Inventory by William Walling and Jen. Sperling in regards to the will of Daniel Androvet of New Brunswick, Middlesex Co.

Nov 23, 1741. Witnesses to the will of Jan (John) Stryker of Six-Mile Run, Somerset Co.; Waiter Burnet, Pitue Poumil, John Michael Sperling. Proved 6 Aug, 1747.

Jan 22, 1750. Witness to the will of Albert Van Voorhees of New Brunswick, Middlesex Co.; Cornelius Cornel, Petrus Sperling, J.N. Sperling. Proved Dec. 2, 1734.

July 6, 1765. Extract from a List of Letters remaining in the General Post-Office, "Pursuant to orders from ....two of the judges of the court of common pleas for the county of Middlesex, made on the 18th day of July instant, John Sperling, John Lot., ...et al...all insolvent debtors, now confined in the gaol of Perth-Amboy, do hereby give notice to all their creditors, that they shew cause, if any they have, on the 10th day of August next, at Perth-Amboy, why...."

May 12, 1766. Extract from American Newspapers, Relating to New Jersey (Middlesex County); "Pursuant to an order of....two of his Majesty's Judges of the course of Common Pleas, for the county of Middlesex, upon the Petitions of Justus Walker and John Sparling, insolvent Debtors, and the Majority of the Creditors in Value: Notice is hereby...."

Sep 14, 1773. Warrant for the confiscation of goods of John Sparling or, in lieu of those goods, for his arrest for his debt to John Stoniker; receipted by John Sparling and Joacham Gulick. Location: New Brunswick.

Apr 22, 1796. Sperling, Daniel, of the Northward of New Brunswick, Middlesex Co.; will of. Wife, Jane, use of house with lot of land about house from ditch to Isaac Cheesman's lot and 1/2 profits of orchard, during her life. Son, James, use of remainder of land until wife's decease when estate is to be sold. Children, Andrea, James, Leah Gillaland, George and John, each one an equal share of estate after wife's decease. Executors--son, James, and Johnathan Combs, Jr. Witnesses--Johnathan Combs, Jr., Jane Combs and Winant Dehart. Proved Oct. 19, 1796.
1796, Sep 30. Inventory...made by Edmund Davis and Jonathan Combs.

This last, Daniel Sperling's will, I copied nearly in full because of its relevant importance to the questions I am asking. Also very useful is the record of 1787 in which Daniel Sparling identifies the signatures of his father and brother. Using family records of the Gilliland's and others in conjunction with the source records of various families, such as the DeHart's (records not presented), it has become possible to make educated guesses about the Sparling family line.

A few conclusions:
1. The first and most obvious conclusion is that Isaac Sperling was not the brother of Leah (Sperling) Gilliland as I suggested in my post, Issac and Leah Sperling. Yet, it's unlikely they were unrelated. Perhaps cousins.

2. The second, important piece of information is the identity of Daniel Sparling's father. Although it's not explicit, the dates for John Michael Sparling make him the better candidate. Therefore, Daniel's brother is Peter Sparling. (see the 1737 record and the record of 1787 associated with it.)

3. The dates of debtor's trouble ('65-'73) for John Sparling suggest he was the son John of Daniel or a cousin, rather than John Michael Sparling, the elder. It is, furthermore, out of character for a clerk and a man who regularly serves as witness to legal matters to be caught up in gaol.

4. At least one published family tree lists a son of Daniel Sparling as Andrew. I'm inclined to believe it was a daughter, Andrea, as listed in Daniel's will. If Andrea was a son, Andrew, then he was the oldest and would have most likely been granted primary use of the land as well as Executor. Instead, those honors went to James, probably the eldest son.

5. The George Sparling whose parents I have been attempting to identify might very well be Daniel's fourth child. Nothing yet suggests he is not; nothing verifies it either.

Much, much more family information can be pulled from these records in addition to records of associated families and from New Jersey tax lists, too numerous for this particular post. If you can add to these records or to my guesses or steer me in a different direction entirely, please feel free to make contact.

John Michael Sparling in NJ

I've culled the internet for references to Jan Michiel Sperling, hoping to verify any connection between him and Daniel, Isaac, Leah or George Sparling (Sperling). I haven't...yet. What I have found is a community of Dutch immigrants who gather in their churches, where the young folk meet, mingle and eventually marry and build families of their own. In the meanwhile, they brew ale, mend shoes and pots and are farmers and, when they have to be, soldiers.

Below is my attempt to organize (what I hope are) relevant bits of information.

New Jersey-only references to John (Jan, Johannes) Michael (Michiel) Sparling (Sperling) arranged by date

.

Dec 10, 1709. A marriage recorded in the Dutch Reformed Church between Jan Michiel Sperling and Geertie Pieters. Location: Hackensack, Bergen, NJ (Residence: Acquiggenock [Passaic])

between 1720-1748. Head of family, Jan Sperling, joins the Reformed Dutch Church. Location: Six Mile Run, Somerset, NJ

1730. John Michael Sperling serves as the appraiser for the will of Charles Androvet. Location: Six Mile Run, Somerset, NJ

Jun 18, 1752. John Michael Sperling serves as witness of the will of John Vleet. Location: Six Mile Run, Somerset, NJ

1752. Daniel Sperling and Johannes Sperling appear on a list of freeholders in the source, "First Settlers of Piscataway and Woodbridge," p551, O.E. Monette. Location: New Brunswick, Somerset, NJ

1752-1772. Two, individual John Sparlings appear on John Piatt's "Cobbler Census." Location: Somerset, NJ

NJ militia. George, Abram, Isaac, James, Joseph, Peter and John Sparling appear on the Revolutionary War Rolls.

Sarah 1793-1867. The inscription on the gravestone of Sarah Van Pelt reads, "wife of John Sparling." Location: Dayton, Middlesex, NJ

1813. John Michael Sperling serves as a witness to the will of Abraham Sperling. John Gilliland Sperling is Abraham's son mentioned in the will. Location: North Brunswick, Middlesex, NJ

If you can add to this list, amend, correct or help me make any connections, the help is warmly appreciated. In the interest of clarity, I omitted my sources, but can provide them on request. In addition to the names above, there is a host of associated Van Pelts, Van Cleefs (Van Cleaves), Gillilands, Vliets (Vleets, Fleets), Vunks (Vonks), Piatts and others who may have known or married Sperlings over the course of the 18th century in New Jersey. I have more information to offer anyone who is interested.

Isaac and Leah Sperling

Following a different tack to discover the name of George Sparling's (b.1750) father. In one family tree (among many that don't), he has a brother listed as Isaac Sperling. I thought that if I could find Isaac's father, then I'd have my answer.

Isaac Sperling, it turns out, is a good candidate for George's brother. He was born 1758, and he also served in the Revolutionary War as a patriot in NJ.

A little research makes Isaac even more interesting. Apparently, he married a woman named Elizabeth Gilliland of Cranbury, Middlesex, NJ. This woman had several brothers and sisters, but one of the most interesting was a John Gilliland, who married a woman named Leah Sperling! Could it be that Leah and Isaac were siblings, that they knew the Gilliland family and each married within it?

Furthermore, John Gilliland served as a patriot in the NJ militia during the Revolutionary War, specifically under Captain Piatt, the same captain recorded by the DAR as George Sparling's commander. The record from Roster of Soldiers and Patriots of the American Revolution Buried in Indiana (p.340) for George Sparling reads, "Served 1 yr in 1st Regt., N.J., commanded by Capt. Daniel Piatt, 3 yrs. Capt. Longstreet. In battles of Brandywine and Monmouth."

This patriot connection suggests that Leah and Isaac may have had another sibling, George Sparling, but this is all conjecture at this point. Also, none of it adds up to a name for a common father. It suggests, though, that my guess that not all the New Jersey Sparlings headed to Canada or were Loyalists might be leading somewhere.

Lots, lots more to unravel. For example, one public family tree claims that Isaac Sperling is the son of Jan Michiel Sperling, elsewhere reported to be George Sparling's grandfather (see my recent post, Loyalists and Revolutionaries). If you can help put together all these tantalizing hints, please send me an email or leave a comment. I'm more than happy to provide any data I have.

Loyalists and Revolutionaries

My Sparling lineage seems to have come through New Jersey, as does that of the Palatinate line, many of whom traveled north to Canada. My reading leads me to believe that the Palatinate Sparlings went north due to Loyalist sympathies. However, records show that George Sparling, my ancestor, born 1750, fought in the Revolutionary War in the service of the 1st regiment, New Jersey militia. His alliance with the revolutionaries is some evidence (though by no means conclusive) that George (b.1750) was not directly connected to the Canadian line.

Another Sparling, John, also served in the Revolutionary War and is listed along with George. He may have been a relative. If these two men weren't related to the Canadian family, then they might not have come to America via Ireland, as those Palatinate families did who traveled on. That's why I'm still looking askew at that Daniel Sparling, b. Limerick, Ireland, who is listed as George's father.

I'm having a heck of a time finding any Daniel Sparlings at all during that time. There is a reference to a Daniel and Johannes Sparling in a book, "First Settlers of Piscataway and Woodbridge," by O.E. Monette, and I'm trying to get a look-up of these "freeholders in 1752", but without success so far.

Jan Michiel Sperling is listed as Daniel's father, and of the father I find some evidence. His marriage to Geertie Pieters was recorded in the Reformed Dutch Church of Hackensack, NJ, as Dec. 10, 1709. A marriage in Hackensack throws suspicion on a Irish birth for a subsequent son, Daniel. I also find "John Michael" Sperling as an appraiser on a 1730, Somerset Co, NJ will.

Any help in this area is warmly appreciated. I am, as always, happy to share all the information I have.

George Sparling b. 1750/52, Rev. War Veteran

The toughest area of research I've worked so far has to be the generations surrounding George Sparling, b. 1750/52, not surprising since that was a time of rapid immigration, first from Europe, then after the Revolution, into the interior, especially by families of soldiers with bounty land to claim. It doesn't help the matter that there was a George Sparling, veteran of the Revolutionary War, AND a George Sparling, veteran of the War of 1812. These two individuals are repeatedly confused in public family trees.

I'm at the stage where I no longer trust any reported family tree, and I'm searching for individual records. It's surprising how many Sperlings/Sparlings there were in New Brunswick, Middlesex Co., New Jersey!!!!

Coming Soon: Updated Jan Michiel Sperling Ahnentafel

I'm working on a new, improved ahnentafel for Jan Michiel Sperling(h). Here's a taste of some of the corrections:


Old Version

4 Edward (Ned) Sparling
.....+Mary Curtsinger
.....5 Michael Sparlin
.....+Sarah Jane Mullins
....*2nd wife of Edward (Ned) Sparling
.....+Mary (Polly) Kretsinger
.....5 David Sparling
.....and so on


New Version

4 Edward (Ned) Sparling
.....+Catherine Elizabeth Curtsinger
.....5 David Sparlin
....*2nd wife of Edward (Ned) Sparling
.....+Mary (Polly) Curtsinger (sister of Catherine Elizabeth above)
.....5 Elizabeth Sparling
.....and so on

When the dates are added, it will be clear why I made the above changes. Coming soon!

1890 Veterans Schedule For William B. Sparlin

In addition to those military records for William B. Sparlin in the entry, Illinois/Indiana Sparlings in the Civil War, I found this one:

1890 Veterans Schedules
Veteran's Name: William B. Sparlin
Home in 1890: Webb City, Jasper, Missouri
Year enlisted: 1864
Year Discharged: 1865
Rank: Private
Service: 13th IN infantry

Information is consistent with the records I found previously.

"American Civil War Records turn up a…
William Sparlin of Currysville, IN [Currysville is in Sullivan county.]
Enlistment date: 13 Dec. 1864, Company F, 13th Infantry Regiment, Indiana
Rank: Private
Side served: Union
Mustered out: 25 Aug 1865

U.S. Civil War Records confirm enlistment for a…
William B. Sparlin in the 13th Indiana Infantry
Rank: Private
Side served: Union

From the Civil War Pension Index: General Index to Pension Files, 1861-1934…
William B. Sparlin filed for a war pension in the state of AR, in Feb, 18??. Service: 13? Ind Inf."

Putting it together, I am confident that the 1890 census record is that of William B. Sparlin of Currysville, IN and indicates that he not only retired in AR, but that he resided in southwest MO/northeast AR for a number of years.

Comments, corrections welcome.

Illinois/Indiana Sparlings in the Civil War

This is a review of what I've uncovered in regards to Sparlings in the Civil War, at least those who may or may not be relevant to my family tree. (The first date is enlistment.)

Andrew Sparling 16 Dec 1861, Decatur, IL, pvt., Co. H 63rd IL infantry
(I know of no connection.)

Francis Sparling 19 Nov 1863, Pixley, IL, pvt. Co. K 48th IL infantry
mustered out: 15 Aug 1865, Little Rock, AR
(This appears to be the son of David and Mary (nee Holley) Sparling, therefore, Francis Marion Sparling, b.1841, IN)

George Sparling 13 Aug 1862, Chicago, IL, pvt. Co. C 113 IL infantry
disability discharge: 1 Feb 1863
(I know of no connection.)

George Sparling 18 May 1864, Snachwine, IL, Corporal, Co. B 139th IL infantry
mustered out: 28 Oct 1864, Peoria, IL
(I know of no connection.)

George Sparling 24 Apr 1861, Princeton, IL, 1st Sgt. Co. I 12th Il infantry
mustered out: 1 Aug 1861
(I know of no connection.)

Granville Sparling 19 Nov 1863, Bible Grove, IL, pvt. Co. K 48th IL infantry
mustered out 15 Aug 1865, Little Rock, AR
(This appears to be another son of David and Mary Sparling, therefore b. 1845, IN)

Isaac Sparling 16 Dec 1861, Decatur, IL, pvt. Co. H 63rd IL infantry
mustered out: 13 Jul 1865, Louisville, KY
(I know of no connection.)

John Sparling 14 May 1864, Chicago, IL, pvt. Co. F 134th IL infantry
mustered out: 25 oct, 1864, Chicago, IL
(I know of no connection.)

Michael Sparling 2 Sep 1861, Clay county, IL, pvt. Co. B 48th IL infantry
mustered out: 15 Aug 1865, Little Rock, AR
(This appears to be the son of Edward (Ned) and Polly Sparling, and a brother of David Sparling (above), therefore, b. 1841, IN)

Peter Sparling 3 Dec 1863, IL, Bible Grove, IL, pvt. Co. K 48th IL infantry
mustered out: 15 Aug 1865, Little Rock, AR
(This also appears to be the son of Edward, brother of David, therefore, (William) Peter, b. 1845, IN)

William Sparling 5 Jan 1864, Henry, IL, pvt. Co. B 86th IL infantry
deserted: 14 May 1864
(From the message boards, I understand this desertion was a confusion with his brother. By personal communication, I was informed that he retired in AR, but had no children in that area, so is probably not a direct ancestor in my family line.)

John Sparling 26 Oct 1863, IL, pvt. Co. B 48th IL infantry
mustered out: 15 Aug 1865, Little Rock, AR
(This appears to be the son of Moses C. Sparling, brother of Edward (Ned) Sparling, therefore, John W. Sparling, b. 1830, IN)

Archibald Sparling, pvt. Co. B 48th IL infantry
(This appears to be the son of Moses C. Sparling, John W.'s (above) brother, therefore, b. 1833, IN)

William Sparlin, 13 Dec 1864, Currysville, IN, pvt. Co. F 13th IN infantry
mustered out: 25 Aug 1865.
(While I don't know the connection of this Sparlin, he was from Currysville, which lies in Sullivan County, also the home of Moses C. and family. It's also possible that an AR Civil War pension record belongs to him, William B. Sparlin, service for the 13? IN infantry. He's possibly another son of Moses C., William, who was age 21 in 1864, although I would expect him in the 48th IL infantry if so.)

In the interest of organization, I omitted the details of how I made the above family connections. If you'd like to know more of my reasoning based on records, please leave a comment. Or, as always, if you can help me out, please, please get in touch.

Doubts

While I continue to see the best case for the identity of William B. Sparlin (married to Sarah E. Bryant, father of Oscar Clarence Sparlin, residing in southwest MO) to lie with the Moses C. Sparling family of Turman, Sullivan, IN, a few records continue to cast doubt on that conclusion.

1. Oscar Clarence Sparlin’s birth certificate states that his father was born in IL, while Moses C.’s son was born in IN. (I need to see that document.)

2. A census record I found yesterday states that W. B. Sparling was age 30 when he married Sarah E. Bryant. Moses C.’s son should be 39 or 40.

1880 census, Nevada, Vernon, MO
W.B. Sparling 30, b. KY, Father/Mother birthplace: blanks
Sarah E. Sparling 15 b. MO, Father born in IN, Mother in NY

In addition, W.B. Sparling’s birthplace is incorrect. For that matter, so is Sarah’s father’s. Strangely enough, if the two are switched, they’re correct. The two most compelling facts from this record is that Sarah is 15, in good accord with other evidence for this marriage, and the couple resides in Vernon, MO, also in agreement with other information. Whether it’s significant that Sparling is spelled with a “g” here, I don’t know. (Unfortunately, searches for a William B. Sparling, age 30, born in IL yielded nothing.)

3. There exist multiple Civil War records for William (B.) Sparlin(g) and other Sparlin(g)s, who may or may not be related. One researcher believes that the sons of Moses C., Archibald and John W. enlisted in IL. I can, indeed, find three Illinois records, one for Archibald Sparlin (48th IL infantry), one for John Sparling (48th IL infantry) and one for William Sparling (86th IL infantry). This same researcher, however, claims these Sparlings served in the same regiment, “Six Sparling's were in the Civil War all in 48th Ill. Inf. John W. and Archibald were brothers and the others related.”

To muddy the water, there is the record of William B. Sparlin from Currysville, IN (located in Sullivan county, the home of Moses C.) who enlisted in Co. F. 13th IN infantry and who filed for his Civil War pension in AR, where Oscar Clarence was born.

If you have any information to help me sort this all out, or if you'd simply like to join in my confusion, please leave a comment.

Puzzle Pieces

The following pieces may or may not fit together to form a picture of Oscar Clarence Sparlin’s father.

PIECE A: BIRTH CERTIFICATE
Oscar Clarence Sparlin’s birth certificate states (according to his son) that his…
Father’s name was William Bazel Sparlin, born in IL.
Mother’s name was Sarah Ellen Bryant, born in MO.

PIECE B: MEMORIES
According to his son, Oscar stated that his…
grandfather was living in IL during the Civil War and served in the Union.
(While this may be true, it’s more likely that Oscar’s father [William B.] served, due to the fact that he would have been in his twenties during the war, 1861-1865. Oscar’s grandfather would more likely have been in his forties.)

According to his son, Oscar stated that he…
had two sisters with which he had lost touch.

According to his son, Oscar stated that his…
family resided in Cassville,[Barry], MO before Oscar was born, moved to Bentonville, AR, where Oscar was born (1882), then moved back to Cassville, [Barry], MO after Oscar ran away from home at age 13 (1895) with an uncle.

PIECE C: MARRIAGE CERTIFICATE
A marriage certificate (online) states that …
Mr. William Sparlin married Miss Sarah Bryant in Jasper, MO on 13 Jan 1880.

PIECE D: OSCAR IN OK
A 1900 U.S. Census for Osage, Oklahoma Territory, lists…
Oscar Sparlin, age 17, boarding with a family and working as a farm laborer. Oscar lists the birthplace of both his parents as MO. Himself, born in KS.
(Either this is the wrong Oscar Sparlin or these birth places are incorrect. However, when Oscar ran away from home, he went to OK, where he eventually met Bertha May Ryan and married her. In 1900, according to his birth certificate, he was 17.)

PIECE E: OTHER FAMILY TREES
LDS Family Archives (USER-SUBMITTED) provides this information:
William Brazel Sparling b. 4 Nov 1840, Turman Twp, Sullivan, IN
d. 22 Mar 1925, Cassville, Barry, MO
buried: Rogers, Benton, AR
Father:Moses C. Sparling, Mother:Louisa Dawson, Wife:Sarah Ellen Bryant, b. 22 Oct

PIECE F: WILLIAM B.'S CHILDHOOD CENSUS RECORDS
1850/1860 census records for Turman Twp, Sullivan, IN list…
William Sparling, son of Moses C. Sparling and Louisa Dawson.

1850/Turman Twp, Sullivan, IN
Moses C. Sparling 50
Laviey [Louisa] Sparling 40
Charlotte 24
Nancy 18
James 14
Mahala 11
*William 9 (b. abt. 1841)
Samuel 7
Emmons 3
Benjamin 1

1860/Turman Twp, Sullivan, IN
Moses C. Sparling 60
Levicia [Louisa] Sparling 50
John W. 30
Nancy 26
James M. 23
Mahala 19
*William 17 (b. abt. 1843)
Samuel C. 15
Emins 14
Benjamin P. 10
Charlotte Blackman, servant, 34
Bishop W. Blackman 5

PIECE G: WAR RECORDS
American Civil War Records turn up a…
William Sparlin of Currysville, IN [Currysville is in Sullivan county.]
Enlistment date: 13 Dec. 1864, Company F, 13th Infantry Regiment, Indiana
Rank: Private
Side served: Union
Mustered out: 25 Aug 1865

U.S. Civil War Records confirm enlistment for a…
William B. Sparlin in the 13th Indiana Infantry
Rank: Private
Side served: Union

From the Civil War Pension Index: General Index to Pension Files, 1861-1934…
William B. Sparlin filed for a war pension in the state of AR, in Feb, 18??. Service: 13? Ind Inf

PIECE H: WILLIAM B.'S ADULT CENSUS RECORDS
The 1920 census for Esculapia, Benton, AR records…
S.C. Sparlin 73, head
Laura E. Sparlin 73, wife
William B. Sparlin 75, widowed (brother to the head of household)

The 1870 census for Turman, Sullivan, IN records…
Samuel C. Sparlin 25
Laura E. Sparlin 25
George E. Sparlin 2 mos.
(This census identifies S.C. Sparlin of AR [above, 1920] as Samuel C. of IN.)

Fitting the PIECES together:
1. By analysis of census data for 1850, 1860, 1870 and 1920, it’s possible to determine that the older brother by two years, William, of Samuel C. Sparlin is William B. Sparlin. In addition to the Civil War Pension Index, the census data also tracks William B. from IN to AR, furthermore, Benton, AR, the same county where Oscar Clarence was born.
2. The family data from Oscar’s birth certificate doesn’t match an Indiana birth for William B. Sparlin, yet his father was William Bazel. Even if the conflicting birth place of MO from the 1900 census provided by Oscar C. is thrown out, the birth certificate remains as IL (at least according to his son—I don’t have the document).
3. If William B. Sparlin of Benton, AR, born in IN, is not Oscar C.’s father, then two William B. Sparlins lived in Benton, AR in the same generation.
4. Oscar passed along a memory of his grandfather from IL serving in the Union Army. In fact, his father was a better age to have served and there exists a good record of a William B. Sparlin from IN who served the Union side and later resided in AR. It doesn’t rule out the possibility that his grandfather served.
5. All these areas of MO and AR mentioned are in the southwest corner of MO, northwest corner of AR, just across the border. In general, the same region. [See records for Sarah Ellen Bryant for more on how her family resided in this area.]
6. 1880, 1900 and 1910 census data with either the name of William B. or Sarah Ellen Sparlin would be helpful.

More puzzle pieces:
In fact, a search does yield more information from 1880 to 1910, still, however, in pieces.

The 1900 census, Jackson, Jasper, MO, contains the following:
William S. Johnson 49
Sarah E. “ 41
Isaac N. “ 20
Ollie J. “ 15
Rhoda E. “ 10
Elvira E. “ 8
Laura E. “ 5
Bertha J. “ 2
*Sarah E. Sparlin 35 sister-in-law, divorced, b. MO, father born KY, mother born NY
Lizzie M. Sparlin 11 niece, b. Aug 1888 AR, father born IN, mother born MO

(Is this Sarah Ellen Bryant, divorced from William B. Sparlin, and their daughter, one of Oscar’s sisters? If she’s William Johnson’s sister-in-law, she must be the sister of Sarah E., because if she was the wife of one of William Johnson’s brothers, her surname would be Johnson. But…two Sarah E.’s? Daughters of the same family? The relationships need to be determined.)

1900 census, Mineral Springs, Barry, MO:
W.B. Sparlin 55, b. IN, Father born KY, mother born VA, married 1 year
Bertha Sparlin 23, married 1 year
Claude Sparlin 1

(Is this William B. Sparlin, remarried, remaining in the southwest corner of MO?)

1910 census, Flat Creek South Ward, Barry, MO:
William B. Sparlin 65, b. IN, Father born KY, Mother born VA, 3rd marriage, married 9 years
Bertha A. Sparlin 33, first marriage, married 9 years
Claudia L. Sparlin 11
Clara M. Sparlin 8

(W.B. Sparlin of 1900 is, in fact, the William B. Sparlin of 1910. The statement that he’s married 9 years to Bertha is, of course, an error. In 1900, he claimed to have been married 1 year, and they have a 1 year old child.)

Possible Scenario:
1. William B. Sparlin was born in Sullivan, IN (around 1840), lived there with his father, Moses C. Sparling, to 1860 or until he enlisted in 1864.
2. He served in the 13th Indiana Infantry in the Civil War.
3. After he was mustered out in 1865, he married a woman for whom we have no record or name.
4. In 1880, at age 39, he married his second wife, Sarah Ellen Bryant, in Jasper, MO, and they settled in Barry, MO.
5. For some years, they lived in Benton, AR, across the border, where their son, Oscar Clarence, was born. Another child, a daughter Lizzie, was also born there.
6. After Oscar ran away from home with an uncle in 1895, the family moved back to Barry, MO.
7. Between 1895 and 1900, William and Sarah divorced.
8. Not long afterward, William married his third wife, Bertha A., and set up a household in Barry, MO, where they had a daughter, Claudia.
9. Sarah and her daughter, Lizzie, found a home with Sarah’s brother-in-law, William Johnson, in Jasper, MO.
10. Sometime, perhaps before 1900, William B. filed in the state of AR for his Civil War Pension earned in the IN infantry.
11. William B. Sparlin and Bertha A. remained in Barry, MO, where they had another daughter, Clara, in 1902.
12. Both William B. Sparlin’s second and third wives died before him. Sarah may have died in 1914; Bertha before 1920.
13. In 1920, William B. is a widower, living with his brother, Samuel C. in Benton, AR. Supposedly, he is buried in Rogers, Benton, AR.

Conclusion: There are missing pieces and some of the pieces don't fit. If you can help piece them together or have some of the missing ones, please leave a comment.

The Case of Sarah Ellen Bryant

The Sarah Ellen Bryant I have to identify in the records must fit these distinguishing facts.
1. She was born in Missouri.
2. She married William Bazel Sparlin.
3. She had a son named Oscar Clarence (Jack) Sparlin (b. 1882) and two unnamed daughters.
4. Shortly prior to 1882, she resided in Cassville, Barry Co., Missouri.
5. In 1882, she resided in Bentonville, Arkansas.
6. After 1895, she resided in Cassville, Barry Co., Missouri.
Source: letter written by her grandson to family members

Records Online:
1. A marriage certificate issued in Jasper, MO, 18 Jan 1880, unites a “Mr. William Sparlin” with a “Miss Sarah Bryant.”
Place- Jasper County is in the extreme southwest corner of Missouri, as is Barry County. Bentonville, Arkansas is just across the border in that same corner.
Time- An 1880 marriage is realistic for the 1882 birth of Oscar Clarence.

2. The 1870 census for Virgil, Vernon, MO contains the following:
William Bryant 56, basket maker, b. KY
Rachel M. “ 44, b. NY
Elizabeth “ 14, b. Ill
Ada “ 10, b. Ill
*Sarah “ 6, b. MO
Emma “ 3, b.MO
Charles “ 3, b.MO
Place- Vernon County, MO, again, is located in the southwest corner of Missouri, a bit north of Jasper.
Time- If Sarah is born in 1864 (as according to this census), she is 16 in 1880, old enough to marry.

3. The 1880 census for Jackson, Jasper, MO contains the following:
William Bryant, 66, farmer
Rachel “ 54
Emma “ 13
Charles “ 13 (listed as grandson here, but not in the 1870 census. Considering he joined the household by age 3 and that in all other records he appears to be a son, Emma and Charles are probably twins.)
Place- Again the Jasper, MO area.
Time- At age 16, Sarah is missing from this 1880 census, presumably having left the household to marry.

4. 1890 census records are missing.

5. The 1900 census record for Jackson, Jasper, Mo contains the following:
William S. Johnson 49
Sarah E. “ 41
Isaac N. “ 20
Ollie J. “ 15
Rhoda E. “ 10
Elvira E. “ 8
Laura E. “ 5
Bertha J. “ 2
*Sarah E. Sparlin 35 sister-in-law, divorced
Lizzie M. Sparlin 11 niece
Significantly, the birthplace data is:
*Sarah E, b. MO, father born KY, mother born NY
Lizzie M, b. AK, father born IN, mother born MO
Place- SW corner of MO
Time- If this Sarah E. Sparlin is the same Sarah, daughter of William and Rachael Bryant, on the 1870 census, she should be age 35 or 36, which she is. According to that same census, William Bryant was born in KY, Rachael in NY, which also agrees with Sarah E.’s data. Additionally, William B. Sparlin(g) is possibly born in Indiana, which agrees with the parent data for Lizzie M. Oscar Clarence Sparlin spoke to his son of having two sisters; it’s likely that Lizzie M. (b. Aug 1888) is one of them.

Summary:
The above is evidence that Sarah, daughter of William and Rachael Bryant, is the same Sarah Ellen Sparlin, mother of Oscar Clarence Sparlin. Time, place and names are correct. However, I have no record with a direct statement that the Bryant’s daughter is the same Sarah Bryant who married William Sparlin(g) in 1880 in Jasper, MO.

Another Sarah Ellen Bryant was also born in 1864/65, she in Illinois to Andrew and Elizabeth Bryant. She’s a possible candidate who can’t be entirely eliminated on the above information, although her case is less substantial. There is considerable confusion with this Sarah E., because the Bryants were married in Illinois and their older children born there. However, after moving to southwest MO, they seem to have stuck. Both William and Rachael died and were buried in the area.

“User-submitted family trees” claim William and Rachael as the grandparents of Oscar Clarence. In addition, these trees list two children who died as infants and another daughter, born in 1888, named Juanita Elizabeth. This might be the “Lizzie” of the 1900 census. Oscar Clarence, however, spoke of two sisters. If a daughter was born to William and Sarah E. in 1884, she would have been old enough to marry and, thus, not appear on the 1900 census, and would have been born too late to appear on the 1880. (Remember the 1890 records are lost.) Oscar does not appear on these records for the very good reason that he was born in 1882, missing the ’80 census and that he, as told by his son, “ran away from home with an uncle who was going to Oklahoma and that he was 13 years old at the time.” That would have been in 1895. The first appearance of Oscar on a record is as a “boarder” and “farm laborer” with Alexander Irons in Oklahoma Territory on the 1900 census.

Until I see better evidence to dispute the claim that Sarah Ellen Bryant, mother of Oscar Clarence, is the daughter of William and Rachael Bryant, I’m inclined to include this information in my family tree. I continue, however, to look for corroborating information.

If you can help me or would like further information, please leave a comment.